Replacement flyhalf Marty Banks slotted a 74th minute penalty to give the Otago Highlanders a dramatic 23-22 victory over the British and Irish Lions in a Dunedin thriller on Tuesday. Sam Warburton, who had a storming second half, showed his power to get over for their third try, with Biggar converting to give them a 22-13 lead.
The Lions scored all their points with the boot when they out-muscled the Canterbury Crusaders 12-3 on Saturday, the impressive display following two lacklustre tour outings in which the visitors combined for just two tries.
"I think some of their kicking game was what caused us pressure, not so much the running game", Gatland said.
They now look ahead to Saturday's clash with the New Zealand Maori, as it is likely that Gatland will select a side that will be close to the Test team.
The Highlanders signaled their intention from the outset, keeping the ball for most of the first five minutes and moving it at high tempo but settling for an opening penalty to flyhalf Lima Sopoaga.
Elliot Daly nearly gave the Lions victory with a long-range penalty, but his effort fell agonisingly short and Warren Gatland's men were forced to settle for their second defeat of the tour. We went in at half time drawing, started well in the second half and then got to 22-13 - we needed to be smarter to finish things off.
"That's disappointing. The penalty count was reasonably heavy against, that's a concern".
"On Thursday, the head coach is due to name perhaps the tourists" strongest available line-up, for the next tour match which will go some way to dictating morale in the camp, in the build-up to the first Test at Eden Park.
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"That's what certain individuals are doing and that's what I'm going to try to do, with the opportunity to play in this game".
"We always said how tough it was going to be coming to New Zealand playing against Super Rugby teams, but we are learning about the importance of being in every moment and playing for the full 80 minutes". Replicate a bit what we did against the Crusaders.
With the Highlanders playing a number of probing kicks over the top of the Lions' defensive line, Payne's reading of the game was clear as he played a good sweeping role, while he also made a crucial try-saving tackle in the corner in the early stages.
Lock Lawes was taken off for a head injury check and did not return.
JONATHAN JOSEPH has gone to the front of my Lions outside-centre queue after his try-scoring performance against the Highlanders.
The Highlanders players were telling referee Angus Gardner right from the off that they were dominating the scrum.
Elliot Daly missed with a late, long-range effort for the Lions. Warby would be the first to admit that, but he had a much, much better game last night and he'll keep improving, there's no doubt'.
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