Worcester v Wasps: Teams

Worcester Warriors welcome back 'Pocket Rocket' Sam Tuitupou to the starting XV to host London Wasps for Saturday's crucial Guinness Premiership clash.

New Zealander Tuitupou, who is returning from a back injury, will start at inside centre to form a midfield partnership with Dale Rasmussen for the Sixways Stadium showdown.

Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock makes a total of three changes to the side that lost 23-13 to London Irish last weekend, with Netani Talei set to step in for Tom Wood at number eight.

Vibrant back row Kai Horstmann switches to blindside flanker and will make his 100th Premiership outing along with prop Tevita Taumoepeau.

Problem

Chris Pennell will also appear on the wing in place of injured Rico Gear, while scrum-half Ryan Powell could make his comeback from a knee injury after being named on the replacements bench.

"Chris comes in for Rico Gear who aggravated a foot problem during the game last week," said Ruddock.

"Hopefully Rico will be back in contention for selection against Leeds, however it's encouraging that we have someone of the quality of Chris to step in.

"Talking of quality, we're delighted to welcome Sam Tuitupou back into the team. He has been missed over the last few games and there's no doubt he will want to make his presence felt with some hard hitting and strong running at centre.

"Netani Talei did very well last week off the bench, carrying a lot of ball for us, and he has been rewarded with a start at Number 8, all be it after an injury to Tom Wood.

"Ryan Powell finally takes a place on the replacement bench following a knee problem and it will be good to have his experience back in the panel as we enter a critical phase of the season."

Meanwhile, Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks has reshuffled his pack with Zak Taulafo, Simon Shaw and captain Tom Rees returning to the starting line-up while Dan Ward-Smith switches to the back row.

Competitive

Hanks has also named a strong bench that features Tim Payne, Joe Worsley, Serge Betsen, David Lemi and Phil Vickery, who is back in the match-day 23 after recovering from neck surgery.

Wasps enter the clash fresh from their 42-26 European Challenge Cup victory over Gloucester last Sunday, and Hanks is fully aware how important the match could be for his side's play-off ambitions.

"Wasps have always struggled to clinch a win at Sixways and with both sides battling for vital points this weekend, we expect a hugely competitive game," said Hanks.

"On the back of the Gloucester quarter-final there is a good feeling amongst the squad but we know that we are playing knock-out rugby so there is no room for complacency. For us it will be key to hold onto that consistency and put out a good performance.

"We have received the boost of seeing players return week-in-week-out from injury and internationals and we are delighted that Phil Vickery comes into the match 23 this Saturday after a lot of hard work and drive to get back to fitness."

Worcester: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Chris Pennell, 13 Dale Rasmussen, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Marcel Garvey, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Jonny Arr, 1 Adam Black, 2 Aleki Lutui, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 5 Graham Kitchener, 6 Kai Horstmann, 7 Pat Sanderson (capt), 8 Netani Talei.
Replacements:16 Callum Black, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Olivier Sourgens, 19 Craig Gillies, 20 Chris Cracknell, 21 Ryan Powell, 22 Matthew Jones, 23 Alex Grove.

Wasps: 15 Ben Jacobs, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Dom Waldouck, 12 Steve Kefu, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Joe Simpson, 1 Zak Taulafo, 2 Rob Webber, 3 Ben Broster, 4 Simon Shaw, 5 George Skivington, 6 John Hart, 7 Tom Rees (capt), 8 Dan Ward-Smith.
Replacements: 16 Tom Lindsay, 17 Tim Payne, 18 Phil Vickery, 19 Joe Worsley, 20 Serge Betsen, 21 David Lemi, 22 Dave Walder, 23 Mark Van Gisbergen.