Anglo-Welsh Cup
Worcester Warriors v Harlequins
Scrum.com
October 29, 2008
Worcester player Loki Crichton dives over the line to score a try during the EDF Energy Cup Match between Worcester Warriors and London Irish at Sixways Stadium in Worcester, England on October 5, 2008.
Worcester will hope to bounce back from defeat at the Liberty Stadium last weekend © Getty Images
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Tournaments/Tours: Anglo-Welsh Cup

Talismanic back row forward Pat Sanderson is set to make his comeback from injury when Worcester Warriors tackle Harlequins in the Anglo-Welsh Cup at Sixways Stadium on Sunday

Sanderson has been ruled out of action since the end of August when he injured his leg in the pre-season friendly with Ulster at Ravenhill.

Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock makes three changes to the starting line-up that lost out to Ospreys last weekend. New Zealand wing Rico Gear has recovered from injury to take his place in the backline and Matt Powell is named at scrum half.

Young lock Graham Kitchener is called-up into the second row and will play alongside Greg Rawlinson. Former Australian international full back Chris Latham will skipper the side.

Hooker Chris Fortey and utility back Loki Crichton are both declared fit and take their place on the bench.

"It's great to see our inspirational skipper Pat Sanderson back in the mix after injury," said Ruddock. "There's no doubt we have missed his leadership talents and hopefully he will get through the game without any further problems and he can lead the team against Sale Sharks in our next Premiership game."

Harlequins revert to a similar line up that which faced Ulster two weeks ago. In the forwards, the only change will see Tom Guest replace Nick Easter at 8 who is on England duty.

In the backs, Seb Stegmann and Tom Williams will start on the wings, with Andy Gomarsall replacing Danny Care, who is also with England, at scrum half.

Worcester Warriors' defeat at Ospreys on Sunday ended a three game winning run in all competitions. The Warriors home record in Anglo-Welsh Cup ties is a disappointing won 2, lost 3.

Harlequins only win in their eight previous Anglo-Welsh Cup games was 10-8 at London Irish on 28 October 2007.

Worcester's most recent win over Harlequins was 23-22 at Twickenham Stoop in the Anglo-Welsh Cup on 3 November 2007.

Possible Anglo-Welsh Cup Permutations

* Ospreys require two match points to ensure qualification for the semi-finals.

* London Irish must beat Ospreys by four clear match points and then hope that Worcester do not win to qualify themselves.

* Worcester could still progress if they get a bonus point win and Ospreys get nothing from their trip to London Irish.

* The Warriors could also make the last four in a three way tie on nine points, set up by a Worcester win scoring less than four tries and a 4-0 win by Irish, with Ospreys kept tryless.

* Harlequins cannot make it to the semi-finals.

Worcester: Chris Latham (c), Rico Gear, Alex Grove, Sam Tuitupou, Chris Pennell, Matthew Jones, Matt Powell, Matt Mullan, Aleki Lutui, Tevita Taumoepeau, Greg Rawlinson, Graham Kitchener, Matt Cox, Jake Abbott, Netani Talei

Replacements: Darren Morris, Chris Fortey, Craig Gillies, Pat Sanderson, Ryan Powell, Loki Crichton, Charlie Fellows

Harlequins: Mike Brown, Tom Williams, Tosh Masson, Jordan Turner-Hall, Seb Stegmann, Chris Malone, Andy Gomarsall, Ceri Jones, Gary Botha, Mike Ross, Ollie Kohn, Jim Evans, Chris Robshaw, Will Skinner (c), Tom Guest

Replacements: Tani Fuga, Mark Lambert, George Robson, Neil McMillan, Gareth Williams, De Wet Barry, Nick Evans

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