Western Force flanker David Pocock will miss another week with a knee injury, but utility back Cameron Shepherd and prop Matt Dunning return in Saturday night's Super Rugby clash with the Bulls in Perth.

Pocock hasn't featured since round two but had been pushing hard for a recall against the Bulls.

However, the star Wallabies backrower will be given another week to fully recover, allowing him more time to strengthen his knee and build up fitness.

Shepherd has been named at fullback after shaking off the effects of a heavy knock to the head a fortnight ago, but last week's two-try hero David Smith is out with a hamstring injury.

Patrick Dellit, who played fullback last week, remains in the run-on side but shifts to outside centre, with Rory Sidey moving onto the wing to replace Smith.

"Pat was solid in his debut and I feel a change will challenge him and probably give us a better balance to our back line," Force coach Richard Graham said.

Former Wallabies prop Dunning, who makes his return to the front row following his lengthy absence with a foot injury, will be partnered on the other side of the scrum by Pek Cowan.

On the bench, veteran utility back Mark Bartholomeusz has been included for Gene Fairbanks, who pulled up sore following last week's 27-19 win over the Brumbies.

Young scrumhalf Mark Swanepoel will also be given an opportunity to add to his single Super Rugby match tally after debuting in the corresponding fixture last season.

Western Force: Cameron Shepherd, Nick Cummins, Patrick Dellit, James O'Connor, Rory Sidey, Willie Ripia, Brett Sheehan, Ben McCalman, Jono Jenkins, Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Sam Wykes, Matt Dunning, Ben Whittaker, Pek Cowan. Res: Nathan Charles, Kieran Longbottom, Tom Hockings, Tevita Metuisela, Mark Swanepoel, Mark Bartholomeusz, Alfie Mafi

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