Marty Banks' late penalty in Dunedin ensured that the British & Irish Lions suffered defeat for a second time in four matches in New Zealand.
It was a disheartening way to end a day that also featured confirmation of Stuart Hogg's withdrawal from the squad due to an eye injury.
Things looked to be going the Lions' way when Sam Warburton's try gave them a nine-point lead with 27 minutes to play. But Banks and Liam Coltman had other ideas.
Here is where those involved thought an enthralling tour match was won and lost.
Lions captain Warburton
On the side's indiscipline, he told Sky Sports: "There was a string of four penalties in that second half when we were in decent territory, but we gave away four penalties in a row.
"That gave them way too much territory and momentum and they scored off that eventually.
"Our discipline on Saturday [against the Crusaders]....we kept penalties to single figures and for one reason or another that didn't happen here.
"You have to give the Highlanders credit because they forced the pressure to give away penalties, but we have to keep penalties to single figures."
On the tourists' attack, he added: "We gave away too much possession at the breakdown, our first and second arrivals weren't there quick enough and that's something we spoke about during the game.
"They were pretty hard on the ball, so give them credit there, but we turned over too much ball on attack.
"We scored more tries than we have done and when we were direct we looked pretty good. It was a proper game of chess and was tight.
"We need to come away from these with wins and I'm sure there were a few key moments in the game that if we could go back in time, we'd change them."
Lions coach Warren Gatland
He said: "We didn't nail a few big moments that were important that would have put ourselves reasonably comfortable when we were 22-13 ahead and we let them back into it which is disappointing.
"The penalty count was reasonably heavy against us as well and that's a concern. To be in front but lose is disappointing. There were a couple of chances we didn't take.
"We knew how tough it would be coming to New Zealand and we need to make sure we learn from these experiences.
"Going into the Test matches we'll be really battle hardened because the players are learning about playing for 80 minutes and being clinical."