Lions dent Highlanders' hopes
Lions lock Wikus van Heerden scored a last-minute try to clinch a 26-22 victory over the Highlanders on Saturday.
Last Updated: 28/05/11 11:42am
Lions lock Wikus van Heerden scored a last-minute try to clinch a 26-22 victory over the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.
The result gives the rejuvenated Lions their second win on tour after beating the Brumbies in Australia a fortnight ago and sees them leapfrog the Rebels at the foot of the table.
Defeat for the Highlanders, however, puts a serious dent in the New Zealanders' chances of making the Super Rugby play-offs.
The visitors took a positive approach from the outset and ran almost everything, and from just about everywhere.
In contrast, the Highlanders conspired to be their own worst enemies, giving away countless penalties at the breakdown.
Despite their error-strewn display however, the hosts led 16-9 at half time thanks to an early try from centre Shaun Treeby.
Determined
But the Lions were able to draw level 10 minutes into the second half when number eight Josh Strauss crashed over.
With things finely poised going to the final quarter, the Highlanders grabbed the advantage in the dying minutes thanks to Lima Sopoaga's fifth penalty.
But despite the hosts appearing to have the result wrapped up, the determined Jo'burg outfit refused to give in.
Their never say die attitude paid off with the last play of the game when Van Heerden muscled his way over from short range.
The Highlanders will now try to revive their slim play-off hopes at home to the Force next week while the Lions visit the Hurricanes.
