THOMAS Lombard has revealed Auch's secrets ahead of today's European Shield final, according to skipper Ben Hinshelwood.

The Warriors centre, who will lead the side at the Kassam Stadium, cannot wait for the final to get underway after team-mate Lombard filled Worcester in on their danger men.

"It is great for us to have reached a European final in our first season but it would be even more fantastic if we could wrap it up with some silverware," said the Scottish international centre.

"Thomas has been able to give us some information on Auch but basically we are expecting a very tough game.

"Auch are a very physical side but they also pose a threat behind the scrum so we are going to have our work cut out if we are to win the title.

"As always, the hard work will have to be done in the scrum and line-out but I hope the conditions are good and we can play some attractive rugby fit for the occasion.

"I believe we have developed a real understanding among ourselves this season and that our results reflect that development.

"For their part, they are a relatively small French town which means their supporters will be right behind them in their own push for the title.

"What really pleases us, however, is that we have earned a great day out for our own superb supporters and I hope they have a memorable day.

"The support we have had this season, home and away, has been simply magnificent."

Worcester beat Brive, the 1997 Heineken Cup champions, in their European Challenge Cup opener but went down in the second leg in France to move into the European Shield.

They beat both Rugby Rovigo and Leonessa home and away before clinching their place in the showpiece final by beating Leeds Tykes at Sixways. Warriors drew 30-30 in a second leg thriller at Headingley to book a date with Auch.

"We have thoroughly enjoyed playing against French, Italian and English opposition. That is what the tournament is all about," said Hinshelwood.

"It enabled us to experience different styles while giving everyone in the squad the chance of a taste of European rugby and everything that it involves.

"In the Zurich Premiership, it came down to us having to win our final match against Northampton Saints to survive -- that was enormous pressure. Being in the European Shield final is a different source of pressure because a European title is at stake and it would be great to finish off the season with the silverware."