Highlanders 29 Lions 20

It's been nearly a year since the Highlanders won a game of Super 14 rugby and the relief showed on every face as they walked off Carisbrook Park with a 29-20 win over the Lions on Friday night.

Coach Glenn Moore rolled the dice and made nine changes to his side as he went all-in against the Lions.

His inexperienced side finally delivered after so many close losses, but they were made to fight for it after squandering a first half lead and giving up three tries in a row in the second half.

Two first half tries by classy Manuwatu import Johnny Leota gave the Highlanders a 14-3 lead at the end of the first half.

They returned from the break to extend their lead though a stunning run from fullback Paul Williams.

At 21-3 the Highlanders must have thought their run of six losses was finally going to end.

However, three unanswered tries by the Lions stunned the Highlanders and set up a tense finish to the game.

Jaco van Schalkwyk scored first, followed quickly by Walter Venter and Willem Alberts to bring the score back to 21-20 with 20 minutes left to play.

A James Wilson penalty gave the Highlanders a 24-20 lead with 10 minutes left and an Isaac Ross intercept nearly gave them the buffer they needed, but he was dragged down just short of the line.

From an ensuing free kick the Highlanders attacked the line and spun it wide for reserve Aaron Bancroft to dive in at the corner, giving the home side a bonus point try and a desperately needed victory.

HIGHLANDERS 29 (Johnny Leota 2, Paul Williams, Aaron Bancroft tries; James Wilson pen, 3 con) bt LIONS 20 (Jaco van Schalkwyk, Walter Venter, Willem Alberts tries; van Schalkwyk pen, Jano Vermaak con) at Carisbrook, Dunedin.