GREG Rawlinson is looking forward to being reunited with his former New Zealand, Auckland, and North Harbour teammates, Sam Tuitupou and Rico Gear, in a new-look Worcester Warriors side he believes could take the Guinness Premiership by storm this season.

North Harbour skipper Rawlinson is the only one of the former All Blacks trio to miss out on the Air New Zealand Cup finals after his side was eliminated at the weekend, but the South African-born lock is saving his energy for a crack at the Premiership with his New Zealand domestic career having been brought to a premature conclusion.

"I have played quite a bit with Rico when he played for North Harbour and with the Blues (2004 & 2005), before moving to Canterbury," said Rawlinson.

"Sammy and I both played for the Blues (2003 & 2004). We all get along really well and we are all very experienced players who have also played for the All Blacks so it will be great once we get to run out on the field together for Worcester at Sixways.

"Sam is extremely physical in the midfield so he will strengthen the Warriors side in that position and I will slot in as a lock in the forward line.

"Rico is very elusive out on the wing which will make life a lot easier for me and the other Warriors forwards when you are getting that sort of impetus to go forward from the backs."

Meanwhile, Tuitupou is bracing himself for tomorrow's Air New Zealand Cup quarter-final for Auckland.

The Auckland players left no stone unturned in their preparation to defeat Rico Gear's unbeaten Canterbury side on home soil in Christchurch last week and the victory tasted sweet in the top-of-the-table showdown.

Even the relentless body-shuddering hits epitomized by Benson Stanley's devastating spot tackle on Gear were endorsed by Auckland coach Pat Lam.

"We put a lot of work into the game-plan and they stuck to it to a tee," Tuitupou said.

"People don't understand that we train to play like that every week.

"Everything fell into place. We know we have to go down there and play but I told the boys that defence was going to win it.

"The boys are stoked. It's awesome to bring the Ranfurly Shield back home."

Sixways hosts a double header of World Cup and Guinness Premiership action tomorrow.

The ground opens at 1pm for fans to watch England's televised quarter-final with Australia which kicks-off at 2pm.

The attention will then switch to the stadium pitch as Mike Ruddock's team tackle Saracens at 5pm.