Semi pits best defence against best attack

Defence has been key for the Highlanders this season. Photo Getty
Defence has been key for the Highlanders this season. Photo Getty

It is shaping as the best attack against the best defence when the Highlanders take on the Lions in their semifinal Johannesburg on Sunday (NZ time).

The Highlanders arrived in Johannesburg yesterday and were scheduled to have a light run overnight to get the cobwebs out of the system.

Defence got the side home against the Brumbies in the quarterfinal, when they didn't concede a try and limited the home side to just nine points through three penalties.

The Highlanders have conceded the fewest points of any of the teams in the competition, just 282 points in 16 games. The Sharks had previously been ranked the best side in defence but that statistic was blown out of the water on Saturday when the Hurricanes rattled 41 points on them in Wellington.

On average, the Highlanders are conceding just under 18 points a game.

At the other side of the spectrum, the Lions have scored the most points in the competition, notching 577 points in 16 games so far, an average of 36 points.

So obviously something is going to have to give when the two sides meet.

It is somewhat surprising the Highlanders have such a stingy defence - not due to the fact of their play, but more because of the place they play.

The side has played six games at the hard and dry surface of Forsyth Barr Stadium which one would expect to bring up lots of points.

It had scored the second-lowest number of points of the eight finalists, in front of just the Sharks.

The Highlanders have scored a total of 437 points in 16 games, an average of 27 points.

The semifinal is scheduled to be played on Saturday afternoon, in Johannesburg, kicking off at 3pm local time, which equates to 1am Sunday in New Zealand.

The Lions will want to make the most of the daytime conditions, which will suit their running game, and look to move the ball.

This will be the first game played in the day by the Highlanders since they last played the Lions in Johannesburg last year.

The Lions won that game 28-23, making a big comeback in the second half as the Highlanders ran out of steam.

The Highlanders have already made one win with their playoff run and that comes through the boosting of their bank balance.

By making the semifinal the Highlanders have made $A175,000 ($NZ184,000) and will stand to make another $A125,000 should the side make the final.

Sanzaar pays for all flights, accommodation, meals and laundry for all playoff teams when travelling.

The additional payments are for sides who are still in the competition and therefore have more costs.

The Highlanders are allowed to take 25 players to South Africa under Sanzaar rules.

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