Mike Ruddock hailed Aussie import Chris Latham as the full back superstar helped inspire Warriors to a crucial 26-11 victory over Newcastle Falcons at Sixways Stadium.
Latham grabbed a first try on home soil in his Worcester career at a crucial time just after the break to help Warriors breakdown resolute Falcons.
The flying full back was at his best all game before a nasty looking knee injury – after bravely chasing back a long punt after failing to hear the referee whistle – forced him off ten minutes before the end.
Director of Rugby Ruddock admitted the initial diagnosis was bruising and Latham could be out of next week’s clash with Saracens.
But he admitted his impact in the Newcastle game had once again been immense as he picked up a third man-of-the-match gong at Sixways already this season.
“We’re hopeful it is just bruising of the knee. The doctor has checked him out and there didn’t seem to be any ligament damage which was our first fear,” said Ruddock.
“We were hugely concerned when he went down – particularly as the whistle had already gone. But thankfully it looks like it is not a major problem. Whether he will make next week we don’t know.
“I was expecting that we would have to carry him off when he reached for his knee in pain. To see him walk off was a major relief.
“He was fantastic and thoroughly deserved his man of the match award,” he added.
“Latham was everything we heard when we checked him out as a player before bringing him here.
“As a player his reputation went before him. We also asked what kind of person he was and everyone said he would bring a lot of enthusiasm to the camp, lots of professionalism and a lot of leadership. He would also help the young players come along.
“That is exactly what he has done and we are delighted to have him at Warriors.”
Latham admitted after the game that he was delighted to grab his first try on home soil in front of a packed crowd.
“It’s great to score a first try at Sixways and the crowd were great and behind us all night,” he said.
“Newcastle made it difficult for us all evening and fair play to them, they deserve a great deal of credit because they never lay down and kept coming back at us.
“It’s a big win for us and shows the progress we are making, hopefully we can now put some more results together and keep climbing the table.
“I will have to see how the knee settles down over the coming days before I know how long I could be out for.”