All-action centre Alex Crockett acknowledges Worcester Warriors will need to be at their best at ever improving Bristol Rugby as he prepares to again return to his former club on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 1pm)
Crockett had a short spell at the Memorial Stadium last season before his move to Warriors and has enjoyed both games against his old side this term.
The 29-year-old, who has played 22 games this season for Warriors, grabbed his first try at Sixways when he scored a long-range effort against Bristol back in October.
The former England Saxon was also on the scoresheet in Bristol with his first half effort helping Worcester overturn a 20-7 deficit to run out winners.
Crockett will again line-up for Worcester this weekend as he teams up with Dale Rasmussen in midfield and he is only too aware of the test that Warriors face in the opening game of Pool A.
“I think Bristol are improving as the season goes on,” he said. “Although they finished eighth in the league, their pace, intensity and organisation is more like a Premiership side than a lot of the other teams in the Championship.
“I don’t think anybody gets a nice reception when they go back to play against Bristol at the Memorial Ground,” added Crockett.
“I enjoyed my first game back at Bristol — in fact I’ve enjoyed both of the games we’ve played against them so far this year. There’ll be a good crowd down there too so we are looking forward to the fixture.”