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Lions vs Highlanders highlights: Lions win nine-try thriller, secure place in the final

Roar Guru
30th July, 2016
Kickoff: 11pm (AEST)
Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Betting: Lions $1.85, Highlanders $1.95
Jaco Kriel. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
Roar Guru
30th July, 2016
369
13927 Reads

Match result:

The Lions have progressed through to the Super Rugby grand final with a 12-point win over the Highlanders.

» Click here to read the full match report

Final score
Lions 42
Highlanders 30

Match preview:

This late Saturday night game sees the Lions hosting the Crusaders from Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg. Join The Roar from 11pm (AEST) for all the live action of the second semi-final.

Strap yourself in for what promises to be a cracking encounter and one expected to rise to Test match level intensity.

The Lions bring irresistible form into this match, having won their qualifying final over the Crusaders in emphatic fashion while the Highlanders perhaps less so in dispatching the Brumbies in the cold and wet of Canberra.

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The Lions are an attacking side, utilising numerous powerful runners to gain momentum and at times seem unstoppable while the Highlanders, while also looking for opportunities to play with width, tend to favour their accurate kicking game more and also trust in their cohesive defensive patterns. It is a fascinating clash of styles and philosophies.

In a late blow for the Lions, their inspirational Captain Warren Whiteley has been ruled out by a calf injury and has been replaced by Ruan Ackermann at the back of the scrum.

The Lions will look to target the Highlanders front five in perhaps an area where they will see an advantage, particularly in the scrums.

Boasting a powerful pack, dominating up front will be imperative to allow the Lions to bring their powerful backline runners into the game with front foot ball.

In a sign that Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph perhaps perceives this area to be crucial, he has stacked his reserves bench with a six-forward-and-two-back split in what is expected to be a torrid battle up front.

Crucial for the Highlanders chances will be the continuation of their excellent defence and further accuracy from the field kicking of Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga and Ben Smith. They will look to keep the Lions in their half as much as possible and force them to attack from distance.

With the available attacking personal of both sides this evening, discipline will also be paramount for both sides as easy territory and possession would be detrimental to both sides chances this evening.

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One particular match up to keep an eye on will be the battle between the halves as two sets of internationals face off against each other.

Francois de Klerk and Elton Jantjes for the Lions have been superb this season while Aaron Smith and Lima Sopoaga have guided the Highlanders expertly through the season. The matchup between De Klerk and Smith at halfback alone will be very exciting to watch.

Another two players to look out for will be the sides two dynamic and powerful right wingers, the Lions Ruan Combrinck and the Highlanders Waisake Naholo while in midfield, the two second fives Rohan Janse Van Rensburg, who has been in dominating form lately and surely has caught the eye of Springbok selectors, and Malakai Fekitoa will have their parts to play in this match.

The loose forward battle will be fierce and in particular Jaco Kriel and Elliot Dixon’s individual performances are likely to have a fair influence on the result of this semi-final.

Join me here live on the Roar as we cover all of the action as it unfolds and feel free to pass comment on the play as it happens below.

Tip – Highlanders by 6. On the back of what is a stronger defence and overall tactical game, backed up by plenty of big match experience, the Highlanders will scrape home.

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