BACK-row ace Netani Talei is set to make his 50th appearance for Worcester Warriors as Mike Ruddock recalls his stars for the Guinness Premiership clash with Harlequins at Sixways tomorrow (3pm).

Fijian international Talei is one of 10 changes from the team that defeated Olympus Madrid last weekend as Warriors look to defend an unbeaten home record in the domestic competition.

Full-back Chris Latham and centre Sam Tuitupou, who will line up alongside Scottish call-up Alex Grove, return in the backline and Ryan Powell and Willie Walker join forces at half-back.

Hooker Aleki Lutui and fit-again prop Tevita Taumoepeau are back in the front row, while Greg Rawlinson, Tom Wood, Talei and skipper Pat Sanderson also win recalls in the pack.

Director of rugby Ruddock said: “I expect a very physical encounter. What we have got to do is be prepared for that onslaught early on. We have got to meet that head on and try to nullify it.

“We have been able to freshen up a number of players in recent weeks and have got to use some of that power to show muscle up front — that will be a key area.

“The battle of the breakdown will be massive and we have got to restrict the amount of ball to the dangerous Harlequins back-line.”

After a disappointing start to their Heineken Cup campaign, Quins will look to continue the good form which has seen them unbeaten in their last two outings — a 17-17 draw at Newcastle and a 13-11 home win over Bath.

The trip to Sixways is a chance for them to pick up their first away win of the campaign.

Head coach John Kingston has made a number of changes to the team that started last Saturday at the Stoop against Toulouse.

Second-row pairing, James Percival and George Robson return, while Lewis Stevenson, who has impressed after making his starting debut for Quins against Leicester at the beginning of the season, starts on the bench.

Skipper Will Skinner misses out after picking up an injury in the 23-19 defeat to Toulose and is replaced by Neil McMillan in the back-row, wtih England number eight Nick Easter taking on the armband.

John Andress comes in for prop Mark Lambert.

Warriors: Latham; Gear, Grove, Tuitupou, Benjamin; Walker, Powell; Black, Lutui, Taumoepeau, Rawlinson, Gillies, Wood, Sanderson (c), Talei. Reps: Black, Fortey, Gilding, Bowley, Collins, Arr, Crook, MacRae.

Harlequins: Brown; Strettle, Lowe, Mordt, Monye; Evans Care; Jones, Fuga, Andress, Percival, Robson, Robshaw, McMillan, Easter (c). Reps: Brooker, Croall, Lambert, Stevenson, Guest, Sooialo, Clegg, Draunniu.