MIKE Ruddock is pinning his hopes on ‘Captain Fantastic’ to inspire Worcester Warriors to victory at Sale Sharks in the Guinness Premiership on Friday night (8pm).

The Sixways director of rugby feels the breakdown will be the key battleground at Edgeley Park and returning skipper Pat Sanderson can provide the nous needed to claim their third successive win on Sale’s home turf.

Ruddock said: “The big thing when you look at Sale is they are very effective in the contact area. If we are not precise with our contact skills in terms of ball presentation and clearing out on our own ball, as well as being aggressive, they will counter-ruck effectively to slow us down or even turn us over.

“The contact area is going to be a massive battle and ultimately the difference between us winning and losing the game. Having ‘Captain Fantastic’ Pat Sanderson back will make a big difference for us.

“At the same time, when Sale carry the ball, they are very strong. They are good and solid in the contact area and if we don’t make the first-up tackles count, they will get quick ball and can really cause some damage.

“Luke McAllister is a key guy for Sale and has made a massive impact in the Premiership, so it is important that we try to close him down.

“Charlie Hodgson is another player who is going to run their game if we allow him time and space, so we’ll try and pressurise him as much as possible — especially with his kicking game, which can be incredibly effective.” Meanwhile, Warriors’ Kiwi wing Rico Gear is in the Barbarians squad for the match against Australia at Wembley on Wednesday, December 3.

Gear is still available for Warriors’ European trip to Bourgoin on Friday, December 5.

Worcester prop Shaun Ruwers has joined London Welsh on a month’s loan.