Maori Warrior back to face Leeds
Centre sensation Sam Tuitupou makes his long awaited Guinness Premiership comeback as Worcester Warriors tackle newcomers Leeds Carnegie at Sixways Stadium on Friday.
Tuitupou – known as the Pocket Rocket – has been out of league action since damaging his knee last year.
But the New Zealand ace is now set for action as the Warriors play on home soil for the first time this season.
Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock makes two changes to the starting line-up with Tuitupou replacing Greg King at inside centre and Tevita Taumoepeau in at prop for Olivier Sourgens (knee).
Fijian international Netani Talei is named among the replacements alongside Shaun Ruwers, while summer signing Adam Black is set for his home league debut from the bench.
Ruddock is anticipating a tough battle against the Premiership newcomers, but is enjoying the prospect of a big home ground reception.
“It’s a big game for us – but every game is a big one in the Guinness Premiership,” said Ruddock.
“We’re delighted to be back on home soil at Sixways Stadium in front of our fans. I’m hoping that the supporters enjoyed seeing our performance at Northampton and will turn out in force and really get behind the team.
“Every home game is massive, if we are going to do well this season we need to win our home games and be competitive on the road. We were competitive last weekend and if we can produce on Friday night it will keep us on track for a successful season.
Meanwhile, Andy Key and Neil Back have made just three changes to the Leeds Carnegie side for the game.
Rob Rawlinson comes in for Vili Ma’asi at hooker whilst Alfie To’oala replaces Rhys Oakley at No.8. To’oala made his debut for Leeds off the bench in the 9-9 draw with Newcastle last Sunday. In the week’s final starting change, Erik Lund comes in for Phil Murphy in the second row.
The is one further change on the bench with England Under-20 captain Calum Clark returning to the first team squad after featuring in the Guinness A League.
Worcester Warriors have won three of their last four matches at Sixways in all competitions, but they have not beaten Leeds since a 22-15 win at Sixways in the Guinness Premiership on 14 October 2005. Leeds, though, have not won away from home in the Guinness Premiership since a trip to Bath on 25 November 2005 resulted in a 16-12 victory.
The teams:
Worcester: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Alex Grove, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Ryan Powell, 8 Kai Horstmann, 7 Pat Sanderson (captain), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Matt Mullan
Replacements: 16 Adam Black, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Shaun Ruwers, 19 Graham Kitchener, 20 Netani Talei, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 George Crook, 23 Rico Gear
Leeds Carnegie: 15 Jon Goodridge, 14 Richard Welding, 13 Jonny Hepworth, 12 Scott Barrow, 11 Lee Blackett, 10 Ceiron Thomas, 9 Andy Gomarsall, 8 Alfie To’oala, 7 Hendre Fourie, 6 Kearnan Myall, 5 Marco Wentzel (captain), 4 Erik Lund, 3 Tommy McGee, 2 Rob Rawlinson, 1 Gareth Hardy
Replacements: 16 Vili Ma’asi, 17 Alex Moreno,18 Phil Swainston,19 Calum Clark, 20 Danny Paul, 21 Scott Mathie, 22 Henry Paul, 23 Scott Armstrong
Date: Friday 11 September
Venue: Sixways Stadium, Worcester
Time: 19:45 (18:45 GMT)
Referee: Greg Garner
