Worcester v Saracens: Teams

Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock has admitted "it doesn't get much bigger than this" ahead of the visit of Saracens to Sixways.

The undefeated Guinness Premiership leaders are enjoying a stunning run of form, and have even beaten South Africa this season.

And Ruddock insists his side are confident that they can become the first team to topple Saracens in the league.

"It would have been good to get four points last week and we felt on balance we just deserved to edge it against Bath. Ultimately it's gone now, it's our fault we didn't nail it down," he said.

"Now we have got to learn from that and face a really big challenge against Saracens.

"They are undefeated and very difficult to break down. They are not only top of the league but they have also beaten the world champions, South Africa, so it doesn't get much bigger than this.

"But it's a game we are all quite excited about and can't wait for the game to come around."

Professionalism

Worcester hooker Chris Fortey is set to join the exclusive '200 Club' if he comes off the bench for the clash.

Ruddock has opted to stick with the same starting line-up that drew 12-12 with Bath - meaning Fortey starts among the replacements.

And Ruddock added: "Chris is about to hit the 200 Club in the Guinness Premiership and this is yet another example of the durability, professionalism and skill of this Warrior over an extended period."

England captain Steve Borthwick comes straight back into the Saracens side for the match.

Chris Wyles and Moses Rauluni join Borthwick in returning from international for the match, with Richard Haughton coming back on the wing.

And although Sarries are unbeaten in the league this season, defence/forward coach Paul Gustard is expecting a rough ride against the Warriors.

"We know that going to Sixways is always a tough test," said defence Gustard.

"They have some very good players in the likes of Chris Latham, Sam Tuitupou, Pat Sanderson and others.

"They also have a very strong forward pack so we know we are in for a tough game. But the guys are really looking forward to the challenge and they know that we have to increase our effort levels week on week to keep getting the results we want.

"Having Steve Borthwick back in the side is fantastic. I've been lucky enough to play with some great captains in my career, but his leadership, commitment and dedication are second to none and it's great to have him back in the side.

"Chris Wyles has been in great form this season and, as anyone who knows him, Moses Rauluni is a great character to have around the club and also a terrific player."

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

Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Richard Haughton, 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Chris Wyles, 10 Derick Hougaard, 9 Justin Marshall, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Wikus van Heerden, 5 Tom Ryder, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Rhys Gill.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Kasiano Lealamanua, 18 Richard Skuse, 19 Hugh Vyvyan, 20 Don Barrell, 21 Moses Rauluni, 22 Adam Powell, 23 Rodd Penney.