NEIL Cole has paid the price for Worcester's Sale spanking.

The scrum-half isn't even included in the 22 for the Warriors' showdown with Harlequins on Saturday after disappointing in last Friday's 57-3 defeat.

Cole is replaced for the Sixways clash by Matt Powell who leapfrogs Clive Stuart-Smith following his outstanding showing in an 'A' team clash on Monday.

Powell has hardly figured in Worcester's Premiership campaign so far, but head coach Andy Keast has no worries about throwing him into the Warriors biggest game of the season so far.

Both teams square up after losing their opening four Premiership games and victory for Worcester would leave Quins rooted to the bottom.

"It's a massive game," said Keast. "There's no point in trying to play it down because we can all see the Premiership table.

"Harlequins haven't won a game all season and realistically, this is an opportunity for us. Our respect has been seriously dented after our defeat at Sale and we want to get that back. The only way we can do that is by playing well, competing and winning games.

"Nobody has a divine right to win a Premiership match and, if we want it, we have to go and get it. We have to show that we want it more than them.

"If we can get the fundamentals of our game right then we will win the match. We made errors against Sale and were severely punished.

"I think the team that makes the least amount of mistakes on Saturday will win."

Dale Rasmussen replaces winger Daren O'Leary, while Neil Lyman could make a return to the front row depending on a fitness test tomorrow. Drew Hickey is back at number eight in place of Brad MacLeod-Henderson.

On Powell's selection, Keast said that it was a case of rewarding performance but also picking a player for the individual game.

"We've always said that if you are given the opportunity and you make the most of it, then you will be given a chance. We also feel he is probably the best defensive organiser of our three scrum-halves," said Keast.

Meanwhile, Colin Noon's trial period has ended and Worcester will not be offering the tight-head prop a permanent deal.

Worcester: Delport; Rasmussen, Hinshelwood, Lombard, Gollings; Brown, Powell; Windo, Daly, Lyman or Fortey, Collier, Gillies, Greeff, Sanderson, Hickey.Reps: Sparks, Fortey or Lyman, Van Niekerk, Gabey, Vaili, O'Leary, Stuart-Smith.