Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock has urged his Worcester Warriors to use the LV= Cup campaign to overcome a dip in domestic league form and gain momentum for a huge double header in the Guinness Premiership.
Ruddock is set to name a strong line-up for the return match against Newcastle as Warriors entertain the Falcons on Saturday (kick-off 12.30pm) – less than a week after a league clash between the two in the north east.
The Sixways boss is keen for his men to eradicate the errors that hit the performance in Newcastle and return to winning ways in the cup before a massive home double with Bath and Saracens at the end of the month.
“We had quite a strong start to the season and we have dipped a little bit the last few weeks,” said Ruddock.
“What we need to do is build some momentum and get those little errors out of our game so we can push on.
“We have got very important Guinness Premiership games against Bath and Saracens at home this month – if we are going to do anything in the league this year we need to nail those.
“Having said that, we have some very important LV= Cup games coming up first. We want to do well in that competition and think it is one where we can achieve things.
“I want these last few defeats to fuel any even greater desire to do so.
“The effort has been there from my players. I would be worried if I wasn’t seeing bags of effort.
“It’s about eradicating those individual mistakes, like missed kicks to touch and knock ons. That is our goal over the next few weeks and if we can do that across the board, and move the game up five per cent, that will turn our dip in form around.”
Tickets remain on sale to watch Warriors tackle Newcastle Falcons this Saturday at Sixways Stadium. Call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or visit the online Tickets section for more details.