Rugby: Lions test win ends in insults and tunnel scuffle between players

A post-match scuffle last night marred the thrilling second test between the All Blacks and the British and Irish Lions at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

The Lions managed to force a decider in the series with the victory in a match full of ill-discipline - including Sonny Bill Williams' red card in the 25th minute for a shoulder charge on Anthony Watson.

Williams will face a judiciary hearing at 5.00pm today, while front-rower Mako Vunipola was also yellow-carded for cleaning Beauden Barrett out of a ruck in the second half.

The Herald on Sunday understands verbal insults were traded between Lions replacement prop Kyle Sinckler and at least two All Blacks - believed to be halfback TJ Perenara and midfielder Ngani Laumape - when Sinckler allegedly refused to walk through a guard of honour that the home side had formed in the tunnel shortly after its 24-21 loss.

Lions spokesman Luke Broadley last night said Sinckler refuted claims that he didn't walk through the guard and that he was, in fact, "one of the first [through]".

Both Lions captain Sam Warburton and coach Warren Gatland said they were unaware of the alleged incident.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen also said he hadn't seen the incident, but stated that he "would be disappointed if something happened".

On the niggle during the match, All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor said: "It's just a bit of passion, you know? It's Northern Hemisphere vs Southern Hemisphere - there's a lot of passion out there, a lot of heart.

"They [the Lions] showed that [last night] with their physicality - you're going to get that at this level."