Head Coach Clive Griffiths has challenged Worcester Warriors to win ‘priceless’ back to back games in the Guinness Premiership when they tackle Newcastle Falcons on Friday night at Sixways Stadium (kick-off 8pm).
Warriors go into the game on a crest of a wave after an impressive win over Sale Sharks and have enjoyed recent success over Falcons on home soil.
Griffiths insists his team hold a false position in the league table for the brand of rugby they play,
But he acknowledges only wins can rectify that issue and claims Friday night success would be the ideal starting point.
“Now we need to get back to back wins which are priceless in the position we are in,” he said.
“We feel we are in a false position, we know we can play a good brand of rugby as well as put our foot on the ball and slow it down if we need to. But we want to excite the fans and give them something to shout about.
“We were delighted with the way we controlled the game at Sale,” he added.
“The team were rock solid and the communication and the noise from the players was fantastic
“On top of that we scored a fantastic try that was worth the entrance fee alone. We were pleased with the win but almost more so with the way in which we were in control.
“The young players have done fantastically well but it’s great to get a back row of Kai Horstmann, Pat Sanderson and Netani Talei on the park, they are top class players in their own right and then you back it up with our second row and front row.
“We bring back Dale in the 13 challenge which was also a great boost for us all. Chris Fortey was a,lso excellent for 80 minutes at Sale and has given us a real selection headache, we will see what happens there.”
Newcastle are below Warriors in the league table after suffering defeat last time out to London Irish and have lost both previous visits to Sixways Stadium in 2008.
However, Griffiths has praised a new steel about their game and knows Worcester will have a full blooded task under floodlights on Friday evening.
“There is a more determined look to Newcastle this year,” he said. “When we played them towards the end of last season we were in total control for two games but there is more of a steel look about them this year and they have strong attitude to their game.
“We have done our homework and we have a longer turnaround than them and we have got to make that pay.
“They have lost some star players but it has galvanised the rest of the team and they are working hard, all credit to them.
“But we have got to make sure we make home advantage pay. We have a fantastic crowd here and a great atmosphere, there is a lot of confidence now in the group and we have got to take that forward.
Griffiths has revealed Matt Powell is expected to start at scrum half with namesake Ryan ruled out through injury.
And he has tipped the long serving number nine to take his chance to shine in the spotlight.
“We lose Ryan Powell but Matt Powell comes in and he is a stalwart of the club, his game management is very good,” he said.
“We are disappointed for Ryan because his game management and execution this season have been fantastic; unfortunately he has this injury now which has knocked him back.
“But one man’s loss is another man’s gain and Matt is chomping at the bit to show on Friday what a good player he is.”
Tickets are still available for the Friday night clash with Newcastle Falcons. Call the Box Office today on 01905 454183 or visit the Box Office online at www.warriors.co.uk
Warriors versus Newcastle Falcons at Fortress Sixways….. Be Part Of It!