Warriors boss Mike Ruddock has handed Loki Crichton the No 10 jersey for Saturday’s Guinness Premiership clash against Leicester Tigers (Kick-off 3pm).
Director of Rugby Ruddock is sticking by his winning side from last weekend’s last gasp win over Wasps and is happy to make only one change at this stage.
“Loki Crichton will start at 10. Matthew Jones has had a few problems with an abductor at the top of his leg” he said.
“It happened last minute and was a bit sore in last Sunday’s warm up we let him carry on and play and he did well over all but he was struggling with his kicking game and pulled up a little bit sore this week.
“The medics tell me they will get him right for Saturday but on the basis of that Loki is going to start and Matthew is then an option for us off the bench.
“Loki deserves his chance as well he showed he can come on and kick and it’s an opportunity for him and hopefully Matthew can back him up as well off the bench.”
Mike also revealed that Rico Gear is injured and likely to be out for at least another week. He also gave an update on the extent of other injured players.
“Gear is suffering from an Achillies injury and it’s a little bit more stubborn than hoped. Marcel Garvey is out for at least another six weeks he’s got a hip problem we hoped again that would have cleared but it’s taken a bit longer than we thought.
“Pat Sanderson as you know has a leg injury and he could be another six weeks so that’s going to be tough. Hal Luscombe will be out for the same time scale also. Joe Carlisle sprained his ankle in the A team match a couple of weeks ago and he’s going to be out for at least a couple of weeks yet so he’s not available for selection. Jake Abbott the young flanker hurt his ankle against Doncaster in the A game on Monday night so he’s out for a couple of weeks”.
Overall the Warriors boss is confident and determined that injury’s won’t disrupt the Warriors first home game of the season.
Mike finished off saying: “It’s been a tough week for a six day turn around. A few players had to sit out training or start training and then drop out but that’s down to soreness more than anything. We’re hoping that all the medical reports will tell us at this moment in time everyone is fit to go”.