WORCESTER have rung the changes as they head off for their Italian Job.

The Warriors face Rovigo in the European Shield on Saturday and, with the competition low on their priority list, have given fringe players the chance to stake their claim.

Neil Mason is recalled from his Coventry loan spell to take his place on the blindside, while flanker Siaosi Vaili also comes into a much changed team.

First-team regulars Thinus Delport, Daren O'Leary, Ben Hinshelwood and Tommy Hayes are all included but the pack has an unfamiliar look to it.

Brad MacLeod-Henderson takes over at number eight and Phil Murphy comes into a revamped second row alongside Mark Gabey.

Worcester favourite Neil Lyman is back in the front row alongside Chris Hall and Steve Sparks.

"It's a great opportunity for the players who feel they haven't played as much as they should have this season," said head coach Andy Keast.

"We've made it quite clear that the Premiership is our priority this season and staying in the top flight is what it's all about for us.

"We showed against Wasps on Friday night that we can beat the best but, after that, you're looking for strength in depth. What this European tie offers us is the chance to look at other players and to give them a chance to give us selection issues."

Worcester go into the two-tie affair as favourites although Keast believes they will have to work hard if they want to bring back an advantage for the Sixways second leg a week later.

"It's not going to be easy because I think they're at the level of a decent National One side," he said.

"However, we should be looking to win the game because of the players we've picked. It's important for some of our players to get some rest but it's equally as vital to give people some game time."

Meanwhile, fly-half James Brown has been ordered to rest. The Warriors ace is still suffering from a neck injury and specialist advice is to rest until the pain relents.

Worcester are hoping Brown will be back for their Powergen Cup tie with London Irish on December 18.

Team: Delport; O'Leary, Hinshelwood, Trueman, Roke; Hayes, Cole; Sparks, Hall, Lyman, Gabey, Murphy, Mason, Vaili, MacLeod-Henderson. Replacements: Fortey, Van Niekerk, Gillies, Hickey, Stuart-Smith, Powell, Rasmussen.