It was all too much for Elton

Jantjies put in a man-of-the-match performance to help his team beat the defending champions 42-30 and set-up a Final against the Hurricanes in Wellington on August 6. 

"I don't have a lot of words, but it is a big year," said an emotional Jantjies. "We still have another week to go."

While the Lions were exceptional on attack, the Lions also put in a strong defensive effort, with the Highlanders only scoring three of their four tries in the final 15 minutes. The Lions scored five tries in the match

"We had to take responsibility, especially after last week [against the Crusaders] when we missed a few one-on-one tackles – we had to fix it this week. 

"It was a great performance from the team, but also from the Highlanders side as well – they played for the full 80," Jantjies added.

Lions head coach Johan Ackermann believes it will a big challenge against the Hurricanes in the Final, but he also feels that all the pressure will be on the Wellington side.

"It is a big challenge against a tremendous Hurricanes side," said Ackermann. "The guys love touring and hopefully we will travel well. We will give it our best shot – there is nothing more I can ask from the guys.

"All the pressure is on the Hurricanes. They ended No.1 and they are playing at home, so we can just go out there and enjoy our game."