DUNEDIN: The Otago Highlanders defeated the Queensland Reds 20-13 on Friday, adding to the Australian side's woes and crashing ex-Wallaby James O'Connor's return to Super 15 rugby.
O'Connor had a strong game in a match dominated by defence that featured just one try from either side, with a high penalty count proving costly for the Queenslanders.
It was the Reds' second loss in three matches, placing more pressure on a club still reeling after Australian police charged high-profile recruit Karmichael Hunt with supplying cocaine.
Stand-in captain James Slipper was frustrated at the loss to the Highlanders, which snapped a four-game winning streak against the South Island team.
"Our discipline let us down, too many penalties in the first half and we were playing catch-up footy from then on," he said.
But there were some positives for the 2011 champions in O'Connor's performance, with the fly-half making some electrifying runs and nailing three of his four kicks.
The 24-year old earned the last of his 44 Test caps in 2013, when the Wallabies dropped him over a series of off-field incidents.
He has returned to Super 15 intent on breaking back into the Australian squad for this year's Rugby World Cup in England.
"It's good to have him back, it's just a shame we couldn't get the win for him and for Queensland," Slipper said.
The Highlanders set a furious pace in the first 10 minutes but could only manage a penalty.
O'Connor then brought the Reds to life with a jinking 60 metre run that left the Highlanders defence flat footed.
The Queenslanders went on the attack and almost found the try-line before the move ended with a knock-on from former Highlander Adam Thompson.
Disciplinary lapses proved costly for them, with the Highlanders kicking three penalties to lead 9-3 at half-time.
Reds number eight Jake Schatz scored the game's opening try after the break when he darted over the line from the base of a scrum.
Winger Waisaki Naholo hit back with a try in the corner for the Highlanders to make it 17-10 with 13 minutes to go.
The New Zealanders remained on the offensive and were rewarded with a penalty in the 76th-minute to put the game beyond doubt.
The Reds managed a consolation penalty in the dying moments to reduce their losing margin to seven, earning themselves a bonus point.
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