FRENCH star Nicolas Le Roux will make his first competitive start for Warriors in tomorrow's Guinness Premiership showdown with Saracens at Sixways (2pm).

Le Roux, who arrived from Brive in the summer, replaces full-back Thinus Delport. The South African is only fit enough to make the bench after suffering a quad strain against London Irish.

Another new arrival, Shane Drahm, makes his first start for Worcester at fly-half after James Brown picked up a medial ligament injury at the Madejski.

Andy Gomarsall retains the number nine shirt and makes his Sixways Premiership debut for Worcester. Phil Murphy keeps his position in the second row, while Tim Collier is a replacement.

Director of rugby, John Brain, said: "Saracens are widely tipped for a top-four spot this season. We always welcome the opportunity to benchmark ourselves against quality opposition -- especially at Sixways. We are very much looking forward to the challenge."

Warriors skipper Pat Sanderson knows that it will be a tough contest as his side looks to build on their unbeaten start.

He said: "They are a very confrontational and physical side. They have got a huge amount of talent in the squad. You've really got to be on top of your game to beat these guys. They are players who can punish you at any point in any game."

For Saracens, Ireland and British Lions hooker Shane Byrne will be making his debut.

Wing Paul Bailey is the only other change to the side that beat Leeds Tykes last week.

Saracens head coach Mike Ford said: "Worcester have had a good start and will be going into the match in confident mood. They have a strong pack of forwards and we know it will be a hard afternoon."

Rugby League convert Andy Farrell is still not available after a succession of injuries.

Worcester: Le Roux; Hylton, Rasmussen, Lombard, Hinshelwood; Drahm, Gomarsall; Windo, Van Niekerk, Horsman, Murphy, Gillies, Vaili, Sanderson, Hickey. Reps: Taumoepeau, Fortey, Collier, Horstmann, Powell, Trueman, Delport.

Saracens: Scarbrough; Haughton, Castaig-nede, Sorrell, Bailey; Jackson, Dickens; Ya-tes, Byrne, Visagie, Chesney, Vyvyan, Sanderson, Seymour, Skirving. Reps: Cairns, Lloyd, Raiwalui, Randell, Broster, Rauluni, Powell.