Western Force skipper Matt Hodgson says his team’s Super Rugby bye comes at a perfect time as they gear up to take on the British and Irish Lions on June 5.

The Force are almost certain to avoid the wooden spoon after posting a 19-18 win over the last-placed Highlanders on Saturday night.

Over the past six weeks, the Force have travelled from Perth-Wellington-Canberra-Perth-Pukekohe and back to Perth.

The gruelling schedule has taken its toll on the Force.

But Hodgson said the 11-day break before taking on the Lions gave the group a much-needed rest before featuring in what will be a career highlight for many of the players.

“I don’t think there will be anyone struggling to get up for the Lions game, that’s for sure,” Hodgson said.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“It will be good to get a bit of rest into the boys, have a couple of days off.

“But come Wednesday week, we’ll be ready to go again. The whole squad’s excited.”

The Force face off against the Waratahs just four days after taking on the Lions, meaning coach Michael Foley will have to carefully juggle his squad over the two games.

Due to the tricky schedule, the Force will be granted permission to draft in players from outside their squad to top up their team for the Lions match.

Wallabies winger Nick Cummins, who missed the win over the Highlanders after his troublesome knee flared up, is expected to be fit to take on the Lions.

English hooker Dylan Hartley will miss the Lions tour after being handed an 11-week ban for swearing at a referee and calling him a cheat in Northampton’s 37-17 loss to Leicester in Saturday’s Premiership final at Twickenham.