The Western Force are determined to finish their season on a winning note and notch a first ever victory in Durban when they tackle the in-form Sharks on Friday night.
Coach John Mitchell has recalled Pek Cowan and Ben Whittaker to the front row while Ben McCalman's brute force has been added at lock for a match the West Australian's expect will be played with plenty of physicality.
"We're coming up against what we feel will be a physical pack and a physical night of rugby," Mitchell said.
"Not only do we have to meet that head on but also find a way to outsmart them.
"This is probably the strongest mix that we can put together based on what we have seen throughout the year," Mitchell added.
Scrumhalf Brett Sheehan also returns to a squad that Mitchell is confident will rebound from the disappointing performance against the Cheetahs last Saturday in Bloemfontein.
The Force have won four of their past six matches and have shown they can respond positively after a loss as they did when they comprehensively defeated the Crusaders in round 11 after going down to the Blues a week earlier.
"I've got no doubt that this group will get up this weekend and put our best foot forward against the Sharks," said Mitchell.
"I guess the frustrating aspect is the trend where we drop off now and again but in saying that common sense needs to prevail. Since the Reds match, if you draw a line underneath that, this group has hung tough and played some good football."
It won't be easy for the Force with the Sharks enjoying a run that has seen them win six of their past seven matches. The South African's enjoying a superb second half of the season and disposed of their high flying countrymen, the Stormers, in Durban last week and will again be on the attack at home.
"It's the only South African venue in our short history that we haven't nailed so there is a challenge there," Mitchell said.
"Being our last game you have to take the performance into the remainder of the winter and into the next pre-season. It is important to finish on a high. Losing or coming close is not an option."
Western Force
1 Pek Cowan,2 Ben Whittaker,3 Tim Fairbrother,4 Ben McCalman,5 Nathan Sharpe,6 Matt Hodgson,7 David Pocock,8 Richard Brown,9 Brett Sheehan,10 David Hill,11 Cameron Shepherd,12 Ryan Cross,13 Mitch Inman,14 Nick Cummins,15 James O'Connor
Reserves:16 Nathan Charles (FR),17 Matt Dunning (FR),18 Sam Wykes,19 Tom Hockings,20 Justin Turner,21 Sam Harris,22 Mark Bartholomeusz
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