HEAD coach Andy Keast is hoping Sixways will be rocking on Saturday as Worcester gear up for their daunting European debut against Brive.

Keast has dubbed the European Challenge Cup match-up as the 'tie of the round' and has urged the Warriors faithful to generate a special atmosphere for the opening leg against their Gallic guests.

Brive boast a tremendous history in European competition, holding the title of Heineken Cup champions in 1997 after defeating Leicester and finishing runners-up to Bath the following year.

The French club's most decorated player is fly-half Alain Penaud, who captained the 1997 winning side and has scored ten tries during 32 appearances for his country from 1992 to 2000.

Penaud will come face-to-face with Worcester's French winger Thomas Lombard once again, the pair having met six times last season when Lombard played for Stade Francais.

Keast can draw on his own experience against Brive in a bid to plot their downfall. He took NEC Harlequins to an intimidating Parc Municipal Des Sports for a European Cup quarter-final in 2001 and produced a major upset, Quins winning 20-13 before eventually taking the title.

Keast is anticipating another tasty battle at Sixways and is banking on the home support to repeat the passion shown in the Zurich Premiership.

He said: "I don't think a lot of the public understand just how good this side is, Brive are a huge name in rugby and it should be a great spectacle.

"We are after the big bumper crowd that we have enjoyed so far in the Zurich Premiership games.

"Obviously, staying in the Premiership is our priority this season but we want to win every game and this will be a good test for us.

"It is a mouth-watering tie, not only for the players but for the supporters. Certainly in the Challenge Cup, this is the tie of the round and something that should not be missed.

"Brive are a fantastic team with good pace and a lot of power. They are very much a traditional French running side, they have got a lot of flair and will keep the ball moving.

"It is a two-legged tie and that's what European rugby is all about. It is important we try and take an advantage into the second leg.

"It will be a terrific atmosphere when we go to Brive. I was watching a tape and listening to the atmosphere when I took Harlequins there. The noise from the home crowd was unbelievable."