WARRIORS chief John Brain has backed Kiwi flanker Tom Harding to fill the void left by the absence of skipper Pat Sanderson in tomorrow night's Guinness Premiership showdown at Sale (7.45).

Harding has been restored to the starting line-up after Sanderson broke a bone in his hand during Saturday's win over Bath and Brain is convinced the open-side specialist can shine on the big stage.

"Tom has had a pretty good season," said Brain. "He's a real workaholic on the field, gets through a lot of tackles, is a skilful player and is good at slowing up opposition ball.

"I think we have got a very good replacement there and I am sure he will relish the opportunity to start an important game."

The New Zealander is one of three changes to the side that won against Bath with Tony Windo and Mark Tucker also drafted into the starting 15.

Prop Windo is preferred to Darren Morris at loose-head, while Tucker replaces inside centre Gary Trueman, who is rested in a bid to clear up his groin problem.

Intriguingly, the skipper's armband passes to Welsh scrum-half Matt Powell rather than Windo or Kai Horstmann, who have both frequently deputised for Sanderson in the past.

Brain is looking forward to pitting his wits against former Gloucester colleague Philippe Saint Andre who is now in charge at Edgeley Park.

And the Sixways director of rugby is not fooled by Sale's poor run of form that has seen them slump to eighth in the table after claiming the title last season.

"They are the champions and they will see this as a real opportunity to end their losing sequence," Brain admitted.

French international Julien Laharrague will be making his debut at full-back for the Cheshire side, while Daniel Larrechea plays at fly-half after returning from suspension.

But the Six Nations tournament has denied them the services of England trio Jason Robinson, Stuart Turner and Magnus Lund as well as France pair Sebastien Chabal and Sebastien Bruno.

"It is a must-win game for us," said Sale head coach and ex-Worcester captain Kingsley Jones.

"We will need to respect Worcester though as they arrive here on the back of a win against Bath last week.

"Worcester are dangerous when they play away from Sixways and have won four of their last six away games in all competitions. It should be a great game."

Warriors: Drahm; Havili, Rasmussen, Tucker, Delport; Brown, M Powell, Windo, C Fortey, Taumoepeau, Gillies, Murphy, Hickey, Harding, Horstmann. Replacements: Morris, Lutui, Blaze, Quinnell, Runciman, Feaunati, Best.

Sale: Laharrague; Cueto, Taylor, Seveali'I, Ripol, Larrechea, Wigglesworth; Sheridan, Titterrell, Evans, Schofield, Cox, Jones, Tait, Fernandez Lobbe. Replacements: Briggs, Stewart, Roberts, Hills/Carter, Foden/Mayor, Thomas, Bell/Hanley.