New Zealand international lock Greg Rawlinson could be set to win a recall to the Worcester Warriors squad for the trip to Plymouth Albion, Head Coach Richard Hill has revealed.
Rawlinson missed competitive action in pre-season and the opening day victory over Birmingham & Solihull.
However, an injury to lock Craig Gillies is set to hand the man mountain a call-up for the tricky away day at Brickfields on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
And Hill admits the giant Worcester star can expect a warm welcome from a Plymouth side he expects to be fired up by coach Graham Dawe after a heavy defeat to Bedford Blues on day one.
“We have an injury to Craig Gillies. It is not a serious one, but with the quality of players we have got there is no point risking anyone and making them play through a slight injury,” said Hill.
“Craig has hurt a ligament just above the ankle, it causes a problem particularly when he is pushing in the scrum and for a lock forward that is crucial.
“It’s a precaution so we will almost certainly pull Craig out for this weekend and bring Greg Rawlinson into the 22.
“I wasn’t expecting Plymouth to lose by that much and there is a chance we might catch them on the rebound,” he added.
“I was surprised having watched Plymouth in pre-season against Neath where they looked a very accomplished team.
“Graham Dawe will not be happy with 50 points, he will make it clear that is not acceptable so I expect we will get a reaction and they will be better.
“We are going to come across a very angry and wounded animal and they play a very direct game so we expect them to keep it tight.
“It’s a good challenge for us and I would much rather face a team that is going to come at us, there is nothing worse than facing a team that is too easy.
“They will be lively and physical up front, they will take our forwards on and they will expect a much harder game than when we faced against Birmingham.”