Western Force coach John Mitchell has braced his side for a Blues backlash ahead of Saturday's Super 14 clash in Auckland.

The Blues came under heavy criticism after last week's 33-21 home loss to the Stormers left them eight points adrift of the top four.

But Mitchell remains wary of an up-and-down Blues outfit that defeated the Bulls in round eight just one week after losing to the Waratahs.

"We expect them to be ferocious," Mitchell said on Thursday.

"Before that Bulls performance they were labelled inconsistent and that hurt them I think.

"They came out firing and put the Bulls away, so we're expecting that kind of onslaught on the weekend."

The Force have made just two changes to the side that ran in six tries against the Highlanders last week, with hooker Nathan Charles named to make his run-on debut and prop Nic Henderson returning to the starting line-up.

But Blues coach Pat Lam has swung the axe, with livewire centre Rene Ranger the highest profile casualty among five personnel changes.

Ranger has been dropped to the bench after some indifferent performances in defence while flanker Serge Lilo was left out of the squad altogether.

Benson Stanley replaces Ranger in the run-on side.

"Every week there has been a challenge with that backline," Lam told the Blues' website.

"With Benson back and Luke (McAlister) back and the back three going really well I just felt that Rene will serve us well in the second half."

All Blacks props John Afoa and Tony Woodcock were named in the run-on side but need to pass late fitness tests before they are cleared to play.

Mitchell said the recent return of Wallabies David Pocock, Cameron Shepherd and Richard Brown from long-term injuries had been a key factor in the Force's two-game winning streak.

"We've had some very good performances, stayed tight and got the benefits of giving a lot of youth opportunities when we suffered the run of injuries at the start of the season," Mitchell said.

"Getting a bit of experience back has brought added confidence into the squad and we're looking forward to the challenge against the Blues on Saturday."

Winger Nick Cummins has been named on the bench after serving his two-week suspension.

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