Lions are through to the Super Rugby final after a dominant 42-30 win over the Highlanders.

After a fast-paced first half, which saw the Lions rack up a 17-6 lead, the game really took of in the second 40 as the home side started to dominate even more.

Courtnall Skosan snotched the first try of the second half in the 46th minute down the left flank, and Jaco Kriel added his own in the 55th.

Matt Faddes and Lima Sopoaga hit back and crossed the line for the Highlanders, but it wasn't enough to turn the game around as they conceded another themselves courtesy of Lourens Erasmus in the 74th minute.

Elton Jantjies had a superb game from the tee, notching four conversions and three penalties, missing only one kick all day.

His last three points -- in the 75th minute -- were the last the Lions scored before Joseph Wheeler restored some pride for the losing team with a last-minute try. Lima Sopoaga converted the kick, leaving the Highlanders on a still respectable 30 points.