Mike Ruddock has challenged his side to bring Newcastle Falcons down to earth and stop their international back line from firing in the crunch Guinness Premiership clash at Kingston Park on Sunday (3pm kick-off).
Worcester will face an impressive Falcons side packed with talent including England stars Jonny Wilkinson, Toby Flood, Matthew Tait and Jamie Noon.
Director of Rugby Ruddock admits he is a big fan of the way the Falcons play rugby and look to attack to win games in the top-flight.
But he has ordered his troops to now concentrate on stopping them getting the space to express themselves as Warriors hunt a first league win of the campaign in the north-east.
“I was very impressed with Newcastle’s win against Saracens last weekend and I am a big fan of the way they play,” he said.
“They adopt the style we are trying to play – with width and tempo. They score some fantastic tries and move the ball from side to side. The league needs a team like them.
“We will have to modify our game-plan and really look at how we close them down, make things difficult for them and stop them from playing their type of rugby. If we don’t they could cut us open.
“We must pressure the tackle area and try to turn the ball over. If we allow them quick ball they have a very dangerous back line.”
Ruddock, who has made three changes to his starting line-up, admits he is expecting a reaction after the narrow defeat to Harlequins.
“We are hurting from the Quins game. We wanted to come to this stage of the season with two wins at least. We’re disappointed that we haven’t got that,” he said.
“There has been some soul searching but we are still upbeat and the morale is excellent. The players really care and they are very positive about the future.
“We didn’t play the way we wanted to or as should have against Quins. We didn’t adapt our kicking game and played too much rugby in our own half.
“What we have to do at Newcastle is get in good positions and then turn pressure into points.”