Kiwi super-sub Mike Harris has the chance on Sunday morning (AEDT) to cement a starting place at fullback as Queensland attempt to notch a fourth straight Super Rugby victory for the first time in nine years.

Following a number of eye-catching cameos, Harris will make his run-on debut against the Lions in Johannesburg as one of four new faces in the third-placed Reds' starting 15.

The North Harbour recruit replaces injured No.15 Ben Lucas (groin) as Wallabies winger Digby Ioane has been shifted to outside centre and coach Ewen McKenzie has rested hard-working tight-five duo Rob Simmons and Ben Daley on the bench.

McKenzie admitted Harris, 22, had a gilt-edged opportunity to nail a starting place after showing his class as a utility who has impressed at inside centre and five-eighth.

"We've seen glimpses and it's all been very positive," he told AAP from Johannesburg. "We're pretty confident with the range of skills he's got.

"It's a big challenge for him as he's been impressive off the bench and now he'll be straight out there but he's a very professional operator and I'm sure he'll make the most of the opportunity."

Harris' starting role also gives Queensland the added advantage of a long-range goalkicker who first-choice Quade Cooper can hand off penalty goal attempts to from well beyond half-way at altitude.

The 190cm tall back, who is eligible for the Wallabies due to an Australian-born grandmother, is a strong tackler and will also defend in the front-line, allowing playmaker Cooper to continue counter-attack from fullback.

"He can attack the ball at the breakdown and he enjoys that part of the game and they were all part of the reasons why we recruited him," McKenzie said.

Ioane's move to the midfield, to give him more chance to run the ball against a Lions side reluctant to kick, opens the door for speedster Luke Morahan to make his first start of the year on the wing.

The Reds have scored 13 tries in their last two wins over the Rebels and Cheetahs, following a grinding triumph over the Brumbies, to jump to third on the overall competition standings.

The last time Queensland won four straight was under Mark McBain in 2002 when they finished fifth.

McKenzie has rotated Daley and Simmons with Greg Holmes and Adam Wallace-Harrison, respectively, to manage the workload of his leading men and also ensure fringe players were given the chance to impress.

"We're searching for our best combinations and while happy with where we are at, we are always looking to get better," he said.

"We've got a talented squad and it's important to keep them all motivated and interested."

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