James O’Connor and Josh Flook injured in Queensland’s 34-22 win over Moana Pasifika

Queensland’s Super Rugby Pacific losing streak is over but injuries continue to hurt the Reds.

Reds coach Brad Thorn encourages his players before their game against Moana Pasifika. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The Queensland Reds have snapped their losing streak, but a 34-22 win over Super Rugby Pacific cellar dwellers Moana Pasifika may have come at a costly price, with star flyhalf James O’Connor suffering another knee injury.

Having only returned in the Reds’ 27-point loss to the Blues last week after missing three matches with knee ligament damage, O’Connor was replaced after an hour at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

The Wallabies star looked unhappy on the Reds bench as ice was applied to the back of his knee before it was strapped in plastic.

O’Connor was walking with a noticeable limp as he shook hands with the Pasifika players after the match.

He wasn’t the only Reds player injured, with centre Josh Flook dislocating his shoulder with 15 minutes left.

The injuries came in an unconvincing and scrappy win for the Reds, who failed to hit top gear at any time against the competition’s worst team.

Despite ending a run of four straight losses, the Queenslanders will need to greatly improve on the performance if they are to have a chance of succeeding in next month’s top-eight finals series.

Poor discipline was again an issue for the Reds with hooker Matt Faessler and flanker Fraser McReight both sin-binned in the second half as the hosts conceded a host of penalties.

Reds flyhalf James O'Connor kicks for goal before later coming off with a hamstring injury. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“By no means was it perfect and we’ll probably be critical of it Monday,” Reds captain Tate McDermott said.

“Discipline was disappointing in patches but our attack (went) well when we held on to the ball, so it’s just our ability to do that for longer periods of time

“We’re just happy with the result. It’s what the group needs, heading into the finals.”

The Reds led 24-10 at half-time, outscoring the visitors four tries to one in the opening 40- minutes.

Fullback Jock Campbell scored two of the five-pointers, with returning McReight and prop Harry Hoopert also crossing for tries.

However it needed Pasifika to score the first try of the match – through flanker Solomone Funaki in the fourth minute -- to awaken the Reds from an early slumber.

Two of Queensland tries came while Pasifika only had 14 men on the field for 10 minutes after No.8 Henry Time-Stowers was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle on McReight.

Reds star Jordan Petaia also spent 10 minutes off the field after needing to pass a concussion test following a heavy tackle.

Some ordinary Queensland defence allowed flanker Sione Tu’ipulotu to score early in the second half as Pasifika dragged themselves back into the contest.

The Reds only try in the second half came from No.8 Harry Wilson, who intercepted a pass close to the Pasifika line to stroll over.

After Time-Stowers scored a consolation try in the final minute, Queensland’s hopes of a picking up a bonus point on top of their four points for the win were dashed when what seemed to be a try after the hooter to captain Tate McDermott wasn’t awarded due to a forward pass in the build up from Seru Uru.