Head Coach Richard Hill has revealed that hooker Chris Fortey and versatile back Willie Walker are set to be called up by Worcester Warriors for the RFU Championship clash with Doncaster Knights this Saturday at Sixways Stadium (kick-off 3pm).
Hill has spoken of his desire to rotate his squad during the opening half of the season to ensure every player gets rugby and can prove their worth.
Fortey and Walker are set to benefit this weekend while a new-look half back pairing is expected to be unleashed as table-topping Worcester look to maintain a winning star to the new campaign.
“We are going to give one or two an opportunity,” said Hill. “We will bring Willie Walker and Chris Fortey in; I will also look to change the half back pairing so we will see Andy Goode paired with Jonny Arr this week.
“I will stick to my policy of rotation and give everyone a fair crack at it. It is only fair to look at Andy Williams with Joe Carlisle soon too.”
Hill revealed the performance of several of his senior players in Aviva Premiership A League action in recent weeks against Leeds and Northampton had reaffirmed his commitment to rotation.
He said: “The performances of senior players in those A games has been exceptional. It tests the character because first team players want to be playing for the first team. It can be difficult for them to go away in the A team, but their attitude has been superb.
“It helps me see a person’s character. If they didn’t perform then they are not the sort of player you want, but everyone that has played have been trying as hard as they could do.
“I have said all along that I will use rotation and give people the chance, subject to fitness, form and attitude. If those players hadn’t performed in the A team they wouldn’t be given a chance.
“The likes of Chris Fortey come in because he has captained the A team on two occasions and been outstanding. Willie Walker has also given 100 percent and I could not fault him for his effort. They reap the rewards if they deserve it.
“Oriol Ripol is one who has not yet had his chance, but he will hopefully the week after. They have to bide their time.
“It has been explained to the players and they know their time will come. The likes of Chris Fortey and Willie Walker know this is their chance and they have got to take it.
Meanwhile, Hill has confirmed that Pat Sanderson could make his comeback from a rib injury in the A League fixture on home soil with Sale on Monday night.
“Adam Balding, Craig Gillies and Pat Sanderson have all trained. If they complete this week’s training they will play 40 minutes against Sale A on Monday,” he said.
“If they come through that they will be involved, either starting or on the bench, for Moseley the week after. They have trained well so I can’t see why they won’t be involved against Moseley.”
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