Rival coaches Ewen McKenzie and Pat Lam believe all the ingredients are assembled for a "high-octane" Super Rugby encounter, befitting Friday night's top-of-the-table contest at Suncorp Stadium.

McKenzie's Queensland Reds can regain pole position in the competition with their 11th straight win at their home ground, but are wary of a dangerous Blues outfit who are just as eager about a trip to dry Brisbane.

The Aucklanders have shown a new-found resolve to go along with their talent, grafting out tight wins in the wet over the Highlanders and Hurricanes to increase their unbeaten streak to nine.

Just one try in 160 minutes of rugby has still prompted criticism from their fans, but Blues coach Lam has signalled his men are relishing the thought of being unshackled against the equally-entertaining Reds.

Lam's desire had also been helped by his ability to recall All Black playmaker Luke McAlister to inside centre and fringe Test lock Anthony Boric to a more-balanced forward pack.

"Hopefully, that challenge brings out the best in us," McKenzie told AAP. "It has in the past so there's no reason to assume it wouldn't again.

"It hasn't always been high-octane (by the Blues) but the intention and ability is always there.

"You can't just make that up overnight, and they can hit their straps at any point in time."

Queensland had made a habit of knocking off highly-credentialled sides under McKenzie in the past two seasons, and he also felt the prospect of an open, attacking game would suit both sides, as well as a crowd tending towards 30,000.

"If you look at their players, shifting the ball around is their bag and that's what they're good at and I don't imagine they enjoy playing anything other than that," he said.

"They're a bit similar to us, and they find ways (to win) along the way."

Halfback Will Genia, who scored a first-minute try in last year's 27-18 loss to the Blues in the wet at Ballymore, warned the Reds needed to muscle up first up front after being overpowered in 2010.

Genia rates the Blues' strength in their pack as comparable to South African sides and feels his forwards need to come to the game expecting a highly-physical battle.

While the Reds (45 points) would remain at the top of the Australian conference with a loss, it would allow the Waratahs (36) to close within five competition points thanks to their bye.

With matches against the Crusaders and Chiefs to come, Queensland are also keen to taste success against a Kiwi outfit, after slipping up against the Hurricanes in Wellington a fortnight ago.

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