Western Force flanker David Pocock says the team has given little thought to the controversy surrounding coach John Mitchell as the start of the Super 14 season edges closer.

The Force went down fighting in their 24-19 pre-season loss to the Crusaders on Friday night in what was a welcome fixture for the players after an off-season dogged by uncertainty surrounding Mitchell's future at the club.

Although the findings of an independent inquiry into Mitchell's relationship with staff and players are yet to be handed down, Pocock is adamant the off-field dramas have not affected the squad's preparation for the season.

"I think throughout this whole pre-season blokes have been looking forward to getting into it and playing rugby and doing our jobs and letting the other stuff take care of itself," Pocock said.

"It's good to start playing some rugby.

"I mean a lot was said in the press between our CEO and all that kind of stuff so we (the players) just got on with our training and in pre-season you turn up and do the work and go home, so that's what we did."

Mitchell said he was pleased with his team's hit-out against the Crusaders.

"It was fantastic learning for all of us," Mitchell said.

"We've still got a fair bit to build and a lot to do.

"By all means we are heading in the right direction.

"We are still conditioning, we are still heavy legged and we'll continue that right up until round one.

"We've still got plenty to do."

Wallabies fullback Cameron Shepherd got through the match unscathed in his first hit-out since breaking his ankle last July.

"It's a huge thing to come back and he's building on confidence on every outing," Mitchell said.

"We're really pleased with his progress."

Former Waratahs scrumhalf Josh Valentine made an impressive debut for the Force and Mitchell was confident the 25-year-old would form a potent combination with star flyhalf Matt Giteau in the season ahead.

"Valo is a very clever half-back," Mitchell said.

"He provided good continuity to our game and he's a constant threat."

Pocock was equally as impressed with Valentine's first-up effort for the Force.

"He brings a lot of sniping around the ruck and he dictated where the forwards went for a bit," Pocock said.

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