South African conference leaders the Lions have suffered a rare streak of three Super Rugby losses after they went down to the Highlanders 39-27 in Dunedin on Saturday night.
The Highlanders held off a late charge by the Lions to extend their home winning streak to 11 matches and leave the South Africans still chasing their first victory over New Zealand opponents this season.
The Highlanders raced out to a 19-3 lead at Forsyth Barr Stadium, with Lima Sopoaga crossing from close range, Liam Coltman crashing over and Luke Whitelock also bagging a try.
But the Johannesburg-based team hit back with two quick tries to cut the lead to 19-15 at halftime.
Their rolling maul was especially effective and hooker Robbie Coetzee crossed for his second five-pointer early in the second half.
The Highlanders then put the foot down, with Waisake Naholo and Teihorangi Walden tries creating a handy buffer.
But the Lions pulled within six points when Elton Jantjies converted Marnus Schoeman’s 73rd-minute try.
“We thought we were going pretty good at halftime,” Highlanders captain Ben Smith said in a post-match interview.
“The Lions are a good team… they’ve got a pretty good lineout and some big physical forwards that took us on.”
After humiliating the Waratahs in Sydney on April 20 with a 29-0 triumph, the Lions lost to Queensland and the Hurricanes in a tough road trip.
Nonetheless, last season’s beaten finalists retain top spot in the South African conference, seven points ahead of Argentina’s second-placed Jaguares, but queries remain over their title credentials as their struggles against New Zealand sides continue.
The Lions were upset 25-17 in the title decider at their Ellis Park home last year by the Crusaders and have not tasted victory against a New Zealand team since.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Can’t work out why B Smith has the rest games when he is back from his rest period.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
It is a gamble but it makes sense. If your boys can get wins over Canes and Saders in the last rounds, plus one of them drop a game or two (they will play each other so they will drop some points at least) you get the second spot and home advantage maybe in both the QF and SF. At home in a playoff, I reckon your boys would be a handful. They look well settled to handle KO rugby.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
It is a gamble but it makes sense. If your boys can get wins over Canes and Saders in the last rounds, plus one of them drop a game or two (they will play each other so they will drop some points at least) you get the second spot and home advantage maybe in both the QF and SF. At home in a playoff, I reckon your boys would be a handful. They look well settled to handle KO rugby.
Highlander
Guest
Hearing Smith and Whitelock will be left behind for the Tahs and Reds games
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
You need your AB's in the derbies. You are still in with a shot to claim at least the second place in log. That is my two cents.
Bluffboy
Guest
Coleman and Whitelock for this week. It is tricky with Benny boy though. I can’t see him missing a chance to give Izzy a couple lessons. Although he might be in the front row this week. Izzy seems to able to ply anywhere or so I’ve been told.
Highlander
Guest
We still have a few more stand downs to do for the ABs muzzo ( doing this from memory) Ben Smith still has to stand down for 2 Naholo for 1 Coltman for 1 Whitelock for 2 Squire is done Hunt is done Aaron Smith is done Hard to fit in with such a shallow squad, thank god the injury gods have been kind to us this year. Do we risk standing guys down for the Aussie games - ;like the Tahs this week, or go all out and hope we have enough points before the kiwi derbys start again
Muzzo
Guest
Great win by the Landers, who hopefully, will have some of their stars back for next Saturday.
Muzzo
Guest
Yep that's right Rebel, then were beaten in the final of that year by the Canes.
Ben
Guest
Yes you are correct. 2017 stands.
rebel
Guest
In 2016 they played and beat NZ sides in NZ
Ben
Guest
Lions a different beast at home and all they need to do is win their conference to get home advantage. If they have to travel away after that though..... Does tend to show 2016 and 2017 were kinda false dawns. 2016 they made the final without playing 1 NZ team. Then 2017 they hosted the final again without playing 1 NZ team until their home semi vs the Canes.