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Lions-Highlanders reaction: Missed opportunities, Evans in ecstasy

Robbie Henshaw and Jonathan Joseph after the loss to the Highlanders. Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images

The British & Irish Lions hold a 50 percent winning record almost halfway through their tour of New Zealand after a 23-22 loss to the Highlanders on Tuesday.

Warren Gatland's side were more efficient on attack scoring three tries -- their most on tour to date -- but ill-discipline and defensive frailties saw the Lions suffer their second defeat.

It was a brilliant result for the Highlanders -- who were without All Blacks stars Aaron and Ben Smith, while several members of their starting pack are in camp with New Zealand Maori.

Former internationals in the Northern Hemisphere were left frustrated with the finish, while Will Carling was succinct in his summary having missed the game.

Still, there are those who remain positive for the Lions cause -- including the players themselves who will now head to Rotorua to face the Maori.