Back row talisman Pat Sanderson believes London Welsh will present one of the biggest challenges of the season when they arrive at Sixways – but insists the Warriors are fired up to perform as the play-offs draw ever closer.
Worcester complete the regular RFU Championship campaign on home soil against the Dragons on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) before the play-offs explodes into life in a month from now.
Former England international Sanderson admits the whole squad are eager to get their teeth into the pool stages and the big nine games that could lead to promotion.
However, before that they want to put a marker down against London Welsh and a team that Sanderson admits is packed full of top-flight experience.
“When you look down the London Welsh squad list, very much like Bristol, they are a good team,” said Sanderson, who is the main feature of ‘The Warrior’ match day programme on sale around the stadium complex on Saturday.
“There are familiar names like Ben Russell, Epi Taione and Viliami Ma’asi, you know they can produce a level that will make it difficult for you to deal with up front.
“I see London Welsh as one of the biggest challenges we have had this season. That was the case down at Old Deer Park and it will be at Sixways too.
“I have confidence in the guys that we will produce the displays we need when we have to produce it. There is no question for me, no doubt,” added Sanderson.
“You kind of feel like you have been waiting for the play-offs to arrive for a long time now – I just want to get on with it.
“What is important is how the team is playing and I feel we are moving forward and getting better.
“There is a strong motivation about the whole squad and we know when we have to turn it on there is no time to think about it or hideaway – we simply have to deliver.”
Watch Pat Sanderson and the Warriors tackle London Welsh at Sixways this Saturday. Tickets will be on sale from the Warriors Box Office at Match Day prices right up until kick-off at Sixways.