A 50-point win usually indicates a team is doing something right.

But returning Queensland captain James Horwill claimed the Reds would use Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Cheetahs as a chance to get their game in order.

Rather than dwell on their 53-3 thumping of newcomers Melbourne, Horwill was more preoccupied by the game tape of the Cheetahs' shock 23-3 weekend win over NSW Waratahs in Sydney, as he prepared for his return.

Horwill - back from a two-week battle with an ankle complaint - was pleased with the Reds' 3-1 season start, all against Australian teams.

However, he hinted that the real litmus test loomed in their leg against the more physical South African teams, starting with surprise packets the Cheetahs.

After Saturday's clash, the Reds travel to South Africa to take on the Lions (Johannesburg, April 2) and the Stormers (Cape Town, April 10) before returning to host the Bulls (April 16).

"The performance against the Rebels on the weekend was good but we know it wasn't a perfect or complete performance," Horwill said.

"We need to be better again to beat the Cheetahs - we aren't where we want to be."

The Cheetahs marked their first win overseas against early pace setters NSW.

"They certainly surprised the Waratahs that's for sure," Horwill said on Tuesday.

"They have been a bit unlucky to lose a few in the past - they are certainly a very good side."

Horwill believed the Reds received a taste of things to come in their narrow opening win against the Western Force.

But it seems nothing can prepare Queensland for Springbok openside flanker Heinrich Brussow.

The breakdown scavenger showed exactly why he has been described as a "once in a lifetime player" by Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske in a dominant performance against the Waratahs.

Remarkably he is only two games into a comeback from a serious knee injury.

"He has certainly added an extra dimension to their game," Horwill said of Brussow.

"Their performance has lifted since he has been in the team.

"He's a fantastic player and appears to have picked up where he left off when he got injured last year."

Horwill did not give too much away when asked if he would be injected into either the second or back row.

But he was adamant about one thing.

"I would like to play as soon as possible - it's as simple as that," he said.

"I don't want to compromise the team or the injury.

"But I want to play as soon as I am physically ready to play.

"At the moment it is feeling pretty good.

"I need to complete a few things at training to prove that I can (go straight into the team) and that won't be done until later in the week."

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