Matt Powell returns at scrum-half against Petrarca Padova, while Rico Gear makes his comeback from injury.

Mike Ruddock has warned his side not to take their hosts lightly, admitting: "I feel Italian rugby is improving.

"We won't underestimate Petrarca," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester. "Rugby in Italy is on the up and this will be like a cup final for them."

Worcester's director of rugby added: "They will be fired up and it will be like when we went to Bucuresti last season.

"They will be really up for a game and wanting to show how good they are and how far they have progressed as a nation."

Tevita Taumoepeau is in at prop and Tom Wood into the back row, with Pat Sanderson (leg), Hal Luscombe (knee), Marcel Garvey (hip), Will Bowley (thumb), Kai Horstmann (knee) and the suspended Chris Horsman al missing.

Warriors: Chris Latham (c); Rico Gear, Alex Grove, Sam Tuitupou, Charlie Fellows; Matthew Jones, Matt Powell; Darren Morris, Chris Fortey, Tevita Taumoepeau, Graham Kitchener, Craig Gillies, Tom Wood, Jake Abbott, Netani Talei. Replacements; Callum Black, Aleki Lutui, Shaun Ruwers, Greg Rawlinson, Matt Cox, Ryan Powell, Loki Crichton.

There will be full commentary on the game on BBC Hereford and Worcester (1400 BST) on 104 fm and on line at bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester.