He said in the Evening Times: "We have been working on some new defensive systems and we know that Stade Rochelais are a very aggressive side so the contact is going to be paramount tonight.
"I am looking for a powerful performance from Hamish Mitchell at tight head prop tonight, who was one of our summer signings, while also in the front row we will have Pat MacArthur and Kevin Tkachuk at loose head. So we are looking for some real physicality in there."
Rob Dewey will make his Warriors debut at centre where he will be paired with another new signing, Dave McCall.
Sean said: "Rob is hungry for his first game and with Graeme Morrisson rested and Max Evans injured and doubtful for the start of the season, we are keen that he puts down a marker. Dave McCall has also really impressed.
"He has bulked up quite a bit and it could be that although his initial contract is a training one he can make an impact."
Dan Parks skippers the side and his coach says the stand-off can put last season's troubles behind him. Sean said: "Dan is an experienced player who has led the side well in the past and I'm sure will do so again.
"His experience will be vital for a side that is fairly youthful and we are more than happy to place our faith in him.
"Dan has come back for pre-season with his appetite refreshed and he has looked really sharp and this is a wee reward for his hard work.
"Last season is gone now and it is history and if anything I am sure Dan Parks can use the experiences he drew from it to make him a better player."
"Pre-season games are all about getting match sharpness and fitness and trying out different systems and playing combinations.
"We are basically out here with two sides. One XV will start tonight while an almost totally different one will start against Clermont Auvergne on Friday.
"There is freshness and hunger about the whole squad that bodes well for what is to come."