The Warriors are out of contention for a quarter-final place in the Amlin Challenge Cup but victory against Oyonnax could be the turning point in what has been a hugely frustrating campaign to date.

Worcester are yet to win in either the Amlin Challenge Cup or the Aviva Premiership in 17 games, with Dean Ryan’s men losing all 12 matches in their domestic league and claiming just a solitary draw in continental competition.

That draw in Europe came against Saturday’s opponents at the Stade Charles Mathon back in October, though, and it was so close to being more after a gutsy performance at a venue where a host of big French names have fallen in the Top 14 this term. Only a last-gasp penalty from Conrad Barnard prevented Worcester from heading home with a first success in all competitions at the time and they will be hopeful that they avenge that late intervention at Sixways.

Form is against them, however, given that they were well beaten by Sale Sharks last weekend and have only won once in all competitions since last spring. But they have at least produced some of their best rugby in the Amlin Challenge Cup, having been within a whisker of beating Biarritz Olympique on successive weekends in December.

Oyonnax were impressive in seeing off the Basque outfit last time out but their record away from home is far less daunting than it is at the Charles Mathon. They were hammered 53-14 by Sale at the AJ Bell Stadium in Round 4 as they shipped seven tries in a particularly poor showing and Worcester would no doubt love a repeat in Round 6.

Match facts

In their 9-9 draw in Round 1, Oyonnax spent 18mins 1sec in possession while Worcester had just 11mins 30secs with ball in hand. Oyonnax also had 62% of territory.

Worcester have lost their last two home games in the competition, but have never lost three on the bounce.

Worcester have never gone an entire European campaign without securing at least one victory.

Oyonnax have lost both of their away fixtures so far, conceding an average of 40 points per game.