The Highlanders took a strong win over the Lions on Sunday, downing their opponents by 19 points at Dunedin.
REPORT: HIGHLANDERS HAMMER LIONS
The Lions came into the match without a loss for the season but three tries in the second half from the Highlanders put an end to what had been a close contest.
Final score
Highlanders 34
Lions 15
The Highlanders won the final last year, the Lions should’ve been in the finals. Having won their first two games of the season – away in Tokyo and away in Waikato – The Lions are showing that their late-season run was no fluke. Join The Roar to see if the Lions can continue to upset the odds from 5:35pm AEDT.
The Lions were unlucky in being picked to go play the Sunwolves first. Given that the Moondogs, as Sean Maloney of Fox Sports calls them, are to split their time in Singapore, the Lions were probably ruing their luck in having to travel all the way to Tokyo. What’s worse is after that game they had to fly down to Auckland and then catch a bus out to Waikato to play the Chiefs.
It’s really rather that impressive that they beat both teams, including the impressive Chiefs, winners of two of the last four Super Rugby comps. In fact, not only is their current form something for their fans to get giddy about, but their season-long performances are on the up as well. Their highest finish ever was third in 2001, and since then they’ve ‘won’ the wooden spoon five times since.
Last year’s finish of eighth is therefore a full sun of hope, and it was unfortunate that considering how they played, they didn’t manage to make it into the finals.
The Highlanders, meanwhile, have lost a game by two points (away, Blues) and won a game by a point (home, Hurricanes). They’ve managed to retain the core of their squad this year, so it’ll be fascinating to see whether second season syndrome kicks in or not.
The southerners penchant for entertainment hasn’t, as the scorelines of their previous two games indicates, they’re business at the front, party at the back attitude to rugby means fun times are always had. After watching both Lions games, the same can be said of them.
Prediction
No doubt this will be a tight – and entertaining – game. But will the Lions travelling wear and tear catch up with them? Can they win two games away in New Zealand? Considering that, it seems that the Highlanders, due to their rather comfortable (in terms of travelling, anyway) domestic schedule probably means they can see this one out – just.
Highlanders by 7.
richard
Guest
Don't discount Damian McKenzie as an outsider for ten.Maybe a bench player.
Highlanders no.1
Guest
We showed tonight we not here to make up numbers some of the best thinking rugby played!!! Smarts!!! To me Fikitoa all black 13 not for the try but his defense Conrad smithish tonight. Front row awesome no need to say. Keep going guys stick it to tahs!!!
hopalong
Guest
Thanks Nicholas .
Machooka
Roar Guru
My bad... big thanks to Nicholas who looks very much like that guy from the Force :))
Machooka
Roar Guru
Well done 2ooLanders... Muzzo would be proud. Great job applications for the 9, 10, &12 for Hansen's new ABs... excellent play in those positions. As well as Bin playing at 15! Gotta say... da Lions are gonna give good account this season! Next it's da Tahs in Sydney... man that will be a good 'un :)
Digby
Roar Guru
Yes, I think so. Going great.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Love the comments Nicholas... thanks
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Wooo Digger, 'landers showing the are serious contenders again 2016
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
80' FULLTIME Well, the game ended with the Lions over the try line, but even after a very nice chip kick, the Lions lock gets held up! So that's two tries the Lions had held up, if they'd sneaked them onto the grass that's a potential 14 points, so 34 v 29. Anyway, great game by the Highlanders. They defended extremely well, have an amazing scrum, and took all the opportunites they were given bar one. No wonder they be the champs. The Lions played well, their tiredness probably caught up with. They should be rather comfortable, seeing as Emirates sponsors them. Thanks for joining lads and ladettes, the Rebels vs Reds is on soon. Bye!
Digby
Roar Guru
Great ticker from the Lions to finish. Excellent win for the Highlanders, will be feeling good about Sydney next week, hopefully some luck on the injury front too.
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
76' TRY!!! Ha! Everytime the Lions try something brave, they screw up, the Highlanders get possession and usually score. Not this time though, cos a lock picks up the loose ball. He drops the ball, and the Lions counterattack (!) and are saved after a Highlander enters from the side rather Richie McCaw conspicuous like. Now, after a quick lineout and a few turnovers and an even quicker conversion, the Lions are over again!! Whoa. HIG 34 LIO 15
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
74' Soaps off, and the Lions are again where they were 2 minutes ago. Highlanders just keep foulin'
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
72' Some interesting stats were just thrown up. The Lions have only had half the time that the Highlanders have had in the opp 22, and only 14% (given that it's only between 2 teams) difference in time spent in opp. half. There's also been only 2 turnovers more to the Highlanders. Anyway, the Lions are now really threatening, and their scrum is now dominant. They have a penalty now too right in front, it looks like they're going for a shove
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
69' Fekitoa looks like he should be a beautiful Brazilian footballer. We have a load of substitutions, the Highlanders have just lost their first scrum. No!! Their tighthead has a mad mullet. The Lions will be looking for some consolation, given that they now have a lineout just outside the 22
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
64' The games coasting now, sort of like a night out past 2am. Not much doing.
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
64' TRY!!! Heyo!! The Lions get a try in. After getting their way inside the Highlanders 22, van Rensburg goes Helter Skelter and runs through the Highlanders defence to score the Lions a try. That's 4 v 1 in tries, so as it stands the Highlanders still have the bonus point HIG 34 LIO 8
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
62' DROP!!! This is just an exhibition now. The Highlanders saunter up to the try zone, before Sopoaga more or less says "Hey Chief lets talk why not?" and drops himself a goal. HIG 34 LIO 3
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
He just came on, so yes he was
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
60' Lions are on struggle street. They need to get the game back to being forward dominated. Pity for them the Highlanders scrum is so good.
Nicholas Hartman
Roar Guru
55' TRY!!! Cya later Lions. The Lions are there again, making like Michelangelo, before a loose ball from a ruck turns into a 0 phase counter attack from the Highlanders. I think the game plan for the Highlanders is give them the ball so they can't counter attack HIG 31 LIO 3