FACING Gloucester’s much-vaunted front row is a “challenge” you “mark the date for”, insists Worcester Warriors tighthead prop Nick Schonert.

And the South African-born ace is “relishing” the prospect of doing battle with former British and Irish Lions ace Richard Hibbard along with possibly John Afoa and Paddy McAllister off the bench.

New Zealand tighthead Afoa is believed to be one of the highest paid players in the Aviva Premiership.

The scrum will be one of the key areas Warriors will aim to dominate in during today’s M5 derby against the Cherry and Whites at Kingsholm (3pm).

“Gloucester have got Hibbard, McAllister and Afoa — there’s endless experience in that front row,” said 25-year-old Schonert.

“From week to week you play against good players and good scrummaging outfits in the Premiership and every week you need your guard up.

“Gloucester have good scrummagers — they are in there because they are the best in their positions. Afoa has played 36 times for the All Blacks and Hibbard 38 times for Wales and he has represented the British and Irish Lions.

“They know what they are doing and are internationals for a reason.

“Coming up against them is always a challenge you relish and it’s one you mark the date for because it’s a good contest.”

Warriors will need to keep Gloucester’s pack at bay because no-nonsense international referee Wayne Barnes is the man in charge.

Second-from-bottom Warriors are seeking their second successive win and first away triumph since beating Harlequins on their own patch last March.

Warriors have yet to record a league point from their six away Premiership games this term.

But Schonert, who played 77 minutes in Warriors’ 24-17 home win against Quins last Sunday, is confident head coach Carl Hogg’s men will give it their best shot against the Cherry and Whites.

“You have to enjoy the wins but you soon realise there’s another job to do because taking on Gloucester at Kingsholm will be a tough prospect,” said Schonert.

“It’s time to crack on and we need to focus on being consistent and putting our game on the field.

“We didn’t do that against Bristol and saw what happened but we did against Quins and led 16-0 at half-time.

“This weekend we have to put our game on the field again, be consistent and everyone has to know their role. If everyone does that I am confident we will come away with a victory.”

Schonert signed a new deal to remain at Sixways last year while confident the club were heading in the right direction.

Despite Warriors picking up just two league wins this term, the prop believes they can fulfil his ambitions.

“Teams are always going to go up and down in terms of momentum,” he said.

“Bristol played really well against us with 14 men but I am still confident in the team we have.

“We have had a rough patch but who hasn’t?

“A few years ago Wasps were bottom of the league and now they are top.

“Teams like Newcastle Falcons have kicked on and I still believe Worcester will be going places.

“When we do our jobs we can do them well and showed that against Quins.”