How the British and Irish Lions rated in New Zealand

Maro Itoje, one of the stars of the Lions' tour.

7 LIAM WILLIAMS: Created one of the greatest tries in Lions history when he attacked from deep in the first Test. He also made mistakes, but he is a thrilling counter-attacker.

6 LEIGH HALFPENNY: Unlike in Australia four years ago, was more of a bit-part player this time round. Did not start a Test.

6 STUART HOGG: The Scotsman’s tour was ended when he suffered a freak injury during the Crusaders game when team-mate Conor Murray’s elbow caught him in the face.

8 ANTHONY WATSON: A wonderfully elusive runner who was a handful for the New Zealand defence in all three Tests. Exciting to watch.

8 ELLIOT DALY: Enhanced his reputation by breaking into the Test team and starting all three All Blacks clashes. Also kicked a brilliant long-range penalty in the decider. a

6 JACK NOWELL: Started the tour slowly, but he had his moments as it progressed. On the bench for second and third Tests.

5 GEORGE NORTH: Failed to make a mark and fell well below the blistering standards of his Lions tour to Australia four years ago.

6 TOMMY SEYMOUR: Scotland wing showed his finishing prowess, ending as top try-scorer with three, as midweek regular.

6 JARED PAYNE: Hampered by injury and then migraine trouble, meaning he was never able to hit top gear.

9 JONATHAN DAVIES: A magnificent tour in attack and defence. Won the Lions players’ player award, and impossible to disagree. Outstanding.

5 JONATHAN JOSEPH: Could not hit the heights that he regularly manages with England. Some strong attacking moments, but also exposed in defence at times.

8 BEN TE’O: The powerful centre did a brilliant job on New Zealand dangerman Sonny Bill Williams in the first Test. Relished the big occasion.

5 ROBBIE HENSHAW: Travelled to New Zealand with his expectation, but things did not materialise, and then he suffered a tour-ending injury in the Hurricanes game.

7 OWEN FARRELL: Won the second Test and drew the third with his nerveless penalty kicking. Rock-solid temperament, although he was sometimes prone to making wrong decisions.

7 JOHNNY SEXTON: The Ireland fly-half worked well with Farrell at inside centre, and gave the Lions options with his game-management skills.

7 DAN BIGGAR: Had to settle for a midweek team role, but the Wales number 10 never let his head drop and provided a strong presence throughout.

8 CONOR MURRAY: Relished his scrum-half battle with New Zealand’s Aaron Smith, and arguably shaded it across the Test series. May well now be the world’s premier number nine.

7 RHYS WEBB: Quick and with an eye for a gap, he understudied Murray strongly and was an excellent squad player.

5 GREIG LAIDLAW: Never really got going, and while an important midweek performer, he did not stand out.

8 MAKO VUNIPOLA: The England prop delivered some dominant displays in the tight and loose exchanges. All-action and aggression, he stepped up to the plate.

7 JACK McGRATH: Ireland’s young loosehead prop did not put a foot wrong, and looks to have a glittering Test future ahead of him.

7 JOE MARLER: A mainstay of the midweek team, Marler consistently put in a shift as the Lions often had to dig deep.

8 TADHG FURLONG: A scrummaging rock for the Lions, he performed with a maturity beyond his years. Already approaching world-class status.

7 KYLE SINCKLER: The young England forward was over-exuberant at times, yet he also offered a great deal around the field. A rich learning experience.

7 DAN COLE: Like Marler, did not show any outward sign of disappointment at missing out on the Tests, doing his job diligently and professionally.

8 JAMIE GEORGE: Moved from England’s reserve hooker to Lions Test team starter. George’s career has leapt forward with his performances in New Zealand.

7 KEN OWENS: The Wales hooker found consistent levels throughout the tour when was called upon. Commanded respect.

7 RORY BEST: The most-used player as midweek captain, the Ireland skipper was a motivational presence on and off the pitch.

9 MARO ITOJE: England’s 22-year-old lock went up another gear with the Lions. Relished the big occasions and taking on New Zealand’s revered forwards.

7 ALUN WYN JONES: Has now played in nine successive Lions Tests, recovering from a shaky performance in the series opener to rediscover top form.

7 COURTNEY LAWES: Bristled with pace, power and aggression, and richly deserved a place in the Test match-day 23 on two occasions.

8 IAIN HENDERSON: Arguably the player most unlucky not to feature in a Test. Terrific work-rate, superb ball carrier and quality set-piece exponent.

5 GEORGE KRUIS: Started the first Test, but had a poor game and then drifted out of the match-day 23 behind Itoje, Jones and Lawes.

8 SAM WARBURTON: The Welshman’s second tour as Lions skipper saw him lead from the front in impressive fashion. Combined quality leadership on and off the pitch with performances to match on it.

7 PETER O’MAHONY: Captained the Lions in the first Test, then made way for Warburton’s return in Wellington.

8 SEAN O’BRIEN: A dynamic operator was arguably the glue of the Lions Test pack. Uncompromising and physical, he also scored an unforgettable first Test try.

7 CJ STANDER: Had his moments, and was on the bench in Tests two and three. Solid, rather than spectacular.

5 ROSS MORIARTY: His tour ended early through injury, denying him the chance to stake a claim for Test recognition.

6 JAMES HASKELL: Played his part largely on the midweek stage. A character whose infectious enthusiasm was important.

7 JUSTIN TIPURIC: Another Test squad hard luck story. Hardly missed a tackle all tour, delivering admirable consistency.

8 TAULUPE FALETAU: Showcased his ability as a world-class number eight. Just got on with his job, and he did it brilliantly.