Young Warriors to get a taste
Fri, 02 May 2008 15:53
Rising young stars Joe Carlisle and James Collins have both been handed starts as Worcester Warriors prepare to face Bristol in the Guinness Premiership on Saturday.
Carlisle is awarded his first Guinness Premiership starting spot at flyhalf, with Shane Drahm moving to the bench, as Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock gives youth a chance to shine at the Memorial Stadium.
England Sevens ace Collins replaces skipper Pat Sanderson in the back row and is joined by Tom Wood and Drew Hickey, who is named captain for the day. Kai Horstmann misses out with a shoulder knock.
Chris Pennell comes in at fullback, with Thinus Delport dropping to the bench.
Matt Mullan is named at hooker with Aleki Lutui (elbow) ruled out. Mullan will line up in the front row alongside Tony Windo will make his 100th Premiership appearance in the penultimate league clash of the campaign.
Tough-tackling centre Dale Rasmussen (neck injury) is replaced by New Zealand international Rico Gear and Will Bowley is in for lock Greg Rawlinson who moves to the bench.
Wales international prop Chris Horsman and back row Netani Talei make welcome returns from injury among the replacements.
Worcester Warriors: 15 Chris Pennell, 14 Miles Benjamin, 13 Rico Gear, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Marcel Garvey, 10 Joe Carlisle, 9 Matt Powell, 8 Drew Hickey (captain), 7 James Collins, 6 Tom Wood, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Will Bowley, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Matt Mullan, 1 Tony Windo.
Replacements: 16 Chris Horsman, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Greg Rawlinson, 19 Netani Talei, 20 Ryan Powell, 21 Shane Drahm, 22 Thinus Delport.
Date: Saturday, May 3
Venue: Memorial Stadium
Kick-off: 15.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Ashley Rowden
Touch judges: Paul Dickens, Peter Huckle
Assessor: Ed Morrison
Television match official: Matt Peters
With thanks to guinnesspremiership.com
