Whiteley proud of 'special' Lions

Warren Whiteley said his team never lost the faith in their own ability, despite a poor start to the season.

The Lions pinched a 20-16 Super Rugby win from Rebels in Melbourne on Friday, the second win in three matches on their Australasian tour.

They also sneaked a 13-10 win over the Blues in Albany a fortnight ago, with Friday's win equalling their best ever result on tour.

"It was a very special win," Whiteley said after his team's impressive come-from-behind victory.

"I am so proud of the boys, it was a fight out there and the Rebels came at us especially in the first half and we turned things around in the second half.

"It's all about belief and coming off last week's loss we just stuck to our structures and we really believed we could get a win."

Rebels captain Scott Higginbotham said it was a 'heartbreaking' defeat.

"We would have had 60 to 70 percent of the ball and definitely in the first half we left some points out there," he said.

The Lions stay in Australia and face the Reds in Brisbane next Friday, while the Rebels cross the Tasman to play the Hurricanes.

The Lions win came courtesy of a converted try from centre Lionel Mapoe two minutes from time.

Mapoe broke through to score and give the Johannesburg-based Lions the lead for the first time in the match after trailing 0-13 in the first half.

It was the Lions' gritty defence which won them the game with both of their tries coming after defending multi-phases from the Rebels.

Thank you to the South African fans who came out to support us this evening. We are so grateful! #Lions4Life #REBvLIO pic.twitter.com/CrBOqWzQW1

— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyUnion) March 20, 2015

Thank you to the South African fans who came out to support us this evening. We are so grateful! #Lions4Life #REBvLIO pic.twitter.com/CrBOqWzQW1

— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyUnion) March 20, 2015

Congratulations to the Emirates Lions. RT if you are proud to be @LionsRugbyUnion fan! #Lions4Life #REBvLIO pic.twitter.com/S96I2feSlv

— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyUnion) March 20, 2015