Western Force have been boosted by the return of Wallabies enforcer Richard Brown for this weekend's Super 14 clash with the Bulls in Pretoria.

Brown missed last week's 55-14 demolition of the Lions after spraining his ankle against NSW a week earlier.

But the 24-year-old has proved his fitness and will once again don the No.8 jersey, replacing Tamaiti Horua.

In the only other change to the starting XV, prop Pek Cowan, who re-signed with the club earlier in the week, regains the No.1 jersey from Gareth Hardy.

Lock Sam Wykes has also been named despite suffering minor muscular and ligament damage to his left shoulder last week.

Force coach John Mitchell again opted for a five-forward, two-back split on the bench, with AJ Whalley and Hardy the two reserve props.

The sixth-placed Force, who are only three points adrift of fourth spot, must defeat the Bulls to keep their finals hopes alive.

"Loftus Versfeld is one of the toughest venues to play Enforcer

"The Bulls are a team that revels in the big matches and it's an exciting challenge for us.

"It's a simple equation for us.

"We need to win every game to give ourselves a chance to finish in the top four.

"We've played some good football and have gained some continuity, but if we are going to stay alive we'll have to continue to be attack-focused and back our style of play."

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