Western Force coach Michael Foley says his team’s best chance to avoid the Super Rugby wooden spoon is simply not to dwell on it.

The Force have made important strides this year under Foley, beating the Reds in Queensland and the Crusaders in Perth, while also pushing a host of other teams right to the edge.

But their inability to convert good territory into points has seen them slip to second last on the table, just three points ahead of the Highlanders.

Saturday night’s clash between the two cellar dwellers in Perth will go a long way towards deciding the wooden spoon recipient.

Foley said his team were determined to avoid finishing last, but urged them to stay focused on the task at hand rather than focusing on the varying permutations.

“When we came into the year, one of the big things for me was to see the team play for each other through the full season,” Foley said on Friday.

“That comes down to the character of the guys and the standards they set themselves, and they’ve been very good in that way.

“Some of the recruitment and development happening at the moment will stand us in good stead.

“But there’s no doubt our guys will be extremely determined to avoid the wooden spoon.

“Any side has that in their mind when it comes to this stage of the year and it’s getting close.

“But the focus for us is not so much what the whole season looks like, but more what this game looks like.”

The Highlanders were expected to contend for a finals spot this season, but instead sit dead last on the table with just one win to their name.

Coach Jamie Joseph has made seven changes to the side that lost 35-18 to the Bulls last week, with the return of All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu the biggest plus for the visitors.

Nonu has missed the past three weeks with a knee injury, but is expected to play against the Force despite arriving in Perth with a cold.

Captain Andrew Hore has been benched, while five-eighth Hayden Parker, lock Josh Bekhuis and flanker TJ Ioane have been promoted to the starting side.

Foley had a critical piece of advice for his players on how they should handle the powerful Nonu.

“I would say tackle low,” Foley said with a smile.

“Defence has been a strength for us. That’s going to be really tested.

“The Highlanders have a lot of international players. Nonu is an obvious one. (Tamati) Ellison is another guy, as is (Hosea) Gear. There are a number of guys in their team who are very dangerous.”