Having been without star player Will Jordan this season, the Crusaders are looking for a boost in Saturday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific game with the Force in Christchurch.

Coach Scott Robertson said, "It's been a big six months for Will. He just got better and better, and he chose this game after having a couple of good training weeks, and he's prepared well.

"It's good to time it with the home game, afternoon, all those things. The timing is right, and we're pleased for him. It's been tough, and he's ready.

"He wants to play; he's a rugby player and he trains as much as everyone else. He didn't feel quite right, and with these things there're not rules. It's not [a case of] return in six weeks because it's a hamstring. It's a head [issue], and it goes on feeling, and he's feeling good enough at the moment."

Robertson said Jordan was set to play the whole game if needed, but if necessary, he could also come off earlier.

His return will strengthen the back three, especially with wing Sevu Reece out for the season.

"It's Will Jordan. He can kick, he can run, he can read the game. It's exciting."

However, he added that they would assess Jordan after the game to ensure he was comfortable continuing regularly.

While the Crusaders have lost three games this year, Robertson was upbeat about the side and competition.

"[It's a] hell of a comp, it's good. These games are going to the wire. You're not sure who's going to win each week. This is a challenge that we need."

Central to their goal against the Force is finishing try opportunities.

After last week's second loss to the Chiefs, he said they would have been moments away from winning if they had shown more game understanding.

"It was a hell of a match. We're proud of our efforts. We weren't beaten on efforts."

He said they had covered a couple of moments in training, and in the review, they acknowledged they could get better in those situations.

Crusaders v Western Force: Saturday 6 May, 4.35pm NZT, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch. TICKETS.