Pennell set for Sixways Return

Chris Pennell is set for his first Sixways appearance since making his international debut for England earlier this summer, when Warriors take on Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs in the Craig Gillies Testimonial Match this Friday (kick-off 7.30pm).

Just five of last week's 15 against Sale Sharks remain in the starting line-up as Director of Rugby Dean Ryan experiments one last time before the Greene King IPA Championship opener on Sunday 7 September.

Full-back Pennell is among a much-changed backline that features Tom Biggs, who will make his Warriors debut, Andy Symons, Alex Grove, Ignacio Mieres and Jonny Arr. Sam Smith keeps his place to start on the wing.

Ryan Bower, Dan George and Nick Schonert make up the front-row while Christian Scotland-Williamson gets his third start of pre-season at lock alongside Dan Sanderson.

Versatile back-row Mike Williams will again play at number six with Matt Cox at openside and captain GJ van Velze as number-eight.

The replacements bench includes Academy youngsters Mike Daniels (prop) and Tiff Eden (fly-half), with the latter having not missed a kick at goal in last week's clash with Sale.

Academy graduate Ben Howard is among the replacements despite having notched two tries in his last two matches.

Warriors

15 Chris Pennell (VC)
14 Sam Smith
13 Alex Grove
12 Andy Symons
11 Tom Biggs
10 Ignacio Mieres
9 Jonny Arr
1 Ryan Bower
2 Dan George
3 Nick Schonert
4 Christian Scotland-Williamson
5 Dan Sanderson
6 Mike Williams
7 Matt Cox
8 GJ van Velze (C)
 
Replacements:

16 Niall Annett
17 Val Rapava Ruskin
18 Mike Daniels
19 James Percival
20 Sam Betty
21 Charlie Mulchrone
22 Tiff Eden
23 Max Stelling
24 Ravai Fatiaki
25 Dean Hammond
26 Ben Howard