The Austalian World Cup winner has been named in the Worcester side for the game, although director of rugby Mike Ruddock will be without Marcel Garvey due to a hip injury.
Rico Gear and Miles Benjamin take their place on the wings, with Latham at
full-back.
Ruddock has named New Zealand international second-rower Greg Rawlinson as skipper.
He said: "We've had 12 months to shape the squad and get things right. Now, we need to deliver on the field.
"The test will be a game away from home, particularly against a team like Northampton.
"I am sure they are very keen to get off to a flying start and show people they are back big-time, but we are hoping we can get a result.
"Northampton have made a lot of new signings and changes in personnel. They look a very strong outfit and they've got a lot of talent to pick from.
"We have done our homework on them. We even sent coaches out to France to see them recently, which we needed to do because we need to pay them the respect they are due."
Warriors15 Chris Latham
14 Rico Gear
13 Dale Rasmussen
12 Sam Tuitupou
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Matthew Jones
9 Matt Powell
1 Matt Mullan
2 Aleki Lutui
3 Tevita Taumoepeau
4 Greg Rawlinson (c)
5 Craig Gillies
6 Netani Talei
7 Tom Wood
8 Kai Horstmann
Replacements
16 Chris Horsman
17 Chris Fortey
18 Will Bowley
19 James Collins
20 Ryan Powell
21 Loki Crichton
22 Chris Pennell
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