SCRUM-HALF Jonny Arr will make just the fourth start of his career for Worcester Warriors at London Irish in the Guinness Premiership tomorrow (3pm).
Arr is handed the number nine jersey with Ryan Powell (rib cartilage) ruled out as director of rugby Mike Ruddock makes three changes to his starting line-up.
Prop Adam Black will start in the front row, replacing the inujured Callum Black (calf), and wing Rico Gear is recalled for the clash at the Madejski Stadium.
Jack Gilding, Will Bowley and Ollie Frost all win places among the replacements and Scotland ace Alex Grove returns to the bench after the autumn internationals with Scotland.
As predicted by the Worcester News on Thursday, winger Marcel Garvey has dropped out of the squad.
“London Irish like to move the ball around and we have got backs that can do that given the right ball,” said Ruddock.
“But, at the same time, both defences are pretty smart, accurate and difficult to break down so again it could be a close encounter.
“We haven’t got a great record of late at London Irish but Newcastle went there and didn’t over-respect them and got stuck into them.
“They defended strongly and competed at the breakdown. They really made life difficult for them and we have to learn from that and do the same.”
Warriors: Latham; Gear, Rasmussen, Tuitupou, Benjamin; Walker, Arr; Black, Lutui, Taumoepeau, Rawlinson, Gillies, Wood, Sanderson (c), Horstmann. Replacements: Gilding, Fortey, Sourgens, Bowley, Collins, Frost, MacRae, Grove.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here