Leeds v Worcester: Teams

Giant Samoan prop Fosi Pala'amo will finally make his debut for Leeds Carnegie in Friday evening's crucial clash against Worcester.

Pala'amo, who joined back in August but has not yet played due to World Cup duty and compassionate leave, is one of four changes made by the home side.

Argentine Alberto Di Bernardo has recovered from a fractured bone in his hand to play for the first time since the opening day of the season.

Jonny Hepworth replaces Tom Rock in the centres after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Jon Goodridge comes in for John Holtby.

Leigh Hinton will revert to the wing, allowing Goodridge to line up at full back.

Leeds director of rugby Stuart Lancaster said: "The work the players and coaching staff are doing off the field is fantastic.

"The players had the weekend off and they came back looking refreshed this week.

"Fosi (Pala'amo) is proving to be an excellent team player and deserves his chance in the squad."

Must-win

Welsh international prop Chris Horsman returns from World Cup duty to make his first appearance of the season for Worcester.

Prop Tony Windo and scrum-half Matt Powell are the other changes for the Warriors, with Tevita Taumoepeau, Darren Morris and Ryan Powell dropping to the bench.

Two other returning World Cup starts, Aleki Lutui and Loki Crichton, are named on a powerful looking bench.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock said: "They are all tough games and must-win in this league - but this clash is a big one.

"We can't hide from the fact that we are the two teams towards the bottom of the league so there is a lot at stake and a lot to gain for one team.

"We are looking to put in a really big performance.

"We have been bolstered by the guys returning from the World Cup. They have brought a lot of enthusiasm into the training environment from their experiences in France."

Leeds: 15 Jon Goodridge, 14 Leigh Hinton, 13 Jonny Hepworth, 12 Lee Blackett, 11 Tom Biggs, 10 Alberto Di Bernardo, 9 Joe Bedford; 1 Fosi Pala'amo, 2 Vili Ma'asi, 3 Colin Noon, 4 Erik Lund, 5 Stuart Hooper (captain), 6 Rhys Oakley, 7 Calum Clark, 8 Mark Lock.

Replacements: 16 Michael Cusack, 17 Rob Rawlinson, 18 Tommy McGee, 19 Kearnan Myall, 20 James Brooks, 21 Richard Welding, 22 John Holtby.

Worcester: 15 Shane Drahm, 14 Thinus Delport, 13 Dale Rasmussen, 12 Mark Tucker, 11 Marcel Garvey, 10 James Brown, 9 Matt Powell; 1 Tony Windo, 2 Chris Forrtey, 3 Chris Horsman, 4 Phil Murphy, 5 Craig Gillies, 6 Drew Hickey, 7 Pat Sanderson (captain), 8 Kai Horstmann.

Replacements: 16 Darren Morris, 17 Tevita Taumoepeau, 18 Aleki Lutui, 19 Will Bowley, 20 Gavin Quinnell, 21 Ryan Powell, 22 Loki Crichton.