NSW flanker Dave Dennis believes it will be counter-productive for the Waratahs to target Force young gun James O'Connor in Saturday night's Super 14 derby in Perth.

O'Connor has been a shining light for the winless Force this season, starring at fullback, inside centre and five-eighth in the franchise's injury-hit campaign.

The 19-year-old will wear the No.12 jersey against the Tahs but Dennis said it would upset NSW's focus if they placed too much attention on the 84kg Wallaby.

"He's a quality player and he's played at Test level so it (physically targeting him) is probably not the best approach in terms of nullifying him," Dennis said.

"You've just got to be conscious of what he's capable of doing and if anything his size probably benefits him in terms of he can get through holes easier and get inside blokes.

"James O'Connor has probably been the only guy who's been holding his own regardless of results.

"He's playing well and attacking the line well so he's going to cause trouble in midfield.

"Obviously if you get the chance, like any of their players, we'll probably want to put a good shot on him but we'll just be trying to get a good line and make sure there's no opportunities in defence."

Force skipper Nathan Sharpe said his team was looking for redemption following last week's embarrassing 50-10 loss to Queensland.

"I think the biggest pressure for us is coming from ourselves," Sharpe said.

"The more hard work you put in the more you are after results.

"We want to redeem ourselves from last week's performance.

"If we win, that will be redemption enough."

Dennis predicted a far stronger showing from the Force, who have named an unchanged starting line-up despite last week's hammering.

"We are definitely not underestimating their capabilities and although they had a pretty tough day against the Reds we aren't going in complacent," he said.

"We know they're up for a big one.

"They'll string some wins together, it's just a matter of when, so we've got to be on our toes.

"It's an Australian derby so it has that little bit of extra significance, so they'll be up for it."

NSW were dealt a double blow on the eve of the match when prop Al Baxter (calf) and No.8 Wycliff Palu (hamstring) were ruled out through injury.

Sekope Kepu replaces Baxter in the run-on side while Ben Mowen will start at No.8.

Adding extra spice to the match will be the presence of former Force winger Drew Mitchell, a four-try hero in the Waratahs' 73-12 win over the Lions last week.

NSW (3-2) sit seventh on the table and will be desperate to post a win, and possibly a bonus point, against the last-placed Force in order to stay in touch with the top four.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP