Western Force coach John Mitchell believes the gods are smiling on the franchise after several results on the weekend boosted their Super 14 finals hopes.

The Force took care of their own backyard, mauling the Lions 55-14 in Perth on Friday night.

Combine that with the Reds' upset win over the Blues, a Cheetahs' win over the Crusaders and the Hurricanes' triumph over the Brumbies and the Force find themselves just three points adrift of fourth spot.

But it doesn't get any easier for the Force, who tackle the second-played Bulls in Pretoria this weekend.

"Rugby gods were pretty good to us on the weekend, which is unusual," Mitchell said.

"But nothing's changed for us, we've just got to keep ourselves alive.

"I guess it's very much a must-win scenario from now on, that's just the way the competition's panned out and I guess we're not the only team in that situation.

"We've got to win, it's as simple as that. Nothing changes.

"We'll continue to be attack-focused in our approach, we've enjoyed seeing the guys play some super rugby over the last few weeks."

No.8 Richard Brown, who missed last week with an ankle injury, has been included in the 26-man squad for the two-game trip to South African tour, which takes in games against the Bulls and Stormers.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP