SKIPPER Gerrit-Jan van Velze said he had “no idea” whether he would be given the nod for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership clash with Leicester Tigers at Sixways (3pm).

But the number eight conceded he made “some crucial mistakes at the set-piece” in Worcester Warriors’ 39-6 defeat at Wasps which he felt he would be judged on.

Van Velze who is into his sixth season with Warriors and fifth as club captain, is facing strong competition from Cornell du Preez.

The 31-year-old admitted the Scotland international had started the campaign with a “bang” but welcomed the battle for his place.

The pair have both played in two of Warriors’ four Premiership Cup matches, leaving boss Alan Solomons to make the call on who will start against Tigers.

“I have just played 80 minutes (against Wasps), so I have no idea what’s going to happen (this week),” said van Velze on selection for Leicester after the loss to Wasps.

“What needs to happen will happen.”

Van Velze was the Worcester News’ man of the match at the weekend after making 18 carries – twice as many as any of his other team-mates – and putting in nine tackles against Wasps.

But when asked about his performance at the Ricoh Arena, van Velze said: “Physically I feel good as I have had a great pre-season.

“I made some crucial mistakes at the set-piece which is not good enough at this level and ultimately you get judged on that.”

Du Preez was sidelined for almost seven months last season after suffering a serious throat injury on the opening day.

The 28-year-old returned to action in March and produced impressive displays in the losses to Bath and Exeter Chiefs this term.

“I am really happy for Cornell,” van Velze said.

“He had a really bad injury and a long time away from the game.

“He played some awesome rugby in the latter part of that season.

“He has started this pre-season with a bang, playing really well. We need all the people we can on board.

“The fact that he is pushing and everyone is pushing ultimately pushes the squad forward so I am very happy about that.

“You have to be realistic.

“It’s a testosterone-driven environment. It’s high performance and about results so ultimately the guy who performs well will play.

“It’s very good (competition).”