The Brumbies and Western Force have promised to play running rugby in their must-win Super 14 clash at Canberra Stadium.

The Brumbies are only outside the top four on points differential while the Force are one point behind, leaving plenty to play for with three matches left before the semifinals.

The home side face the might of the competition leading Crusaders in the second last round before a difficult final round away trip to player the Highlanders.

The Force have a winnable game against the Cheetahs in Perth but then come up against second placed Auckland, also at home, to round out the season proper.

But the high stakes aren't expected stop either team from entertaining what is expected to be a bumper Canberra crowd.

"We'll be throwing the ball around," Force coach John Mitchell confirmed.

Brumbies mentor Laurie Fisher guaranteed an entertaining night.

"I'm sure both sides are well aware that they need to attack to win the game and so you will see tries scored.

"It all augurs for a good spectacle."

The Brumbies have had an interrupted preparation with winger Clyde Rathbone ruled out following a bizarre injury earlier in the week.

Rathbone was running freely this week but an old injury to his knee flared up, causing intense swelling and pain.

Fisher was forced to rule him out after an attempt by doctors earlier in the week to kill blood vessels and stop the pain.

For the Force, the match sees a host of their players returning to the ground where their Super rugby careers began.

Halves Matt Henjak and Matt Giteau both left Canberra over the past two years to join the West Australian franchise's attack.

Fisher admitted Giteau, who returns to play against his old club for the for the first time, would be hard to handle, offering an insight into the kind of pressure he can expect.

"I think 12 (inside centre) is his best position because I think he likes a little bit of space to work in.

"He can cause damage from anywhere on the field but I think the tightness of defence around the ruck area ... at 9 and 10 he'll open up the odd gap but I think he'll be forced to pass a lot more, pass sooner, a lot more under pressure."

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