WARRIORS head coach Richard Hill believes his players are in prime physical shape ahead of Saturday’s home Aviva Premiership curtain-raiser against Sale Sharks (3pm).

It has been a gruelling pre-season programme for the Sixways side which began with a training camp in Switzerland followed by warm-up matches against Melbourne Rebels, Argentina, Plymouth Albion and Cornish Pirates.

But Hill reckons the efforts are reaping rewards as they prepare to get their return to the top-flight off to a flying start.

“We’ve had a lot of work to do for the Premiership season but it’s been very good,” the Warriors chief said.

“By and large, 90 per cent of it, we’ve been absolutely delighted with.

“We’ve worked hard with a great strength and conditioning programme and these players are fitter and stronger than they have ever been, so they are in great shape,” he added.

“We have had four testing pre-season games as well so, as coaches, we’ve found out a lot about the players.

“We lost a couple of games on the way but, having said that, it’s all about looking at players and finding out about them.

“I think we are pretty well sorted now as to knowing what our best starting line-up is for the match at the weekend.”

Although Hill is remaining tight-lipped on his first XV, he did suggest that Ed Shervington was in line to replace Aleki Lutui at hooker.

The Tongan powerhouse is representing his nation at the World Cup in New Zealand which starts a week on Friday.

Hill said: “Whoever we select as hooker will have to replace Aleki’s ball-carrying ability and get round the park like he does and give us that energy.”

But he added: “It’s a great chance for Ed. He was third choice last year but he’s going to deserve a crack at some stage and this Sat-urday could be his opportunity.”