Head Coach Richard Hill has revealed that lock legend Greg Rawlinson will start for Worcester Warriors and make his 100th appearance for the club on Saturday against Bristol Rugby (kick-off 3pm).
Former New Zealand second row Rawlinson – nicknamed Dolph by fans at Sixways – has been a major player for Warriors since his arrival from Auckland Blues in 2007.
The giant lock has now earned a recall for the home clash in the RFU Championship play-offs against Bristol with Hill praising his impact off the bench in recent times and deserved start.
“We will go very strong again on Saturday and will look to make just a couple changes to last week,” said Hill.
“Aleki Lutui will start at hooker and Greg Rawlinson will come in at lock. It is his 100th game for the club so that is a great milestone for him.
“Greg has got better and better as the big games have approached and has forced his way in as a result of some impressive performances off the bench
“Every week we think very carefully about the make-up of the side and we need to make sure that the team we think is going to play the semi-final gets as much game time as possible together,” added Hill.
“We might tweak a few positions, but I am firm believer in keeping consistency to selection now and the more we play together the better we will get.
“You run the risk of injuries, but you do what you have got to do and try not to think about it. You pick a strong team and they will then rest up after this game.”
Chris Pennell, however, will not be risked in the game as Hill protects his skipper and allows Tom Arscott to continue after his fine performance at Old Deer Park.
“Chris is not quite there. He has been training, but he has a little niggle that I am not prepared to risk,” added Hill.
“Tom Arscott also played very well last weekend and stepped into his shoes and did very well. London Welsh test the full back, particularly with their restarts, but Tom was like a rock at the back. He has kept himself sharp and performed exceptionally well.
“We won’t play Chris in the British & Irish Cup either and will look at the semi-final. He had that long period out this season and came back against Birmingham & Solihull and looked like he had never been away.
“If I thought he was the type of player who needed a few games to get himself back together I would do that. But he is such a mentally strong person that he can come straight back in and perform at the top level. We will keep him wrapped up and look to the semi-final.”
Tickets remain on sale to watch Warriors versus Bristol this Saturday at Sixways! Call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or click HERE to take your seat for all the action.