Graphic: the highs and lows of the Lions tour

Player ratings for South Africa and Lions

Jamie Heaslip

Ireland's No 8 grew in stature with every international and how he failed to win the man-of-the-match award on Saturday remains a mystery. Outplayed Pierre Spies in the second international, fast, physical and skilful in the third and is excited by Ireland's fixture with the Springboks in November.

Mike Phillips

Rediscovered his best form on this tour after a quiet home season recovering from a knee reconstruction. Passing sometimes lacked accuracy but his abrasive physicality gave the back row a target and his mental strength was evident when he refused to acknowledge Fourie du Preez as the best scrum half in the world.

Rob Kearney

Started slowly but came to dominate at full back with his strength and accuracy in the air and his powerful counter-attacking game. Very long boot, is building goalkicking into his game and now understands how expensive just one missed touch can be; his natural confidence will be hugely enhanced by this tour.

Jamie Roberts

Never looked back from day one and found an instant rapport with Brian O'Driscoll. Awestruck to find himself in an international team with O'Driscoll and Stephen Jones, but showed strength, tactical acumen and speed that tested the Springbok midfield to the utmost.

Simon Shaw

Will never forget his first start in a Lions international, aged 35 and at altitude, and how he dominated the exchanges. Even being banned for two weeks after his citing for foul play should do nothing to quell his sense of satisfaction.

Honourable mentions

Luke Fitzgerald and Keith Earls, who have learnt so much, Matthew Rees for forcing his way in on merit, Ugo Monye for treating disaster and triumph as the same.