WORCESTER Warriors will be ringing the changes for their European Challenge Cup group opener against French Top 14 club La Rochelle at Sixways on Saturday (3pm).

Experienced duo Phil Dowson and Donncha O’Callaghan are expected to get a well-earned rest after helping Worcester to two wins from their opening four Aviva Premiership matches.

Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan said “frustrated” players would be given an opportunity to showcase their talents.

The likes of Carl Kirwan, Max Stelling, Charlie Mulchrone and Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier all look set to get some time under their belt.

Head coach Carl Hogg said: “We have got one or two senior players we are going to take out but it’s an opportunity for the younger players to step up in performance and leadership.

“The likes of GJ van Velze, Dowson and O’Callaghan have done a fantastic job over the last month and we want to see if some of our younger players can emulate them.

“We said we would be consistent around selection for the first four Premiership games and we will now be giving an opportunity to those who worked equally as hard during pre-season.”

He added: “Last year, the British and Irish Cup and A-team fixtures were fantastic for us because everyone got a good opportunity, everybody got some game-time and got to challenge for the jersey.

“This year is going to be slightly different because, due to the nature of a condensed season, we have to utilise the European windows.

“Europe gives us an opportunity do that but it’s just as important for us to keep the momentum going during the next couple of weeks.”

Meanwhile, Hogg confirmed skipper Gerrit-Jan van Velze missed last week’s 28-20 win against Newcastle Falcons after taking “a bang above the knee".

He added that van Velze's injury wasn’t a “hugely significant” problem.