Injuries may have ruined the Western Force's chances of success this Super 14 season but coach John Mitchell insists he has enjoyed the ride nonetheless.

The Force lost their opening six games as key players Andre Pretorius, Cameron Shepherd, Richard Brown and David Pocock succumbed to lengthy injuries.

The return to a near full-strength squad over the past month has coincided with wins over the Stormers, Highlanders and Crusaders and the Force will look to continue their good run in their three-game trek to South Africa, starting against the Lions on Saturday.

"It might sound strange but it's actually been quite an enjoyable season to be a part of," Mitchell said.

"I think a lot of people have grown in strength as a result of the adversities we've experienced through the lump sum injuries at the start of the season.

"Changing the players' mindset to focus on what we have rather than worrying about what we didn't have (was important).

"We can focus on what's ahead of us and it's important we do get momentum and performance in the next three matches because most of this squad will return next year.

"While it's a long time between games, the group has grown a lot and has become accomplished and suited to this style of football, both attacking wise and defensive."

The Force face off against the Cheetahs (Bloemfontein) and Sharks (Durban) after facing the Lions in Johannesburg.

The Lions are yet to win a game this season but Mitchell urged his team to be on guard against the South African strugglers.

"They'll be pretty keen to knock us off," he said.

"Every fixture they've had at home this season they've been pretty close to within seven so they'll be a difficult opponent.

"They've got nothing to lose and we've got greater expectations so we are going to have to handle that situation.

"Last weekend (in our win over the Crusaders) we were in the situation that the Lions are in so it was a pretty easy situation to get motivated for."

The Lions have conceded on average 43.7 points per game and Mitchell hoped his team could do some damage in attack.

"We'll certainly look to open them up," he said.

"We have that ability.

"But the game will be won based on our defence, that'll bring us opportunity.

"They'll throw it around. While they may have conceded a lot they've also scored a lot.

"They play from the back of their try line.

"They're not scared to run from 100m out."

The Force will be without fullback James O'Connor (shoulder) and prop Tim Fairbrother (ankle), but welcome back winger Scott Staniforth from a calf injury.

Cameron Shepherd will switch from the wing to fullback, with Staniforth set to come back into the starting side.

Western Force touring squad:

Forwards: Richard Brown, Pek Cowan, Nathan Charles, Matt Dunning, Tim Fairbrother, Nic Henderson, Tom Hockings, Matt Hodgson, Kieran Longbottom, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Ben Whittaker, Sam Wykes.

Backs: Mark Bartholomeusz, Nick Cummins, Ryan Cross, Sam Harris, David Hill, Mitch Inman, James O'Connor, Chris O'Young, Brett Sheehan, Cameron Shepherd, Scott Staniforth, Justin Turner.

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