Western Force coach Tim Sampson insists his team won't target the club's former stars in Saturday night's clash with the Melbourne Rebels at nib Stadium.
The Rebels have named eight former Force players for the World Series Rugby (WSR) fixture, being dubbed somewhat of a grudge match by fans.
The Force and Rebels were locked in a desperate fight for survival last year, with Rugby Australia's axe eventually falling on the Force.
A host of the club's best players and coach Dave Wessels jumped ship to the Rebels.
Former Force players Billy Meakes, Angus Cottrell, Richard Hardwick, Ross Haylett-Petty, Matt Philip and Nathan Charles have been named in the Rebels' starting line-up.
Jermaine Ainsley and Michael Ruru are on the bench.
Former Force stars Adam Coleman and Dane Haylett-Petty weren't considered because of Wallabies duties.
Players from both sides have spoken about the friendships they still share.
Sampson predicts there will be extra passion, but doesn't expect emotions to boil over, or for specific players to be targeted.
"Friendships remain and, when you play alongside players and you've been in battle with players, you have that special bond," Sampson said.
"I'm sure they've got some emotions flowing through their bodies, but that's just normal.
"There's quality there across the park, so we don't go out to target individuals."
Wessels will share the Rebels' coaching duties on Saturday with former England and British and Irish Lions international Geoff Parling.
"We are really looking forward to a special night," Wessels said.
"I know many of the players and I am excited about returning to Perth to play in front of family and against many old friends."
Wessels has named Jack Debreczeni for his first start in four weeks, with the 25-year-old to line up at fullback.
The Force welcome back fullback Peter Grant and hooker Heath Tessmann from injury, but Marcel Brache (USA), Rodney Iona (Samoa) and Kieran Longbottom (neck) were unavailable.
Sampson says he still senses fans are hurt by the Force's Super Rugby axing, but he hopes they will enjoy Saturday's spectacle.
It will be the third WSR match, the competition launched by billionaire Andrew Forrest after the Force's axing.
REBELS:
Jack Debreczeni, Kiti Ratu, Tom English (capt), Billy Meakes, Henry Hutchinson, Tayler Adams, Harrison Goddard, Angus Cottrell, Richard Hardwick, Ross Haylett-Petty, Matt Philip, Sam Jeffries, Pone Fa'amausili, Nathan Charles, Tom Maloney.
Res: Matt Gibbons, Andrew Tuala, Jermaine Ainsley, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Rohan O'Reagan, Jack Johnson, Michael Ruru, Hunter Paisami, Jack McGregor.
FORCE:
Peter Grant, Rod Davies, Henry Taefu, AJ Alatimu, Brad Lacey, Andrew Deegan, Ian Prior (capt), Brynard Stander, Chris Alcock, Tevin Ferris, Johan Bardoul, Fergus Lee-Warner, Chris Heiberg, Heath Tessmann, Harry Lloyd.
Res: Feleti Kaitu'u, Markus Vanzati, Tom Sheminant, Leon Power, Harrison Orr, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, George Pisi, Clay Uyen.
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