"I'VE never seen a weaker bunch of rugby players" - that was Phil Richards' first evaluation of Worcester's players when he arrived at the club in the summer.

The fitness coach pulled no punches on his introduction to the squad and has kept reminding them ever since.

Six months down the line and 34 tries later, Worcester's much-maligned pack are finally punching their weight in National One after almost universally being branded the weak link in the promotion bid.

Rotherham out-muscled them two years in succession and it became clear back in April last year, when the Yorkshiremen clinched another title, that something drastic needed to be done.

In came Drew Hickey and Ben Daly during a summer of pruning rather than wholesale weeding while the pairing of Craig Gillies and Mark Gabey in the second row were earmarked as the first choice locks. The back row of Christian Evans, Gavin Pfister and Hickey looked the part while props Tony Windo, Neil Lyman and newcomer Lee Fortey would make up the basis of Worcester's success.

For much of the season, they have been the foundation but against Orrell on Saturday they will be given a truer test of their worth.

It must be remembered that around five of the forwards involved in last season's 27-24 defeat at Orrell are likely take to the field at Edge Hall Road and, on that day, they failed to make the grade.

"We were decimated throughout the backs that day because of injuries," said John Brain, Worcester's director of rugby.

"We asked the forwards to go and win the game for us and they couldn't do it. It was a bleak day and, along with the defeat at Rotherham, one of the worst of the season.

"I think the forwards have benefited from another season together here at Worcester, however, and they've certainly improved their strength with the new training.

"Technically also, I think they are better."

Saturday represents more than just 'another match', though.

For many it will be a litmus test of just whether they can hack it against the 'best'. Undoubtedly Orrell are the second best side in National One and provide the nearest levels of opposition to a Premiership team.

The old accusation, one which was recently regurgitated by Phil Maynard, was that if Worcester win promotion many of the Sixways players will be kicked into touch such is the chasm of quality between National One and the Premiership.

Saturday offers the pack in particular the chance to put the record straight, to push Orrell off the park and make a real statement of intent.

They couldn't do it last season in Wigan but the common perception is that this set of forwards have made great strides this time around.

They've been recording personal bests in the gym this week in the build up to the game but the Edge Hall Road clash will be more an examination of their desire. Who wants it most? We're about to find out.