Warriors face test in Bucharest

Mike Ruddock took Worcester Warriors to the European final last season

Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock expects it to be a bit tougher than last Saturday's Italian stroll when they go to Romania this weekend.

The Warriors ran in nine tries as they walloped Petrarca 55-6, but Ruddock warns that Bucuresti are no pushovers.

"They have strengthened," Ruddock told BBC Hereford and Worcester. "I have been talking to their coach.

"They had a pre-season tour to New Zealand and have been together for a month. It will be tough and physical."

Ruddock added: "Bourgoin went there with a big reputation last weekend and were run close, only winning 21-10, so that was a very good effort by Bucharest."

Ruddock is hoping for much better weather in the Romanian capital compared to the waterlogged, cold conditions they had to overcome on their last visit in January.

"I've looked at the weather over there," he said. "It looks good, sunny, no wind, and a good temperature.

"Hopefully that will help us to play good rugby, move it around and get outside the physical contest they will thrive on."

WARRIORS TEAM NEWS WILL APPEAR HERE LATER

There will be full commentary on the game from Bucharest on BBC Hereford & Worcester on Sunday (1430 BST).