Ugo Monye
Former Lions and England winger

The first half of this game for me has been the most entertaining of the tour so far. Both teams are playing positive rugby which is making for an open game - perfect for the spectator and fans braving the cold weather in the stands.

Defensively the Lions have been strong, blitzing and putting the Highlanders scrum-half under pressure.

However, the tourists have conceded three turnovers in the wider channels, so despite their willingness to play to the width, they have to make sure they are resourcing the breakdown effectively.

As mentioned before the game the injury to Stuart Hogg has given Jared Payne a big opportunity tonight. He has looked very assured in defence, making a try saving tackle, and winning two turnovers too. However, he has been quiet in attack and will be desperate to get more ball in hand in the second half.

The mood in the changing room should be a buoyant one. The Lions have played well but they need to give more attention to the probing kicking game from the Highlanders, whether that is putting more pressure on the kicker or just plugging those holes between the front line and the full-back.

Good game so far - hopefully more of the same in the second half!

Image source, AFP

Image source, Getty Images

Frustrated/encouraged by what you’ve seen so far? Don’t forget you can put your thoughts to former Lions player Ugo Monye after the game when he’ll be live on the BBC Sport Facebook page., external

2011 Lions wing Dafydd James likes what Joseph has done in Dunedin.

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Cracking game, right in the balance.

Precisely the sort of crucible to forge Test credentials in.

Image source, AFP

The Highlanders have clearly seen the Lions defence come flying up with good effect against the Crusaders and come up with a tactic to thwart it.

Again, a dribbled grubber finds the space in behind and Tevita Li is very nearly away before Jack Nowell swoops on the cover.

Steve Jones
BBC Radio 5 live rugby producer at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

We said Dunedin was a very Scottish city. Well, they've just managed to fit in a couple of verses of The Proclaimers before a line-out...

Kyle Snickler fires up the funbus and just strolls past Daniel Lienert-Brown in midfield.

Into the wide open acres, but his pass is a little behind Jared Payne.

The Irishman should have taken it though. That is the extra you get with Snickler however.

Chris Jones
BBC 5 live rugby union reporter at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

The Highlanders might exhibit a sparkling attacking brand of rugby under the roof here at Forsyth Barr, but we are in the heartland of Otago; one of the great hotbeds of world rugby with a history of strong forward play.

Big hits and shunts at the scrum are being cheered as loudly as line breaks by the vocal locals.

Ugo Monye
Former Lions and England winger

Dubbed the fastest running-rugby surface in the world, both teams are revelling in playing under the roof that is keeping out the elements and ensuring the firm surface underfoot!

Two tries within minutes of each other - one a lovely finish from Waisake Naholo, who's looked threatening with ball in hand all game, and then Jonathan Joseph, who's has had some lovely touches in attack, finishes off a lovely try after the forwards supplied good ball from the maul.

Joseph's try will please the coaches immensely. It's the one area needing improvement from the Lions, and so far pretty good.

Image source, Getty Images

Dan Biggar may be third in the race for the Test 10 jersey, but he is pushing Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell hard.

He is taking his knocks for playing right on the gainline, dusting himself off after a big shot from Tevita Li, but he is getting his backline shifting with some lovely swift hands.

Chris Jones
BBC 5 live rugby union reporter at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Just as I lamented the Lions' inaccuracy, they strike. He may be playing third fiddle to Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton, but that was made by Dan Biggar's skill and vision. The Welshman lamped over the touchline conversion for good measure.

Chris Jones
BBC 5 live rugby union reporter at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

It's been one of the themes of the tour, but the Lions' inaccuracy is again killing them. Too many balls being knocked on when in promising positions.

Highlanders - bristling with danger - break from deep. Rhys Webb's cover tackle saves the tourists skin though.

He has been very good.

Alun Wyn Jones is on in place of Courtney Lawes, who is unlikely to be back after that heavy head blow.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Jones
BBC 5 live rugby union reporter at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Double blow for the Lions. Waisake Naholo crashes over for the game's first try, and leaves Courtney Lawes prone in the process. The England lock looked to be knocked out and won't be able to continue.

Image source, Getty Images

A crucial turnover from the Lions.

The Highlanders take the ball clean in the line-out with Alex Ainley up above Courtney Lawes.

But the rolling maul fractures and Rory Best burrows in to steal with CJ Stander in to secure.

Good work by the Ireland pair.