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.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Highlanders 39
Lions 27
The Highlanders will look to get back to winning ways against the Lions, who are out to claim their second win on tour. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 5:35pm (AEST).
While the Johannesburg-based side currently top the South African conference, their last two weeks were forgettable, losing to the Reds and Hurricanes.
This leaves them seven points ahead of their nearest conference competitor, the Jaguares, as their pool looks much closer than in previous years.
The southern men find themselves in fifth place, eight points behind the Hurricanes, and just one point above the Chiefs, meaning that tonight is a must-win game, as they could drop three places with a loss.
Alternatively, if the Landers win, it will largely bridge the gap between them and the Canes – if the Hurricanes lose as well – but if the Otago team lose and Wellington win, the gap will extend out to 13 points.
In team news, Aaron Mauger hasn’t done his team’s chances of winning any favours, as Aaron Smith gets rested, due to the requirement to give All Blacks two weeks off throughout the season, while Kayne Hammington comes in as his replacement.
James Lentjes comes in as flanker for Dillon Hunt, and Tevita Nabura replaces Sio Tomkinson at winger.
For the Lions, Robbie Coetzee comes in at hooker, replacing Malcolm Marx, and Johannes Jonker is in for Jacobie Adriaanse. The second row also sees replacements, as Andries Ferreira and Marvin Orie pack down.
Captain Franco Mostert and Cyle Brink switch sides in the backrow, but Kwagga Smith retains his place at eight.
2016 was the last time these sides met, the Highlanders running out winners 34-16, while in 2015 the Lions got up 28-23.
Prediction
After the Highlanders’ poor showing against the Sharks, the Lions should be too strong.
Lions by 8.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 5:35pm (AEST).
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Leinster. But they will not walk over Racing. And with a guy like Carter on the bench for the last 25-30 minutes, anything could happen really (sorry for the cliche) unless Leinster has built a really healthy lead.
Peter
Guest
Say it again?
Hi RT
rebel
Guest
Another flat screen
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Enjoyed the game. Good side the Highlanders.
Pistol Pete
Guest
rule number one for a ref: only call what you see. guessing is not good enough.
Tom English
Roar Guru
The Highlanders started it all off with Lima Sopoaga scoring a Try in the fifth minute, before Jantjies shortened the gap with a penalty kick for 7-3, but it didn’t take long from then for Liam Coltman to score in the 14th for 14-3. Luke Whitelock scored a 34th minute try to put his team out by 16 points, before Harold Vorster and Robbie Coetzee scored with five minutes of each other, putting the Lions well and truly back in it. After halftime, the Highlanders struck first, with Waisake Naholo giving his team an 11 point lead, before Robbie Coetzee hit back with his second try in the 49th. Walden then scored from a Rob Thompson kick, in the 64th, before Schoeman went over from close range to put his team back in it. Lima Sopoaga went two from two in penalty kicks near fulltime, gifting his side a 12 point advantage to win the game. The Lions never led the game, but the final score may even flatter the Highlanders, given that the Jo-burg side rarely let them out to much of an advantage during the game. One of the best stories to come out of it was Rob Thompson who had a blinder of a game, setting up tries and racking up 61 metres. Highlanders 39-27 Lions.
Harry Jones
Expert
Fun game to watch, as a NEUTRAL
Highlander
Guest
Good eh, we were looking a little thin during the Lions tour now Goodhue, Proctor and Thompson putting pressure on the incumbents
moaman
Guest
Really heady player...we seem to have a bit of a logjam of midfield and outside backs in nZ atm.
Diggercane
Guest
Fun game, good win after the travel for the clan. Congrats Highlander, Muzzo and all ??
Tom English
Roar Guru
79' - Kick successful, that could be game! Highlanders: 39 Lions: 27
Tom English
Roar Guru
79' - Only a couple of minutes left, Tomkinson gets a touch, Josh Dixon, Smith, Ioane, Thompson with that chip and chase again, Penalty to Highlanders, right in front. This could be the deciding kick. Highlanders: 36 Lions: 27
Highlander
Guest
Every week too mm, just doesn’t fall off in performance, runs the defence brilliantly too
moaman
Guest
How good is Rob Thompson Highlander? Enjoyable game and vital win for 'Landers.Really good game to watch.Lions are a skillful side.
Highlander
Guest
Amazing pace of game from two sides both out on their feet after recent travel, awesome effort from both. Nice to see the Highlanders give the ball some air and do better in retaining it this week.
Tom English
Roar Guru
Penalty Goal 78' - Kick is good Highlanders: 36 Lions: 27
Tom English
Roar Guru
77' - Highlanders will take the shot- this could be a great move. Highlanders: 33 Lions: 27
Highlander
Guest
Boy we are going to miss Lima Sopoaga next year
Tom English
Roar Guru
73' - Collapsed scrum, and the Lions get the penalty- they look for the corner. Advantage at the maul, Van Rensburg is close- Marnus Schoeman dives over! Drop kicked conversion, game on! Highlanders: 33 Lions: 27