Speed off the defensive line is the key to shutting down the Queensland Reds' attacking threats in the Super 15 rugby semifinal against the Blues.

First five eight, Stephen Brett said that allowing Quade Cooper and Will Genia to guide their teammates to good metres over the advantage line would make the Reds hard to stop.

The Blues also know they need to make a better start than in their 31-37 defeat to the Queenslanders at the same venue last month, when they were down 24-0 after just after 30 minutes.

The Blues leave for Brisbane on Thursday, a day earlier than they did ahead of their loss in May and Saturday's semi final match kicks-off at 9.40pm.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
Source: NZ Herald