The Lions looked set to roar back in style from their first Test defeat to South Africa after Keith Earls' first-half strike at Newlands, but the Springbok young guns rallied to take a share of the spoils.

"They weren't much of a threat but we did not put them away. Sometimes in conditions like that, you can be better without the ball," said O'Gara.

"We would much have preferred a dry day and ball, especially as both midweek teams were trying to express themselves. There was a good crowd, two competitive teams, but the conditions were very difficult

"The period in the middle of the game is probably where we should have put them away but at this level, 80 minutes of rugby is what matters. They came back and caught us in the end so we have to give them some credit."

But not even a draw is enough to dent the spirit within the Lions camp.

"The plan was to play for 40 minutes and try to stake a claim for the weekend. It was a big game in itself so as much game-time was appreciated," added O;Gara.

"If you miss out, the initial disappointment is huge but the most important part now is the team. When you come in, you've got to make an impact.

"We're one-nil down (in the series) but there's still a great belief amongst the boys. We will wake up angry again tomorrow and that is what we will need for the weekend."