HEAD coach Carl Hogg has thrown the gauntlet down to David Denton ahead of Worcester Warriors’ visit to Harlequins on Saturday (3pm).

Hogg confirmed Denton would replace the injured Gerrit-Jan van Velze at number eight for the Aviva Premiership clash at The Stoop.

And he has urged the 27-year-old to put a “stamp” on the position in a bid to show Scotland boss Gregor Townsend what he could be missing next month.

Denton failed to secure a place in Townsend’s 36-man squad for their autumn Tests against Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.

But Hogg believes the Zimbabwe-born back rower can still keep himself in the frame with strong performances for Warriors.

Denton has made four appearances, playing at blindside and openside flanker, for the Sixways side since returning from injury last month.

“I am sure Gregor will pick up one or two bumps and bruises over the next two or three weeks,” Hogg said.

“What David has got to do is perform for Worcester Warriors.

“Once he gets back to full fitness I am sure he will give Gregor a headache.

“I have been delighted with the way he has integrated with our group and gives us something different as he is a really positive ball-carrier.

“This weekend he will start at eight for us, so he has got an opportunity to put a real stamp there.”

Fly-half Jono Lance is expected to retain the number 10 shirt after Jamie Shillcock underwent knee surgery this week while Tom Heathcote, who has been overcoming concussion, is poised to return to the fray.

Hogg said Warriors were unlikely to make many changes to the 23-man matchday squad who lost 15-8 at Connacht in the European Challenge Cup last Saturday.

But several players who helped Worcester Cavaliers beat Wasps 32-6 on Monday night may have forced their way into contention.

Back Dean Hammond bagged two tries while fit-again wing Bryce Heem, scrum-half Michael Dowsett and tighthead prop Biyi Alo made an impact.

“I thought the Cavaliers were outstanding with a number of first-team players putting their hands up for selection,” Hogg said.

“Some of them will be involved this weekend and others that aren’t will get an opportunity over the next two weeks in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.”

New signing Andrew Durutalo also made his first outing for Worcester in the Premiership Rugby A-League clash and will be keen to feature at Harlequins.

But Hogg admitted the “explosive” forward, who joined Warriors from Championship side Ealing Trailfinders, had a “tough” night before being replaced at half-time.

“He got 40 minutes on Monday, but I thought Cavaliers played with a bit more fluency in the second half,” Hogg added.

“I think it was tough for Drew, but I am sure he will get better and better in Worcester Warriors colours.

“You can see how explosive he is and is a good jackler of the ball, so he has got real identifiable specific traits as a back rower.

“He is in contention for this weekend, but he will get more game-time in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.”