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The Western Force feel the Super Rugby AU finals are in their hands after a gutsy 16-15 win over the Melbourne Rebels.

The Western Force feel they are in the box seat to make a real dent on the Super Rugby AU finals after snatching victory from the Melbourne Rebels on Friday night.

The Force won 16-15, only taking the lead in the 77th minute at AAMI Park when Tim Anstee's try was converted by Domingo Miotti.

"We didn't really assert any dominance in any areas of the game but we had the belief that we could still get the job done," coach Tim Sampson said.

"That was a very crucial game to win and the next few weeks is in our hands now - we know what level we can get to."

The victory moved the Force to just one point behind the Rebels on the competition ladder, with two rounds remaining.

The Force play both of those games - against the NSW Waratahs and the Queensland Reds - at home in Perth.

They they hope to ride a swell of support to join the Reds and Brumbies in the three-team finals.

The Rebels play the Brumbies in Melbourne and then the Waratahs in Sydney.

"We have two home games in front of our great supporters ... it's set up well for us and the guys know where we're heading," Sampson said.

While Sampson rated their defensive effort - keeping the Rebels from scoring a try - as one of their best, he said they still had plenty to work on.

As well as losing a couple of crucial lineouts, he felt their attack would improve with more time after a number of personnel changes.

"We need more continuity and flow in our attack but I don't think you can underestimate the amount of changes we've had," Sampson said.

The Force suffered one serious injury with winger Byron Ralston taken from the field on a stretcher after being knocked out making a tackle.

"He's a bit crook in the change rooms, poor bugger," Sampson said on Friday night.

"He should be OK."