Richard Hill has vowed to keep playing his strongest line-up as he looks for his Warriors to build crucial play off momentum during what he has dubbed a ‘superb’ upcoming set of games against the top sides in the RFU Championship.
Top of the table Worcester face top half high fliers Bedford Blues, Cornish Pirates, Nottingham Rugby and London Welsh in the coming weeks as the race to finalise the top eight spots in the league takes shape.
Head Coach Hill believes facing the better sides is ideal preparation for his Warriors and now wants them to put down a statement of intent with Bedford first on the menu this Saturday afternoon at Sixways (kick-off 3pm).
He said: “We want to gain momentum going into the playoffs. The last thing we want is for people in two games time so say that we have already won the league and for it to just fizzle out in the last few games leading into the play offs. It’s important, as we have said all along, that we get better and better each week.
“The way the fixtures work out the next four games we have will be against the next four best teams in Bedford Blues, Cornish Pirates, Nottingham Rugby and London Welsh. We have got a superb fixture list these next four games for us to make a statement before we get to the play offs.
“We won’t rest people, I have settled on that 22 now and, although there might be one or two changes each week, we will make sure that team plays together and it is important it does so,” he said.
“There are only five Championship games now before we start the play offs and we will need every minute of playing time to make sure that team is used to playing with each other.”
Meanwhile, Hill has revealed that scrum half Jonny Arr will start this weekend’s game with Andy Williams likely to miss the encounter through injury but make his return against Leinster A in the cup.
“Ollie Frost has had two starts and has done well, but is important that Jonny gets game time,” said Hill.
“Both are very good players and I have a nice problem with Andy Williams coming back in soon too.”
Tickets remain on sale for the crunch clash between Warriors and Bedford at Sixways this Saturday. Call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or click HERE for more information.