If one thing has characterized the Queensland Reds under Ewen McKenzie it has been their ability to lift for big matches.

It is what the Reds is banking on when they take on the Blues in a top-of-the-table clash at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
 
They have bumbled to an unlucky defeat against the Hurricanes and scored two not entirely convincing wins in local derbies against the Waratahs and Rebels.

Certainly there is nothing middling about the Blues, nor the team that follows them immediately after the bye, the Crusaders.

And if the Reds are to convert the potential of their 2011 season into reality, they need to strike a blow against the two New Zealand sides.
 
The Reds host the Blues on Friday at 9.40pm.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi