Worcester v Harlequins: Teams
Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock is expecting a physical battle when Harlequins arrive at Sixways.
Last Updated: 23/10/09 6:12pm
Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock is expecting a physical battle when Harlequins arrive at Sixways.
Ruddock, who has made 10 changes to his line-up, has yet to taste defeat at home this season in the Premiership.
However the former Wales chief knows his side must front up to Quins if they are to maintain that run.
"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," Ruddock said.
"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 back-line of Harlequins gets, as it is a very dangerous one. We have got to stop them starting well and keep the pressure on them."
Ruddock has handed back-row Netani Talei his 50th appearance, while Aleki Lutui, Tevita Taumoepeau, Greg Rawlinson, Tom Wood and skipper Pat Sanderson also win recalls to the pack.
Injury
In the backs Chris Latham, Sam Tuitupou, Ryan Powell and Willie Walker come back into the starting XV.
Harlequins return to league action on the back of a disappointing jaunt into the Heineken Cup, with coach John Kingston making a number of changes.
Crucially skipper Will Skinner misses out through injury, so Neil McMillan comes into the side with Nick Easter handed the captaincy.
James Percival and George Robson pair up in the second row, while John Andress takes the place of prop Mark Lambert, who starts on the bench.
In the backs, Nils Mordt will make his Premiership debut in the centres.
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 (capt), 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 (capt), 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.