WORCESTER match centurions Chris Pennell and Alex Grove return for Warriors' Aviva Premiership trip to Gloucester on Sunday (2pm).

The duo, who both signed contract extensions at Sixways earlier this month, are named in the backline after being rested for last week's trip to Biarritz.

Director of rugby Dean Ryan makes nine changes to the side which travelled to France.

A much-changed forward pack sees Ofa Fainga'anuku, Chris Brooker and Rob O'Donnell return in the front row, while James Percival and Mariano Galarza are recalled to the second row.

Captain Jonathan Thomas will start at number eight and there could also be a return to action for Argentinian international Leonardo Senatore, who is handed a place on the bench.

James Stephenson is the only other change in the backline as Warriors go to Kingsholm looking to close the gap on their local rivals.

Ryan said: "I asked a lot of people to put their hands up last week and I was really pleased with how well some people did. It has given me more choice in terms of this weekend's selection.

"In reality, winning would be a huge lift. I think it would be a catalyst and reward for the progress the players are making.

"We're not the kind of side that will race into a 20-point lead in the last ten minutes and sit back and hold on.

"We're always having to fight it out with swings in the last ten minutes so we're going to have to learn how to conduct ourselves in that period.”

Warriors: Pennell; Stephenson, Grove, Fatiaki, Drauniniu; Mieres, Su'a; Fainga'anuku, Brooker, O'Donnell, Percival, Galarza, de Carpentier, Betty, Thomas. Replacements: Shervington, Becasseau, Andress, Jones, Senatore, Hodgson, Warwick, Symons.