Worcester v Bath: Teams

Horstmann: Returns to Worcester

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Worcester Warriors welcome back Kai Horstmann to the starting line-up for their Guinness Premiership showdown with Bath Rugby at Sixways Stadium.

The 28-year-old back row, who has been out of action with a rib injury since mid-September, will make his fourth league appearance of this campaign on his return to the pack.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock has made 13 changes to the starting XV due to the recall of those players rested for the Warriors' LV= Cup visit to Wales to face the Scarlets.

Samoan centre Dale Rasmussen will start for the first time this season, while Chris Latham, Sam Tuitupou and Miles Benjamin return in the backs.

Prop Tevita Taumoepeau will reclaim his spot in the pack after recovering from a back injury.

"We're looking forward to the game," said Ruddock.

"We rested up a few guys for this fixture and we expect them to go in with plenty of energy and plenty of edge.

"I am a big fan of Bath because they play some top rugby.

Confidence

"We want to play some open and attractive rugby and test them, look for the space rather than the man.

"But when they have the ball we are aware of their pace and ability to move the ball quickly through hands, we need to try and pressure them and tackle effectively."

A convincing LV= Cup win for Bath over Ospreys last weekend means Steve Meehan's side will visit Sixways with boosted confidence.

Young inside centre Ben Williams retains his starting spot after displaying strong form in the club's two previous matches, while Scott Hobson, Mark Lilley and Paul Roberts have been named as replacements.

"We are looking forward to getting back playing Guinness Premiership matches," said skills and defence coach Brad Davis.

"We are not comfortable in the position we find ourselves in at the moment in the table so we will be looking to start moving up."

"We are under no illusion that playing Worcester on a Friday night at Sixways is a pretty daunting task, but if we have to have the right frame of mind we will get the result."

Warriors: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Dale Rasmussen, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Ryan Powell, 1 Callum Black, 2 Aleki Lutui, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 5 Craig Gillies, 6 Tom Wood, 7 Pat Sanderson (c), 8 Kai Horstmann.
Replacements: 16 Adam Black, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Olivier Sourgens, 19 Graham Kitchener, 20 Jake Abbott, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 Calum MacRae, 23 Rico Gear.

Bath: 15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Matt Carraro, 13 Shontayne Hape, 12 Ben Williams, 11 Jack Cuthbert, 10 Ryan Davis, 9 Michael Claassens (c), 1 David Flatman, 2 Pieter Dixon, 3 Aaron Jarvis, 4 Peter Short, 5 Danny Grewcock, 6 Ben Skirving, 7 Julian Salvi, 8 Luke Watson.
Replacements: 16 Mears, 17 Catt, 18 Lilley, 19 Hobson, 20 Browne, 21 Bemand, 22 Roberts, 23 Stephenson.