Lions upset the Highlanders by 26-22: Super Rugby news
The Lions outclassed the Highlanders by 26-22 in a Super Rugby match played today on May 28, in Dunedin. The unexpected victory has also shattered the dreams of the Highlanders to qualify for the play-offs.
The Highlanders hosted the Lions in Carisbrook stadium in the 14th round of Super Rugby. The Highlanders were pegged as favourites in today’s clash as the Lions had sub-par performances throughout the tournament. The Lions have come out as the
weakest side of the season with just two wins in the whole championship.
The Highlanders made four changes in their starting line-up as Jarrad Hoeata was moved into lock, with Tom Donnelly out with a back injury. The Highlanders were one the lucky team during the season and have sustained the least injuries to their players.
The Lions also made a couple of changes in their side as Butch James was replaced by Elton Jantjies at 10 whereas Dylon des Fountain replaced Lionel Mapoe on wing. Adam Thomson withdrew from the Highlanders starting 15 at the eleventh hour with an undefined
reason.
A strong start from the Highlanders helped them grab an early lead as Lima Sopoaga kicked a successful penalty. Lions’ Elton Jantjies helped his side with six points on two consecutive penalty shoots during the game.
Lima Sopoaga of the Highlanders and Elton Jantjies of the Lions were dominating in the first part of the game. Sopoaga scored on two penalties and one conversion during the first half. Jantjies also added six points for Lions before the interval. The Highlanders
ended the first half with 16-9.
The second half was all about the rejuvenated Lions as they came out with confidence and bounced back quite nicely. Josh Strauss’s opening try in the 50th minute after the break proved the first drop of rain for them. They levelled the score in
the 55th minute of the match.
Van Heerden’s splendid try in the last moments of the match proved fatal for the Highlanders. The Highlanders were left l*****g their wounds with a conversion kick by Jantjies just before the final whistle. The Lions secured a much desired victory over the
Highlanders by 26-22.
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