Reds halfback Ben Lucas has been praised for his courage after finally succumbing to a painful rib injury ahead of Saturday's Super 14 clash with the Highlanders.

With fellow halfback Will Genia suspended, Lucas played with the rib cartilage problem in the big losses to the Chiefs and Western Force but was forced off midway through each game.

Queensland coach Phil Mooney lauded the 21-year-old's bravery in putting his body on the line, highlighted by a try-saving tackle on brilliant Chiefs winger Sitiveni Sivivatu a fortnight ago.

"He's been playing well under duress, it's just the fact the injury's not getting better so we want him to get it right," Mooney said.

"He's gone above and beyond the call in playing with that injury and everyone definitely respected his efforts that's for sure."

Queensland had hoped to keep Lucas's late withdrawal a secret as they travelled to Invercargill on Thursday.

Mooney, who is also without the suspended Genia till next week, named Lucas in his reshuffled side on Wednesday morning but he was unofficially ruled out only two hours later.

Goalkicking former flanker Brendan McKibbin was told at lunch time he'd been promoted to make his first Super 14 start while Australian sevens star Richard Kingi was rushed into the squad to make the flight across the Tasman.

McKibbin, who only converted to halfback in 2005 after being blocked at flanker behind former Reds skipper David Croft at Brisbane club Brothers, has not looked out of place in his two appearances off the bench.

But the 24-year-old knows he faces a major challenge against All Black No.9 Jimmy Cowan who is an influential and inspirational presence for the abrasive South Islanders.

"Brendan's service has been good, he's an exceptional goalkicker and he's done the job we've asked of him over the last two weeks and he hasn't overplayed his hand," said Mooney.

The struggling 13th-placed Reds opted to include Kingi, 20, instead of relying on inside centre Berrick Barnes as the back-up half which would have caused a major backline disruption.

"(Kingi) is not a contracted player but he's been with the (Australian) Sevens all year and he's done well and he's the Australian Under 20 halfback from last year."

Meantime Highlanders coach Glenn Moore has made just one change to his starting side which upset the Bulls 32-12 a fortnight ago.

Moore has given local Southland lock Josh Bekhuis a hometown start in place of Hayden Triggs in his massive forward pack.

Highlanders: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Jason Shoemark, Daniel Bowden, Kendrick Lynn, Mathew Berquist, Jimmy Cowan (capt); George Naoupu, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Josh Bekhuis, Clint Newland, David Hall, Jamie Mackintosh. Res: Jason Rutledge, Chris King, Hayden Triggs, Steven Setephano, Sean Romans, Johnny Leota, Fetu'u Vainikolo.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP