WORCESTER lock Richard Blaze takes on Welsh house-mate Craig Everitt today with more than bragging rights at stake at the Under 21 World Championships.

The Warriors duo are the best of friends off the pitch but there will be no love lost on it when England and Wales go in search of fifth place.

England thrashed Scotland 31-12 at the weekend but were denied a place in the last four by New Zealand's superior points difference.

And Blaze has warned Everitt to expect an English backlash.

"It was gutting to miss out on the semis on points difference," Blaze said. "But that's gone and we're determined to finish as high as we can and win two more matches.

"Wales will be just as desperate but if we play to our potential we will win the match and qualify for the fifth place play-off match. It's going to be good fun against Craig and there's sure to be a few big hits early on.

"I'm going to be texting him before the match but once the whistle goes the banter will stop. I'm looking forward to seeing him on a losing side."

England's defeat to New Zealand in the pool matches is their only loss in eight matches so far this season.

And Blaze insists there are still plenty of positives to take from their French foray, including his own form.

"I'm pleased with how I've gone in this tournament, apart from in the New Zealand defeat," he added.

"But the experience of playing against players from the Southern Hemisphere is a big step for us.

"It's been hard work physically and mentally but it will benefit me in the long run and hopefully Worcester next season."