Head Coach Richard Hill has vowed to pick his back row for the rest of the season based purely on performances and form – as the competition for places continues to grow at Sixways.
Back row trio Sam Betty, Jake Abbott and Blair Cowan all earned praise after the manner of victory over champions Saracens last week.
But Hill admits the competition is remains at its fiercest level with the likes of England Under-20 star Matt Kvesic and fit-again duo Kai Horstmann and Neil Best now pushing for recalls.
“Players have got to win their shirts back and training is interesting – it is tough. People like Sam Betty and Blair Cowan have been playing exceptionally well,” said Hill.
“They all want a place back but know the players who are in are playing exceptionally well. They have respect for them.
“I want to have another look at the form of Kai and Neil and on Wednesday night we play The Army at Sixways. Both will play and start, subject to fitness.
“My coaching and selection philosophy is if players are playing well then I don’t normally change them. Unless there is a dip in form or injury, they have to sit tight.
“It is good to have them back in the squad and both have added to training,” added Hill.
“Kai was captain at the start of the year and he was playing superbly well and leading the team. It was a big blow when he got injured so it is good he is back in the squad, he is very focused on trying to get his place back in the team.
“He is an influence and that is why he is back in the squad going to Bath this weekend. Going to The Rec, he will add that leadership to the squad and some confidence.”
Meanwhile, Hill revealed he expects lock Chris Jones to be fit to play Bath after an ankle injury, but Errie Claassens (knee) will sit the game out alongside wing Marcel Garvey.
“I don’t want to risk Marcel,” added Hill. “He is still not 100 per cent and I made a call last week that he would not play these two weeks. I will stick with that and look to the Newcastle game.”