CLIVE Stuart-Smith has been handed his first Sixways start.

Worcester's scrum-half, who moved from Leeds Tykes to become a Warrior in the summer, has found himself a regular bench warmer so far this season.

However, after being given the nod to face Brive in their European Challenge Cup clash on Saturday (2pm), the 21-year-old has a chance to keep hold of the number nine shirt.

Stuart-Smith was touted as England's next scrum-half in the summer as he made the Sixways switch but has since seen fellow youngster Harry Ellis jump above him as an international contender.

"We feel it's the right time to have a good look at Clive from the start," said head coach Andy Keast.

"What people have to remember is that Matt Powell and Neil Cole know exactly how we play because they have had the advantage of being here a lot longer. That's one of the reasons why Clive hasn't started yet but he has his chance now.

"It's up to the players, who have come into the team, to show us just how much they want to keep hold of the jersey."

Fellow new signing Phil Murphy, who also made a summer move from Leeds, gets the nod for the first time with lock Craig Gillies rested.

And prop Steve Sparks, who played for four seasons in France, is preferred to Tony Windo at loosehead.

Ben Gollings comes in on the wing to add another kicking option.

"We've got a big squad," added Keast. "We want to have a look at different combinations and, to some extent, the pressure will be off us against Brive because they are a big name in European rugby."

Brive won the Heineken Cup back in 1997 with a final victory over Leicester and then won through the final a year later before losing out to Bath.

Ironically, Keast's Harlequins side played Brive in the 1997 competition's pool stages before the French side went on to lift the trophy at Cardiff Arms Park.

"It promises to be a great game," said Keast. "It's the tie of the round and a wonderful experience for the club and the players. It's Worcester's first taste of European rugby and, for anybody who follows the club, it's one not to be missed."

New signings Sione Kepu and Giscard Pieters are ineligible for the two-legged tie which concludes next weekend in France.

Team: Delport; Gollings, Rasmussen, Lombard, Hinshelwood; Brown, Stuart-Smith; Sparks, Daly, Horsman, Collier, Murphy, Gabey, Sanderson, Hickey.