It will be a case of the apprentice up against his old master when Richard Graham goes head to head with his predecessor John Mitchell in Saturday's Super Rugby clash between the Force and Lions in Johannesburg.

Mitchell, who jumped ship to the Lions during the off-season, endured a some rocky times during his five years in charge of the Force, with a player revolt against him and the collapse of major sponsor Firepower putting a huge strain on the Perth-based franchise.

Graham's time at the helm has been far smoother so far, although the former Wallabies assistant is still looking for his first win after watching the Force crash to two defeats and a heartbreaking, last-minute draw with the Blues from their three outings this season.

The Lions have displayed renewed fight under the tutelage of Mitchell, who has transformed last season's easybeats into a competitive unit capable of testing the best teams in the competition.

Graham spent a season at the Force as Mitchell's assistant before taking over the reins but played down the significance of taking on the former All Blacks coach.

"Haven't thought about it to be honest," Graham said on Tuesday.

"(We) texted each other and wished each other well for the start of the season.

"But once you get into the season you don't have time really to text people and keep in touch."

The Lions pushed the powerful Bulls and Stormers all the way in the opening two rounds before breaking a 23-month losing streak with a 25-20 triumph over the Cheetahs last week.

"They're definitely playing with a lot more commitment than what they've done over the last few years," Graham said of the Lions.

"They pass the ball more than any other team which says they're trying to play an expansive game.

"I think their support play is also exceptional."

James O'Connor will again play at five-eighth as Willie Ripia builds fitness after overcoming a foot tendon injury, but prop Matt Dunning is set to be out of action for a month after suffering his own foot problem.

Meanwhile, Graham was confident skipper Nathan Sharpe would stay at the Force next season despite the veteran's contract snub from the Australian Rugby Union.

Sharpe was overlooked for a Wallabies contract top-up next season, with an incentive-based deal the best the ARU were willing to offer.

The 33-year-old lock, who is in career-best form, had previously said he was keen to stay with the Force next season and Graham hoped the ARU's stance wouldn't alter his thinking.

"He's been playing the best rugby and I think if you have a look at (Victor) Matfield and (Brad) Thorn - guys who are older than him - they have been in exceptional form and they're wanted by their unions," Graham said.

"If we continue to make him feel wanted here and show our support for him, offer what we can offer him, then I'd like to think he'll stay."

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