Latham picked to make his Warriors debut

12:09pm Tuesday 26th August 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

By Tom Guest »

AUSTARLIA'S record-breaking full back Chris Latham will make his Worcester Warriors debut in the pre-season friendly against Ulster at Ravenhill tomorrow night (7.30pm).

The former Queensland Reds ace Latham joined the Warriors this summer and, after proving his fitness, the legendary back, who scored 40 tries for the Wallabies in 78 appearances, is ready for a return to action in Belfast after three months on the sidelines.

Ulster will provide Warriors with their hardest pre-season challenge and director of rugby Mike Ruddock has responded by naming a strong starting line-up, with the Guinness Premiership opener with Northampton Saints less than two weeks away.

Matt Mullan, who will start at prop, Aleki Lutui and Tevita Taumoepeau make up the front row, while Will Bowley and Craig Gillies are paired at lock. New Zealand international Greg Rawlinson misses out through injury.

Netani Talei, fresh from his two-try burst against Moseley, joins skipper Pat Sanderson and Tom Wood in the back row.

A powerful back division sees Rico Gear and Miles Benjamin named on the wings with Sam Tuitupou and Dale Rasmussen handed centre starts. Matthew Jones and Matt Powell complete an impressive Warriors line-up.

“We are delighted to be able to give Chris Latham a first start now he has made a full recovery,” said Ruddock. “He is very keen to get started for the club and we look forward to seeing him in a Warriors shirt for the first time, it will be a special moment for the club.

“We have named a strong line-up as we look ahead to the Northampton game on September 7. Greg Rawlinson misses the game with a slight knee aggravation but he is only ruled out as a precaution and we expect him to be fit for selection for our trip to Saints.”

Warriors: Chris Latham; Rico Gear, Dale Rasmussen, Sam Tuitupou, Miles Benjamin; Matthew Jones, Matt Powell; Matt Mullan, Aleki Lutui, Tevita Taumoepeau, Will Bowley, Craig Gillies, Tom Wood, Pat Sanderson, Netani Talei.

Replacements: Chris Horsman, Shaun Ruwers, Chris Fortey, Graham Kitchener, Kai Horstmann, James Collins, Ryan Powell, Joe Carlisle, Loki Crichton, Marcel Garvey, Chris Pennell.