Rugby: Force ready to punish Sharks

PERTH- South African sides are renowned for their physicality but Western Force coach John Mitchell says his team aims to dish out the punishment in Saturday night's Super 14 rugby clash with the Sharks at Subiaco Oval.

Mitchell said a bye for the Force next week meant his team could afford to go all out against third-placed Sharks with less concern for the toll it takes.

"We'll just throw everything at it on Saturday night knowing we are going to get a bit of a mental and physical break," Mitchell said.

"I'm sure there will be a few sore bodies after this match.

"There will be plenty of drama and intrigue based on where both teams are at from the previous week."

The Force enter the round four points adrift of the top four and Mitchell said his side were desperate to claim maximum points against the Sharks who were unbeaten until their upset loss to the Queensland Reds last weekend.

"They are all critical but some become more critical than others," Mitchell said of the game.

"It would be nice to pick up four or five (points) here and remain within the bunch."

With injuries to wingers Cameron Shepherd and Nick Cummins, Mitchell made a raft of changes to his backline.

Former Wallaby Scott Staniforth has been named on the right wing for his first start of the season, while James O'Connor has been shifted to fullback and Junior Pelesasa promoted to inside centre.

Drew Mitchell, who has played the past three games at fullback, has been moved to the left wing.

"It's a good mix, it's an exciting mix," Mitchell said.

"This team certainly won't die wondering the way it will play football on Saturday night.

"Certainly the Sharks will be pretty blunt in their approach and they'll look to use their forwards very close to the action and then release their backs.

"We've got a strong midfield that can deal with that kind of attack."

Force skipper Nathan Sharpe said the team had addressed their poor starts to games this season.

"Obviously it's cost us a little bit," Sharpe said.

"We start far too slowly and teams get the early jump on us.

"The pleasing thing about that is we finish strongly and when we have played some good attacking football we have looked very good.

"It's about doing that earlier."

Mitchell said the Force wouldn't specifically target Sharks playmaker Francois Steyn, who endured a torrid outing in his team's loss to the Reds.

"If you overemphasise on one person you tend to become pre-occupied," Mitchell said.

"He's an exceptional footballer and he's very versatile.

"He's played in a World Cup winning team. Good footballers address mistakes."

Meanwhile, the Force 15 Foundation, which assists grass roots rugby in WA, received a cheque for A$400,000 ($500,000) on Friday from the Old Golds, a group of former State representative players who raise money to help grow the game in the State.

- AAP