DIRECTOR of rugby Nigel Davies makes just two changes to his starting line up as Gloucester prepare for the visit of local rivals Worcester Warriors to Kingsholm on Friday evening (kick- off 7.45pm).

Davies makes one change to his pack, and one to his back line. Dan Murphy replaces Nick Wood at loose head prop, while Henry Trinder partners Mike Tindall in the Gloucester midfield in place of Tim Molenaar.

It's round 16 in the Aviva Premiership, and Gloucester currently find themselves in fifth position, four points behind London Wasps who occupy the final play off spot.

Gloucester's last game was away at Wasps, of course, a hard fought 29-33 defeat last Sunday.

It means the Cherry and Whites have faced a short turnaround this week and Davies confirmed that Gloucester have had to be smart with their scheduling this week. "

We have to consider where we are in the season. A lot of groundwork has been put in already.

"It's very much about keeping the energy in this group of players. They worked extremely hard last Sunday up at Wasps and were unlucky not to come away with the win.

"Over the past two weeks, I've been pleased with the performances that have been put in. We've shown a lot of character as well and we've got to show up with the same level of intensity and focus that we had in the last two games."

The fact that it's a local derby means that the game will also have a little extra edge to it.

"Friday night's game is very important for us. It's another derby fixture, so there will be a lot of emotion involved and we have to ensure that we channel our emotions in the right way to be effective.

"Worcester are fighting hard in the Premiership to ease clear of the bottom three teams, while we're trying to force our way into the top four. There's a lot at stake for both teams."

Gloucester: Rob Cook; Charlie Sharples, Henry Trinder, Mike Tindall (capt), Jonny May; Ryan Mills, Dan Robson; Dan Murphy, Darren Dawidiuk, Rupert Harden; Lua Lokotui, Will James; Tom Savage, Akapusi Qera, Sione Kalamafoni

Replacements: Huia Edmonds, Nick Wood, Dario Chistolini, Peter Buxton, Andy Hazell, Dave Lewis, Tim Molenaar, Martyn Thomas.