George Gregan has already rated Will Genia more skilful and powerful than himself but the current Wallabies halfback can only get better, according to Reds coach Ewen McKenzie.

Midway through a brilliant individual Super 14 campaign, Genia leads Queensland into Sunday's (0205 AEDT) battle with the Sharks in Durban looking for the Reds' fourth straight win.

The 22-year-old Test halfback's form has certainly caught the attention of Japan-based Gregan, who called himself a dinosaur compared to the man rated up with Springbok Fourie du Preez as the best No.9 in the game.

"He's got a lot more skills than me," the former Wallabies skipper told sportal.com.au this week. "He's bigger, stronger and he can kick a lot further."

McKenzie played with and coached Gregan and didn't argue with his praise, but also expected more improvement from the 11-Test tyro.

"I'm on record as saying he's a complete player in terms of skill set," he said. "I still think there's improvement and part of his game that he can work on.

"They're only subtle things. He practices hard and he can improve.

"He hasn't completed a Super 14 season yet."

While Genia's service, vision and strength from the ruck-base helps his teammates to impress, McKenzie said the efforts of Quade Cooper and Anthony Faingaa also rubbed off positively on the captain.

"He's going well but he's got a 10 outside him doing good things and a 12 outside them who is working as a great foil and has been unsung," he said.

Inside centre Faingaa will have extra responsibility against the Sharks with Melbourne Storm recruit Will Chambers to make his first start at outside centre.

Chambers was all at sea in defence at No.13 in the pre-season and will rely on the communication from Faingaa inside him to make clear defensive reads.

McKenzie has made six changes to his starting team, including four in the Reds pack, as he expects a torrid assault up front from the Sharks forwards.

The Springbok-laden Sharks started the season with five losses but now look in ominous form after bouncing back with wins over the Highlanders and Hurricanes at the end of their Australasian tour.

The home side has made just one change with winger Odwa Ndungane promoted and 100-gamer Stefan Terblanche moving to outside centre to replace the injured Adi Jacobs (shoulder).

Coach John Plumtree said the Sharks were braced for a tough challenge after a sapping trip back from New Zealand.

"We will have to watch (Queensland) really closely," Plumtree told reporters in Durban.

"The Reds are a genuine threat in this competition pushing for a top four place. They will come here a lot more confident than they have in the past."

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