Lance gets his first start for the Sea of Blue following a 14-week stint on the sidelines after tearing his pectoral muscle against the Brumbies.

Lance’s inclusion as the team’s playmaker means that the former Springbok and Stormers flyhalf, Peter Grant, will warm the bench.

In further changes to the side that ran out against the Rebels before the international break, Tetera Faulkner will start at tighthead, Angus Cottrell replaces the injured Ben McCalman in the No.8 jersey, and Ian Prior steps in at scrumhalf while Junior Rasolea will run on at outside centre.

With just two wins to their name this season, the Force are under a lot of pressure and the side’s interim coach, Dave Wessels, says they can only expect their side to fight to the bitter end.

“The last couple of games, as you know, have really come down to the last couple of minutes, so we feel like we’re getting really close to an outcome.

“We’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing – I know that sounds like a cliché, but there are some things that we’re going to tighten up and focus on, but really, it’s going to come down to our intent and not sort of think our way out of problems, but rather fight our way out of problems.

“That’s certainly what we’re asking from the boys over the next couple of weeks.”

The Cheetahs will be naming their side for the clash on Thursday at noon.

Saturday afternoon’s match at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein kicks off at 15:00.

Western Force - 15 Dane Haylett – Petty, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Solomoni (Junior) Rasolea, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 Marcel Brache, 10 Jono Lance, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Angus Cottrell, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Brynard Stander, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Ross Haylett-Petty, 3 Tetera Faulkner, 2 Harry Scoble, 1 Pek Cowan (captain).

Replacements - 16 Anaru Rangi, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Guy Millar, 19 Rory Walton, 20 Richard Hardwick, 21 Ryan Louwrens, 22 Peter Grant, 23 Semisi Masirewa.

Morgan Piek/OFM News