Warriors facing tough French test

Mike Ruddock will be short of some of his more experienced players in Lyon

Worcester Warriors head for France on Friday for this season's toughest test yet in the European Challenge Cup.

Having won in Romania and Italy in October, victory at Bourgoin would put Worcester in charge of the group with their three home ties still to come.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock admits that the return to European action has come at an opportune time.

"We are probably glad of a bit of a break from the Premiership with our injury problems," said Ruddock.

"Bourgoin have a good pedigree. They have reached the final of this competition twice.

"They have a big scrum and big line-out, and some useful backs and it's a bit of a cauldron out there.

"But we will be taking about 500 supporters with us, so will have plenty of backing."

The Warriors will hand fly-half Joe Carlisle his first senior start of the season as Loki Crichton is to switch to full-back in place of Chris Pennell, who misses out due to a foot injury.

Alex Grove will get a start in the centre as Sam Tuitupou has returned to his native New Zealand due to a family illness.

Ruddock makes one change in the pack, with Chris Horsman coming in at prop in place of Tevita Taumoepeau, who is amongst the replacements.

Bourgoin suffered a surprise home defeat to Petraca Padova in their last game in the competition on 17 October, two days before Worcester's win in Romania.

Ruddock admits that the French side, based in the south-west suburbs of Lyon, will be desperate to get back to winning ways.

"It's a big game for us, but it's even bigger for Bourgoin," he said.

"We have high standards in this competition after getting to the final last year."

Full commentary on the game (5 December, 1930 GMT) on BBC Hereford & Worcester on 104 fm and online at bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester