24th February 2010 09:29AM

Chiefs assistant coach Craig Stevenson says the Chiefs players are "settled and fresh" as they embark on their preparation for this weekend's round three match against the Western Force in Perth.

Stevenson says it is certainly "a plus" to have a normal week ahead of them with a Saturday game. He said the players enjoyed a good three days of recovery and analysis, adding that the whole squad is feeling organised and ready for the task ahead.

The squad arrived in Perth on Sunday where Stevenson explained the guys enjoyed a fun outing on the jet boat in Freemantle before getting to work on their analysis of the Lions match.

"The guys have settled in really well and are fresh going into this week."

On Monday the Chiefs had to deal with four departures and three arrivals due to injuries and a suspension. Stevenson said the transition of players went smoothly.

He said winger Lelia Masaga, lock Toby Lynn and prop Toby Smith arrived around 3pm on Monday afternoon, then enjoyed a good night's sleep and are now "good to go."

Both Masaga and Lynn have extensive Super 14 experience. Masaga who is now fully recovered from shoulder surgery has 40 Chiefs caps to his name, while Lynn has played 32 Chiefs games.

Stevenson said Masaga is certainly in contention for selection with the injury to Sitiveni Sivivatu. He added the decisions around locks are still to be made with the Chiefs options being Culum Retallick, Romana Graham, Toby Lynn and Jarrad Hoeata, who can play both at lock and number six.

The Chiefs team to play the Western Force will be named and posted on www.chiefs.co.nz on Thursday 24 February at 6.00pm.

While the injury-ravaged Western Force are yet to secure a win so far in the Rebel Sport Super 14, Stevenson expects to come against "a hard-nosed forward pack" at the weekend.

"They are a well-coached team, they are rugged and hard working.....they hoe into the contest area."

Stevenson said while the team is delighted to come out of South Africa with nine points to their name, this week they are certainly looking to improve their discipline around the tackle-ball area.

Chiefs hooker Aled de Malmanche agreed that having "points in the bank" out of South Africa, and so early in the season, was a great feeling - but he's keen to see the Chiefs continue to improve.

"We want to improve week to week. We need to fix things to win more games"