Queensland Reds suffered a demoralising third-straight loss and a worrying injury to Harry Wilson as Highlanders replacement scrum half Folau Fakatava sparked a second half comeback from the Kiwi visitors in a 27-19 win at Suncorp.

The Reds led 12-10 at half time – with two tries to one – but failed to make the most of a two player advantage for eight minutes as the Highlanders had two players sin binned in the opening quarter of the game.

Tries to Jock Campbell and Josh Flook, spectacularly soaring high over Mitch Hunt wide on the right, gave the Reds a good start but the Reds had the same failing as the past few weeks, failing to make the most of their chances.

Soon after half time Wilson charged through and hit the ground heavily. The game was stopped for several minutes and was taken from the field on a medicart.

Highlanders coach Tony Brown made a significant change, bringing off All Blacks No.9 maestro Aaron Smith, and Fakatava carved it up in his stead, setting up a try with a delicious no look reverse flick before adding a five pointer of his own as the Reds were swept aside.

“He brought a different kind of threat and brought energy to the team as well, ” said Andrew Mehrtens on the Stan commentary.

Smith was also full of praise for his replacement.

“I said to him at half time, ‘get ready mate, this suits you to a tee and bring it home’ and he did that,” said Smith. “Folau’s a great talent. and I can say any more than what he did tonight – his impact tonight won us the game.”

Smith said the team, which moved to eighth on the ladder, was happy to be heading back home after three on the road. They beat Fijian Drua last week after losing to the Brumbies.

“I was really pleased with our fightback to be 12-10 at halftime with the conditions and the amount of ball they had,” Smith said.

“I’m so proud of that effort in the second half and back to back wins for the first time this year.”

Highlanders No. 10 Mitch Hunt was also thankful for Fakatava’s input.

“You can see what Folau can do to a game, and especially the sort of game it was, the impact he has,” he said. “I’d hate to be the opposing team having someone like him coming on at half and running rings. He’s great for us.”

Queensland played well in patches but are clearly missing the direction and maturity of James O’Connor while Suli Vunivalu was anonymous again on the wing, barely registering a second half touch as the game was ripped from from the hosts’ grasp.

Reds captain Tate McDermott, replaced for the final 10 minutes, cut a dejected figure on the bench as the clock wound down, and was miserable in the post match interview.

He said the team had failed to give enough support to JOC’s replacement Lawson Creighton, who has been exposed badly in his three games at No.10.

“A bit of deja vu really,” McDermott said. “The kicking was poor all night, and discipline. I’m sick of saying the same stuff every week and trying not to be negative. After playing in that game it’s pretty hard not to be.

“You can make all the excuses you want. James is a class 10 and he’s shown his worth for us in the past but we have to do more to support Lawson. We’re letting him down. He got thrown to the wolves there – he hadn’t played any minutes at 10 a few weeks a go and bang when the Kiwis come over he’s in the hot seat.

“It’s myself included – we’re not helping him out. We’ve got to do so much better.”