WORCESTER Warriors have suffered a major set back after it emerged number eight Semisi Taulava was likely to be out of action for the next two months due to injury.
Director of rugby Dean Ryan revealed the Tongan-born enforcer sustained medial knee ligament damage during Warriors’ 16-11 defeat to Newcastle Falcons last Saturday.
Taulava has featured in all five of Worcester’s opening Aviva Premiership clashes, but Ryan said the 30-year-old was unlikely to be back until December.
Centre Ravai Fatiaki, who has also been a permanent feature in the starting 15 this season, picked up an ankle injury against Newcastle, which is set to rule him out for the next few weeks.
But Ryan believes there is adequate cover with Alex Grove back to full fitness and academy star Max Stelling knocking on the door for an opportunity.
Worcester are also set to be boosted by the return of back row Leonardo Senatore when his ban for biting comes to an end after their visit to Exeter Chiefs later this month.
However, the Warriors boss insisted Taulava’s injury could also open up a chance for Richard de Carpentier to stake his claim after Ryan described the back row’s performance in Worcester Cavaliers’ 32-0 defeat to Leicester Tigers on Monday as “outstanding”.
“Semisi will be out for a couple of months, but it gives an opportunity for someone else,” Ryan said
“I think RDC (Richard de Carpentier) brings more energy and he is a bit more raw. He is not quite as big, but I thought he brought great physicality to the game on Monday night, so he deserves a chance.
“After the Exeter game Leo (Leonardo Senatore) will be available so we will have a bit more strength. But hopefully RDC will put his hand up on Saturday and that will give us another choice to make.”
De Carpentier is likely to be among a much-changed Warriors side as they travel to France to take on Oyonnax tomorrow (Saturday).
Turn inside for more on Worcester’s Amlin Challenge Cup clash.
