David Pocock, the teenager who caused ructions in the ranks of the Australian Rugby Union when he played for the Western Force at just 17, looks set to make his full debut against the Sharks in Durban.

The openside flanker, a member of the Australian under-19 side which recently won the World Cup in Dubai, has been named in the Western Force XV for its last match of a turbulent inaugural season.

And on the same day the highly rated teenager broke into the ranks of Super 14, the Force announced he had re-signed for a further two years, after being courted by the Queensland Reds to return to his home state.

Coach John Mitchell said Pocock would start, provided he gets through a final fitness test at the captain's run in Durban on Thursday.

And the Force's Kiwi mentor compared the youngster's potential to some renowned rugby names.

"David has tremendous potential. He has all the physical attributes of a grown man, terrific rugby instincts and his attitude is outstanding," Mitchell said.

"I have worked with the likes of Richie McCaw, Marty Holah and Neil Back when they were young men and I see many of the same attributes in Dave," Mitchell said.

"We think he can be an important part of our side for a long time to come.

Pocock said he was relieved the contract decision had been made.

"It was a tough decision to make particularly with the opportunity to be close to my family again but I've enjoyed my time at the Force and am very happy to stay," Pocock said.

"The past month or so has been incredible."

Pocock will take the place of Matt Hodgson, who is being rested by Mitchell.

Also coming into the starting XV is Junior Pelesasa, who will start a game for the first time since breaking his ankle in round two against the Hurricanes.

Pelesasa will play at outside centre, Josh Graham will move to the right wing and Haig Sare drops to the bench.

The clash against the Sharks, who still have a chance of making the semi-finals, is also expected to be John Welborn's farewell to Super rugby.

Mitchell said Pocock would bring energy and enthusiasm to the side.

"He is an impressive young man, with a great work ethic and attitude to football, and he deserves the opportunity to play," Mitchell said.

"Dave is the kind of guy who will never die wondering and will give it his best."

The Force came under ARU scrutiny when it played the 17-year-old Australian Schoolboys star in a pre-season trial against the Cheetahs.

The selection contravened an international regulation last week that state players must be 18 to contest senior rugby matches.

But in March, the ARU announced its senior rugby and two-year window policies would become non-mandatory, meaning young players would be allowed to play in open competition if they can satisfy the ARU, parents and coaches they are physically ready.

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