JOHN Brain has told his players to get physical against Exeter Chiefs tomorrow at Sixways (3pm).

Worcester's director of rugby is anxious to outmuscle the Chiefs' hefty pack in the National One match of the day to avoid a repeat of their notorious 21-10 defeat last year.

That day at the County Ground, Worcester were found wanting as the Exeter forwards dominated and Brain wants to see his new side take control up front.

"Exeter are a physical side because they play the game around the forwards," said Brain. "Certainly, when we played them down there last season, they got into us. They got into one or two of our bigger named individuals.

"We cannot shy away from their pack, we have to deal with what they throw at us. It's all about competing and we cannot skirt around a massive confrontation from the Exeter pack. We have to meet them head on."

Exeter arrive at Sixways with former players Tony Yapp, Dave Sims and Alistair Murdoch among their ranks. And coach Andy Keast believes they will be a force to be reckoned with in the league this season.

"They have the best points difference in the league so far after three games," he said. "They've scored 170 points which takes some doing. People can question the standard of the opposition but you still have to go out on the pitch and do the business. They scored 30 points against Rotherham which, I think, shows they are a quality team. We are under no illusions about tomorrow's game. We just hope that home advantage can give us the edge."

With Worcester hitting Otley for 62 points and Exeter walloping Rugby for 89 at the weekend, the game promises to be a cracker for supporters. Brain believes the match will live up to its billing.

"The supporters are going to be watching a game between two of the top three sides in National One this season," he said.

"It's early in the season and teams are looking to lay down markers. Everything is there up for grabs and expect a really top quality game between two very ambitious teams. Exeter will be coming to Sixways to win, make no mistake."