European Challenge Cup - Pool 3
Warriors set for Padova test
Scrum.com
January 23, 2009
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Worcester Warriors back-row Kai Horstmann in action against Newcastle Falcons, March 16 2007.
Kai Horstmann starts at No.8 for Worcester © Getty Images
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Worcester host Petrarca Padova at Sixways on Satruday, with their sights set on a strong finish and a home quarter-final in the European Challenge Cup.

Worcester boss Mike Ruddock has made six changes to his starting line-up with young fly-half Joe Carlisle starting, with Eoghan Hickey having returned to London Irish, joined at half back by Matt Powell.

Wing Chris Pennell has added to the Warriors' injury woes after he was ruled out for the season after rupturing his ACL in his left leg and so Charlie Fellows is named on the wing. In the pack, Ruddock opts for Aleki Lutui at hooker while prop Tevita Taumoepeau is set to make his 100th appearance for the side. Pat Sanderson leads the side from the openside, with Kai Horstmann at No.8.

A win for the visitors could potentially see them into the quarter-finals as a best runner-up on 18 points.

Worcester: Chris Latham, Rico Gear, Hal Luscombe, Dale Rasmussen, Charlie Fellows, Joe Carlisle, Matt Powell, Matt Mullan, Aleki Lutui, Tevita Taumoepeau, Greg Rawlinson, Will Bowley, Matt Cox, Pat Sanderson (capt), Kai Horstmann

Replacements: Darren Morris, Chris Fortey, Graham Kitchener, Craig Gillies, Netani Talei, Ryan Powell, Loki Crichton

Padova: Mark Bartholomeusz, Martin Acuna, Marco Rosa, Roberto Bertetti, Warren Spragg, Ludovic Mercier, Nicola Leonardi, Michele Rizzo, Lorenzo Giovanchelli, Tino Paoletti, Agustin Cavalieri, Doug Fletcher, Zane Ansell, Nicolas Galatro, Gonzalo PadrĂ²

Replacements: Michele Matteralia, Chistolini Chistolini, Nicola Bezzati, Davide Pastormerlo, Silao Leaega, Nick Little, Wilhelm Stoltz

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