Western Force coach Simon Cron does not want to see any daylight at the breakdown when they face the Queensland Reds in Saturday's SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific Culture Round game at HBF Park.
The clash between the two genuine contenders for the Wallabies No. 7 jumper, the Force's Carlo Tizzano and Queenslander Fraser McReight, is expected to be a highlight of the game.
Tizzano set at an all-time tackle high, 34 hits, with a 100 per cent success rate in last Saturday's famous last-gasp win over the Brumbies while McReight had a huge impact in the Reds opener, scoring a second-half try in their win over Moana Pasifika.
The Force are going for a record-breaking three wins in the opening three rounds and at Thursday's CD Dodd conference, Cron said: "The key for us is not letting any daylight at the breakdown.
"We've got to make sure we're nice and fast, our leg drive and contact all those things that help in terms of on ball.
"There's no doubts that the two 7s will go at it, be pretty focused on their jobs and what they have to do for the team.
"It will be cool. We've got some good boys in our loose forwards. They will be excited by it. The Reds are an outstanding side.
"They've a lot of top five depth, backs are lightning' quick good in transition. They are another step up for our boys."
The Force will be without centre Sio Tomkinson and captain and second-rower Jeremy Williams, both ruled out due to head injury protocols.
Tomkinson's absence opens the door for Reesjan Pasitoa who ends a 1,007 day break between games after being hit by injury, including an ACL in 2023 followed by elbow and shoulder issues in 2024.
The experienced Sam Carter also comes into the starting side, replacing Williams.
"Reesjan has had a bit of a journey and it's been really challenging for him over that period of time," Cron said.
"He's always been positive, always been looking forward, always been thinking about where he can help the team.
"It's a great opportunity for him to get on the field and do the same thing."
The No.13 role, the hardest channel to defend in the backline, will be a new challenge for Pasitoa but Cron said: "We've been working on him there.
"He's been working with a couple of guys in the team just around that role and what to do.
"He's a big body at the moment. He'll be fine.
"He's got to be able cover both 12 and 13 and with injuries at the moment it's just an opportunity for Reasjan to step forward and grab it.
"One of the things we said from the start was we've got to build squad strength, we've got to trust the squad.
"Next cab off the rank, they get a crack at it, great opportunity for them.
"We've got guys on the bench ready to go.
"It (injury) happens and we've got to be ready for it."
Scrum-half Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, who comes off the bench, will make his 50th Super Rugby appearance.
"He's a big part of our club," Cron said.
"You can see the impact he's had, going into the final parts of our games over the last two.
"We don't win those games without him.
"We've kept it relatively quiet in house, but we'll make sure we celebrate that going into the game."
The game is part of a double with the Super Pacific Women's side taking on the Brumbies (kick-off 2.05pm).
SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific Round Culture Round 3
Western Force vs Queensland Reds
Saturday 1 March, 4:35pm WST HBF Park
Live on 9GEM and Stan Sport
Tickets via Ticketmaster
