ATTACK-MINDED fly-half Jono Lance is set to start as Worcester Warriors look to make changes for Saturday’s daunting trip to Saracens (3pm).

Despite struggling to hit top gear boss Alan Solomons has refused to tinker with his side in recent weeks.

But after a far from emphatic 20-6 win over 14-man London Irish last Saturday Solomons admitted his squad might need “freshening up”.

Sixth-placed Warriors are expected to be without stand-off Duncan Weir (jaw) and prop Nick Schonert (concussion) with Lance and Richard Palframan likely to replace them respectively.

And Solomons hinted at making further changes for the Gallagher Premiership clash at Allianz Park.

“Some of the changes might be enforced like the fly-half situation and Nick could be out too,” Solomons said.

“We could possibly have a look at some form of rotation where appropriate.

“The games have all been tough. We have had three games on the bounce but the Gloucester game was particularly tough and so was Saturday.

“There was a lot of pressure on that (Irish) game.

“We have got good depth in our squad and where appropriate – like we did against Harlequins – rotation can be used.”

Lance’s last start for Warriors came in the 19-14 victory at Quins in November, playing a key role in the comeback triumph.

The Aussie ace has played second fiddle to Weir since his arrival in the summer of 2018 but Solomons believes Lance can add a different dynamic.

“He played very well against Harlequins and had a good 25 minutes on the weekend, so he is an experienced player,” Solomons said.

“They are both very good players, but Jono is probably defined by his attack.

“His ability to take the ball to the line and bring the attack into play is what defines him but he is a good all-round player.

“He had that stress fracture to the back that he had as a youngster which manifested itself again, but he is over that now and has been absolutely fine this year.”

Solomons reckoned Lance had also benefitted from extra kicking practise this season in a bid to overtake dead-eye kicker Weir in the pecking order.

“Jono has worked a lot on his kicking out of hand and his goal-kicking,” Solomons said.

“He kicked well against Harlequins.

“It is a bonus for him.

“If you have got problems with injuries and your back is bothering you it is difficult with the kicking.

“But he is good at the moment. He looks after himself and is a good professional.”

Back-rower Marco Mama is poised to return after recovering from a dead leg sustained in the defeat to Exeter Chiefs in early November.

Solomons has also not ruled out picking players from the team that played in Worcester Cavaliers’ victory over Northampton Wanderers on Monday.

“We have got good depth within the squad and where rotation is appropriate we will make use of it,” Solomons said.

“It serves a purpose of freshening up the squad and giving people opportunities.

“We will do whatever we think is in the best interest of the team.

“Whoever goes (to Saracens) will relish the challenge.”

It will be the first time Warriors have faced Saracens since they were deduced 35 points for breaching salary caps rules.

Although Saracens remain bottom on -12 points, they have won five of their opening seven league matches.

Asked whether he thought Sarries would finish in the top six, Solomons added: “I think they will probably make it.

“They are the best team in Europe.

“They weren’t at their best (at Exeter last weekend), but they are an outstanding team. They are virtually a full international side.

“It’s a major challenge and we need to be on our mettle and at our best in order to compete against them.”