Captain Paul O’Connell could not conceal his disappointment as the British and Irish Lions suffered late heartbreak to lose the second Test.

The Lions led 16-8 at half-time in Pretoria but were reeled in and were denied a draw as a last-gasp Morne Steyn penalty gave the world champions victory, leaving O’Connell dejected.

Munster lock O’Connell told Sky Sports: “It was very disappointing the way it all panned out. We had a lot of injuries and I suppose they told.

“It was tough but we just didn’t play enough in the second half. We were all over them when we played in the first half.

“I thought we did enough to get the draw and keep the series alive. Before I came on tour I knew we could do it — but we needed to do it for 80 minutes. We did it for the second 40 last week and the first 40 this week.

“The commitment was incredible, all the lads are so proud and want to win for the Lions.”

Springboks captain John Smit continued: “It was a game of two halves — but we’re quite happy to take the win any way we can. We were quite sloppy, so to fight back like this... I’m proud of the boys.”

On the winning kick, Smit explained: “I thought ‘I can’t look’. It’s often body language with the kicker and when he cracked that ball I was pretty happy. I knew the intensity and physicality was going to be far more than last week but it was a tough one to fight back from.

“There were some harsh words at half-time, we hadn’t brought much to the party for the first 40. But this team keeps amazing me and finding victories in a corner — they’re good players.

“The Lions will feel unlucky but we’re delighted with a 2-0 lead. We’ve got one more game to go but the job is done and the time is right to enjoy this win.”