Former Brumbies flanker Richard Stanford will make his run-on debut for the Western Force on Saturday night after coach John Mitchell made three changes to his starting side for the Super 14 clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Stanford, who notched six caps with the Brumbies before moving to the Force over the summer, replaces Tamaiti Horua in the No.6 jersey.

Horua reverts to the No.8 jersey, with Matt Hodgson relegated to the bench.

Veteran David Pusey replaces Tom Hockings at lock, while 18-year-old James O'Connor has been named at inside centre in place of Junior Pelesasa.

Stanford has never made a run-on debut in Super rugby with his six caps for the Brumbies and two for the Force this season all coming off the bench.

The injury-hit Crusaders have lost three games on the trot but Mitchell said his team would remain wary of the defending Super 14 champions.

"History shows they don't often suffer repeat losses and they'll be throwing everything at us on Saturday night," Mitchell said.

"What's important is that we respond with the same urgency and finish our tour with a strong performance after our result in Hamilton."

The Force will be eager to bounce back from last week's 31-13 loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Western Force: Drew Mitchell, Nick Cummins, Ryan Cross, James Aleconner, Cameron Shepherd, Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine, Tamaiti Horua, David Pocock, Richard Stanford, Nathan Sharpe (capt), David Pusey, Ben Castle, Tai McIsaac, Pek Cowan Res: Luke Holmes, AJ Whalley, Tom Hockings, Matt Hodgson, Chris O'Young, Junior Pelesasa, Haig Sare

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