The NSW Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by RugbyWA to keep the Western Force in Super Rugby on Tuesday and the majority of the affected players will run out for the Spirit this week.

The Force will likely fight the decision in the High Court but if they lose it is understood the reigning National Rugby Championship winners Perth will go down with their Super Rugby club.

Vikings coach Tim Sampson is expecting a fired up Spirit after and said their passion will be matched equally with ability.

"Any team playing with a lot of passion, which they have been all year, is always going to be dangerous," Sampson said.

"With the decision at the start of the week, which was a tough decision for the Perth Spirit and Western Force boys, I'm sure it will ignite them and there will be a lot of fire in the belly.

"But they're also playing pretty good footy, they seem to open their shoulders up and play a pretty loose brand of footy which can be dangerous and can catch you off guard, so I'm expecting a really strong performance from them."

Scrumhalf Joe Powell returns to the Wallabies squad which gives Pedro Rolando his first start, while No.8 Rob Valetini replaces Lolo Fakasilea in the starting XV.

Skipper Tom Cusack comes back in at openside flanker as the Vikings look to kick-start their season with consecutive wins after they downed Queensland Country 48-40 last week.

"I was watching on the hill and it was an interesting one, proud of the effort but there's lots of room for improvement in a game where you leak 40 points," Cusack said.

"We're expecting them to come out with a lot passion, they're a good strong team on paper with a quality forward pack and great speed out wide, so we can't underestimate them."

Sampson admitted defence was an area of concern but is confident they've patched the holes in a week one leaky ship, while Cusack said he's looking forward to lining up against former teammate Nick Jooste.

"Hopefully Joosty gets a run and it's an interesting one, you're confronted with that reality sometimes that you play against blokes you've played with, it's just about enjoying it rather than butting heads," Cusack said.

The Spirit won their season opener at home against the Melbourne Rising 45-33 and former ACT Brumbies scrumhalf Ian Prior has been named on the bench.

NRC ROUND TWO

Sunday: Canberra Vikings v Perth Spirit at Viking Park, 1pm. Tickets available at the gate.

Canberra Vikings: 1. Harry Lloyd 2. Robbie Abel 3. Les Leuluailii-Makin 4. Blake Enever 5. Sam Carter 6. Ben Hyne 7. Tom Cusack (c) 8. Rob Valetini 9. Pedro Rolando 10. Wharenui Hawera 11. Ben Johnston 12. James Dargaville 13. Andrew Robinson 14. Andrew Muirhead 15. Tom Banks Reserves: 16. Folau Faingaa 17. Faalelei Sione 18. Joel Penders 19. Angus Allen 20. Lolo Fakaosilea 21. Ryan Lonergan 22. Liam Moseley 23. Len Ikitau

Perth Spirit: 1. Pek Cowan 2. Anaru Rangi 3. Baxter King 4. Richard Arnold 5. Matt Philip 6. Onehunga Havili 7. Kane Koteka 8. Isireli Naisarani 9. Michael Ruru (c) 10. Jono Lance 11. Chance Peni 12. Sheldon Tarawa 13. Marcel Brache 14. James Verity-Amm 15. Brendan Owen Reserves: 16. Sama Malolo 17. Mees Erasmus 18. Beau King19. Ben Grant 20. Tevin Ferris 21. Michael McDonald 22. Ian Prior 23. Clay Uyen