In-form Western Force fullback Cameron Shepherd hopes an injury-free Super Rugby season will help propel him back into Wallabies contention in time for the World Cup.

Shepherd has endured a frustrating run since breaking his leg playing for the Wallabies in 2008, with the added complication of a drink-driving charge in December.

But the 26-year-old has bounced back in 2011, starring for the Force at fullback in a timely return to form.

Shepherd, who has nine Test caps, believes he'll only get better with more matches under his belt.

And at this stage his focus is exclusively with the Force.

"While you're playing the game, you want to play at the top level, but I've got a long way to go before I would push for a spot in the squad for the World Cup," he said.

"I just want to get better every game and make sure we have success with the Force first.

"If you look at anyone who's had long periods out of the game, it's quite hard to re-adapt to the flow and speed.

"It's one thing that I definitely struggled with when I came back.

"But I'm getting better at it now and I'm confident that if I can stay fit and healthy, I've got a lot to offer to the Force and the Wallabies."

The Force looked to be headed for another defeat last week in Johannesburg when trailing the Lions after being reduced to 14 men.

But an inventive chip and chase by Shepherd set up a try to winger Alfi Mafi that turned the match.

Shepherd hopes to play a key role in Saturday's Cape Town clash with the unbeaten Stormers, one of the form teams of the competition after disposing of the Bulls last week.

The Force are quietly confident of causing an upset, with Shepherd saying new coach Richard Graham has made quite an impact.

"He's a very passionate guy and that's spilled over into the players," Shepherd said.

"The culture's changed a lot here. We work hard for each other and are accountable for each other at training.

"He's gota really good mind for the game.

"He does a massive amount of analysis on other teams.

"I've really enjoyed playing in the structure we're playing in and a lot of that is down to Richard and what he's come up with."

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