Whether Isaac Lucas can solve Queensland’s No.10 problem will depend a lot on the support of his teammates in the opinion of captain Samu Kerevi.

Lucas will become the Reds’ third five-eighth in four Super Rugby matches this season when he dons the No.10 against the Sunwolves in Japan on Saturday.

The 20-year-old made his first Super Rugby start against the Waratahs at fullback last weekend but will now have to take on the playmaking responsibilities for the winless Reds (0-3).

“Isaac has played No.10 most of his career, in school, coming out of school he’s played No.10 a lot,” Kerevi said.

“It’s just himself transitioning from fullback … we’ve just got to back him as a backline, give him confidence while he’s playing.”

Lucas’s shift means initial five-eighth Hamish Stewart comes in at fullback after his demotion to the bench last weekend.

The Reds (0-3) return to the scene of last year’s 63-28 Tokyo humiliation undermanned with Test forwards Taniela Tupou and Izack Rodda left out under Rugby Australia’s World Cup year rest policy.

Coach Brad Thorn, who is reportedly on the verge of signing a new-year two year deal with the Reds despite a less-than-stellar six wins from 19 matches as coach, admitted there was little he could do about Tupou and Rodda’s absence.

“We’re trying to achieve in Super Rugby with our teams but we’re also looking for the best interests of Australian rugby, for the Wallabies, at the World Cup,” the ex-All Black said.

Ruan Smith and twin brother JP will partner each in the front row while Bryce Hegarty (ribs) is out injured.

The Sunwolves come into the clash having beaten the Chiefs in the first away win in Super Rugby and after narrow defeats to the Waratahs and Blues.