Why was the Highlanders-Force match SO bad? - The Roar Rugby Podcast
It's fair to say the Highlanders-Force clash left a lot to be desired. Why was it SO bad? Matt Toomua explains on the Roar…
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.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
It's fair to say the Highlanders-Force clash left a lot to be desired. Why was it SO bad? Matt Toomua explains on the Roar…
Nic White summed it up. It was a step forward but “you’ve got to feel like that’s just another one that we’ve let slip…
The Melbourne Rebels have taken a giant step toward securing a maiden finals berth after knocking over the Highlanders 47-31 on Saturday evening. On…
Some more Corey Toole magic has helped the Brumbies overcome the Highlanders, as Stephen Larkham’s men sealed a 27-21 win to come away with…
The Waratahs made their return to Allianz Stadium hoping to make it consecutive wins against New Zealand opposition for the first time since 2015.…
The Waratahs' comprehensive win over the Crusaders was the upset of Super Round, and should be celebrated accordingly, but emotionally fuelled desperation cannot be…