Warriors expect an 'early onslaught'
Back row ace Netani Talei is set to make his 50th appearance for Worcester Warriors as boss Mike Ruddock recalls his senior stars for the Guinness Premiership clash with Harlequins at Sixways Stadium on Saturday.
Fijian international Talei is one of ten changes from the team that defeated Olympus Rugby XV Madrid last weekend as Warriors look to defend an unbeaten home record in the domestic competition.
Fullback Chris Latham and centre Sam Tuitupou, who will line up alongside Scottish call-up Alex Grove, return in the backline and Ryan Powell and Willie Walker will join forces at half back.
Hooker Aleki Lutui and fit-again prop Tevita Taumoepeau are back in the front row while Greg Rawlinson, Tom Wood, Talei and skipper Pat Sanderson also win recalls in the pack.
Ruddock said: “I expect a very physical encounter against Harlequins. What we have got to do is be prepared for that big onslaught early on. We have got to meet that head on and try to nullify it.
“We have been able to freshen up a number of the players in recent weeks and we have got to use some of that power to show muscle up front, as that will be a key area.
“The battle of the breakdown will be massive and we have got to restrict the amount of ball that the backline of Harlequins gets, as it is a very dangerous one. We have got to stop them starting well and keep the pressure on them.”
After a disappointing start to their Heineken Cup campaign, Quins will turn their attentions back to domestic matters and look to continue the good form which has seen them unbeaten in their last 2 games.
The statistics are definitely on the visitors side as Harlequins have won the last four times they have visited Sixways, but it will be a tough game between two sides eager to climb their way up the table.
There are a number of changes to the first XV who started last Saturday at the Stoop against Toulouse. Quins fans will be delighted to see the return of second row pairing James Percival and George Robson to the Quins pack. Lewis Stevenson, who has impressed after making his starting debut for Quins against Leicester at the beginning of the season, starts on the bench.
Quins fans will be disappointed by the absence of captain Will Skinner, who was injured against Toulouse. He will be replaced by Neil McMillan and England number 8, Nick Easter, will captain the side. The final change in the forwards is in the front row, where John Andress takes the place of prop, Mark Lambert, who starts on the bench.
In the backs, an unfamiliar face will put on the number 12 shirt. Quins’ latest signing, Nils Mordt, will make his Guinness Premiership debut with the London Club, partnering George Lowe in the centres, who is in for the injured Gonzalo Tiesi.
The teams:
Worcester: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Rico Gear, 13 Alex Grove, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Ryan Powell, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Pat Sanderson (captain), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Adam Black.
Replacements: 16 Callum Black, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Jack Gilding, 19 Will Bowley, 20 James Collins, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 George Crook, 23 Calum MacRae.
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 David Strettle, 13 George Lowe, 12 Nils Mordt, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter (captain), 7 Neil McMillan, 6 Chris Robshaw, 5 George Robson, 4 James Percival, 3 John Andress, 2 Tani Fuga, 1 Ceri Jones.
Replacements: 16 Chris Brooker, 17 Aston Croall, 18 Mark Lambert, 19 Lewis Stevenson, 20 Tom Guest, 21 Steve So’oialo, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 Josh Druniniu.
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 15.00 (14.00 GMT)
Venue: Sixways Stadium
Referee: Tim Wigglesworth
