Worcester Warriors have named exciting young centre Greg King in a starting spot for their match against Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park in the Guinness Premiership.
Warriors Academy graduate King, who impressed after climbing from the bench last weekend against Leicester Tigers and recently signed a new two-year deal, will play at inside centre and join forces with Dale Rasmussen in midfield.
Wing Chris Pennell also returns to the starting line-up in Stockport after missing the Tigers game through illness as Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock makes a total of three changes to his starting line-up.
Hooker Chris Fortey is also named in the pack, as Aleki Lutui moves to the replacements bench.
"With a specific game plan in mind, I have selected a team that I believe can execute this plan," said Ruddock.
"Chris Fortey comes into the pack after recovering from a recent injury. He is an experienced and hardened campaigner and it will be good to have his leadership qualities in our pack going into battle at Edgeley Park.
"Chris Pennell returns after illness and his big right foot gives us an extra weapon in terms of the kicking game should it be required. He is also a useful player to have should we need to use him for any long range kicks at goal.
"Greg King comes in to replace the injured Sam Tuitupou. Greg has always played well for us when called upon and his performance at Northampton, at the start of the season, would be an example of that.
"It's going to be a physical encounter and his physicality, harnessed alongside the experience of Dale Rasmussen, will provide a tough test for the Sale attackers."
Sale Sharks were blanked 0-38 at London Irish on Sunday: only the second time that Sale have failed to register a point in a Premiership match.
The Sharks did win their most recent game at Edgeley Park, 19-8 over London Wasps on 19 March. Sale have never won in three previous Guinness Premiership matches played on Good Friday.
Worcester Warriors’ only win in the Guinness Premiership since September was 13-0 over Newcastle at Sixways on 26 February. The Warriors are the only club without an away victory in the Guinness Premiership this season.
Sale have won just one of their last four encounters with the Warriors: 37-20 at Sixways on 31 January 2009.
orcester have been victorious on their last three visits to Edgeley Park, and of all visitors only London Irish have won more Premiership matches in Stockport (five).
Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Kingsley Jones said, "They don’t come any bigger than this. It’s a huge game for everyone connected with the club. I watched Worcester’s game last week against Leicester Tigers and picked up some pointers.
"We welcome back Lee Thomas and Eifion Roberts after injury and both Mark Cueto and Mathew Tait will be playing their first home games for us since January.”
Match: Sale Sharks v Worcester Warriors
Date: Friday 2 April
Venue : Edgeley Park
Kick Off : 7.45pm
Referee: Wayne Barnes (77th Premiership game)
Teams
Sale Sharks : Marika Vakacegu, Mark Cueto, Mathew Tait, Lee Thomas, Ben Cohen, Charlie Hodgson, Richard Wigglesworth, Eifion Roberts, Neil Briggs, Jack Forster, Chris Jones, Dean Schofield, Sisa Koyamaibole, David Seymour, Kristian Ormsby
Replacements Mahonri Schwalger, Gavin Kerr, Rob O’Donnell, Sean Cox, Marc Jones, Chris Leck, Jonny Kennedy, Dafydd James
Worcester Warriors:15 Chris Latham , 14 Chris Pennell , 13 Dale Rasmussen , 12 Greg King , 11 Miles Benjamin , 10 Willie Walker , 9 Jonny Arr,1 Adam Black , 2 Chris Fortey , 3 Tevita Taumoepeau , 4 Greg Rawlinson , 5 Craig Gillies , 6 Tom Wood , 7 Pat Sanderson (c) , 8 Kai Horstmann
Replacements , 16 Callum Black , 17 Aleki Lutui , 18 Olivier Sourgens , 19 Graham Kitchener , 20 Chris Cracknell , 21 Ryan Powell , 22 Matthew Jones , 23 Alex Grove
