The Lions came back from 22-5 down to beat the Otago Highlanders 27-22 in Super 14 rugby at Ellis Park Stadium on Friday night.

Despite both teams being out of semi-finals contention, there was no lack of feeling in a match that finished with another round of arm shoves.

The Lions dominated a second half during which the Highlanders appeared to show the affects of playing at altitude.

The Lions scored three tries in a 20-minute span, with Andre Pretorius's second conversion in the 71st minute giving them the lead for good for the first time in about 50 minutes.

Pretorius added a drop goal moments later to give the Lions a little comfort in the scoreline, but they had to hold back the Highlanders in a desperate last few moments to ensure their fourth win in 11 matches.

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