Worcester Warriors will hand Joe Carlisle his first senior start of the season when they face Bourgoin in the European Challenge Cup at the Stade Pierre Rajon on Friday (kick-off 8.30pm local time).
Fly half Carlisle comes into the starting line-up with fit-again Loki Crichton moving to full back with Chris Pennell (ankle) ruled out of the game.
“Joe has a huge amount of ability and his passing is as good as anything I have ever seen during my time in coaching,” said Ruddock. “He has a good rugby brain on his shoulders and makes good decisions. Joe has the ability to have a very good all-round game.
“He came on in the final last year against Bath and made things happen and kicked a conversion from the touchline. Joe has all the tools and now it is time to find out how good he is.
“It is a great chance for him in a cauldron in Bourgoin with a passionate crowd behind the home side. This will be a good indicator to us as to whether Joe is going to take the next step on. It’s time for him to push the guys above him and show us he can do it.”
Warriors make a change at centre where Alex Grove starts with Sam Tuitupou ruled out of the game. The New Zealand centre has flown home due to a family illness.
Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock makes one change in the pack with Chris Horsman starting at prop and Tevita Taumoepeau moving to the replacements.
Academy products Jonny Arr, Greg King and Charlie Fellows are among the players named on the bench.
Warriors v Bourgoin
15 Loki Crichton
14 Rico Gear
13 Dale Rasmussen
12 Alex Grove
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Joe Carlisle
9 Matt Powell
1 Matt Mullan
2 Aleki Lutui
3 Chris Horsman
4 Greg Rawlinson
5 Craig Gillies
6 Netani Talei
7 Pat Sanderson (c)
8 Kai Horstmann
16 Tevita Taumoepeau
17 Chris Fortey
18 Will Bowley
19 Matt Cox
20 Jonny Arr
21 Greg King
22 Charlie Fellows