Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock recalls his first team stars as Worcester Warriors prepare to face Bath Rugby in the Guinness Premiership at Sixways Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Ruddock knows victory in the clash will guarantee Warriors top-flight rugby next season and he is able to name a near full strength side after the injury list at Sixways cleared up this week.
Skipper Pat Sanderson returns in the back row with Kai Horstmann and lock Greg Rawlinson is named alongside Craig Gillies in the second row.
Aleki Lutui has recovered from an ankle injury to take his place at hooker and will line up by with Tony Windo who makes his 99th Premiership appearance.
Matt Powell is named at scrum half, New Zealand international Sam Tuitupou returns in the centre but Dale Rasmussen misses out with concussion. South African Thinus Delport is named at full back.
Ruddock admits his players are relishing the clash but will have to be at their best to counter a powerful Bath side.
“Bath are a fine team and play some great rugby, the type of rugby I would like my team to eventually be able to play,” he said.
“They are very threatening with ball in hand, have great continuity about their game and offload. They play with width and confidence so they will be a hard team to stop. That is our challenge and we are ready for that task. “
Warriors v Bath
15 Thinus Delport
14 Marcel Garvey
13 Rico Gear
12 Sam Tuitupou
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Shane Drahm
9 Matt Powell
1 Tony Windo
2 Aleki Lutui
3 Tevita Taumoepeau
4 Greg Rawlinson
5 Craig Gillies
6 Drew Hickey
7 Pat Sanderson (c)
8 Kai Horstmann
16 Shaun Ruwers
17 Matt Mullan
18 Will Bowley
19 Tom Wood
20 Joe Carlisle
21 Jonny Arr
22 Chris Pennell