But the Highlanders came out on top, dominating the final 10 minutes of the match to beat the Reds 18-15 in Brisbane on Saturday night.
A win it was but let us get something right, the side’s attacking mojo has gone missing and it better be found very quickly.
However, after a disruptive week Highlanders interim coach Mark Hammett was more than happy to take the victory.
"Yeah, it was a grind but within that there was a lot of good stuff. Around that 30 to 35-minute mark in games we have been slipping over and letting them into the game and it happened again," he said.
"We felt comfortable, the defence was going well and we did put ourselves in good positions, and probably gave up five or six tries."
Hammett said the team probably lacked a bit of execution and was not patient enough in that middle period but worked hard in the second half. Its defence was sound when it needed to be and it had more territory in the second half.
The Highlanders dominated the final quarter of the match and, after a converted try by Liam Squire tied the game up, a penalty from Lima Sopoaga with five minutes left gave the win to the visiting side.
"That last part of the game I thought we dominated. We got some good yards and Lima, I thought, was outstanding tonight. He drove the team around the field and had us in charge. He really stood up this week.
"With Ben and others being away, him and Ash took over the leadership of the group ... they did a fantastic job."
Hammett said it was not an easy place to play and it was the first win for the side at Suncorp Stadium and only the third win in Brisbane since Super Rugby started.
James Lentjes left the field about 20 minutes into the match after being knocked out while making a big tackle and halfback Kayne Hammington limped off in the second half after rolling an ankle.
Hammington was replaced by Aaron Smith and his energy gave the Highlanders a real boost. They need more of that in the coming weeks.
The first half was one of the most forgettable 40 minutes of the season. The Highlanders — as they are prone to do more and more — kicked the ball away and the Reds had little to offer when they had the ball.
The Highlanders scored a try through winger Tevita Li who took the ball off a scrum and got round his marker to score in the corner after 22 minutes.
The Reds came back through a try by hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa and the home team led 10-8 at the break. The Reds scored early in the second half through fullback Hamish Stewart but the Highlanders hung in the contest.
Best for the Highlanders were locks Tom Franklin and Jackson Hemopo, and Sopoaga while fullback Josh McKay was tidy in everything he did in his debut.
There were encouraging returns to the field by Squire and utility back Richard Buckman.
Super Rugby
The scores
Highlanders 18
Tevita Li, Liam Squire tries; Lima Sopoaga 2 pen, con
Reds 15
Brandon Paenga-Aumosa, Hamish Stewart tries; Jono Lance con, pen
Halftime: 10-8 Reds