Queensland unceremoniously tore arch-rival NSW's Super 12 finals hopes to shreds with a spirited 23-7 victory at Suncorp Stadium.

The loss bundled the Waratahs out of the play-offs for the second year in succession when they required a last-round bonus-point victory to make the top four.

NSW never looked in the hunt as the Reds led throughout and crossed twice to maintain their unbeaten nine-year Super 12 record over the Waratahs.

The hard-fought win was celebrated passionately by the underdog Queenslanders and a record Australian Super 12 crowd of 42,237.

Reds fullback Chris Latham produced a signature interstate performance and forwards Nathan Sharpe and John Roe were outstanding in an intense display.

Played in greasy conditions after a day of rain in Brisbane, both sides struggled to gain an attacking foothold.

Needing four tries to slip past the fourth-placed Auckland Blues (32) on the table, NSW was under the gun at half-time when the home side led 3-0.

Latham then broke the game open three minutes into the second half by busting past Morgan Turinui 35m out and handing off for winger Peter Hynes to cross in the corner.

Flatley landed the sideline conversion and then followed up with a penalty goal midway through the half for the Reds to lead 13-0.

Winger Lote Tuqiri gave the Waratahs a glimmer of hope in the 63rd minute by slicing over after a tackle-shedding run by Turinui near the line.

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