Force coach John Mitchell also ended speculation about Matt Giteau being selected at flyhalf by naming the talented playmaker in his preferred position at inside centre, with last season's surprise No.10 James Hilgendorf named in the pivot role.

Former Reds winger Drew Mitchell will start at fullback, with Wallabies tourists Scott Staniforth and Cameron Shepherd selected on the wings.

Nathan Sharpe has been named as skipper, while Brendan Cannon has won the hookers battle and will start in the run-on squad with fellow Wallaby Tai McIsaac named on the bench.

New recruit Troy Takiari will begin the game at tight head prop, while lock Rudi Vedelago will attempt to get his promising career back on track after an injury plagued 2006 season, after he was named in the second row.

Mitchell indicated that the Force squad had recruited and trained well over the off-season and that there was sense of anticipation amongst the group to perform well in the team's sophomore season.

"Turning that anxiety into a positive and ensuring it doesn't compromise performance but in fact enhances it will be a key to success on Friday night," he said.

Mitchell also said the Highlanders posed a huge challenge to start the season off, but believed his chargers were up to the occasion, especially after leading for most of the match against the New Zealand province last year before losing 25-22.

"The fact that they got up on us last year highlights the size of the task but history is not something to be intimidated by, in fact, quite the opposite," he said.

"It's a chance for us to put down a marker for the campaign ahead as to who we are and what we are about."

Emirates Western Force squad v Highlanders
1. Gareth Hardy 2. Brendan Cannon 3. Troy Takiari 4. Rudi Vedelago 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. David Pusey 7. Richard Brown 8. Scott Fava; 9. Matt Henjak 10. James Hilgendorf 11. Cameron Shepherd 12. Matt Giteau 13. Ryan Cross 14. Scott Staniforth 15. Drew Mitchell.
Reserves
16. Tai McIsaac 17. Angus Scott 18. Luke Doherty 19. David Pocock 20. Chris O'Young 21. Junior Pelesasa 22. Haig Sare

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