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The Western Force will secure a maiden finals berth if they can beat the Queensland Reds on Friday night, but they face a tough ask beating the ladder leaders.

Western Force coach Tim Sampson isn't expecting the Queensland Reds to give his team a free pass when the clubs lock horns in Perth on Friday night.

The unbeaten Reds have already locked up top spot and a home grand final, meaning they have little to gain from their final-round Super Rugby AU clash.

The Force on the other hand are fighting for a finals berth, with a win against the Reds enough to guarantee them a spot in the play-offs.

If the Force lose, they will need the NSW Waratahs to upset the Melbourne Rebels in Sydney on Saturday in order to stay in third spot.

The Reds have named a strong side to take on the Force, recalling skipper Liam Wright, enforcer Hunter Paisami and Fijian flyer Filipo Daugunu to the starting line-up.

Sampson doesn't think the Reds will be taking it easy in the final round.

"They're a very proud team," Sampson said.

"The last couple of years under Brad (Thorn), they've rarely put in a poor performance.

"I think they'll be coming here wanting to get the job done and gunning for an undefeated season is probably on their radar.

"Good on them. It's a fantastic achievement to date. But we're here to win and upset their momentum and flow going into finals."

The Force have been boosted by the return of star fullback Rob Kearney, who has recovered from an adductor injury.