PUMPED-UP forward Matt Cox says Worcester Warriors will be out for revenge when they lock horns with Enisei-STM at the Kuban Stadium in Krasnodar today (4pm GMT).

Warriors’ defeat to the European Challenge Cup minnows on a “prison pitch” in Russia three years ago still rankles with Cox.

Back then Worcester travelled to Moscow with a largely youthful side and were beaten 19-12 at the Slava Stadium.

But Cox admitted Warriors “probably came up with our own excuses” that day and insisted they “owe them something” this time around.

“We played them a few seasons ago over there and we let ourselves down,” Cox said.

“It was like a prison pitch and we were up against some of the biggest blokes I had ever come across.

“At one point with about 20 minutes to go the biggest bloke I had ever seen came off the pitch and an even bigger bloke replaced him.

“I remember laughing about it at the time.

“They back themselves in being strong and physical so we have got to get them moving and play our game to get some rewards.

“Back then we probably came up with our own excuses. We were poor.

“It was a weird game as we went into it knowing that we were going to hammer them on a better pitch.

“But this time we know what we are getting, no excuses.

“We have got travel arrangements which aren’t perfect. But we have got to do our own thing.”

Cox is one of six survivors from the Warriors side that played Enisei last time and will make his first appearance of the season after overcoming an illness.

“We owe them something,” said the long-serving 31-year-old.

“For me it will be great to get back out on the park and it will be great for a lot of the lads that want to prove their point and show what they can do.

“Having played Enisei in the past and looking at their mentality and style of rugby we know what is coming.

“It will be great to go over there and see their culture as well as play some rugby. But we just need to come back with a win.

Academy centre Oli Morris will make his debut following his move from Saracens this summer while back-rower Morgan Monks is poised to make his first-team bow off the bench.

When the two sides met in Russia last time, Wales wing Josh Adams and England hooker Jack Singleton featured.

“There are definitely a few lads in the team now that are just like them (Adams and Singleton),” Cox added.

“But if they think they can do what those boys have done then they need to step up when they get a chance.”

WARRIORS: Humphreys; Hammond, O Morris, Lawrence, Howe; Shillcock, Kitto (C); Bower, Miller, Palframan, Kitchener, Clegg, Cox, Williams, Dodd.

Replacements: Cutting, Owen, J Morris, Scott, Monks, Heaney, Simpson, David.