Rasmussen returns for semis
Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:07
Tough-tackling centre Dale Rasmussen returns for Worcester Warriors as they prepare for the European Challenge Cup semifinal with Newcastle Falcons at Sixways Stadium on Friday.
Rasmussen has been out of action since the quarterfinal victory over Montpellier, but has recovered from concussion sustained in that European game to make his comeback against the Falcons.
Skipper Pat Sanderson is named in the starting line-up after recovering from a dead leg that forced him off against Bath last weekend.
Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock said: "The players are looking forward to the game and we hope home advantage and the backing of the Sixways crowd can fire us to a Cup Final.
"When we played Newcastle earlier this season we felt we should have won up at Kingston Park in the [Guinness Premiership] league, we outscored them two tries to nil. The deadly boot of Jonny Wilkinson won the game for them on that occasion and we know our discipline will have to be top drawer on Friday.
"For the Warriors it has been a season of steady progress and recently we have shown some good form at Sixways to beat top four teams like Gloucester and Leicester Tigers. Hopefully we have shown the home faithful that we have Heineken Cup ambitions and against Newcastle we can get the result that we badly crave."
Warriors: 15 Thinus Delport, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Dale Rasmussen, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Shane Drahm, 9 Matt Powell, 8 Kai Horstmann, 7 Pat Sanderson (captain), 6 Drew Hickey, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Tony Windo.
Replacements: 16 Shaun Ruwers, 17 Matt Mullan, 18 Will Bowley, 19 Tom Wood, 20 Jonny Arr, 21 Joe Carlisle, 22 Rico Gear.
Date: Friday, April 25
Venue: Sixways Stadium, Worcester
Kick-off: 20.00 (19.00 GMT)
Referee: Peter
Allan (Scotland)
