Queensland's tight-five woes have worsened with Reds coach Ewen McKenzie ruling Laurie Weeks out of Friday night's pivotal Super 14 clash in Wellington.

Already down at least three second-rowers, tight-head Weeks' continued absence with a foot injury is a major blow to the Reds as they walk the tight-rope towards the semi-finals.

The 24-year-old was sorely missed in the 32-12 loss to the Brumbies at the weekend with rookie Jack Kennedy unable to fill his big shoes at Canberra Stadium.

Queensland's scrum was outmuscled by the ACT side in the first half before Kennedy was replaced by Greg Holmes who at least managed to stabilise the scrum.

Weeks' consistency and impressive all-round game had him on the cusp of Wallabies selection before his injury against the Stormers and the fourth-placed Reds can ill-afford to have him sidelined.

Not only are five sides, all within two competition points, fighting out the final two finals places, but Queensland face a Test-quality Hurricanes front row, boasting starting All Blacks Andrew Hore and Neemia Tialata.

Former Wallabies front-rower Holmes now looks set to be given the opportunity to take out a season of pent-up frustration at the Westpac Stadium Cake Tin.

A pre-season rib injury to Holmes saw youngster Ben Daley steal the march on his No.1 jersey at loose-head and he's only managed to get second-half action in nine matches off the bench.

While McKenzie is hopeful veteran lock Van Humphries (ankle) and blazing winger Rod Davies (hamstring) can return and workaholic flanker Daniel Braid can overcome a knee ligament strain, he admitted Weeks needed to aim for a last-round clash against the Highlanders at best.

Serious injuries to both second-rowers Rob Simmons and Adam Byrnes, on top of sidelined skipper James Horwill, has former Brumby Radike Samo poised for a start against the resurgent Hurricanes, who have won their last four matches.

"He's been involved in some big teams around the world at different stages of his career and if he comes to Wellington he's not going to be overawed by the occasion," McKenzie said.

McKenzie admitted his side was out-enthused by the desperate Brumbies but was confident a better attitude would return for the Wellington clash.

"It's a good refocusing exercise," he said. "The Brumbies showed you can make a big difference in a week."

In a bid to freshen up his battle-scarred team, McKenzie cancelled their Monday afternoon session, leaving them just one full team run on Tuesday before Wednesday's flight to New Zealand.

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