Worries for the Western Force

Quade Cooper’s comeback game for the Reds could spell real problems for the Western Force, according to their head coach Michael Foley.

Rock bottom of the Super Rugby table heading into the Round 16 fixtures, the Force will take on the 14th-placed Reds this Saturday with pride on the line. 

Neither team wants to finish in bottom spot on either the regular Super Rugby table or in the Australian Conference, adding a little bit of extra spice to the weekend’s derby. 

Cooper has been heavily linked with a move to Toulon and is expected to depart the Reds at the end of the season, and Foley is expecting the Wallaby international to come out with a point to prove this weekend with the World Cup looming on the horizon. 

"At his best, he can be incredible. He's going to be coming back with a few games to play to really prove a point to be part of that World Cup campaign," Foley told AAP.

"If we give him time and space early, he'll build into his game.

"If we can be accurate and disciplined in our defence, there's a chance we build pressure and make him feel a little less comfortable. And discipline is important as anything else.

"There's no point being frantic there and giving away silly penalties - you just allow them to march down the field."