JOHN Brain has told his Worcester Warriors to stand up and be counted in tomorrow's Saracens showdown.

The Sixways director of rugby is well aware that the Premiership clash at Vicarage Road (3pm) promises to be a bruising battle but is hoping his new-look front row can lead his side to a shock win.

The newly-promoted club went down 30-9 to Newcastle Falcons last Sunday in Worcester's first ever taste of Premiership action but Brain believes that tomorrow's game will be more of a realistic test with the razzmatazz of last weekend a distant memory.

"I think our side will only have 10 per cent of last Sunday's expectation on their shoulders and we're glad to get the opening game out of the way," he said.

"Let's be clear, though, Saracens will definitely try to bully us up front tomorrow. They have an outstanding pack and I think, if the conditions are wet, that will probably suit them.

"We've got to show character at Vicarage Road because we know it will be a physical encounter. We have prepared for that, however, and if you look at our squad we have an entire front row replacement and a five-two split on the bench.

"Whatever the conditions, I think Saracens will fancy their chances of beating us whichever way they play."

Worcester will not have to worry about Thomas Castaignede (hamstring) or Kyran Bracken (stomach muscle) with the two backs ruled out through injury yesterday morning.

The French star was injured the last time Worcester travelled to Saracens, in November 2000, for a Tetley Bitter Cup defeat.

Neil Lyman and Tony Windo are the only remaining Worcester players from four years ago and both miss out on a starting place, although the former Gloucester prop is on the bench.

Instead, Worcester have a fresh front row with former Sarries man Steve Sparks at loose-head and Colin Noon taking the tight-head spot.

Saracens began with a bang last week with a 13-11 win over champions Wasps. However, head coach Rod Kafer is expecting a tough battle against the Warriors.

"We will be looking for an improvement again this week and have worked hard as we know that Worcester will be keen to come here and register their first away win," said Kafer.

"If we don't show the same attitude as we did on Saturday then we will be leaving ourselves open."

Saracens: Kydd; Haughton, Bailey, Sorrell, Scarbrough; Bartholomeusz, Williams; Yates, Cairns, Visagie, Raiwalui, Fullarton, Randell, Hill, Vyvyan. Reps: Ibanez, Lloyd, Chesney, Seymour, Rauluni, Little, Johnston.

Worcester: O'Leary; Gollings, Hayes, Trueman, Lombard; Brown, Cole; Spar-ks, Daly, Noon, Collier, Gillies, Greeff, Sanderson, Hickey. Reps: Windo, Van Niekerk, Fortey, MacLeod-Henderson, Murphy, Powell, Delport.