Rawlinson leads Warriors into battle
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:46
Greg Rawlinson has been named captain for Worcester Warriors as they explode into Guinness Premiership action with a clash against newly promoted Northampton Saints on Sunday.
New Zealand international Rawlinson leads the side in the absence of the injured Pat Sanderson (quad injury) as Worcester look to make a winning start to the 2008/09 campaign at Franklin's Gardens.
Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock has named a powerful line-up for the season opener with a number of players handed Guinness Premiership debuts for the club.
Australian international fullback Chris Latham will make his first English top-flight appearance and is joined in the backline by new flyhalf Matthew Jones.
Ruddock has paired Miles Benjamin and Rico Gear on the wings with Marcel Garvey (hip) ruled out of the televised game.
Netani Talei, Tom Wood and Kai Horstmann will form the back row with Sanderson ruled out and rated as doubtful for the clash with London Wasps next weekend. England Sevens ace James Collins has been named on the replacements bench.
"We're disappointed to lose our captain as he is an inspirational figure," said Ruddock.
"However, it's a long season and there is now an opportunity for other very talented players in his absence.
"Even without Pat it's a very strong back row for the Northampton game with players like Tom Wood, Netani Talei and Kai Horstmann who all featured regularly last season and have all performed to a very high level.
"A leadership group that has been developed at Warriors also means we are better prepared for a situation like this where our captain is unable to start.
"Greg Rawlinson has been a significant figure in this group for some time and we've no doubt that he will deliver strong leadership on the field and continue the high standards we set in that area.
"All the players are looking forward to the Northampton game and really making a positive start to the season in front of the cameras."
Worcester Warriors: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Rico Gear, 13 Dale Rasmussen, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Matthew Jones, 9 Matt Powell, 8 Kai Horstmann, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Netani Talei, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Greg Rawlinson (captain), 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Matt Mullan.
Replacements: 16 Chris Horsman, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Will Bowley, 19 James Collins, 20 Ryan Powell, 21 Loki Crichton, 22 Chris Pennell.
Date: Sunday, September 7
Venue: Franklin's Gardens, Northampton
Kick-off: 13.30 (12.30 GMT)
Referee: Sean Davey
Touch judges: Martin Buck, Don Helme
TMOs: Brian Abrahams, Graham Hughes
With thanks to guinnesspremiership.com
