Warriors v Saints: Teams

Chris Latham and Dale Rasmussen return to Worcester's side for Saturday clash Northampton at Sixways Stadium.

Former Australia international Latham comes back into the starting XV at full-back after missing the win over Wasps last weekend.

With Latham fit to play Rico Gear moves back to the wing on the opposite flank to Marcel Garvey.

Rasmussen has recovered from a stinger injury and is named at outside centre alongside Alex Grove, a try-scorer against Wasps.

The only other change made by Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock sees Netani Talei replace Tom Wood, who is sidelined with a broken jaw. James Collins is named on the replacements bench.

Home run

Northampton head out on their travels still smarting from seeing their unbeaten run on home soil come to a shock end last Saturday.

Newcastle became the first visiting team to win at Franklin's Gardens since March 2007 when they triumphed 19-13.

The performance by his Saints did not please director of rugby Jim Mallinder, who has called for his players to improve if they are to succeed at Sixways.

"Sixways will be a tough place to visit this weekend," he said.

"Worcester have been public in saying that this is a key game they have targeted and we are under no illusions that it will be a difficult game.

"They have a good set of forwards, are physical in midfield and have plenty of pace out wide. Furthermore they have some top class players like Chris Latham and Dale Rasmussen who are likely to return to action tomorrow.

"We were very disappointed with our performance against Newcastle. But we have to turn that into a positive.

"We were very hurt coming off the field last weekend and don't want to feel the same way at the end of the game tomorrow. The players have worked hard during the week and are looking forward to showing their full potential against Worcester."

International rescue

Northampton are boosted by the availability of Euan Murray, as the Scottish international looks to get back to full fitness.

The prop is joined in the front row by England hooker Dylan Hartley. Brett Sharman and Soane Tonga'uiha both may way for the returning duo.

Mallinder has decided to ring the changes in the backs, with Stephen Myler dropped to the bench and Chris Ashton missing from the 22.

Ben Foden starts at full-back so skipper Bruce Reihana switches to the wing. Barry Everitt takes over from Myler at fly-half.

Worcester: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Rico Gear, 13 Dale Rasmussen, 12 Alex Grove, 11 Marcel Garvey, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Matt Powell, 8 Kai Horstmann, 7 Pat Sanderson (capt), 6 Netani Talei, 5 Will Bowley, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Matt Mullan.
Replacements: 16 Darren Morris, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Graham Kitchener, 19 James Collins, 20 Ryan Powell, 21 Joe Carlisle, 22 Miles Benjamin.

Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Paul Diggin, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Bruce Reihana (capt), 10 Barry Everitt, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Scott Gray, 6 Neil Best, 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Tom Smith.
Replacements: 16 Brett Sharman, 17 Soane Tonga'uiha, 18 Alex Rae, 19 Mark Hopley, 20 Stephen Myler, 21 Joe Ansbro, 22 Sean Lamont.