Lions defeat 'tough' for Jones

A dejected Jones leaves the field at the end of the match

Lions and Wales fly-half Stephen Jones says losing the Test series to South Africa to a last minute penalty was "tough" to take.

Replacement Springboks fly-half Morne Steyn sealed a 28-25 second Test win in Pretoria to give the world champions a 2-0 series lead.

"It was tough to lose in the last minute like that," said Jones, who kicked 20 of the Lions' points.

"From our perspective we lost the two games and are bitterly disappointed."

Jones produced a 100 per cent kicking record during the match which saw the tourists lead 16-8 at the break.

But a second-half fight back by the hosts, coupled with injuries to centres Jamie Roberts and Brian O'Driscoll and props Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins set up a nail-biting finish.

"In the first half we were more efficient with the ball but in the second half you've got to give South Africa credit because they played a wider game with a bit more tempo," said Jones.

"That caused us a bit of problems.

"From the rugby perspective it was a difficult game. We took a couple of injuries in the second half.

"Our centres went off who have been fantastic this tour but we showed a lot of spirit and worked hard.

"We've got an opportunity to put pride in the Lions jersey next week and that's what we have to do."