Cup final can motivate Worcester Warriors

May 9 2008 By Nick Pullen

WORCESTER boss Mike Ruddock has warned his side they are playing for cup final places when they face Newcastle in their final Guinness Premiership contest of the season at Sixways tomorrow.

Victory would take the Warriors above Newcastle in the table but Ruddock believes there's a bigger incentive for his players with the European Challenge Cup clash against Bath just around the corner.

Ruddock wants to finish the league campaign with a bang before winning some silverware on May 25.

He has pointed out players like Welsh prop Chris Horsman and Fijian World Cup star Netani Talei who could press for a starting place against Bath.

Both look set to get their chance against the Eagles and Ruddock revealed: "I think you'll see one or two players starting that I need to see before I finalise my selection for the game at Kingsholm.

"Tevita has been absolutely fantastic for us all season and he's very much in pole position to start in the final. But if I don't start Chris now, I'll never know if he can do any better.

"Netani has got to prove he's over his injuries and can start the game - or he's not going to be in the mix for the final.''