Matt Giteau's skills seem limitless and Quade Cooper wants to add another to the Wallabies playmaker's CV - by lowering his colours on Friday night.

In a classic master versus apprentice battle, Cooper aims to highlight how good a mentor Giteau was to him on Australia's spring tour by leading Queensland to a crucial Super 14 victory over the Western Force.

The 20-year-old Reds five-eighth was a surprise selection for the six-week tour of Hong Kong and Europe but finished as one of the major success stories after soaking up all the advice he could from Giteau.

"Anything he had to offer I took on board," Cooper told AAP. "I was just a big sponge on tour.

"I've learned a lot off him over the past six months with the Wallabies and take some of those pointers out on the field.

"You always want to test yourself against the best and Gitsy is obviously the best player in that position in rugby today.

"It will be interesting and a really good battle, I'm really looking forward to it."

Giteau's influence on Cooper has easily been noticeable in 2009 with the talented young gun smoothing the scatty edges off his exciting game and showing far more nous in controlling the Reds' play.

"Just watching games he's played and being around him has been awesome help," said the three-Test rookie.

"Some of those things I've taken on board this year and try and control the game a lot better and how he dictates play.

"It's also all the little things he does so well that I've tried to put into my game."

Cooper was among a number of Reds who struggled in their 50-26 thumping by the Chiefs but he expects to be far better prepared to play the Force after overcoming a knee problem.

The wayward, "silly" kicking by Cooper and teammates served prime attacking opportunities on a plate to the Chiefs dangerous back three and they're determined to learn their lessons at Subiaco Oval.

The Force will again be without Cameron Shepherd (ankle) but fellow winger Nick Cummins is expected to overcome a hamstring injury and young lock Sam Wykes is set to return from a shoulder reconstruction.

Queensland have ruled out prop Greg Holmes (shoulder) for another week but believe halfback Ben Lucas (ribs) will be fit to play.

The teams' three previous meetings (2-1 to the Reds) have been grudge matches due to the Force's pillaging of Queensland's stocks in 2005 but the tide may be turning.

Wallabies fullback-winger Drew Mitchell is seriously considering a move back to the Reds wile fellow off-contract star Richard Brown, to return at No.8 this week, is also in their sights.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP