Queensland remain firmly rooted to the foot of the Super 14 ladder after they crashed 33-17 to the Highlanders in Dunedin.

The injury hit Reds slumped to their fifth successive defeat since an opening round victory over the Hurricanes.

The Highlanders scored four tries to two and pulled away in the final quarter after leading 18-10 at the break.

The Reds didn't help themselves by committing too many mistakes, while openside flanker David Croft was sinbinned for the third time this season.

Croft will appear before a SANZAR judicial officer in Brisbane on Monday for his third yellow card after being sin-binned in matches against the Brumbies and Blues.

Asked if Croft had a disciplinary problem which Jones needed to address, the Reds coach said "that was the first penalty he (Croft) gave away tonight."

Jones said he couldn't comment on whether Croft had received a warning from the referee and declined to comment on the sin-binning after recently being fined $10,000 for critical remarks about a previous refereeing display.

The result was a depressingly familiar story for Jones as his weakened and inexperienced side committed numerous mistakes while producing the occasional inspirational passage of play.

"We were just inconsistent, parts of our play were very good, but I think we gave them three first phase tries, you can't win games if you do that," Jones said.

"Individually, I don't think anyone deserves particular credit and the reason we are not doing well is because the team is not playing well," Jones said.

Already suffering from a rash of injuries, Queensland lost talented inside centre Berrick Barnes in the final quarter when he left the field clutching his left arm and shoulder.

Queensland coach Eddie Jones said Barnes would probably need to see a surgeon.

Teenage five-eighth Quade Cooper showed some nice touches while prop Herman Hunt was another relatively inexperienced player to display some good form.

The Highlanders opened the scoring inside the first five minutes when centre Aaron Bancroft rounded off a slick move with five-eighth Nick Evans converting the try.

Barnes had an earlier penalty attempt hit the post but landed his second attempt.

Evans restored the home team's seven point lead with a penalty, but didn't convert their second try scored by winger Lucky Mulipola.

Queensland clawed their way to within five points when Barnes converted a try set-up by good play from fullback Andrew Walker, but a Bancroft drop goal gave the local side an eight point halftime advantage.

The Reds scrambled to within one point of the hosts when Barnes converted a try to skipper and No.8 John Roe, who crossed from a driving maul following a line-out.

That was the last piece of scoring joy for the visitors.

While Croft was in the sin bin following an indiscretion at the breakdown, fullback Glen Horton dived over in the corner for the Highlanders' third try.

The home team earned a bonus point shortly before the end when hooker Jason MacDonald crashed over for their fourth five-pointer, which Evans converted to complete the scoring.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP