WORCESTER Warriors centre Francois Venter hopes Wasps will field their “strongest side” in Sunday’s Premiership Cup match at Sixways (3pm).

While Warriors will be aiming to book their place in the final four of the competition Wasps will arrive in Worcester with no hope of progressing.

The Ricoh Arena outfit who sit at the foot of Pool Three with one point on the board will be without seven players due to the Six Nations which kicks off this weekend.

But speaking to Coventry Live forwards coach Andy Titterrell said Wasps had “pretty much got a full squad to choose from” aside from those on international duty and sidelined through injury.

Wasps' Six Nations call-ups: Elliot Daly, Nathan Hughes, Joe Launchbury, Dan Robson and Brad Shield (all England), Michele Campagnaro (Italy) and Thomas Young (Wales).

Venter was among several key men that were rested during Warriors' European Challenge Cup clashes against Ospreys and Stade Francais.

And the “mentally-refreshed” South Africa international said he was now eager to tackle a Wasps team packed full of stars.

“Hopefully Wasps will bring their strongest side as it will just prepare us for the Premiership games coming up," Venter said.

“Having not played for a while, you just to want to get back into it and have a good challenge.”

Venter has been a regular in Warriors’ midfield since his arrival from Cheetahs last summer, making 14 appearances.

The last of those came on January 5 when Worcester edged Bath in the Gallagher Premiership and Venter felt his break from competitive action came at the right time.

“I had two weeks without playing and then got that 10-day break which was awesome,” Venter said.

“Having played a lot of rugby on the trot your body gets a bit bruised so I was really excited about this break.

“Me and my wife went to France during the week off to relax and I did an off-feet programme as well.

“I am mentally refreshed and feel like I can give it all again.”

With Saracens five points clear at the top of Pool Two Warriors need to beat Wasps by more than two points and claim a try-bonus point to secure a home semi-final that will be staged next weekend.

Scrum-half Francois Hougaard, wing Bryce Heem and tighthead prop Nick Schonert are also set to return to action.

“If we win the side will get confidence,” Venter added.

“A lot of guys have had opportunities so as a squad we are growing every game we play.

“I think this is a stepping stone for us and if we can focus on our performance we can take (that momentum) through to the Premiership.”