Former Australian coach Robbie Deans will square off with ex-Wallabies playmakers Quade Cooper and Will Genia after a dramatic weekend of results in Japan.

The Brumbies have held off the fast-finishing Melbourne Rebels for a 26-20 victory, with the Super Rugby AU finals make-up to come down to last round.

The Western Force's finals hopes will go on the line when they take on the Queensland Reds in Perth on Friday night.

The Western Force haven't won a home Super Rugby match since 2017, but the drought could be broken against the NSW Waratahs.

Wallabies backrower Isi Naisarani will make a timely return for Melbourne Rebels as they look to lock in a Super Rugby AU finals berth against the Brumbies.

Veteran Wallabies halves Quade Cooper and Will Genia begin the knockout stage of the Japan Top League this weekend with ambitious club Kintetsu Liners.