Rugby-Union
Taylor to start against Wasps

EXCITING new recruit Ezra Taylor has been handed his Worcester Warriors' debut as head coach Richard Hill shuffles his pack for the Aviva Premiership clash at London Wasps on New Year's Day.

The Samoan international, who only arrived at Sixways last week, will hope to make an immediate impression after securing the Number 8 jersey as Warriors look to recover quickly following their defeat to Leicester Tigers on Tuesday.

As a result to Taylor's inclusion, Chris Jones returns to the second row alongside James Percival, while the other changes in the pack sees Matt Kvesic replace Jack Abbott at flanker and Oliver Tomaszczyk and Aleki Lutui win call-ups.

Jonny Arr is the only change to the backs as he comes in in place of Shaun Perry, who will join the likes of Andy Goode, Tevita Taumoepeau and Ravai Fatiaki on the bench.

Hill said: “We are looking forward to seeing Ezra in action for the Warriors. He is an international player who has featured for both the Highlanders and Reds in Super 15 and Connacht in the Magners League so is keen to make an impression in the English game.

“It promises to be a very tough encounter at Adams Park between two teams who are both keen to produce a positive response after defeats over Christmas.

“We were very disappointed by our opening 20 minutes against Leicester Tigers so it is imperative we produce a better opening at Wasps against a team who we know will look to fly out of the traps.”

Warriors side to face London Wasps: Pennell (c), Garvey, Grove, Rasmussen, Miles Benjamin, Carlisle, Arr, Mullan, Lutui, Tomaszczyk, Percival, Jones, Betty, Kvesic, Taylor

Replacements: Douglas, Shervington, Taumoepeau, Gulliver, Abbott, Perry, Goode, Fatiaki