The Otago Highlanders have held off a brave fightback from the Lions to claim their first Super 14 win of the season, 29-20 in Dunedin.

The New Zealanders looked on course for a comfortable victory when they scored their third try just after halftime to extend their lead to 21-3 but the South African side hit back with two quick tries to reduce the deficit to six points.

The Highlanders' cause was not helped when winger Fetu'u Vainikolo was sent to the sin bin for a late challenge and the Lions cut the deficit to 21-20 when loose forward Willem Alberts crashed over the line.

Otago held their nerve, however, flyhalf James Wilson kicking a penalty and replacement Aaron Bancroft crossing the line in the left corner two minutes from time to clinch victory.

Highlanders centre Johnny Leota scored two tries in the first half and fullback Paul Williams scythed through the Lions defence to put the hosts in complete control just after the interval.

But the Lions hit back with three tries in six minutes with flyhalf Jaco van Schalkwyk, centre Walter Venter and Alberts going over to set up a tense finish.

"I think we just got excited after we led with three tries," Highlanders captain Craig Newby said.

"We knew we were better then them, we just felt we were better because we were getting over the advantage when we put the effort it."

The Lions have also won only one match this season.

Lions player Ross Geldenhuys was later cited for a knee strike to strike Highlander Jamie Mackintosh in the 38th minute of the match.

He will appear before judicial officer Nick Davidson at the New Zealand Rugby Union offices in Wellington on Monday afternoon.

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