Worcester v Sale preview

Published: Thursday, 25. October, 2012 in category Aviva Premiership
Hodgson: Named at No 9 for Worcester

Worcester Warriors have made wholesale changes to their line-up.

Following a 90-3 thumping of Rovigo in the Amlin Challenge Cup, Chris Pennell, Alex Grove, Josh Matavesi, Andy Goode and Paul Hodgson come into the back division.

There is a further positional switch with Errie Claassens moving to the wing to accommodate the return of Pennell.

In the pack Matt Mullan, who will captain the side, Aleki Lutui, John Andress and James Percival are handed starts.

Sale Sharks have made eight changes to their line-up following their loss to Montpellier.

Five of the changes come in the pack - with the forwards having been criticised on the back of a disappointing start to the season.

Andy Powell, Richie Vernon, Richie Gray and Tommy Taylor all come into the side, with England Under-20s prop Ross Harrison handed his first start.

In the backs Johnny Leota and Sam Tuitupou tighten up the midfield, while Nick Macleod is handed the No 15 jersey.

Worcester: 15 Chris Pennell, 14 Errie Claassens, 13 Alex Grove, 12 Josh Matavesi, 11 David Lemi, 10 Andy Goode, 9 Paul Hodgson, 8 Semisi Taulava, 7 Matt Kvesic, 6 Sam Betty, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 James Percival, 3 John Andress, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Matt Mullan (c). Replacements: 16 Ed Shervington, 17 Ceri Jones, 18 James Currie, 19 Dean Schofield, 20 Chris Jones, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 Joe Carlisle, 23 Ravai Fatiaki.

Sale: 15 Nick Macleod, 14 Tom Brady, 13 Johnny Leota, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Mark Cueto, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Cillian Willis, 8 Andy Powell, 7 David Seymour (capt), 6 Richie Vernon, 5 Fraser McKenzie, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Tony Buckley, 2 Tommy Taylor, 1 Ross Harrison. Replacements: 16 Joe Ward, 17 Eifion Lewis-Roberts, 18 Vadim Cobilas, 19 Kearnan Myall, 20 James Gaskell, 21 Nathan Fowles, 22 Rob Miller, 23 Will Addison.