Steve Hepburn

Lawrence will be looking to put the icing on the cake on Saturday.

Another season has finished for the Highlanders. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn rates the main players who took to the paddock.

The distance between Japan and the South just got a bit closer.

It was not a great way for the curtain to come down on Jamie Joseph's six-year reign with the Highlanders.

Years ago, this is what used to come out of the high veldt in South Africa.

Challenges come and go for any team.

Fan first, owner second. Matt Davey, who became a major Highlanders shareholder late last year, admits as a fan he is going to the next level.

Highlanders and All Black centre Malakai Fekitoa has been backed by his coach, who is confident he will have a big game against the Lions.

The Lions and the Highlanders go into battle this weekend. The sides actually have quite a bit in common, both in history and efforts on the field. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the similarities of the sides.

The Highlanders have stacked their bench with forwards and will be looking to go deep into the well in the Super Rugby semifinal against the Lions in Johannesburg.

Jack Wilson is not alone.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has given his side six out of 10 for its performance against the Brumbies and knows it must do better to compete against the Lions.

Aaron Smith admits he is grateful about being in the semifinals and is "fizzing'' for the game.

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 may have lost out on a home semifinal but the side still has a chance of returning to Forsyth Barr Stadium this season.

The Highlanders will have to overcome travel and altitude factors for their semifinal match against the Lions but nothing seems to rattle the southern men.

The Highlanders stayed alive.

The Highlanders hung on - by an anorexic cat's whisker.