Worcester v Sale: Teams

Powerful centre Dale Rasmussen returns to bolster a Warriors side high on confidence for the clash with Sale, live on Sky Sports..

After a disappointing campaign in the Guinness Premiership, which has left Worcester rooted to the bottom of the table, Mike Ruddock's side found the winning formula in the European Challenge Cup.

Back-to-back victories have lifted morale at Sixways and Worcester will now set their sights on that elusive first Premiership win.

Samoan World Cup star Loki Crichton is ruled out of the clash with a hamstring injury, however his international team-mate Rasmussen returns after being rested.

Chris Pennell is retained at full-back after scoring against Montauban, while Ruddock keeps faith with the same pack - although New Zealand international lock Greg Rawlinson handed a place on the bench.

Luke McAlister will make his debut for Sale Sharks when they visit Worcester.

Sharks boss Philippe Saint-Andre decided to throw the All Blacks centre into action after he impressed in training.

"It's a game that both sides need to win," said the Frenchman.

"Worcester need the points to kick start their Premiership campaign and we need the points if we are to keep in touch with the Premiership leading pack.

"Luke McAlister has trained with us all week and is looking good so I have decided to start with him."

Worcester: 15 Chris Pennell, 14 Thinus Delport, 13 Dale Ramussen, 12 Mark Tucker, 11 Marcel Garvey, 10 Shane Drahm, 9 Matt Powell, 1 Darren Morris, 2 Aleki Lutui, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 4 Phil Murphy, 5 Craig Gillies, 6 Tom Wood, 7 Pat Sanderson (c), 8 Netani Talei.
Replacements: 16 Matt Mullan, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Greg Rawlinson, 19 Kai Horstmann, 20 Nick Runciman, 21 Dominic Feaunati, 22 Joe Carlisle.

Sale team: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Luke McAlister, 12 Lee Thomas, 11 Rory Lamont, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Richard Wigglesworth; 1 Andrew Sheridan, 2 Sebastien Bruno, 3 Stuart Turner, 4 Dean Schofield, 5 Sean Cox, 6 Jason White, 7 Nathan Bonner Evans, 8 Sebastien Chabal.
Replacements: 16 Neil Briggs, 17 Eifion Roberts, 18 Christian Day, 19 Scott Lawson/David Tait, 20 Sililo Martens, 21 Julien Laharrague, 22 Chris Mayor/Rudi Keli