The Lions propelled themselves to the top of the South African conference with a 38-29 victory over the Highlanders at Ellis Park on Saturday

The Stormers sealed a 19-19 draw against the Crusaders with the final kick of the match after an absorbing contest at Newlands Stadium.

The Waratahs leapfrogged the Reds in to third place on the Australian conference with a pulsating 40-32 victory at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Blues kept themselves in the Super Rugby play-off hunt after they battled to a 23-8 triumph over the Chiefs at Eden Park.

The Bulls had too much firepower for the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night, as they ran out deserving 32-17 winners.