FOR several seasons, Queensland were described as a one-man team: Chris Latham and 14 others.

That's not entirely the case this year, but in Johannesburg early yesterday, Sydney time, the Reds had to once more rely on their Test fullback to salvage something from their match against the Lions.

With just 33 seconds remaining, Latham found a gap in the Lions' midfield to score. With Clinton Schifcofske's conversion, the game finished at 24-24.

With the game played on the high veldt, Latham's long clearing kicks earlier in the match were also crucial as play regularly swung from end to end.

The Reds were relieved to come back from 21-10 in the 60th minute but were exasperated they did not use the first half to put themselves in a position to win the game.

Opportunities came, but the visitors were not up to it, especially in the 11th minute when midfield runs by Latham and centre Morgan Turinui resulted in their young five-eighth Quade Cooper charging at the Lions' line for what would have been the Reds' first try, only to fumble the ball.

Similarly in the 37th minute, Schifcofske received a perfect pass, only for the ball to go through his hands.

The second half was marginally better, but both teams showed why they are sitting so low on the competition table, playing with little cohesion or purpose. The draw would not have frightened anyone above them on the ladder.

Of a higher quality was the Western Force's performance in beating the Highlanders in Queenstown on Saturday to finish their New Zealand campaign with two from two.

The Force were again eager to attack from all regions, finishing with three tries. But their best effort went unrewarded. Early in the second half, five-eighth Matt Giteau executed a clever cross-field kick that was regathered by winger Scott Staniforth.

After being tackled by Hoani MacDonald, who then let him go, Staniforth lunged for the line to score. It was a legitimate try, as MacDonald had failed to complete the tackle, but referee Mark Lawrence ruled there had been a double movement .

Giteau wasn't impressed, especially as it was the first time he had attempted a cross-field kick with his right foot.

But the Force could not complain too hard about refereeing mistakes. Another of their tries, which followed an intercept by centre Ryan Cross, was questionable, as Lawrence prematurely ended a Highlanders advantage following a knock-on.

The Brumbies, meanwhile, are expecting their captain Stirling Mortlock (shoulder) and Test centre Adam Ashley-Cooper (ankle) to return for their next match, against the Chiefs in Canberra on April 4.

The Brumbies have the bye this week, giving Mortlock and Ashley-Cooper more time to overcome injuries that have sidelined them from the start of the season. It is believed fullback Mark Gerrard (hamstring strain) will be unavailable for only one or two matches.