Worcester will respect Romanians

Mike Ruddock wants to reach another European Final

Worcester Warriors will show every respect to Saturday's opponents Bucuresti Oaks when the teams meet in the European Challenge Cup on Saturday.

Warriors topped fifty points in the first tie in Romania, but director of rugby Mike Ruddock says he will not be fooled by that score.

"We know that Bucuresti are a strong side," said Ruddock.

"Our match against them back in October was very tough, and we are aware of the threat they pose."

He added: "They are very physically committed and have some great coaching with former New Zealand prop Steve McDowell.

"They were most certainly very fired up for our game back in October and, having only just lost to Bourgoin the previous week, they were a tough side to beat.

"Their wing Jeff Makapelu was outstanding and scored two brilliant tries.

Bucharesti coach Steve McDowell won 46 All Blacks caps

"He's a real handful to keep in check and we are expecting another strong performance from him this weekend.

"Their pack is very solid and physical - everything you'd expect from a set of Romanian forwards - and we played some of our best rugby to beat them.

"We are going to be looking at the contact area, where they gave us some problems last time, and concentrate on our ball retention."

Worcester top the qualifying group, and if they finish in pole position they are guaranteed a home quarter-final.

Ruddock is likely to pick his strongest side as his first team squad have not played in 2009. "Our postponed games against Sale Sharks and then Harlequins means we have not had a match since 27 December - and that could be either a good or a bad thing.

"On the plus side we have avoided any injuries but on the down side it means we could be short of match practice, and that could count against us on the day.

"But it's an extremely long season with a lot of high speed contact and when you're coming up against a side as physical as Bucuresti, any extra recovery time beforehand will help."

There will be full commentary on Warriors game against Bucharesti on BBC Hereford and Worcester on air and online on Saturday 17 January.