The "House of Pain" has remained just that for the Brumbies, with the visitors going down 19-18 to the Highlanders and losing No.8 Scott Fava for at least a month.

It was the Brumbies' third consecutive loss this season and it left them with a 0-4 all-time Super 12 record at Dunedin's Carisbrook.

But the real hurt comes from Fava's hand injury.

One of the outstanding players for the ACT this year and a good Wallabies prospect, Fava may not be back until Super 12 finals time - if the Brumbies even make it that far.

"That's another setback for the team but it gives an opportunity for someone else," said Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher who has had to endure a myriad of injuries to his players this year.

"He and George Smith have been outstanding. They really have been shining lights for us so that's a bit of a loss."

It was another bitter blow for the Brumbies at a ground they must be growing to loathe.

In a thrilling match the Brumbies could have stolen a result at the death but a kick through from Smith went touch in goal as flying winger Henari Veratau bore down on the ball.

Yet it was probably the wrong option from Smith, in a night where the Brumbies didn't make the right calls, lost some critical lineouts and couldn't take the money despite scoring two tries to one.

"Probably the biggest factor was the pressure on our lineouts in the second half," Fisher said.

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