The British and Irish Lions suffereded a hard-fought loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin this morning, the second defeat of their warm-up tour.
Although the Lions scored more tries, the Highlanders’ 2 tries and 3 penalties allowed them to narrowly steal victory with 6 minutes from time.
The hosts took the lead with a penalty from Lima Sapoaga, but Dan Biggar’s penalty levelled the scoring to 3 points apiece.
Highlanders took the first try of the night coming from Waisake Naholo and converted by Sapoaga, before the Lions again hit back with a try from Jonathan Joseph, converted by Biggar just before half-time.
Despite levelling, the Lions could be troubled by the loss of lock Courtney Lawes, who had to be replaced after suffereing a possible concussion following a blow to the head.
The Lions took the lead after the break, after Tommy Seymour turned an intercepted kick into a try, although Biggar failed to convert. The hosts replied with another penalty from Sapoaga, leaving the score 15-13.
Another mistake from the Highlanders, this time a poor clearance kick from Sopoaga, allowed the visitors to gain a third try, with a conversion, giving the Lions a nine-point lead.
However, the Highlanders finihsed strongly with their second try coming from Liam Coltman and a scrum leading to a penalty with five minutes to go. Banks converted, claiming a one point victory for the hosts.
Positives can be taken for the Lions with a strong performance from returning captain Sam Warburton but the many missed tackles ultimately cost them the game.
The Lions next take on the Maori All Blacks on Saturday in their second to last game of the tour.