Preview: Worcester v Leeds
September 10 2009
Centre Sam Tuitupou makes his long awaited Guinness Premiership comeback as Worcester Warriors tackle Leeds at Sixways Stadium on Friday.
Tuitupou - known as the Pocket Rocket - has been out of league action since damaging his knee last year.
But the New Zealand ace is now set for a action as Warriors play on home soil for the first time this season.
Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock makes two changes to the starting line-up with Tuitupou replacing Greg King at inside centre and Tevita Taumoepeau in at prop for Olivier Sourgens (knee).
Fijian international Netani Talei is named among the replacements alongside Shaun Ruwers, while summer signing Adam Black is set for his home league debut from the bench.
Ruddock said: "It's a big game for us - but every game is a big one in the Guinness Premiership.
"We're delighted to be back on home soil at Sixways Stadium in front of our fans. I'm hoping that the supporters enjoyed seeing our performance at Northampton and will turn out in force and really get behind the team.
"Every home game is massive, if we are going to do well this season we need to win our home games and be competitive on the road. We were competitive last weekend and if we can produce on Friday night it will keep us on track for a successful season.
Meanwhile, Leeds' Rob Rawlinson comes in for Vili Ma'asi at hooker whilst Alfie To'oala replaces Rhys Oakley at number eight.
To'oala made his debut for Leeds off the bench in the 9-9 draw with Newcastle last Sunday. Finally, Erik Lund comes in for Phil Murphy in the second row.
The is one further change on the bench with England U20 captain Calum Clark returning to the first team squad after featuring in the Guinness A League on Monday night.
There are two former Worcester players in the Leeds Carnegie squad. Scott Barrow played at Sixways between 2000 and 2002 making 13 appearances and Andy Gomarsall was at Worcester in 2005-06 making 18 appearances.
Form: Worcester Warriors have won three of their last four matches at Sixways in all competitions. The Warriors have scored at least one try in 20 of their last 21 games in all competitions. Leeds Carnegie are unbeaten in their last six league matches since a 24-27 defeat at Bedford Blues in National One on 13 March. Leeds have not won away from home in the Guinness Premiership since a trip to Bath on 25 November 2005 resulted in a 16-12 victory. Worcester have not beaten Leeds since a 22-15 win at Sixways in the Guinness Premiership on 14 October 2005. Leeds Carnegie have won just once before in nine previous visits to Worcester in all competitions: 12-6 in Premiership Two on 8 January 2000.
The teams:
Worcester: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Alex Grove, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Ryan Powell, 8 Kai Horstmann, 7 Pat Sanderson (c), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Matt Mullan.
Replacements: 16 Adam Black, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Shaun Ruwers, 19 Graham Kitchener, 20 Netani Talei, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 George Crook, 23 Rico Gear.
Leeds: 15 Jon Goodridge, 14 Richard Welding, 13 Jonny Hepworth, 12 Scott Barrow, 11 Lee Blackett, 10 Ceiron Thomas, 9 Andy Gomarsall, 8 Alfie To'oala, 7 Hendre Fourie, 6 Kearnan Myall, 5 Marco Wentzel (C), 4 Erik Lund, 3 Tommy McGee, 2 Rob Rawlinson, 1 Gareth Hardy.
Replacements: 16 Vili Ma'asi, 17 Alex Moreno, 18 Phil Swainston, 19 Calum Clark, 20 Danny Paul, 21 Scott Mathie, 22 Henry Paul, 23 Scott Armstrong.
Date: Friday, September 11
Venue: Sixways
Kick-off: 20.00 BST
Referee: Greg Garner