Morne Steyn’s injury-time penalty earned the Springboks a dramatic 28-25 victory in Pretoria to seal a series triumph for the world champions.

McGeechan said: “It’s certainly one of the biggest (disappointments), because I think the players deserved more. Just to see their faces afterwards was very sad.

“We could be sat here with two Test victories. We haven’t had the rub of the green on the field. The efforts that has been put in by the players has been phenomenal.”

The Lions suffered a double blow with the news props Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones have been ruled out of next weekend’s third Test after undergoing surgery last night on respective cheekbone and shoulder injuries.

Brian O’Driscoll (concussion), Jamie Roberts (wrist) and Tommy Bowe (elbow) will be monitored during the week before a decision is taken on their availability.

Whoever takes to the field, McGeechan is confident his troops have enough about them to win the third Test.

“There’s a lot of character in this group,” he said. “People asked me the same question last week and I think they got their answer. It will be the same again.

“They’re an incredible group of young men. Whatever happens with injuries, we’ll be ready to win the third Test.”