Head Coach Richard Hill believes the Worcester Warriors ‘tough and ruthless machine’ is starting to click into gear – after the manner of the victory over Doncaster Knights in the RFU Championship.
Worcester fronted up to a physically demanding Knights team before a final 20 minute burst saw them secure maximum points and extend the lead over Bedford Blues at the top of the table to seven points.
Hill is now confident his squad is on course to hit top form in the end of season play-offs and also extend the winning run going into the festive fixture with Moseley Rugby on Boxing Day.
“We are trying to get the team to understand that teams will not just roll over, in the first 60 minutes we are going to have to do a lot of graft,” he said.
“The first 60 minutes is a battle and when you come to places like Doncaster away from home, you have got to get used to the intensity and then step it up for the last 20.
“Against Doncaster that game management worked well, we had 60 minutes of hard work and we kept that going while Doncaster dropped off a little.
“They had to withstand quite a bit of punishment and I think we were physically in a little better shape and that told towards the end.
“We are happy that we are on course,” he added. “Up until now we have mixed and matched the selection and given everyone a fair crack and had a good look at the squad.
“We have 33 players fit and in February we have Matt Mullan, an England prop, coming back, Chris Pennell our captain back and Alex Grove back from his loan deal with Edinburgh. Three new players to add to the selection process we have.
“I am going to try and keep the selection steady now. We have 33 players who fully understand what is needed and anyone can fit into the pattern. We are in a good position and everyone is fit bar the long term ones.
“We are starting to play better – the machine is starting to fall into place. We have learnt how to grind away and not make too many mistakes.
“It’s got to be a tough and ruthless machine and with Rotherham away and Doncaster away, two difficult places to go, we have won well and shown we are starting to perform.”
Tickets are on sale NOW for the Boxing Day fixture between Worcester Warriors and Moseley Rugby. Call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or click on the Tickets link at www.warriors.co.uk for more information.