Australian international full back Chris Latham will captain Worcester Warriors when they kick off the EDF Energy Cup campaign against London Irish at Sixways Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).
Latham will play full back in a back division which also sees a senior start to centre Alex Grove who came off the bench in the clash with Harlequins during the week. Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock makes a change at scrum half with Ben Jones handed the number nine jersey.
A changed front row sees Darren Morris, Chris Fortey and Chris Horsman pack down while young back row Jake Abbott is also handed a senior start.
“We have two home games in the EDF Energy Cup this season and we want to use those to our advantage to progress,” said Ruddock.
“Having said that, a lot will come down the very first game and trying to make a winning start. The game with Irish will have a big bearing on our how we do in this competition and how our mindset develops.
“The reality is that we will have to use some youngsters in the cup competitions. But that is a positive as they will be fresh, hungry to show what they can do and excited about getting an opportunity.
Warriors v London Irish
15 Chris Latham (c)
14 Charlie Fellows
13 Alex Grove
12 Sam Tuitupou
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Matthew Jones
9 Ben Jones
1 Darren Morris
2 Chris Fortey
3 Chris Horsman
4 Graham Kitchener
5 Craig Gillies
6 Matt Cox
7 Jake Abbott
8 Netani Talei
16 Shaun Ruwers
17 Aleki Lutui
18 Greg Rawlinson
19 Tom Wood
20 Jonny Arr
21 Joe Carlisle
22 Loki Crichton