Western Force skipper Nathan Sharpe has indicated his side is targeting Brumbies playmaker* Stephen Larkham in this Friday night's crucial Super 14 clash in Canberra.

Larkham has recovered from a mid-season shoulder injury to lead the Brumbies to three consecutive wins in their last three starts and is displaying some of the best form of his career.

But Sharpe admits that Larkham's former Brumbies team-mates Matt Giteau, Matt Henjak and Scott Fava have been giving the Force plenty of background information on the talented flyhalf.


"Gits, Henjak and Fava know how Bernie (Larkham) runs their side and we've had a good look at how to shut him down," Sharpe told The Australian.

"No mistake, if we let Bernie run, he'll dominate the game."

However, Sharpe was also quick to point out that the Force cannot waste all their energy on shutting down Larkham as the Brumbies, even without injured skipper Stirling Mortlock, have a host of other attacking options in their star-studded backline, including George Gregan, Adam Ashley-Cooper and inform utility back Julian Huxley

"We can't afford to focus exclusively on him (Larkham)," said Sharpe. "He'll quickly realise that and distribute the ball to where the holes are.

"They've got world-class players right across the park but a guy like Julian Huxley is someone we'll really have to watch."

Clyde Rathbone, who missed the Brumbies last match against the Waratahs with a thigh injury, is expected to be fit for this Friday's crucial clash.

Meanwhile, Brumbies head coach Laurie Fisher indicated that with only three games to go until the semi-finals, both sides are desperate to win and grab bonus points for scoring four or more tries.

"Obviously, both sides will be up for it and you're now at that stage of the season where you're not only looking to win but also to score bonus points, so I'm expecting some tries," Fisher