WORCESTER Warriors welcome Francois Hougaard back to the starting line-up for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership clash with Newcastle Falcons at Sixways (3pm).

The scrum-half recovers from a rib knock to start alongside Duncan Weir as Warriors go in search of their first win of the season.

Simon Kerrod plays in the front row for the injured Nick Schonert (concussion) while Joe Taufete’e is handed his first start of the season at hooker in place of Niall Annett (illness).

Anton Bresler (groin) and Jack Singleton (neck) have recovered from injury and are among the replacements.

Gareth Milasinovich is added to the replacements after impressing for Worcester Cavaliers in Monday's win over Leicester Tigers.

Ex-London Irish centre Johnny Williams makes his first league appearance for Falcons after shining during pre-season, replacing injured former Warrior Josh Matavesi.

Adam Radwan comes in for the injured Vereniki Goneva on the wing.

Director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Our record at Sixways hasn’t been great in recent seasons and it’s a difficult place to play but at the same time we should be going there with confidence and with a view to taking back some points.

“It’s like everything, there’s always a point whereby a run of defeats comes to an end and there’s no reason why that shouldn’t be on Saturday.

“It certainly won’t be easy because Worcester are really competitive and they take a brutal approach to the game.

"You have to front up physically to that threat, we’re prepared for that approach but are also looking to impose our own shape onto the game.”

Warriors: Pennell; Heem, Venter, Mills, Adams; Weir, Hougaard; Black, Taufete’e, Kerrod, Phillips, Barry, Mama, Lewis, van Velze. Replacements: Singleton, Bower, Milasinovich, Bresler, Faosiliva, Heaney, Lance, Beck.

Falcons: Hammersley; Radwan, Harris, Williams, Sinoti; Flood, Takulua; Mavinga, McGuigan, Mulipola, Green, Witty, Wilson, Welch, Chick. Replacements: Socino, Brocklebank, Payne, Cavubati, Graham, Stuart, Hodgson, Penny.