James Slipper and the Queensland Reds plan to fight fire with fire when they take on the Lions early tomorrow morning (AEDT).
The Lions reached the Super Rugby final playing a running brand of rugby and they have continued that style with aplomb in their first three matches this season.
They rested gun 10-12 pairing Elton Jantjies and Rohan Janse van Rensburg against the Jaguares in preparation for tonight's clash.
That pair tore the Waratahs to shreds a fortnight ago and Slipper said both teams harboured ambition to throw the ball around.
"They're a classy outfit and they've got really strong forwards so they're going to set a platform and then score a lot of tries with the backs so for us, we're going to have to be on our game to be competitive," he said.
"The Lions want to throw the ball around and score points and so do we so it's set up for a good game."
Queensland have been their own worst enemy in their two losses against the Force and Crusaders, particularly in the second half.
Slipper said the team had placed an emphasis on getting out of their own way in the quest for success.
"Looking back at our losses, most of the damage was done by us.
"If we rectify that and work on our own game we are going to be confident going into this game.
"We believe if we play our own game well, we will get the win." - James Slipper
While the defensive focus will be on Jantjies and Janse van Rensburg, the old adage that the match will be won up front will hold true.
"The contest is going to be huge," Slipper said.
"The Lions' scrum is pretty handy and their lineout and maul is pretty great.
"We are going to be have to be confident in what we are doing and that's going to be a battle that will decide the outcome of the game."
