The two best flankers in world rugby look set to lock horns on Saturday night when Western Force powerhouse David Pocock and Crusaders captain Richie McCaw return from injury.

Pocock, who has recovered from the knee injury he suffered in round three, has regained his No.7 jersey and will join Ben McCalman and Richard Brown in a powerful Force back row.

McCaw, whose only action this season was a 29-minute cameo off the bench a fortnight ago, has been named at No.8 after recovering from bruising to his troublesome right foot.

Although the two aren't pitted head-to-head, there's no doubt they'll cross paths many times throughout the match at Perth's nib Stadium.

McCaw made it through training on Thursday but his right foot, which had a screw inserted into it during the pre-season after he was diagnosed with stress fractures, must pull up well on Friday morning before he is given the all-clear.

"I got through training all right today so provided it doesn't flare up or anything like that it's good to go," McCaw said on Thursday.

"It feels fine. I didn't notice it too much at training. Hopefully it will be fine. I'm pretty keen to get out on the field to be honest."

Although not named in his customary No.7 jersey, McCaw didn't expect his role to change much.

"I don't think there will be a whole lot of difference to the way you approach things, perhaps just slightly different at the lineout," he said.

"But with (flankers) George (Whitelock) and Matt (Todd) doing what they've done all year, the key for me is to make sure I slot in and do what I need to do."

The Force have been riddled with injuries this season but it seems their luck is turning.

Wallabies flanker Matt Hodgson has recovered from a shoulder injury and will start on the bench, while winger David Smith returns after shrugging off a hamstring complaint.

"I think any time you get world-class footballers back in your side it's a boost for the organisation, but it's (also) a boost for the squad," Force coach Richard Graham said on Thursday.

"You know it'll be a good competition this weekend given the strength of our back row.

"I feel you've got to reward people who have been performing and the back row have been exceptional.

"I thought Brown and McCalman were amongst our best last weekend and certainly Hodgson will add some freshness from the bench."

Joe Wheeler, the man McCaw is set to replace, has been bracketed on the bench with former All Blacks and Crusaders skipper Reuben Thorne.

Inside centre Sonny Bill Williams, winger Sean Maitland, hooker Corey Flynn and prop Ben Franks return to the run-on side, but star five-eighth Dan Carter will miss another week with a hamstring injury.

The Force will be aiming to make it three wins on the trot after posting victories over the Brumbies and Bulls in the past fortnight.

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