Ross Cronje of Lions runs with the ball during the Super Rugby match between Emirates Lions and Highlanders. Photo / Getty Images.
The Highlanders struggled to overcome the late withdrawal of Waisake Naholo, as they slumped to a 38-29 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday (NZ time).
The All Blacks winger was withdrawn by the coaching staff who decided he needed another week to recover from his knee injury.
The
Highlanders and Lions managed to score five tries each, though Aaron Mauger's side were hammered 12-3 in the penalty count by South African referee Rasta Rasivhenge.
The Highlanders trailed 14-12 at halftime and the Lions extended their lead when flanker Kwagga Smith burrowed over for this second try after 52 minutes.
Jordan Hyland scored his first Highlanders try four minute later, before Aaron Smith helped the visitors regain the lead with a break to set up Matt Faddes.
