Reds half-back Will Genia says that the Reds will hit the ground running when they start their charge towards the Super Rugby play offs.

"I don't think we will have any struggles in terms of preparation," Genia told Sportal.

"It's a short week but we've been together long enough. In terms of cohesion and combinations it won't be a problem for us to come together."

Genia has played four 80 minute Tests over the last three weeks but says he is fighting fit and ready to take over the captaincy from injured James Horwill.

The Reds play the Rebels this week and Genia says he won't have any trouble taking over the captaincy.

"For me it's about leading by example and I'll just do as I've done in the past," he said.

"I have a fair bit to say in terms of things we want to achieve on the field anyway and having the 'c' by my name doesn't necessarily have to change that."

Genia led the Reds a couple of seasons ago so he knows what to expect and is more concerned about who will fill Horwill's role as ball-winner

"(Horwill is) a huge loss. He is an inspirational leader but where he is missed most in his ability as a player," he said.

"He brings so much to the table in defence and his ball carries and work around the field make his big shoes to fill.

"But he has had a bit of bad luck in recent years and we've had to learn to get by without him."

A victory over the Rebels this weekend will set the Reds up for a charge for the play offs with home fixtures against the Highlanders and Waratahs to finish the regular season.

"It's an exciting place to be in, we can't drop a game if we want to make the finals and we have a lot of players coming back," he said.

"We are really looking forward to it and the game against Melbourne will be an occasion as it's Stirlo (Stirling Mortlock's) farewell game (at AAMI Park)."