Lions

It was the seventh win in eight games for last year's runners-up but they were fortunate against feisty opponents as they stayed top of their conference standings.

The teams traded converted tries to be level with 10 minutes to go but the Lions won a penalty two minutes from time which Jantjies slotted over to seal victory.

The Jaguares struck inside the opening five minutes to serve notice of their determination to halt a run of two successive losses as Matias Orlando burst over to score after a break by influential No 10 Nicolas Sanchez.

The BBC is reporting lock Joe Launchbury and centre Jonathan Joseph are both in danger of being shock exclusions from Warren Gatland's squad.

While England's New Zealand born captain Dylan Hartley's chances are rated as 50-50.

About 14 Englishmen are expected to be included.

Rookie prop Kyle Sinckler and centre Ben Te'o look likely to make the cut.

Gatland is set to name his squad of 37-39 players tomrrow night.

Gatland and his coaches will meet for a final selection meeting on Tuesday, with Lions sources insisting nothing is yet set in stone.

"I'd love to be in that (Lions) squad and I can't look past further than that. There's so much competition in the squad," Warburton said.

"I would love to go on tour and I've always respected the players who have gone on multiple Lions tours and that's something I'd love and try and do."

The New Zealand tour includes a total of 10 fixtures to be played from June 3 to July 8, including three tests against the All Blacks and five matches against New Zealand Super Rugby teams.

That's the assessment of Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd, whose side defeated the Lions in last year's decider.

Boyd doesn't base this year's verdict on a belief that the Lions are far and away the best team in the competition. More that the South African side's soft draw means they should enjoy a home playoff run in Johannesburg.

The Stormers burgled their way into a home quarterfinal, thanks in part to no clashes with any New Zealand franchises. Now it's the Lions' turn.

For long-time fans, such as Avril Ringrose of Plimmerton, a win in the final would be the perfect end to a season in which the Hurricanes weren't expected to match last year's efforts - especially after losing legends like Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith.

Loni Uhila, Beauden Barrett and Ardie Savea of the Hurricanes celebrate beating the Chiefs in the Super Rugby semifinal at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

"I definitely think they'll win it this time. They have to, as they're the only New Zealand team not to have won it."

It's the first final for the South Africans, who go on to meet the Hurricanes in Wellington next weekend, where the hosts thrashed the Chiefs 25-9 on Saturday night.

First-five Elton Jantjies displayed a full array of skills at Ellis Park as the Lions confirmed the regular-season standings where they finished second behind the Hurricanes.

The win ensures a first ever Super Rugby semifinal for the Johannesburg-based side, who finished top of the South Africa Conference at the end of the regular season.

The Lions scored further tries through powerful hooker Malcolm Marx, wing Ruan Combrinck and replacement scrumhalf Ross Cronje as they amassed their highest ever points tally against the New Zealanders.