The British & Irish Lions went down to a narrow 23-22 defeat to the Highlanders in Dunedin in their fourth match of their tour to New Zealand.
The Lions, for whom Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole was a replacement, looked to be in control through second-half tries for captain Sam Warburton and Tommy Seymour, which added to Jonathan Joseph’s first-half score.
But the Highlanders, who had led in the first half through Waisake Naholo's try, fought back to claim victory.
Liam Coltman drove over for the Highlanders and Lima Spoaga kicked a second penalty of the contest to set up a tense finale.
Marty Banks landed a late penalty to nudge the Highlanders into a one-point lead, which proved decisive.
Elliot Daly could have won the game for the Lions, but he was narrowly short with a penalty attempt from inside his own half.
Instead, the Lions will now travel to Rotorua to play the Maori All Blacks with two wins and two defeats from their first four fixtures.
The Lions, for whom Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole was a replacement, looked to be in control through second-half tries for captain Sam Warburton and Tommy Seymour, which added to Jonathan Joseph’s first-half score.
But the Highlanders, who had led in the first half through Waisake Naholo's try, fought back to claim victory.
Liam Coltman drove over for the Highlanders and Lima Spoaga kicked a second penalty of the contest to set up a tense finale.
Marty Banks landed a late penalty to nudge the Highlanders into a one-point lead, which proved decisive.
Elliot Daly could have won the game for the Lions, but he was narrowly short with a penalty attempt from inside his own half.
Instead, the Lions will now travel to Rotorua to play the Maori All Blacks with two wins and two defeats from their first four fixtures.
