TALENTED wing Josh Watkins is poised to make his Worcester Warriors debut as director of rugby Dean Ryan rings the changes for his side’s Amlin Challenge Cup clash at Sale Sharks tomorrow (Friday 8pm).
The 19-year-old has earned a place in Warriors’ starting line-up following a number of impressive showings in the Aviva A League with Worcester Cavaliers.
Watkins, who has spent time on loan at RFU Championship outfit London Welsh this season, is among 11 changes made by Ryan following Worcester’s 22-9 defeat at London Irish.
The trip to the AJ Bell Stadium will also offer fellow academy aces Ben Howard and Stelling, who signed new deals this week, the chance to shine once again after they were selected at full back and centre respectively.
Dean Schofield will captain the side, which will also include Josh Matavesi and Jonny Arr, after being recalled to partner Mike Williams in the second row.
Warriors’ hopes of progressing in the European competition suffered a huge set back following back-to-back defeats to Biarritz Olympique last month to leave them bottom of Pool One.
But with a four week break before the Aviva Premiership gets back up and running, Ryan said he was looking forward to freshening up his squad.
“The Amlin is an opportunity for some of the youngsters to get involved. We’ve done that right from the first game and we will do that again over this period,” Ryan said.
“We’ll look to utilise these guys again over the next three or four weeks to see if they have grown from their experiences.
“Sometimes growing youngsters can be difficult because sometimes they get thrust in and it’s difficult to learn, especially in an environment that isn’t as successful as we would like it to be.
“It’s important that youngsters get space to come out and play and then they can reflect on their performances before coming back in. We have been able to do that across the competitions this season.
“The reason we have chopped and changed with selection is because nobody has really nailed down a position so that means they are still up for grabs.
“That allows some of those that have been on the fringes to have a go to try and put their hand up.”
Warriors’ side to face Sale Sharks: Howard, Drauniniu, Stelling, Matavesi, Watkins, Warwick, Arr, Becasseau, Shervington, Andress, Schofield (C), Williams, Jones, de Carpentier, Senatore
Replacements: Seymour, Porter, O’Donnell, Percival, Betty, Hodgson, Mieres, Fatiaki