Saturday's Reds-Chiefs blockbuster is an opportunity for Queensland to "find out about themselves", says co-captain Tate McDermott.
McDermott's side broke a decade-long New Zealand hoodoo by defeating the Chiefs in last year's regular season clash at New Plymouth before falling just short in a quarter final rematch in Hamilton.
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Now, the stage is set for a thrilling return bout with the Waikato men entering Round 3 unbeaten and Queensland looking to bounce back from a 38-33 golden point loss to the Hurricanes at Super Round.
"We can take a little bit of confidence but at the end of the day it's a new season and there's a lot of change here as well," McDermott said.
"It's going to be a huge challenge. We found out a little bit about ourselves last week and we'll find quite a bit more about ourselves on Saturday night."
Queensland fans will also learn quite a bit more about Queensland's depth with Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami and Alex Hodgman both missing from their Round 3 lineup.
Jock Campbell's inclusion at fullback was all but assured with Petaia's absence but all eyes will fall on Isaac Henry, who dons the 12 jersey in his return to Super Rugby, and former All Black Jeffery Toomaga-Allen set to debut.
"He had a good outing against them (the Chiefs) a couple years back and he's just looking really happy and that's the big thing about Zacky, when he's happy he's playing brilliant footy," McDermott said of Henry.
"He's a strong carrier of the ball, he's got a good organisational head on him, he'll help Tommy there in the 10 jersey and he's got a big kicking game, they'll all be important on Saturday night.
"Jeffery's experience and composure at the back end of games is going to be really important for us and we're keen to see how he goes."
