Planet Rugby

Preview: Worcester v Harlequins

23rd October 2009 12:28

Netani Talei Sale v Worcester 2008

Half-century: Netani Talei

Worcester will hand back-row Netani Talei his 50th appearance for the club on Saturday as they take on Harlequins at Sixways.

Fijian international Talei is one of ten changes from the team that defeated Olympus Rugby XV Madrid last weekend as Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock looks to defend an unbeaten home record in the domestic competition.

Full-back Chris Latham and centre Sam Tuitupou, who will line up alongside Scottish call-up Alex Grove, return in the back-line and Ryan Powell and Willie Walker will join forces at half back.

Hooker Aleki Lutui and fit-again prop Tevita Taumoepeau are back in the front row while Greg Rawlinson, Tom Wood, Talei and skipper Pat Sanderson also win recalls in the pack.

"I expect a very physical encounter against Harlequins. What we have got to do is be prepared for that big onslaught early on. We have got to meet that head on and try to nullify it," Ruddock said.

"We have been able to freshen up a number of the players in recent weeks and we have got to use some of that power to show muscle up front, as that will be a key area.

"The battle of the breakdown will be massive and we have got to restrict the amount of ball that the back-line of Harlequins gets, as it is a very dangerous one. We have got to stop them starting well and keep the pressure on them."

Meanwhile, Harlequins will be looking to put their disappointing start the 2009/10 Heineken Cup behind them when they run out on Saturday.

The London side will hope to grab their first away win of the season. The statistics are definitely on their side, as Harlequins have won the last four times they have visited Sixways, but it will be a tough game between two sides eager to climb their way up the table.

There are a number of changes to the first XV who started last Saturday at the Stoop against Toulouse.

Quins fans will be delighted to see the return of second-row pairing James Percival and George Robson to the Quins pack. Lewis Stevenson, who has impressed after making his starting debut for Quins against Leicester at the beginning of the season, starts on the bench.

However, there is disappointment in the shape of captain Will Skinner missing out through injury. He will be replaced by Neil McMillan and England number eight Nick Easter will skipper in his absence.

The final change in the forwards is in the front row, where John Andress takes the place of prop, Mark Lambert, who starts on the bench.

In the backs, an unfamiliar face will put on the number twelve shirt. Quins' latest signing, Nils Mordt, will make his Guinness Premiership debut, partnering George Lowe in the centres, who is in for the injured Gonzalo Tiesi.

Form: Quins have won their last six games against the Warriors in the Premiership since Worcester's 15-9 victory at the Stoop on 19 February 2005. Harlequins have won the last four times they have visited Sixways. The last five Worcester Warriors matches in the Guinness Premiership have all been won by the home side on the day. The Warriors have won four of their last five games at Sixways in the competition. Harlequins are unbeaten in their last two Guinness Premiership matches following a 17-all draw at Newcastle and a 13-11 home win over Bath. Quins only away victory in their last six encounters in all competitions was 19-3 at Bath in the Premiership on 4 April.

The teams:

Worcester: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Rico Gear, 13 Alex Grove, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Ryan Powell, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Pat Sanderson (capt), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Adam Black.
Replacements: 16 Callum Black, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Jack Gilding, 19 Will Bowley, 20 James Collins, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 George Crook, 23 Calum MacRae.

Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 David Strettle, 13 George Lowe, 12 Nils Mordt, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter (capt), 7 Neil McMillan, 6 Chris Robshaw, 5 George Robson, 4 James Percival, 3 John Andress, 2 Tani Fuga, 1 Ceri Jones.
Replacements: 16 Chris Brooker, 17 Aston Croall, 18 Mark Lambert, 19 Lewis Stevenson, 20 Tom Guest, 21 Steve So'oialo, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 Josh Druniniu.

Date: Saturday, October 24
Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Venue: Sixways Stadium
Referee: Tim Wigglesworth

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