WORCESTER Warriors must do without Rico Gear as they look to shock Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park tonight (7.45pm).

The New Zealand wing failed a late fitness test on a hamstring injury which has prevented him from training this week.

Sixways director of rugby Mike Ruddock had hoped to have all his star players for this tricky test, but the Kiwi had to be replaced as Warriors look to put last Friday's 12-11 defeat to London Irish behind them.

With Gear out, it gives Marcel Garvey, who penned a new two-year deal last week, the opportunity to shine on the wing.

"It is disappointing for Rico but it is a crucial time of the season and there is no point in trying to risk someone when we have some massive games to follow over the next two weeks.

"Rico cramped up towards the end the London Irish game and that has prevented him from training. He is disappointed to miss the game, but we are confident he can make a return against Leicester next week.

"With Rico missing out it gives Marcel a chance. He looked sharp when he came on against London Irish and he knows this is an opportunity for him to show what he is capable of."

Shane Drahm also gets an opportunity at fly-half with Loki Crichton out with a stinger injury, while flanker Drew Hickey, who was fined two weeks wages for dissent against the Exiles last week, has been axed from the starting XV with Tom Wood replacing him.

Sale have Andrew Sheridan back after he impressed in the front row for England in France last weekend, while scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth has to make do with a place on the bench.

With Ruddock impressed with how Tony Windo has been deputising for the injured Darren Morris, there will be a massive battle up front.

"This is exactly what we need, we need a massive challenge like Sale to galvanise us and give us a sense of purpose and urgency," Ruddock said.

"It will give us a goal that some people will feel that is beyond us and that excites me as a coach and I'm sure that it excites the players.

"It will be a massive challenge up front, and its a blow not to have Darren, but the positive is how Tony has done since he came back. He has been fantastic."

Sale: Cueto; Lamont, Bell, Thomas, Ripol; Hodgson, Martens; Sheridan, Bruno, Turner, Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe (capt), Cockbain, Jones, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Chabal. Replacements: Briggs, Roberts, Schofield, Lund, Wigglesworth, Seveali'I, McAlister. On Stand By: White, Laharrague.

Warriors: Delport; Benjamin, Rasmussen, Tuitupou, Garvey; Drahm, M Powell; Windo, Lutui, Taumoepeau, Rawlinson, Gillies, Wood, Sanderson (capt), Horstmann. Replacements: Ruwers, Mullan, Bowley, Hickey, R Powell, Carlisle, Pennell.