WARRIORS three-quarter Thinus Delport is looking forward to playing alongside Sam Tuitupou next season but admits the All Black star could be in for a culture shock.
Delport, who has won 18 caps for South Africa, is familiar with the demands of Southern Hemisphere rugby from his time as a Sharks player in what was then the Super 12 but insists the Premiership bears no comparison.
And New Zealand centre Tuitupou will have to adjust when he arrives in England in the autumn.
"Having played a lot of Super 12 rugby and knowing what it is like to play Premiership rugby, it is not always as easy as it seems," said Delport.
"Space is much more closed down here whereas Super 14 is a much more open style of game.
"You have got a lot more opportunity to have a bit of a go in Super 14 than you have over here."
Tuitupou plays his provincial rugby for Auckland and will switch to Worcester on November 1 after the World Cup and the conclusion of the domestic season in New Zealand.
Delport said: "It is still a long way off but to have someone of that class coming into the squad, it brings a lot of experience and a lot of talent and maybe a bit of extra zip to the backs section."
Meanwhile, Sixways director of rugby John Brain is monitoring the fitness of three key players - fly-half James Brown, prop Tony Windo and centre Gary Trueman - before the club's make-or-break game with Saracens a week tomorrow.
"James Brown has got a foot injury and we are awaiting the results of a scan," said Brain. "We don't think that is particularly serious but it prevented him training this week.
"Tony Windo has had a bang on the head and there has been some internal bleeding in the skull. He has had to have that blood drained away. I don't anticipate that being a problem.
"Gary Trueman has a viral infection and we are monitoring his condition. At the moment, all three would be available. We are optimistic they will be fit and we are a long way from ruling anyone out."
Brain will also have lock Craig Gillies available for the match after he missed Sunday's trip to London Irish because of suspension.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article