Written-off Queensland enjoyed one of their best Super 14 victories this decade with a massive 31-24 upset of the Blues.

Converted five-eighth Berrick Barnes was outstanding behind a gutsy Reds pack at North Harbour Stadium to end three years of heartbreak away from Brisbane.

The remarkable triumph against the All Black-laden Aucklanders ended a 20-match drought on the road for the embattled Reds, giving them just their second win in 27 matches on New Zealand soil since 1999 and first ever away to the Blues.

Queensland's forward strength, tactics and execution in windy and wet conditions were in stark contrast to the limp effort of a week ago when they were upset 31-20 by the Lions in Brisbane.

The Reds responded to a hail of criticism and scrutiny by jumping out to a mind-blowing 31-5 lead in the 50th minute after wingers Digby Ioane and Charlie Fetoai finished two brilliant team tries in quick succession.

They also had more chances to kill off the Blues but failed to put them away before the home side stormed back with three tries in the final 15 minutes running with the stiff wind to claim two bonus points and keep their play-off hopes alive.

Not even a blackout could stop the Reds with the game delayed for 50 minutes after a car accident at a power substation took out two banks of floodlights in the opening minutes of the game.

Queensland responded far better to the postponement and dominated the first half to lead 17-0 before conceding a controversial try to Isaia Toeava after half-time.

An overjoyed Barnes, who finished with a personal haul of 16 points, rated it the most satisfying win of his four seasons at Ballymore.

"That was gutsy," the Wallabies inside centre said.

"To win in Auckland, which no one does very much, and when they had their season riding on this, and to stick tight and grind it out when a lot of pressure was starting to come on us in the second half was very, very pleasing.

"I've been here four years and this is the first time I've won over here so I'm really, really happy."

Coach Phil Mooney, who kept the Barnes switch to five-eighth a secret all week, cut an extremely proud figure.

"That was comprehensive," Mooney said. "It was a brilliant night.

"People have basically had a crack at us all week and the boys are under pressure and the boys responded well which I knew they would.

"I told the boys after the game I was really proud of their effort but I wasn't surprised because that's a game that I knew we were capable of."

Fullback Mark McLinden was also instrumental in the win, setting up two of the Reds four tries, including the first to Barnes after half an hour when the five-eighth put him through a gap with a perfect cut-out pass.

Barnes long kicking game was crucial to the Reds dominating territory while his option-taking and ball-play was top shelf, suggesting the 22-year-old could reliably slot into the same position for the Wallabies if Matt Giteau was unavailable.

The only sour note for the Reds was a shoulder dislocation to young winger Luke Morahan which may end his season.

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