NEW SIGNING Mat Gilbert could make his Worcester Warriors debut tomorrow (Saturday) when the in-form Greene King IPA Championship outfit take on Rotherham Titans at a “hostile” Clifton Lane.
The 28-year-old, who left Bath last month, landed a full-time contract at Warriors this week after impressing during his trial at the club.
And it appears the back row will not have to wait long to make his first league appearance as he has been named on the bench for the trip to Rotherham.
Gilbert is also among a number of changes to the side which hammered Nottingham 55-16 last week as youngster Perry Humphreys has notably replaced last Saturday’s hat-trick hero Tom Biggs on the wing.
Fellow academy player Mike Daniels has earned his first start at tighthead, while Val Rapava Ruskin has earned a starting berth at loosehead after coming off the bench to score against Nottingham.
Warriors will be aiming to secure a fourth successive win, but head coach Carl Hogg said he has warned his side, which will be led by skipper GJ Van Velze, to expect an uncomfortable atmosphere at Clifton Lane.
“We are making steady progression, but Rotherham will be a big test for us,” Hogg said. “It will be a hostile environment up there as I am sure they will be looking forward to us coming to town and it is a narrow pitch. But it is a challenge we are looking forward to.
“What we are doing is making small progressive steps every week and we are now trying to expand our attacking game. You saw glimpses of us playing with a little bit more freedom and expression last Saturday, but we have still got a long way to go.”
Worcester have also included former Titans stars lock Dan Sanderson and scrum half Charlie Mulchrone in the starting line – and Hogg said they have used their knowledge to find out more about what they should expect at Rotherham.
“Dan Sanderson, Ben Sowrey and Charlie Mulchrone have all played for Rotherham, so they have an insight into their mentality and the way they play,” he said.
“We have tapped into that as coaches, so we have learned more about the threats that Rotherham possess.
“We have suffered some bumps and bruises over the last couple of weeks. But it has created opportunities for people who played on Monday nights, which is essential because if we do lose someone to injury we have got players with form and ability to step up.”
Warriors’ side to face Rotherham: Howard, Smith, Stelling, Symons, Humphreys, Mieres, Mulchrone, Rapava Ruskin, George, Daniels, Sanderson, O’Shea, Cox, Betty, Van Velze (C)
Replacements: Annett, Rees, Bower, Gilbert, Arr, Eden, Fatiaki