Western Force flanker Richard Stanford has set his sights on cementing his place in the team's No.6 jersey after being named for his Super 14 run-on debut in Saturday night's clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Stanford, who can play lock or flanker, notched six substitute appearances for the Brumbies over three years before switching to the Force, where he has added another two caps to his tally off the bench.

But with Force coach John Mitchell looking to add more grunt to his starting XV following last week's 31-13 loss to the Chiefs, the 110kg Stanford has been promoted to the run-on side as one of three inclusions, along with lock David Pusey and inside centre James O'Connor.

"It's always been a dream of mine to start Super 14," Stanford said.

"It's taken me four years but I finally got there and I feel honoured to be a part of the Force and starting this weekend.

"I like that versatility in my game (of being able to play lock or flanker) but in the near future I'd like to stamp my name on the No.6 position."

Stanford, 22, will don the No.6 jersey in place of Tamaiti Horua, who reverts to No.8.

Last week's No.8 Matt Hodgson has been named on the bench.

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

The injury-hit Crusaders, already reeling following three straight losses, were dealt another severe blow on Thursday when it was confirmed prop Ben Franks would need surgery after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot.

Franks, who will be replaced by Bronson Murray against the Force, is expected to miss at least six weeks with the injury, which first surfaced during the pre-season and progressively got worse.

In other changes to the Crusaders' forward pack, George Whitelock replaces injured skipper Richie McCaw (knee) at openside flanker, while lock Isaac Ross comes in for Ross Filipo, who moves to the bench.

Amazingly, not a single member of the Crusaders' backline from last week's 6-0 loss to the Highlanders retains the jersey they wore that day, with coach Todd Blackadder introducing three new faces amidst a major re-shuffle.

Scrumhalf Andy Ellis has been replaced by Kahn Fotuali'i after failing to recover from a knock to the ribs, while fullback Leon MacDonald returns to the side after shaking off a shoulder injury suffered in round one.

Stephen Brett, who played at fullback in MacDonald's absence, replaces the mis-firing Colin Slade at flyhalf.

Slade has been named on the left wing.

Adam Whitelock replaces Jared Payne (ankle) on the right wing, while Ryan Crotty has been named at inside centre for his first Super 14 start, with Tim Bateman moving one out to No.13.

Western Force: Drew Mitchell, Nick Cummins, Ryan Cross, James O'Connor, 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.

Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Adam Whitelock, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Colin Slade, Stephen Brett, Kahn Fotuali'i, Thomas Waldrom, George Whitelock, Kieran Read (capt), Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Bronson Murray, Jason Macdonald, Wyatt Crockett. Res: Dan Perrin, Owen Franks, Ross Filipo, Nasi Manu, Tyson Keats, Hamish Gard, Blair Cook.

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