Wing Rene Ranger was a 'super sub' as Auckland Blues of New Zealand triumphed 41-32 on Friday against Golden Lions of South Africa at Ellis Park and secured a bonus point for five tries.

Ranger - one of several first choices who coach Pat Lam kept on the bench until the second half - scored two tries within seven minutes of coming on in a lively southern hemisphere inter-provincial championship game.

The wing, who sported a hairstyle that suggested he had lost the address of his barber, also deprived the Lions of a second bonus point by knocking the ball from the grasp of Michael Killian as he was poised to score a late try.

Lam gambled by starting without captain and All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu, lock Anthony Boric, flanker Daniel Braid and Ranger and it paid handsome dividends as the Blues turned around a 25-17 half-time deficit.

The visitors, who beat compatriots Canterbury Crusaders in the opening round two weeks ago before losing to the Coastal Sharks in Durban, ran in three second-half tries while the Lions crossed the line only once.

It was another gallant-losers tale from the Lions, who lost by four points at home to title holders Northern Bulls and by three away to Western Stormers in South African derbies.

The South Africans are guided by former All Blacks coach John Mitchell and his priorities will include better handling and decision making as they seek to end a 22-month winless run spanning three Super championships.

Poor handling cost them several tries and the match-clinching fifth Blues try from scrum-half Alby Mathewson came after a scrum awarded when young Lions fly-half Elton Jantjies knocked on inside his 22-metre line.

Before Killian was foiled by Ranger, Lions were awarded several penalties in front of the Blues posts and could have narrowed the gap to six points and earned an additional bonus point.

"I'm really happy with the outcome because victories on the road are crucial in this competition. Bringing on experienced fresh legs in the second half was a key factor," said beaming Blues skipper and flanker Jerome Kaino.

Lions lock and captain Franco van der Merwe bemoaned wasted scoring opportunities: "We had so many chances and must learn to take them and to close games down when we are ahead."

Ranger (two), wing Joe Rokocoko, centre Jared Payne and Mathewson scored the Blues tries, fly-half Luke McAlister kicked four conversions, a penalty and a drop goal and replacement pivot Stephen Brett contributed one conversion.

Scrum-half Jano Vermaak, number eight Warren Whiteley, centre Doppies la Grange and flanker Joshua Strauss crossed the line for the Lions and Jantjies kicked three conversions and two penalties from six shots at goal.

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