WING James Stephenson is set to make his first appearance for Worcester Warriors as they kick off their LV=Cup campaign with a trip to Cardiff Blues tomorrow (Friday, 7.30pm).
The 23-year-old, who joined Worcester from Bedford Blues in the summer, is one of 12 changes from the side which lost to Bath last week.
Fellow rising stars full back Ben Howard and centre Max Stelling have also been handed the chance to stake their claim for a starting jersey in the Aviva Premiership as director of rugby Dean Ryan fields a team of youth and experience at Arms Park.
Scrum half Paul Hodgson will lead the side out, while other notable changes sees Josh Drauniniu return after missing the last two games due to injury and former England Saxons star Jon Clarke included.
Prop Rob O’Donnell has been given his first start of the season as he will be joined by Jeremy Becasseau and Ed Shervington in the front row.
New recruit Andy Symons could feature as he has been named on the bench, which also includes academy scrum half George de Cothi.
And Ryan said he was looking forward to see how his young guns in action over the next two weeks before the Premiership gets back under way.
“The LV= Cup is an important competition because it gives youngsters a chance,” Ryan said, “The selections that tend to be made are full of youngsters looking to impress and play the game at a high tempo.
“The season is long and there are some people that haven’t necessarily had the chance to demonstrate to me and to everyone else where they are. This weekend and next weekend gives them a chance.
“It’s about building momentum. This club needs to focus on the total group. We need to create opportunities.
“We can’t talk about youngsters and then starve them of opportunities and Friday’s selection reflects this.”
Warriors’ side to face Cardiff Blues: Howard, Drauniniu, Clarke, Stelling, Stephenson, Mieres, Hodgson, Becasseau, Shervington, O’Donnell, Williams, Jones, Betty, Abbott, Senatore
Replacements: Seymour, Porter, Fainga’anuku, Schofield, Thomas, De Cothi, Warwick, Symons