Ampthill head to Sixways on the back of two wins in Champ Rugby but with Head Coach Dave Ward warning his squad of the challenge awaiting them on Friday night “Warriors will be hurting after the defeat at Hartpury and will be looking to bounce back in front of another sellout crowd at home. We’ve made good progress as a squad but aren’t underestimating the challenge that Worcester present, we’ll need to execute our game plan and be at our best to get something from the game”
Loosehead Jevaughn Warren makes his first competitive start since returning to the Mob alongside Samson Adejimi at hooker with Callum Norrie again at tighthead. Totoa Auvaa was standout performer against Pirates and he has Kennedy Sylvester for company at lock this week whilst Ward makes one change in the back row with Fijian Kima Ravuvu coming in at eight with Barney Merrett and vice-captain Charles Rylands again on the flanks.
Half-backs Efan Jones and Louis Grimoldy controlled the game against Pirates whilst captain Fraser Strachan again has try-scorer Oscar Wilson alongside him in midfield. Seva Kava start again on the left wing with Josh Barton at full back – the single change in the backs sees Mason Cullen replacing double try-scorer Noah Caluori on the right.
Ward names a hugely experienced six:two bench with Harrison Dakin, Harrison Courtney and James Johnston covering the front row, Jake Parkinson, Ollie Mulalrkey and Tino Mapapalangi offering options at lock and back-row whilst Rory Morgan and Matthew Salisbury will look to impress in the backs.
Academy player George Phillips is among the non-playing reserves getting his first experience with the 1st XV.
Worcester v 1st XV kicks-off at 7:45pm on Friday night. If you can’t make it to Sixways the game is available live on Clubbertv.co.uk – all 182 Champ Rugby games are shown live this season.
Starting XV:
1. Jevaughn Warren 2. Samson Adejimi 3. Callum Norrie 4. Totoa Auvaa 5. Kennedy Slyvester 6. Barney Merrett 7. Charles Rylands (vc) 8. Kima Ravuvu 9. Efan Jones 10. Louis Grimoldby 11. Seva Kava 12. Fraser Strachan (c) 13. Oscar Wilson 14. Mason Cullen 15. Josh Barton
Replacements:
16. Harrison Dakin 17. Harrison Courtney 18. James Johnston 19. Jake Parkinson 20. Ollie Mullarkey 21. Tino Mapapalangi 22. Rory Morgan 23. Matt Salisbury
NPR. George Phillips, Alex Davies, Sam Kildunne