Rugby: Relentless tide of injuries for Force

The Western Force's injury curse continues with halfback Brett Sheehan ruled out of tonight's clash with Super 14 champions the Bulls in Perth.

Sheehan was named in the starting line-up but forced out yesterday after failing to fully recover from the hamstring niggle he picked up in last week's 14-10 loss to the NSW Waratahs.

Chris O'Young will come into the side to replace him for the winless Force.

Flanker Sam Wykes (corked thigh) and hooker Ryan Tyrrell (neck) were also injured in that match and are out, while winger Scott Staniforth is expected to overcome a hip complaint and play.

Wallabies David Pocock (finger), Richard Brown (shoulder) and Cameron Shepherd (quad) all continue lengthy injury absences.

"I can't believe it," skipper Nathan Sharpe said of the injury situation.

"It's sort of got to the point where you come down to training and you are scratching your head at who's left."

- AAP