FIJIAN flyer Josh Drauniniu will be looking to regain his regular place on the wing when Worcester Warriors face Biarritz Olympique in the Amlin Challenge Cup tonight (Thursday, 7.45pm GMT).
The 28-year-old had been a consistent presence in Warriors’ starting 15 before an injury sustained against Cardiff Blues last month brought an end to his run in the side.
But director of rugby Dean Ryan has handed Drauniniu the chance to stake his claim along with a number others looking to impress ahead of next week’s return to Aviva Premiership action.
Experienced lock Dean Schofield will make his first start for Worcester since October as he captains the side, while prop Jeremy Becasseau has also been recalled.
Meanwhile, academy youngsters Ben Howard and Max Stelling come into the back-line as Ryan makes ten changes to the team which were denied victory in the dying seconds against Biarritz at Sixways last week.
Despite suffering the agonising defeat, which dashes their hopes of a top place finish in Pool One, the Warriors boss said his players will have plenty to play for at the Parc Des Sports Aguilera.
“I want to provide some opportunities for players to push for selection,” Ryan said. “As we have quite a small squad and some guys are under pressure to play every week this is a chance to give them a rest. People have an opportunity to put their hands up for a Premiership place.
“We are starting to see the group evolve and after Christmas our selection will be a bit more consistent. This is a big window for some people to join that group.
“I am sure Biarritz will see they have got a glimmer to get out of the pool now and they will be playing at home, which will make the challenge much more difficult.
“But if individuals grasps their opportunities then we will be in the mix.”
Warriors’ side to face Biarritz Olympique: Howard, Drauniniu, Stelling, Fatiaki, Hammond, Mieres, Su’a, Becasseau, Shervington, Andress, Schofield (C), Williams, de Carpentier, Betty, Jones
Replacements: Seymour, Porter, O’Donnell, Percival, Andrew, Hodgson, Warwick, Stephenson