FULL back Chris Pennell is set to make his first appearance for Worcester Warriors since making his England debut this summer when they take on Exeter Chiefs tonight (7.30pm).
The 27-year-old, who came against New Zealand in Auckland, is one of a number of changes to the side which were defeated 22-16 by Sale Sharks last week, for Worcester’s first pre-season match.
The clash has also been selected as Craig Gillies’ Testimonial Match which will give supporters the chance to pay tribute to the Warriors legend, who retired at the end of the 2012/13 campaign after 11 years at the club.
Pennell is part of a much-changed back-line which features Tom Biggs, who will make his Warriors debut, Andy Symons, Alex Grove, Ignacio Mieres and Jonny Arr. Sam Smith keeps his place to start on the wing.
Ryan Bower, Dan George and Nick Schonert make up the front-row while Christian Scotland-Williamson gets his third start of pre-season at lock alongside Dan Sanderson.
Versatile back-row Mike Williams will again play at number six with Matt Cox at openside and captain GJ van Velze as number-eight.
The replacements bench includes Academy youngsters Mike Daniels (prop) and Tiff Eden (fly-half), with the latter having not missed a kick at goal in last week’s clash with Sale.
Warriors’ side to face Exeter Chiefs: Pennell (VC), Smith, Grove, Symons, Biggs, Mieres, Arr, Bower, George, Schonert, Scotland-Williamson, Sanderson, Williams, Cox, Van Velze (C)
Replacements: Annett, Rapava Ruskin, Daniels, Percival, Betty, Mulchrone, Eden, Stelling, Fatiaki, Hammond, Howard