Lions ratings: Courtney Lawes ran Maro Itoje close for man of match

How the Lions rated (… and who keeps their place): Courtney Lawes ran Maro Itoje close for man of the match with some astonishing carrying… but Elliot Daly was mis-used and may not make the 23 for the second Test

• Courtney Lawes produced one of the best displays of his career
• Alun Wyn Jones showed his enduring warrior spirit despite scant game time
• Rory Sutherland struggled early on early and his place in second test is in doubt
• Luke Cowan-Dickie could also find himself outside the 23 for the next match 

Courtney Lawes produced arguably his finest hour of rugby as the Lions overhauled a nine-point deficit to South Africa to win the first test of the tour.

Lawes was the top performer for Warren Gatland’s men alongside man of the match Maro Itoje, who lived up to the occasion with an immense display.

But Elliot Daly and Rory Sutherland struggled, particularly in the first half, and could find themselves replaced for next weekend’s second test.  

Sportsmail’s Chris Foy rated the players after the Lions made a flying start to the series. 

Courtney Lawes ran Maro Itoje close for man of the match with some superb carrying

Rory Sutherland was under the cosh in the early scrums and could be dropped for the next test

STUART HOGG – 6.5 

Not a day for counter-attacking, but a few good bursts, kicked well and solid at the back. Could keep his place. 

ANTHONY WATSON – 6.5 

A shame he wasn’t released in space more because he looked sharp, but one spill proved costly. 

ELLIOT DALY – 5 

Picked in preferred position but mis-used. Sending him straight into heavy traffic didn’t work. May be replaced. 

ROBBIE HENSHAW – 7 

Should have done better from break before half-time but increasingly influential. Deserves to survive any reshuffle. 

Dan Biggar faces an anxious wait to see if he makes the test after some inconsistent kicking

DUHAN VAN DER MERWE – 5.5 

Determined to justify his inclusion but couldn’t quite do so. Under pressure. 

DAN BIGGAR – 6 

Took a bang to the head and wasn’t imperious with kicking from hand or distribution. Anxious few days. 

ALI PRICE – 6.5 

A slow start and improved as the game wore on. Worth persisting with. 

RORY SUTHERLAND 5 

Under the cosh in early scrums although he steadied eventually. May not make the 23 next weekend. 

Man of the match Maro Itoje gave an immense display, winning many turn-overs and lineouts

LUKE COWAN-DICKIE – 5.5 

Plenty of close-quarters effort against Bok forwards but lineout throwing wobbly. Could be usurped. 

TADHG FURLONG – 6.5 

At the heart of initial scrum trouble but stayed on to fix it. Big part of the impressive maul try. 

MARO ITOJE – 9.5 

Immense. Won turn-overs and lineouts, made tackles, carried, hit rucks and bestrode the occasion. 

Jack Conan had a busy game although was unable to pierce holes in the Springbok defence

ALUN WYN JONES – 7 

The fact that he lasted the course is a mark of his enduring warrior spirit. 

COURTNEY LAWES – 9 

Ran Itoje close for man of the match. Possibly his finest hour. Carrying astonishingly good. 

JACK CONAN – 6 

Very busy and kept doing hard-yards driving without blasting holes in the South Africa defence. At risk. 

TOM CURRY – 6.5 

Did so many good things in attack and defence, but guilty of too many disciplinary lapses before half-time

REPLACEMENTS 

KEN OWENS – 7 

Will come into contention for starting hooker spot after playing his part in the second-half revival. 

MAKO VUNIPOLA – 8 

What an impact from the loosehead, who took the set-piece fight to mighty Frans Malherbe. Possible starter. 

Owen Farrell could start the next test after sealing the win by landing a late penalty

KYLE SINCKLER – 7 

Another who reinforced the Lions up front when sent on. Rock solid in the improving scrum. 

TADGH BEIRNE – 6 

Didn’t have long to make his presence felt and won’t displace superb Lawes. 

HAMISH WATSON – 5 

Lucky to avoid a yellow card for an inexplicable tip-tackle on Willie le Roux. Reckless. 

CONOR MURRAY – 6.5 

Did what he does so well; unleashed a barrage of precise high kicks to keep pressure on the home side. 

OWEN FARRELL – 6 

Landed the late penalty which sealed the win and may come into starting contention this week. 

LIAM WILLIAMS – 6 

Wasn’t able to cut loose during his cameo but another with the pedigree to be promoted.  

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