Queensland's tight-five woes have worsened with the Reds coach Ewen McKenzie ruling Laurie Weeks out of Friday night's pivotal Super 14 rugby clash with the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Weeks' continued absence with a foot injury is a major blow to the fourth-placed Reds who are already down at least three locks as they walk the tight-rope towards the semi-finals.
The 24-year-old was sorely missed in the 32-12 loss to the ACT Brumbies with rookie Jack Kennedy unable to cope in Canberra where the Reds' scrum was outmuscled in the first half before Greg Holes replaced Kennedy.
Not only are five sides who are all within two competition points fighting out the last two finals places, but the Reds face a Test-quality Hurricanes front row, boasting starting All Blacks Andrew Hore and Neemia Tialata.
