Boss Richard Hill has warned his Worcester Warriors to expect pre-season to ‘go up several gears’ when they face Llanelli Scarlets – and revealed he is ready to unleash England star Andy Goode into his plans.
Head Coach Hill saw his team run in seven tries to overwhelm a young Newport Gwent Dragons side on Tuesday night.
Worcester face more Welsh opposition on Saturday as they travel to the Parc y Scarlets (kick-off 3pm) – a game that will also be a testimonial match for home winger Mark Jones.
And Hill admits his team will undergo a stern pre-season test before the big league kick-off against Birmingham & Solihull on Saturday, August 28.
“The Dragons brought many players from the Newport club sides to fulfil the fixture. We thought it might be better standard than it was, but it was still a good examination for us. The breakdown contest was much harder than against Stourbridge,” he said.
“We tried a few things out against Dragons and scored some nice tries. I’m happy with the performance. But I am sure it will go up several gears when we play Scarlets at the weekend.
“Andy Goode will be picked for the weekend and there is a chance he could start the game. He is ready to go after his elbow healed,” he added.
“A number of players who were on the bench against Dragons might well make starts. There is a chance that Andy Williams will start alongside Andy Goode after having a spell off the bench against Dragons.
“I want to try and get everybody in the squad to get a start, but I may hold Neil Best back a little bit longer with his knee issue.”
While Goode is set to come into the starting line-up the early season form of young half backs Joe Carlisle and Jonny Arr has been praised by Hill.
“I have been very impressed by our half back pair of Jonny Arr and Joe Carlisle, they have worked well together,” he said.
“Alex Crockett has had a good couple of games as well. I am pleased with the forwards overall and our lineout has been very good, our combinations look good.”
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