Saracens back Owen Farrell kicks winning points for British & Irish Lions in second Test success over New Zealand

Saracens prop Mako Vunipola is sent to the sin bin for the British & Irish Lions against New Zealand (pic: David Davies/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Saracens star Owen Farrell kicked the winning points as the British & Irish Lions beat New Zealand 24-21 in Auckland to take their three Test series to a decider.

Farrell was one of four Sarries boys to start for the tourists, along with prop Mako Vunipola, hooker Jamie George and lock Maro Itoje, with imminent arrival Liam Williams at fullback.

Like he was last week, Farrell was responsible for the opening points for the Lions, kicking a penalty in the 23rd minute after Beauden Barrett earlier scored one for the hosts.

The tourists were given a huge boost in two minutes later when New Zealand centre Sonny Bill Williams was sent off for a dangerous tackle on England winger Anthony Watson.

Both Farrell and Barrett kicked two more penalties each before the interval as the sides went into the break at the Westpac Stadium level at 9-9.

However, the All Blacks started the second period well with two further penalties, before Vunipola was sent to the sin bin for dangerous play in the 56th minute.

Barrett added another penalty, but it seemed to wake the Lions up as they soon ran in a try through Taulupe Faletau, but the conversion was missed by Farrell with the score 18-14 with 21 minutes left.

The All Blacks fly-half then added another penalty, before the tourists crossed for a second score through scrum half Conor Murray after a tremendous break from George.

This time, Farrell was able to add the extras the tie the game at 21-21 with ten minutes remaining.

And it was the Saracens fly half who kicked the winning points with three minutes to go to secure a historic win for the Lions.

Farrell will hope he can make a similar contribution next Saturday in the final Test in Auckland.