Rugby-Union
Warriors target successive wins

Buy photos » Jake Abbott returns as Warriors aim to defeat Gloucester at Sixways. Picture by Ian Smith.

WORCESTER Warriors will be looking to secure back to back Aviva Premiership wins when they take on Gloucester in front of a sell-out crowd at Sixways on Saturday (2.45pm).

Head coach Richard Hill has made just two changes to the side which started in Warriors' victory away to London Wasps on New Year's Day.

Prop Tevita Taumoepeau comes back into the side, while Jake Abbott comes in for the injured Ezra Taylor as part of a new-look back row alongside Sam Betty and Matt Kvesic.

Richard Muagututia has also benefited from Taylor's absence as he could make his Aviva Premiership debut after being named among the replacements.

Hill admitted his side face a tough task against seventh placed Gloucester, who have won three out their last four matches.

But the Sixways boss is determined to back up last week's victory with another win to push Warriors up the table.

“The big challenge, after really battling for a win at Wasps, is to really back it up with a home victory,” he said.

“Gloucester have been superb and I watched them play at home at Kingsholm against Wasps and that was some of the best rugby I have seen – it was absolutely astounding.

“Wasps lost six tries to one but I don’t think any team in the Aviva Premiership would have lived with Gloucester on that day. They were on fire and have hit from at a good time.

“We have five crucial home games to come, including the derby, and we have to make sure we take advantage of the fantastic support we have to turn those fixtures into wins.

“We want to be looking up the table as opposed to over our shoulder and bringing our supporters a winning brand of rugby. It will be fantastic to see another sell-out crowd at Sixways and we want to perform for them.”

Warriors side to face Gloucester: Pennell (c), Garvey, Grove, Rasmussen, Benjamin, Carlisle, Arr, Mullan, Lutui, Taumoepeau, Percival, Jones, Betty, Abbott, Kvesic

Replacements: Douglas, Shervington, Tomaszczyk, Gillies, Muagututia, Perry, Goode, Fatiaki