Blues coach John Kirwan says the Reds’ versatility of game plan is why he rates them the best team in Super Rugby.

Ahead of their trip to Brisbane to face the Queenslanders on Friday night, the Blues are in a spot few would have predicted at the start of the season – top of the New Zealand conference.

But they are preparing to have their credentials severely tested at Suncorp Stadium against opponents Kirwan says are good right across the park.

He compares the Reds to championship sides who have the ability to play several different game plans.

That ability is augmented by the threat posed by the combination of halfback Will Genia and five-eighth Quade Cooper.

“They have a good kicking game, they’ve got an expansive game, they can play a tight game and they play with real intelligence in mixing that up,” Kirwan said.

“And they’ve two world-class players who, when they’re on their game, are very hard to control, so the mix makes them really lethal.”

The Blues go into the match rested from a bye that followed their 28-6 thumping of the Hurricanes.

The Reds, who are fourth overall in the competition, are backing up from an intense 19-19 draw with competition leaders the Brumbies.

Kirwan described that clash as being of Test match intensity, but he was surprised the Reds turned down penalty shots at goal.

“I couldn’t really understand that.”

He was preparing for the Reds to do the same against the Blues, while at the same thinking they might opt to go for goal this week.

Of his own youthful squad’s lofty position on the ladder, Kirwan said the season still had plenty of weeks to run.

“The guys are really stepping up and playing for each other, but it’s half-way through.”