Roberts was selected again with O'Driscoll in the centre for the match at Loftus Versfeld. This was significant for Roberts because it was where he had played his first test in the centre (and also his first ever match at centre). He had a quieter game and never missed a tackle. But it wasn't enough for the Lions as they went down 28–25 to last minute Morné Steyn penalty from 53 metres out. This gave the Springboks an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series, to give them revenge for the 1997 defeat that the Boks had suffered to the Lions. They also outscored the Lions three tries to one with JP Pietersen, Bryan Habana and Jacque Fourie all scoring. Rob Kearney scored the Lions try. Roberts was taken off in 69th minute due to a sprained wrist and replaced by Ronan O'Gara. This proved costly as O'Gara missed a tackle which led to Fourie's try and conceded the penalty which Steyn kicked. Roberts wasn't the only one to pick up an injury. Props Gethin Jenkins (broken cheekbone), Adam Jones (dislocated shoulder) and centre partner Brian O'Driscoll (concussion) all picking up injuries. This led to uncontested scrums, which favoured the Springboks as they were being destroyed. This is what many believed to be the difference.