Queensland will hope returning Wallaby Fraser McReight provides the boost they need to knock off the Crusaders and claim a season-defining Super Rugby Pacific win.
Star flanker McReight has served a three-game suspension for a high shot that earned him a red card in the Reds' loss to Moana Pasifika last month, and could be vital as his side tries to upset the Crusaders in Christchurch.
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“We welcome back Fraser which is fantastic," coach Les Kiss said.
"In his two games away, we saw John Bryant really step up as a starter and there was impressive recognition too for Joe Brial. Joe will return to club rugby on Saturday with those debut games behind him.”
But it's not all good news on the selection front for the Reds with starlet playmaker Tom Lynagh set to miss the trip with a minor hamstring niggle.
He'll be replaced at No.10 by utility back Lawson Creighton, with fellow young gun Harry McLaughlin-Phillips named on the bench.
"Lawson is a very well-organised player with a strong kicking game. We are very comfortable with him leading from No.10 with Tom managing a slight hamstring injury," Kiss explained.
“We have Harry (McLaughlin-Phillips) to get involved from the bench."
Winger Tim Ryan has retained his starting spot after his exceptional run-on debut against the Chiefs, where he found a game-changing hat-trick.
His emergence has pushed seasoned Wallabies winger Suliasi Vunivalu to the bench.
The Reds, who are tucked inside the top eight despite their 4-5 record, haven't won in Christchurch since 1999.
"The Crusaders have great pride in their jersey and who they represent,” Kiss said.
“Parts of our game have grown in every match. We have confidence in the things that work for us and we’ll stay rock solid to those.
“We are going to one of the great places in the world to play rugby and we will take on the challenge.
