The Highlanders Super rugby play-off hopes suffered a blow last night when the Lions scored a try in the dying moments in Dunedin, pipping the New Zealand side 26-22.
The Highlanders, clinging to sixth in the standings, held a 22-19 lead but were stunned when lock Wikus Van Heerden barged over the line under a pile of players to seal the win with a minute to spare.
The victory was the South African sides third only for the season but the result could mean the Highlanders slip to eighth with three rounds to play in the competition.
Despite carrying a 16-9 lead into the second half, the Highlanders were made to pay for their listless performance in a scrappy contest.
Another South African team had success last night - the Stormers broke through for their first win in Canberra with a grinding 16-3 victory over the ACT Brumbies to keep their march toward the Super rugby playoffs on track.
