Waratahs shatters Reds

New South Wales Waratahs shattered fierce interstate rivals Queensland Reds with a converted try in the final minute to snatch a barely deserved 30-28 Super 14 win in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Waratahs looked second best for virtually all of an emotional Australian derby at Lang Park, but clinched victory when Wallaby number eight Wycliff Palu plunged over for a try beneath the bar.

Replacement back Daniel Halangahu potted the easy conversion on the final siren as the Waratahs claimed their sixth consecutive win over the Reds.

"We just shot ourselves in the foot and we gave away too many penalties," Reds skipper James Horwill said. "I'm just shattered." It was poor reward for the Reds, who led from the 21st minute and had outscored the Waratahs three tries to two, only to come away with a losing bonus point.

Queensland, who have finished in Super rugby's bottom three for the last six seasons, look a more committed unit under new coach and former Waratahs' mentor Ewen McKenzie, but they let slip a 10-point lead with seven minutes left.

The Reds had looked primed for victory before 22,000 home fans after tries to New Zealand flanker Daniel Braid, Horwill and a penalty try to Wallaby scrum-half Will Genia.

But indiscretions and weariness opened the door for the Waratahs, who kept chipping away with tries to replacement winger Rory Sidey and Palu to seal their come-from-behind win.