CAPTAIN Chris Pennell returns to the starting line-up for Worcester Warriors in the first leg of the Championship final against Cornish Pirates in Penzance tomorrow night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Pennell has been ruled out of action since the victory over Nottingham in the play-off pool stages, but now makes his return in the biggest game of the season.

Head coach Richard Hill makes a total of three changes to his starting team as veteran hooker Chris Fortey starts in the front row alongside Adam Black and Tevita Taumopeau.

The final change will see a start for flanker Jake Abbott at seven and he will join Neil Best and Kai Horstmann in the back row. Fit-again back row Adam Balding is named on the replacements bench.

“There will be a bit of pressure on the Pirates, they are on their home ground and they will see it as a must-win,” said Hill. “We have got to go down there and play exceptionally well to try and get something from that game. What we are hoping for is a really good start.

“We are hoping that by going away first that will help us, but we have got a tough first hurdle to get over and that one-off first game is going to be vital.”

Warriors: Pennell; Garvey, Crockett, Rasmussen, Benjamin; Goode, Arr; A Black, Fortey, Taumoepeau, Rawlinson, Gillies, Best, Abbott, Horstmann. Replacements: Lutui, Douglas, Kitchener, Balding, Frost, Carlisle, Grove.

• Click here for the very latest Worcester Warriors match updates and news - Tom Guest on Twitter.