Western Force coach John Mitchell has resisted the temptation to risk fit-again backs Lachlan MacKay and Junior Pelesasa to start against the Cheetahs, naming the pair on the bench for Saturday's match in Kimberley.

Instead, Mitchell has opted to reinstate experience into his scrum for the battle against one of the biggest packs in Super 14, with veteran lock John Welborn and prop Dave Fitter back in the starting XV.

Welborn will make his 60th appearance in Super rugby in place of Pat O'Connor, while Fitter replaces Gareth Hardy, who is ruled out with bruised ribs.

Teenager David Pocock misses out on his Super 14 debut after failing to recover from an ankle injury suffered in the under 19 World Cup final.

Mitchell said he'd selected a forward pack to confront the Cheetahs' tight five, and a bench which would provide mobility as the game progressed.

"(The Cheetahs) are the current Currie Cup champions and come from a proud rugby region," Mitchell said.

"The smaller, more enclosed venue at Kimberley will make for a hostile environment, I'm sure."

Team: Cameron Shepherd, Haig Sare, Josh Graham, Scott Staniforth, Digby Ioane, Brock James, Matt Henjak, Scott Fava, Matt Hodgson, David Pusey, Nathan Sharpe (c), John Welborn, David Fitter, Tai McIsaac, Angus Scott. Reserves: Luke Holmes, David Te Moana, Pat O'Connor, Luke Doherty, Chris O'Young, Lachlan MacKay, Junior Pelesasa.

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