They’ve gained a reputation as the 20-minute walkovers in their opening two games, but the Western Force have vowed to come out swinging in Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels in Perth.

The Force’s slow starts have cost them dearly in losses to the NSW Waratahs and Brumbies, with their leaky defence being the major concern.

In last week’s 27-14 loss to the Brumbies, the Force conceded three tries in the opening 23 minutes before finally finding their groove in the second half.

The Rebels ran in five tries in last week’s 35-14 win over the Cheetahs, and Force coach Michael Foley knows his team will be in for some pain if they’re not on the ball early.

“The first 20 minutes in any sporting contest tends to create momentum, both physically and mentally. For us, we haven’t had that yet,” Foley said.

“Last year we seemed to have some success in that area.

“What’s happening this year is we’re fighting back.

“But it’s no good fighting for the first three rounds with your hands down and letting people slug at you.

“We have to throw some punches in that period as well.”

The Rebels have won their past four matches against the Force, with two of those coming in Perth.

However, matches between the two sides have always been close, with all six being decided by less than eight points.

Foley said it was imperative for the Force to shut down Rebels scrumhalf Luke Burgess, who starred against the Cheetahs.

“Burgess plays a high running game. He’s a threat there,” Foley said.

“With him working with the forwards – that’s how they get their momentum.”

First-year Rebels coach Tony McGahan made a surprising six changes to his starting line-up, while Foley has handed starts to flyhalf Sias Ebersohn, prop Pek Cowan and fullback Jayden Hayward.

Rampaging Force lock Hugh McMeniman could return as early as next week despite hurting his neck last week.

The Force are desperate to taste victory this weekend – especially in skipper Matt Hodgson’s 100th Super appearance.

“Matt is one of those guys that every club needs – someone that bleeds for the club and is 100 per cent authentic,” Foley said.

“When he speaks, he’s extremely passionate. You can sense how deeply he feels about the team and how much he wants success.