WES Davies has won the wing battle to start at Manchester.

Worcester Rugby Club's new signing, who marked his first start with two tries against Harrogate last weekend, is again given the nod for Saturday's National One clash at Grove Park (3pm).

Davies, snapped up from Salford Reds last month, takes Chris Garrard's place in the side after the Australian was not even included in the 22.

Garrard, try-less this season so far, has been sick all week so Jon Hylton takes his place on the bench.

"Wes came in and took his chance on Saturday," said Worcester's director of rugby John Brain.

"That's why we brought him to the club. He has come in and has already intensified the competition for places.

"What that means is that people cannot afford to put in below par performances."

Christian Evans is ruled out after hyper-extending his elbow but the back row is strengthened with the return of Gavin Pfister to the openside spot.

Mark Gabey comes into the blindside position and Drew Hickey returns to his favoured number eight role. Gabey's switch means a return to the side for consistent lock Dan Zaltzman following his recovery from a rib cartilage injury.

Werner Swanepoel is still absent with a knee injury so Matt Powell continues at scrum half while James Brown is again preferred to Tommy Hayes at 10. Hayes plays at outside centre.

"Manchester are bottom of the league but I think the competition is stronger all round this season," added Brain.

"We've not seen too much of them but they caused us plenty of problems on their ground last season when they scored four tries against us.

"You have to respect what they can do with the ball and we certainly won't be taking them lightly just because they are bottom of the table."

Meanwhile, David Officer could be fit for Worcester's Powergen Cup fourth round tie with Exeter.

The centre, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, looks set to play some part next Saturday.

Flanker Richard Bates has also made good progress after a knee injury and looks to be in contention for a place against Wakefield a week later.

Team: Roke; O'Leary, Hayes, Trueman, Davies, Brown, Powell; Windo, Daly, Lyman, Zaltzman, Gillies, Gabey, Pfister, Hickey. Replacements: McAtee, Hylton, Murray, Clunis, Fortey, Mason, M Evans.