Lions 'bigger than the Highlanders'

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Melbourne Rebels lock Matt Philip believes the Lions will present a different challenge to the Highlanders.

The Rebels clinched their first-ever victory in Dunedin when they beat the Highlanders 28-22 last Friday and Philip was one of the many star performers on that day.

READ: Lions loosie to undergo surgery

"The win was just awesome," said Philip.

"The boys put in the work and to get the result was even better."

"I got to have a couple of beers with the boys in the changerooms after the game, which felt good."

Story continues below...

After that victory, the Rebels will be looking to build on that momentum at home against the Lions, who will be hungry to get back on the winners' list, following their 17-29 loss to the Waratahs on Friday.

Philip is expecting a different challenge up front against the Johannesburg outfit.

"They’re a big pack – bigger than the Highlanders – and they love their maul.

"For me personally, it doesn’t really change week to week.

"I’ve just got to bring a solid set-piece, try get my hands on the ball and get forward for the team around the park."

Philip will run out for his 50th Super Rugby cap of his career on Saturday.

@MelbourneRebels