RICHARD Hill has opted for experience over youth to solve his number eight conundrum for tomorrow night’s Aviva Premiership visit of Northampton Saints to Sixways (7.45).

Ex-England international lock Chris Jones, who can also operate in the back row, has been handed the jersey ahead of another contender, Matt Kvesic, who usually plays openside.

After an uninspiring display from Worcester Cavaliers in a 34-3 defeat to Exeter United on Monday night, head coach Hill opted against calling up either Adam Balding or new signing Richard Muagututia, who failed to impress in the second string game.

Jones, a summer recruit from Sale Sharks, was handed a start against Harlequins last time out and impressed in the loose, but was part of a line-out that misfired badly.

Therefore, Hill has recalled set-piece expert Craig Gillies but opted to keep experienced campaigner Jones in the starting XV.

The third of Hill’s three changes for the televised clash sees Ed Shervington called up in place of Chris Fortey at hooker.

Oliver Tomaszczyk is among the replacements for the first time this season, while Balding and Tom Arscott also win call-ups after playing for the Cavaliers.

“Chris Jones is battle-hardened from this season and an international-pedigree player who has excelled in this position with Sale,” Hill added.

“He can help us pressurise Northampton’s renowned set-piece and driving line-out.

“We also have real firepower on the bench with Adam, who came through 60 minutes for the Cavaliers on Monday, and Matt. Our training focus has been really precise this week and it is crucial we don’t become frightened to play after recent results.”

Hill has billed the match as a ‘must-win’ clash with both sides having one win from the first four games.

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: “Sixways is a tough place to play and Worcester have had a promising start to the season.

“Richard has put together a squad that is full of power and experience as well as pace out wide that can potentially cause us problems.

“Everyone has pulled together, worked hard in training and we are determined to get a positive result.”

Warriors: Claassens; Garvey, Grove, Rasmussen, Benjamin; Goode, Perry; Mullan, Shervington, Taumoepeau, Percival, Gillies, Best, Abbott, Chris Jones. Replacements: Ceri Jones, Fortey, Tomaszczyk, Balding, Kvesic, Frost, Carlisle, Arscott.

Saints: Tonks; Diggin, Clarke, Downey, Armstrong; Myler, Dickson; Doran-Jones, Sharman, Mujati, Manoa, Day, Clark, Nutley, Dowson. Replacements: Haywood, Waller, Mercey, Sorensen, Craig, Roberts, Lamb, May.