Queensland magician Quade Cooper is prepared to chance his arm and befuddle South African opponents again in 2011 despite fears of being "snapped in half" in the next month of Super Rugby.

The third-placed Reds, who start a block of four matches against South African sides when they meet the Cheetahs on Saturday, enjoyed the best record opposing teams from the Republic in 2010 when Cooper was at his mesmerising best.

The Wallabies playmaker won his Australian Super 14 player of the year award on the back of starring displays in Queensland's 4-1 return against African rivals, with the only loss (30-28) coming amid a controversial finish against the Sharks.

The quick-stepping Cooper showcased his flair with exciting ball-running as much as ball-playing and was able to find holes in the defence on the fringes of the ruck by catching big forwards out for pace.

While the Reds have so far shelved some of the razzle-dazzle of last year, the 22-year-old admitted there may be more space and chances to run the ball against the Cheetahs and their compatriots.

"There's a few risks to take," Cooper told AAP.

"But if you get caught by a few of these South African blokes I'm sure they can snap you in half very easy.

"They're two times my size at least so hopefully I don't get caught too many times.

"But at the same time it's always a good challenge going up against them because it does offer a different style of play.

"They're very physical and very big men but if we can move them around and play field position and keep the ball in hand it will be the right mixture to get us across the line."

But coach Ewen McKenzie has warned the Reds they can't expect to run amok in attack like last year due to the extra defensive latitude given at the breakdown, making it tougher to quickly recycle the ball for Will Genia and Cooper.

"It's a different ball game and we can't rely on that history," McKenzie said.

"We do know it's an important block and I think we are lucky that we've got four in a row against SA teams and that gives you a good mindset to focus on some of the detail but I don't think it helps us too much.

"We want to get going against South African teams and this is a great opportunity for us."

In a boost for Queensland against the big Cheetahs pack at Suncorp Stadium, skipper James Horwill will return from an ankle injury in the only change to the starting XV which thrashed the Melbourne Rebels 53-3.

McKenzie held Wallabies lock Horwill back a week to ensure he was 100 per cent against the South African forwards, but demoted second-rower Adam Wallace-Harrison is still expected to get quality time off the bench following his fine lineout display against the Rebels.

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