And for a Highlanders side coming off the bye, and showing some clear signs of rust, that was what was most needed.
The Highlanders did not quite click in Invercargill on Saturday night but still did enough to finish ahead of a gutsy Reds side, after the Queenslanders led 12-10 at the break.
The passes from the home side were not quite accurate enough, the kicks just went slightly too far or not far enough, and the clean-out at the breakdown was too slow at times.
But the win kept the Highlanders in the hunt for the play-offs, sitting in seventh position on the competition ladder, just five points behind the fourth-placed Waratahs.
Good sides, when they know they are not attacking that well, defend their tryline like their lives are depending on it, and that is what the Highlanders did at times.
Although not securing the huge number of turnovers they managed in the Bulls match, the Highlanders still gained turnover ball from breakdowns at the most critical of times.
If anything, it could be argued this was another step forward for the team, as the good teams know how to win ugly.
The Reds gave it everything and could feel slightly unlucky about a couple of tries they conceded.
But the Queenslanders played some hectic football at times, shifting the ball all over the field, when a more direct route might have been wiser.
The visitors bolted out of the blocks, scoring a try 26 seconds into the match.
Winger Peter Hynes caught the kickoff, the ball was moved wide and, after a couple of quick passes, first five-eighth Quade Cooper dotted down, leaving the crowd and the Highlanders shell-shocked.
The Highlanders soon awoke and Mathew Berquist scored a penalty before the home side went ahead midway through the first stanza.
An Israel Dagg try was ruled out after referee Craig Joubert said the fullback had run into him when scoring.
From the ensuing scrum, the Highlanders continued to attack and lock Josh Bekhuis went over.
The Highlanders had plenty of territory in the first half but too many times were caught behind the advantage line, and then passed to another player in a worse position.
The Reds went ahead going into the break after impressive lock Hugh McMeniman, who was strong all game, powered over the line,dragging defenders with him.
Highlanders second five-eighth Daniel Bowden, who had been quiet, split the game open eight minutes into the second half, when he carved through a gap and linked with centre Jason Shoemark, who threw a great ball to winger Kendrick Lynn who scampered over to score.
The match then looked over when No 8 George Naoupu barged over with 15 minutes to go after the Highlanders finally enjoyed a spell of territory.
But the Reds came storming back and strong-running centre Digby Ioane scored after a sustained period of Reds pressure, which was turned into points after a good Cooper run.
The fingernails then shortened considerably in the Highlanders camp on full-time when replacement loose forward Steven Setephano had a brain explosion and gave away a penalty after getting into an altercation with Leroy Houston.
Luckily for Setephano, the Reds could not find points to steal the game.
Best for the Highlanders were Dagg, Bekhuis and hooker David Hall while prop Jamie Mackintosh warmed to his work.
Hynes showed why he is an international winger, while second five-eighth Berrick Barnes looked all class.
Former All Black Daniel Braid was impressive in the Reds pack along with McMeniman.
Highlanders 24 (Josh Bekhuis, Kendrick Lynn, George Naoupu tries; Mathew Berquist 3 conversions, penalty goal), Reds 19 (Quade Cooper, Hugh McMeniman, Digby Ioane tries; Brendon McKibbin 2 conversions). Half-time: Reds 12-10. Crowd: About 4000.
