MIKE RUDDOCK is hoping Worcester Warriors can build on their first Guiness Premiership victory of the season when they head to Vicarage Road on Sunday to face Saracens (3pm).

The Sixways director of rugby has made one change to the side that beat Bristol 25-5 a fortnight ago with Tom Wood replacing the injured Drew Hickey in the back row.

Alan Gaffney's side have been one of the form teams in the Premiership recently and come into the match on the back of beating Bath 26-20.

But Ruddock's men will not have to face talented scrum-half Neil De Kock (hamstring) or England outside-centre Andy Farrell (ribs) as they are both out injured.

He said: "Everyone is delighted we've got our first league victory under our belts and they're keen not to let the standards slip. Hopefully, we will now front up and really fire against a very good Saracens team on Sunday.

"It has been impressive in training this week that the guys are looking to set their own standards and being harder on themselves about mistakes rather than waiting for the coaches to do it.

"The more you look at Saracens, the more you realise what a dangerous team they are. They are the sort of team who, if we let them play, can rip us to pieces.

"We've got to try and disrupt the quality of possession they get, slow them down a bit, tackle fiercely and when we do get chances, like we did against Bristol, show them we can play a bit too.

"Our game-plan will revolve around getting a balance between trying to stop them from opening up but also to raise the tempo ourselves when we get the chance."

Worcester will also be out to avenge the 21-16 defeat at Sixways in October where lapses in concentration cost them.

Their last trip to Watford saw them return home with a 20-17 success and a repeat of that would be very welcome at Sixways.

Gaffney is all too aware of the armoury that Worcester now possess following their October meeting.

He said: "This will be a very tough match especially as Worcester's ability belies their position in the Premiership."

Saracens: Russell; Haughton, Penney, A Powell, Leonelli; Jackson, Dickens; Lloyd, Ongaro, Visagie, Jack, Vyvyan, Chesney, Hill, Skirving. Replacements: Kyriacou, Mercey, Ryder, Gustard, Rauluni, Ross, Thrower.

Warriors: Delport; Gear, Rasmussen, Tuitupou, Benjamin; Crichton, M Powell; Morris, Lutui, Taumoepeau, Rawlinson, Gillies, Wood, Sanderson, Horstmann. Replacements: Black, Mullan, Bowley, Talei, R Powell, Brown, Pennell.