Solace could be found in defeat to the Blues six days ago. The British and Irish Lions’ performance was far more assured than it had been during a disjointed opener in Whangarei.

This second defeat - to a Highlanders side missing a chunk of first-choice players - will have stung the tourists far more. By surrendering a 22-13 advantage in the second period, Warren Gatland’s men have let slip some of the impetus they gathered in Christchurch.

Sifting through the frustration for positives, they will at least feel delighted that Australian Angus Gardner does not referee another match on this trip. That aside, skipper Sam Warburton did enough to keep himself in the Test reckoning.

Besides a well-taken try, his 67-minute display featured typically astute decision-making around the tackle area. If Sean O’Brien pulled ahead in the openside race last weekend, Warburton is back on the Irishman’s heels.

By detailing his contribution in open play, we can understand why the 28 year-old is so valuable.

First half: Restraint and opportunism

The map below details Sam Warburton’s first-half contributions at Forsyth Barr Stadium using the following key:

T - tackle, C - carry, AB - attacking breakdown, DB - defensive breakdown, 1A - first arriving player to the breakdown or tackle area, 2A - second arriving player to the breakdown, E - effective contribution to the breakdown, IE - ineffective contribution to tackle area, LB - loose ball gathered, TW - turnover won, TA - turnover assist, SB - slow ball for opposition, Sp - spoiled ball for opposition