Star Wallabies flanker David Pocock will swap the garden tools for the rugby boots when he returns to the Western Force back row for Saturday night's Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders in Perth.

Pocock, who injured his knee against the Sharks in round three, has been a frustrated spectator for the past seven weeks, watching helplessly as the Force crashed out of finals contention.

In a bid to keep busy during the injury layoff, Pocock started renovating his garden, a project he will now happily put on hold as he prepares for his playing return.

"It's obviously very hard as an injured player watching, particularly when your team's not doing too well," Pocock said on Wednesday.

"You feel pretty helpless.

"I decided I had to do something to keep me sane and I got stuck right into the garden.

"I ripped out the spa and ripped the deck out and my brother helped me make it into a table.

"(We also) laid the pavers.

"My dad's been over for the weekend and he helped me dig out the front area and we are going to put some fruit trees in there.

"So it's all happening."

Pocock, who has trained strongly this week, is yet to learn what his role will be against the Crusaders.

But the powerful 23-year-old is confident he could last the full 80 minutes if given a starting berth.

In an added boost for the Force, fellow backrower Matt Hodgson (shoulder), outside centre Mitch Inman (elbow) and winger David Smith (hamstring) are also strong chances to return, creating a welcome selection headache for coach Richard Graham.

Pocock hopes All Blacks flanker Richie McCaw, whose 29-minute cameo two weeks ago is the only rugby he's played for the Crusaders this season, will also return this Saturday despite doubts still remaining over his troublesome right foot.

"You want to play against the best players," Pocock said.

"I guess growing up I watched a lot of him playing and when I got to play against him it was a greatthrill.

"It's something I still really enjoy doing.

"He's been one of the benchmark number sevens for a long time now."

Matt Todd will hold his place in the Crusaders' back row should McCaw not be deemed fit, but Pocock said he was in for a challenge either way.

"I have watched a lot of their tapes and he (Todd) is a good player, too," Pocock said.

"So whether it's Tim or Richie on the field, they've got a pretty good scavenger and link man in their team."

The Crusaders, with six wins and a draw from nine games, sit in fourth place overall on the table and second behind the Blues in the New Zealand conference.

But the Force are quietly confident they can cause an upset after notching wins over the Brumbies and Bulls over the past fortnight.

Former All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne is in line to play against the Force after answering an SOS from the injury-crippled Crusaders, who will be without Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn and halfback Andy Ellis among a host of others.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP