The Western Force aim to atone for last month's "kick in the backside" when they confront the NSW Waratahs in Saturday night's Super Rugby clash at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The Force were smashed 31-3 by the Waratahs when the teams met in Perth four weeks ago in a performance that left a lasting impression on coach Richard Graham.

"I don't know if revenge is something that really motivates you but certainly from a pride point of view ... to get smacked in the arse like we did that night, we need to go over there and win," Graham said on Tuesday.

"... we got a right beating. We just didn't front up that night.

"It's probably the only night across the season that we haven't fronted up physically and we got what we deserved.

"We got a kick in the backside that night but we've continued to move forward."

The Force regrouped after that match to post wins over the Brumbies and Bulls before falling just short of the Crusaders last Saturday.

The Waratahs will be without skipper Phil Waugh (hamstring), No.8 Wycliff Palu (hamstring) and hookers Tatafu Polota-Nau and Damien Fitzpatrick this week, but Force flanker David Pocock said NSW couldn't be taken lightly.

"I don't think there's ever really a good time (to play them)," Pocock said.

"They're a very good team with a big forward pack and I guess they pride themselves on their scrum and set piece.

"With Berrick (Barnes) back, they've looked a lot sharper and had a few good wins."

Pocock, who made a successful return from a knee injury last week, will notch his 50th Super Rugby appearance when he fronts up against the Waratahs.

The 23-year-old said he wasn't even aware of the milestone until a team official informed him.

"I guess it's one of those things that comes and goes but this weekend is definitely all about the team against the Waratahs," Pocock said.

Graham said Pocock, a star for the Wallabies who won the 2010 John Eales medal, was in the same bracket as All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw as one of the two best flankers in world rugby.

"The thing I like about him most is whilst already at 23 he's at the top of his field, the guy wants to learn and get better," Graham said.

"I think a lot of boys set limits on what they can achieve. He clearly has no limits as to what he can achieve.

"And if you say something to him you only have to say it once.

"His work at the breakdown is extraordinary."

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