Worcester's Premiership survival on the line

WORCESTER boss Mike Ruddock believes today's crunch Guinness Premiership clash against Leeds Carnegie could come down to a battle of the boot.

The Warriors must win or draw at Headingley – or gain two losing bonus points – to survive until the regular season's final day on 8 May. It is a tall order, especially as 11th-placed Leeds have won four of their last six league games.

But if Worcester could record a win, it would set up a thrilling climax in a fortnight's time when Warriors, Leeds and Sale Sharks could all be fighting to avoid the drop.

"This is a huge game for us and we know what is on the line," said Ruddock.

"I don't think it will be a game of high scoring and counter-attacking. I expect it to be close and it could come down to a goal-kicking battle."

A draw would be enough to keep Leeds up, defying most bookmakers' pre-season odds.

"We have been written off by nearly everyone outside of the club, but we have never lost our belief and that is key," said Leeds coach Neil Back.