ALL-ACTION flanker James Collins has his sights set on ousting club captain Pat Sanderson from the Sixways number seven shirt.

The 21-year-old back-row dynamo, who put in a man-of-the-match showing in Worcester Warriors' 46-0 thrashing of Bucuresti, will not be over-awed by competing with the rested Sanderson and aims to let his rugby do the talking.

The rapidly-flourishing openside, called up to the England Sevens squad for next month's IRB World Sevens Series, is a genuine contender for a place in director of rugby Mike Ruddock's starting XV.

The academy product said: "Although Pat is club captain, I'm not going to be over-awed by that and my goal is to keep on putting in performances so Mike feels he has to pick me.

"It is awkward for me playing in the same position as the captain, so it was important for me to play well against Bucuresti when I got the chance, especially as it was in front of our home fans.

"I've been waiting for my opportunity since the start of the season and I've been doing a lot of work behind the scenes. It was a six-month build-up to Saturday's game, so I was determined to take my chance with both hands. Pat is a world-class player and every now and then we do one-on-ones in training to work on specific things.

"I can learn a lot from him - especially his mental game and the intensity he plays with. Hopefully, he will be worrying about his position in the team soon."

Collins' youthful exuberance shone through against Bucuresti and he was impressed with his side's performance.

He said: "As a team I thought we did very well - we played the conditions very well - and controlled the game. I think professional is exactly the way to describe our performance.

"I was pleased with my display. I went out there to work hard, make my tackles and get my hands on the ball as much as possible."

Regarding his England Sevens call-up, Collins is hoping it is the first step towards further international recognition.

He added: "I'm chuffed to bits to be called up and it is nice to get involved in the England set-up.

"There are a lot of guys in the England Saxons squad, who are not starting week in, week out for their club, so if some of the Saxons' selectors see me do well, then it opens up a lot of doors for me.

"My two goals now are to play in the Premiership and to play for the Saxons."