The Lions' unbeaten start to the season came to an abrupt end this afternoon as they fell 24 - 6 to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
Leinster player ratings: Leinster delivered an impressive performance in front of the 18,000 or so fans packed in the Aviva, showcasing flashes of brilliance in attack while keeping the Lions’ threats at bay for most of the game.
The Scarlets secured their first victory of the United Rugby Championship with a 36-13 bonus-point win over the Lions in Llanelli.
The DHL Stormers and the Cell C Sharks closed the gap on log leaders Vodacom Bulls to just two points with only one round remaining.
The powerful 26-year-old is currently working his way back to fitness following a ruptured Achilles tendon and is not expected to be available until next season.
There are four changes to the Stormers starting line-up to take on the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday while the Lions had made just a single change to their starting side.
A stint in the Premiership at Northampton cultivated Nic Groom's preference for all things European and he can't wait to get back to Britain following a difficult season at the Lions.
Mike Rehu presents the first team of the week from the 2019 Super Rugby season.
Lions head coach Swys de Bruin has expressed his feelings after a 'bitterly disappointing' loss to the Highlanders at the weekend.