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AAP
AAP
Sport
Justin Chadwick

Hurting Force aim to topple Crusaders

So close against the ladder-leading Blues, Western Force are now out to topple the Crusaders. (AAP)

Western Force captain Feleti Kaitu'u wants his team to write a new winning chapter in its history with the Crusaders in Saturday night's Super Rugby Pacific clash in Perth.

The Crusaders have won six of their past seven encounters against the Force, and they will start as hot favourites in Saturday's match at HBF Park.

The Force (2-7) will be in danger of losing touch with the top eight if they lose, and Kaitu'u says a win over New Zealand's powerhouse Crusaders would be special.

"The Crusaders - the name speaks for itself," Kaitu'u said.

"They've been the pinnacle of rugby clubs all around the world for the better part of two decades.

"It's an extremely exciting challenge for us as a group and we'll be looking to get out there and write a bit of history for ourselves."

The Crusaders (7-3) have slipped to third spot after losing two of their past three matches, including last week's 24-21 defeat to the NSW Waratahs.

Losing two weeks in a row to Australian opposition would be unthinkable for the Crusaders.

But the Force are equally determined to post a win on Saturday after their bid for an after-the-siren try against New Zealand's ladder-leading Blues last week fell just short in a 22-18 defeat.

The Force had 26 phases in their desperate bid for the late try, and the defeat still hurts.

"It definitely still stings to lose on the bell there," Kaitu'u said.

"But we feel we really made some inroads and saw glimpses of our potential and how we want to move forward as a club.

"I can't stress how much a win would mean for us as a group, especially against a club like the Crusaders.

"I know coming off a loss they'll be extremely motivated to make amends themselves, so I think it will make for an exciting battle."

The Force will be without winger Toni Pulu (hamstring) and flanker Kane Koteka, who will miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.

The Crusaders have made eight changes to their starting line-up, with backs Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo'unga, Braydon Ennor and George Bridge all returning.

"We're certainly not at peak form. We've got a few things we need to address to get right, and we believe we will be where we need to be," said Crusaders coach Scott Roberston.

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