Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie has ensured there's two sobering reasons why his high-flying Reds won't be complacent against the spun-out Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night.

Not only do the Reds know all positions up for grabs after McKenzie made six changes to the starting 15 which ended a seven-year drought against NSW but they're aware of the danger the battling home side still possess.

Queensland's uplifting 2010 campaign went off the rails at the same Westpac Stadium venue when the Hurricanes clicked sweetly into gear after trailing 21-8 just before halftime.

The pivotal 44-21 penultimate-round loss ultimately cost the Reds a first finals berth in nine seasons and remains fresh in their memories.

"It is because I keep reminding them," McKenzie told AAP.

"It doesn't matter where you are at any stage of the game, they're capable of producing and they remains one of the most dangerous teams around.

"And this is a venue we have never won at before - there's no hiding from that reality."

While the under-achieving Wellington side has only enjoyed two wins this year and have four All Black backs on the injured list, the Reds have come off three draining wins over the Stormers in South Africa, the Bulls and Waratahs.

It partly explains McKenzie's decision to revamp his line-up, allowing the likes of regular starters Saia and Anthony Faingaa, Rob Simmons and Radike Samo to rotate onto the bench.

Hooker James Hanson, blind-side flanker Adam Wallace-Harrison, centre Will Chambers and veteran lock Van Humphries, to notch his 50th Reds game, will all start while prop Greg Holmes and rookie winger Dom Shipperley replace injured duo Ben Daley and Digby Ioane.

"I've been worried about this long stretch and how we would get through it mentally," McKenzie admitted.

"Most of the guys who have come in are guys who finished the last game so in some ways there's some continuity there.

"I expect them to shine."

The 200cm-tall Wallace-Harrison has been a revelation since returning from three seasons in Japan and is looking forward to his first start in the back row since finishing with the Brumbies in 2008.

The 31-year-old lineout specialist gives the Reds four authentic aerial targets, further pressuring the Hurricanes pack.

Wallace-Harrison said McKenzie's rotation system, which has left influential halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper as the only players not to have been rested, had worked wonders.

"Everyone knows they have got someone breathing down their necks and you know you have to play well to keep your spot - it's healthy," he told AAP.

"If you look at the changes, you don't lose much. There's a lot of depth and players understand the reasons.

"That's something I've noticed about this team, we're all on the same page."

Although they will miss Ma'a Nonu, Cory Jane, Piri Weepu and Conrad Smith, the Hurricanes will attempt to reverse their fortunes by backing their natural attacking instincts.

"I think we will try to express ourselves more rather than getting caught up in the nitty gritty stuff," said back-rower Victor Vito.

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