Summer signing Hal Luscombe will make his full Worcester Warriors debut when the team faces Sale Sharks in the Guinness Premiership at Sixways Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Former Wales international Luscombe has returned to full fitness after an operation on his knee and will start at centre with New Zealander Sam Tuitupou ruled out for the rest of the season.
Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock makes three changes in total to his starting line-up with the other two in the front row as Chris Fortey and Tevita Taumoepeau are both recalled.
Pat Sanderson will once again skipper the side and is joined in the back row by Kai Horstmann who will make his 100th appearance for Worcester Warriors.
“Sale are very formidable opponents and a strong team,” said Ruddock. “They will come here looking to beat us because, not only have they got a good record here, they will remember we beat them earlier in the season.
“They had a few stars missing on that occasion so they will be looking putting things right and bring the quality of Sebastien Chabal and Luke McAlister down here to beat us. It will be a massive test for us.
“My old mate Dwayne Peel will also play at nine and I have huge regard for him,” added Ruddock. “I have shown the players footage of Dwayne making breaks and starting a fantastic try down at Bath when he did a quick tap and go and showed his pace off the mark. It is crucial we keep him quiet on the day.”
Tickets for the match remain on sale from the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or by visiting the online Box Office at www.warriors.co.uk
Warriors v Sale Sharks
15 Chris Latham
14 Rico Gear
13 Hal Luscombe
12 Dale Rasmussen
11 Chris Pennell
10 Eoghan Hickey
9 Ryan Powell
1 Matt Mullan
2 Chris Fortey
3 Tevita Taumoepeau
4 Greg Rawlinson
5 Craig Gillies
6 Netani Talei
7 Pat Sanderson (c)
8 Kai Horstmann
16 Chris Horsman
17 Aleki Lutui
18 Will Bowley
19 Matt Cox
20 Matt Powell
21 Joe Carlisle
22 Alex Grove