Preview: Worcester v Wasps

Sam Tuitupou and Netani Talei return to the starting line-up as Worcester tackle Wasps in a crucial Premiership encounter at Sixways.

Sam Tuitupou and Netani Talei both return to the starting line-up as Worcester tackle Wasps in a crucial Guinness Premiership encounter at Sixways Stadium on Saturday.

The Pocket Rocket – Tuitupou – makes his comeback after injury, playing at inside centre and joining forces with Dale Rasmussen in midfield.

Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock makes a total of three changes as Talei is also handed a start at number Eight.

Dynamic back row Kai Horstmann moves to blindside flanker and along with giant prop Tevita Taumoepeau is set to make his 100th Premiership appearance.

Chris Pennell is also named on the wing while scrum half Ryan Powell could make his return from a knee injury after taking his place on the replacements bench.

“Chris comes in for Rico Gear who aggravated a foot problem during the game last week,” said Ruddock.

“Hopefully Rico will be back in contention for selection against Leeds, however it's encouraging that we have someone of the quality of Chris to step in.

“Talking of quality, we're delighted to welcome Sam Tuitupou back into the team. He has been missed over the last few games and there's no doubt he will want to make his presence felt with some hard hitting and strong running at centre.

“Netani Talei did very well last week off the bench, carrying a lot of ball for us, and he has been rewarded with a start at Number 8, all be it after an injury to Tom Wood. Having said that, the way Netani performed he probably would have put himself in line for a start this week anyway.

“Ryan Powell finally takes a place on the replacement bench following a knee problem and it will be good to have his experience back in the panel as we enter a critical phase of the season.

“Finally, my heartiest congratulations go to Kai Horstmann and Tevita Taumoepeau on their 100th Premiership appearance. Both players have proven to be reliable and robust as well as skilful in their specific positions and they really are true Warriors.”

Meanwhile, eager to secure a win at Sixways – a feat that has evaded Wasps in five previous visits – London Wasps Director of Rugby Tony Hanks has reshuffled his pack with Zak Taulafo, Simon Shaw, and captain Tom Rees back in the starting line up and Dan Ward-Smith moving to the back row.

With the changes to the starting XV, a strong bench includes Tim Payne, Joe Worsley, Serge Betsen, David Lemi and also welcomes Phil Vickery back to the match 23 after recovery from neck surgery. Vickery's last run out for Wasps was back in October against Racing Metro and the former England captain joins his team mates in a game that could prove crucial to Wasps play off ambitions.

“Wasps have always struggled to clinch a win at Sixways and with both sides battling for vital points this weekend, we expect a hugely competitive game,” said Hanks

“On the back of the Gloucester quarter final there is a good feeling amongst the squad but we know that we are playing knock-out rugby so there is no room for complacency.

“For us it will be key to hold onto that consistency and put out a good performance. We have received the boost of seeing players return week-in-week-out from injury and internationals and we are delighted that Phil Vickery comes into the match 23 this Saturday after a lot of hard work and drive to get back to fitness.”

Form: Worcester Warriors have won just one of their last 15 matches in the Guinness Premiership since September: 13-0 at home to Newcastle on 26 February – a sequence which includes an unprecedented four drawn games. London Wasps' last eight matches in all competitions have all been won by the home side on the day, whilst Wasps most recent victory away from home in the Guinness Premiership came on 27 December against Harlequins at Twickenham. Wasps won 23-3 when the two clubs clashed in round three and perhaps surprisingly have never achieved a Premiership double over the Warriors in the same season. The Londoners have never won in five previous visits to Sixways.

The teams:

Warriors:15 Chris Latham, 14 Chris Pennell, 13 Dale Rasmussen, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Marcel Garvey, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Jonny Arr, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Pat Sanderson (c), 6 Kai Horstmann, 5 Graham Kitchener, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Adam Black.
Replacements: 16 Callum Black, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Olivier Sourgens, 19 Craig Gillies, 20 Chris Cracknell, 21 Ryan Powell, 22 Matthew Jones, 23 Alex Grove.

London Wasps:London Wasps: 15 Ben Jacobs, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Dom Waldouck, 12 Steve Kefu, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Dan Ward-Smith, 7 Tom Rees (C), 6 John Hart, 5 George Skivington, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Zak Taulafo.
Replacements:16 Tom Lindsay, 17 Tim Payne, 18 Phil Vickery, 19 Joe Worsley, 20 Serge Betsen, 21 David Lemi, 22 Dave Walder , 23 Mark Van Gisbergen

Date: Saturday, April 17
Venue: Sixways
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
Referee: Dean Richards