WORCESTER director of rugby John Brain has assured fans there will be no repetition of his side's nightmare opening day display in tomorrow's Guinness Premiership showdown at Bristol (2.45pm).

On that occasion, Warriors went down 41-11 to Richard Hill's side and a number of home supporters left Sixways long before the final whistle.

But Brain insists his team are a very different proposition now to the one humbled by the West Country men back in September.

"We are a different team now right across the park," said Brain.

"We have a different mentality, so we would expect to play well.

"We have met Bristol three times in the Premiership and we have played pretty well on two of those occasions but we were put on the back foot and out-muscled up front.

"If that happens to us, we are always going to have a problem."

Wing Thinus Delport admits the memories of that day still hurt but says tomorrow's televised meeting at the Memorial Ground is all about the race for Premiership survival.

"Bristol really came out with a big bang and they took us completely by surprise," he said.

"We were humiliated after that game. It wasn't expected for us to go down in such a way.

"This might be seen as a chance to get back at them but it is really just our opportunity to make a statement in the Premiership."

Worcester will probably be without scrum-half Matt Powell for the game after Brain admitted he was "pessimistic about his chances of playing."

Powell damaged ankle ligaments two weeks ago and, unless he makes a dramatic recovery, Brain will have to choose between Nick Runci-man and Ryan Powell for the number nine jersey.

Bristol will have their own agenda because, despite a recent wobble, they remain in contention for a play-off spot in fourth position.

"I think they have had a very good season," said Brain.

"If the season was to stop now and they were to get no more league points, they would consider it a success. But to be in with a shout of finishing in the top four is a tremendous achievement in their second season in the competition.

"They had a fantastic start but, over the last five league games, our form has been better than theirs."