Force face fight to avoid wooden spoon

The Western Force are out to snap their seven-match losing streak and avoid the Super Rugby wooden spoon when they take on the Sunwolves in Tokyo.

Their poor run has left them in grave danger of finishing last for the second straight season, but a win against the Sunwolves on Saturday would change that.

The Kings (four points), Force (six), and Sunwolves (seven) are in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

All three have just one win to their name, with only bonus points separating them on the table.

The Sunwolves snared their maiden win a fortnight ago when they upset the Jaguares 36-28.

The Japanese outfit will enter Saturday's match refreshed following their recent bye.

In contrast, the injury-hit Force are licking their wounds following their latest loss - a 42-20 defeat to the Bulls in Perth.

The Perth-based franchise haven't tasted victory since beating Queensland in round two.

But although they were well beaten by the Bulls last week, coach Michael Foley has seen enough signs to suggest a late-season revival might be on the cards.

The return of flyhalf Peter Grant (eye) to the bench is a boost, while inside centre Kyle Godwin will start his first match since round one after regaining form and fitness following a knee injury.

The Sunwolves have been boosted by the return from injury of their top try scorer Akihito Yamada, while lock Fa'atiga Lemalu and winger John Stewart have also been included.