Former Lions flyhalf Lionel Cronje kicked two penalties in the Brumbies’ 15-11 loss to the Highlanders in their first Super Rugby warm-up match of 2014.

Cronjé, who was recruited by last year’s finalists, was the primary goal-kicker in Queenstown, but didn’t get too many chances to show his talents.

The Highlanders opened the scoring with an early penalty, before Cronjé responded with two of his own. Brumbies lock Sam Carter then scored a try to make it 11-9 at half-time.

But the Highlanders kicked two penalties in the second half to get their pre-season campaign off to a good start.

Highlanders – Penalties: Hayden Parker (3), Lima Sopoaga (2).
Brumbies – Try: Sam Carter. Penalties: Lionel Cronjé (2).

Highlanders – 15 Trent Renata, 14 Patrick Osborne, 13 Winston Stanley, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Richard Buckman, 10 Hayden Parker, 9 Frae Wilson, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 Lee Allan, 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 4 Ma'afu Fia, 2 Liam Coltman (c), 1 Craig Millar.

Brumbies – David Pocock (c), Allan Alaalatoa, Fotu Auelua, Jarrad Butler, Sam Carter, Robbie Coleman, Lionel Cronje, Michael Dowsett, Matt Hawke, Conrad Hoffman, Rod Iona, Josh Mann-Rea, Pat McCabe, Lachlan McCaffrey, Leon Power, Clyde Rathbone, Siliva Siliva, Scott Sio, Andrew Smith, JP Smith, Michael Smith, Ruan Smith, Henry Speight, Tom Staniforth, Haru Tetakawa, Jack Whetton, Stephan van der Walt.

Photo: Rob Jefferies/Getty Images