Skipper James Horwill and linchpin Berrick Barnes have shrugged off injury concerns to lift Queensland hopes of scuttling the Hurricanes' Super 14 semi-final plans with a Suncorp Stadium upset on Saturday night.

In a major boost to the depleted Reds, abrasive lock Horwill and five-eighth Barnes proved their fitness in the battlers' final captain's run of the season at Ballymore.

The injury-ravaged side were cannon-fodder for the Crusaders in Christchurch last weekend but coach Phil Mooney said they would now hold far more confidence of toppling the Hurricanes.

Horwill overcame a foot injury to ensure he will line up for his 50th match for the Reds while Wallabies teammate Barnes put a groin strain behind him.

Elusive fullback Mark McLinden and back-rower Ezra Taylor also proved they were over knee problems to give Queensland a shot of experience and class.

Mooney still has eight first-choice starters sidelined, including Test duo Digby Ioane and Hugh McMeniman, but he feels his side can unsettle the third-placed Hurricanes who need to win to ensure a semi-final berth.

"James and Berrick make a significant difference," he said. "Having them back, and Mark as well, is massive.

"Just their mere presence gives people a bit more confidence.

"Certainly for the young guys they feel more comfortable with the experienced guys around.

"The Hurricanes are in terrific form but if there's one thing we've seen from the competition this year on any given day anyone can beat anyone else."

Barnes, who started the season as the Reds' third-choice goalkicker, will regain the kicking duties from Ben Lucas and Quade Cooper after slotting five from six in the wind in his last start against the Blues.

He will also have the responsibility with fellow playmaker Quade Cooper of shutting down destructive All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu in defence.

Nonu has been in top line-breaking form for the Wellington outfit and has also improved his passing skills to unleash dangerous fullback Cory Jane and wingers David Smith and Tamaiti Ellison.

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has kept the faith with five-eighth Willie Ripia as his goalkicker after a disappointing night with the boot in their last-start 16-8 loss to the Chiefs.

Ripia was off line and failed to make the distance with a string of penalty goal attempts which could have seen them win and keep top spot on the table.

Barnes underlined the importance of starting strongly and preventing the visitors from scoring in the opening half-hour to test their composure under the extra final-round pressure.

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