Worcester go searching for their first Premiership win of the season against Gloucester tonight in a derby in which they are likely to need both fire in their bellies and ice in their hearts - but mostly fire.
Sixways will be sold out for the first time this campaign for an intriguing visit from the Cherry and Whites that is a contrast of rugby cultures, playing styles and - at this stage - league positions.
While Gloucester are frolicking along second in the division - with an expansive gameplan that relies on fast, elusive runners - Worcester languish at the bottom, so far unable to recreate the power
and passion that has been their hallmark in their three-year Premiership odyssey.
However, the appearance of their nearest neighbours might just put that right and John Brain will send his men out with license to knock their opponents about.
Asked to comment upon the absolute pre-requisite for good discipline, the director of rugby last night responded in uncompromising manner: "We are not going to win this game by being a bunch of shrinking violets," he said.
"When we play at our best we are confrontational. We have not played so far but we are cornered and we have got to demonstrate the right attitude - that is a disciplined attitude but it is also an aggressive one."
With that in mind Brain has stuffed his side full of ball-carriers, including Gavin Quinnell - a young man who is quickly becoming a Worcester
favourite. The Welshman starts on the bench tonight and when he does come on it is expected to be in the second row rather than in the back three. Drew Hickey is the back row cover among the replacements.
"You are not going to run through Gloucester in the first few minutes so it is important that we have enough ball-carriers to keep going right to the end," Brain said.
"We have that on our bench with Ben Gotting, Quinnell and Hickey. Gavin has emerged as a ball-carrying threat rather quicker than I thought he would and so we want to use him in the last 20-25 minutes."
Shane Drahm returns to the starting line up after recovering from his hamstring problem and combines with Simon Whatling in midfield. Aisea Havili is also back on the wing where he partners Mark Tucker.
Worcester go into the match on the back of a win and draw in
their two EDF Energy Cup matches and although they have not qualified for the semi-finals Brain considers the fortnight to have been an instructive exercise.
"It was useful for us," he said. "You can see from our selection that we have sorted out our pecking order in the front row and second row although Craig Gillies is injured."
Lee Best returns at full-back after missing the two Group D games but Gillies is out with a knee strain. Marcel Garvey was not considered for selection after suffering a bout of gastroenteritis.
For their part Gloucester welcome back three internationals with England full-back Iain Balshaw returning after his ankle problem in place of Olly Morgan.
Compatriot Mike Tindall is named on the bench after recovering from a calf injury and he will be joined by Italian prop Carlos Nieto for the first time this season following an operation on his shoulder.
"Both Mike and Iain have had no reaction all week and it is fantastic to have them involved again," assistant coach Bryan Redpath said.
"Mike's injury was slightly longer-term than originally anticipated because of complications but it was vitally important both he and the club got the problem right and he will be going into this game in really good shape. We obviously found something in Carlos's shoulder that required immediate attention but to have a player of his expertise and quality for a game of this significance is crucial to us."
The visitors side is led by former Moseley flanker Pete Buxton while Ryan Lamb - who spent a largely unsuccessful six months on loan at Pertemps Bees last season - starts at fly half. ..SUPL:
