Highlanders captain Jamie Mackintosh could not hide his frustration and disappointment after their upset loss to the Lions at Carisbrook on Saturday night put a serious dent in their Super rugby playoff chances.
The bottom-placed Lions scored a last-minute try through veteran lock Wickus van Herden to win 26-22, their first victory in Dunedin.
"We did some pretty dumb stuff towards the end of the game," Mackintosh said.
"We've learnt from previous years how to close out games but we didn't execute it tonight."
"That's rugby. You've got to kick the ball out, you've got to kick your goals and you've got to hold on to the ball. We didn't do any of that and it was pretty disappointing."
The Highlanders seemed poised to win 22-19 but Lima Sopoaga's clearance from a penalty failed to find touch and the Lions launched one desperate final attack which yielded the winning try.
"We were in a great position to make a run through (to the playoffs) but we've hit a banana skin," Mackintosh said.
"We've got to get back to the drawing board. We can't allow a team to frustrate us like that."
The Highlanders had 61 percent territory, spent 11 minutes to six inside the Lions' 22 and won the breakdown turnovers 7-1 but appalling handling and other little mistakes contributed to an error-riddled performance.
Lions captain Doppies la Grange was ecstatic after the Lions had their second win in three games on their tour down under.
"It's a big occasion for us," he said. "There's been some hard work by us and it's paid off," he said.
"The guys brought some attitude and played with real heart. It's awesome. We still gave away some silly penalties but it's always a physical battle against the Highlanders."
First five-eighths Elton Jantjies kicked six goals from six, controlled play well and was described by la Grange as 'a very exciting youngster'.
"It means a lot but we have to be consistent and build on this. I think the guys will get a lot of self-confidence out of this game and hopefully we can carry this forward. There are some big smiles in the changing room," he said.
The Highlanders now have to probably gain 10 points from their last three games to make it to the playoffs and, to do so, they have to regain some of the hunger, urgency and continuity of earlier in the campaign.
Their remaining opponents are the Force at Carisbrook next Friday, and away games against the Waratahs and Blues.