Hill pinpoints growing self-belief in squad

Richard Hill admitted he felt Warriors deserved to claim the prestigious scalp of Argentina in a pre-season clash at Sixways – but despite a narrow defeat described the encounter as another step forward for his fast developing squad.

The boot of Joe Carlisle contributed 15 points looked set to hand Warriors a stunning victory over the international side warming up for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

However, a late intercept try from winger Juan Imhoff just five minutes from time sealed a slender 21-15 victory for the Pumas over a Warriors team who again produced a huge performance full of desire and determination.

“There was a huge amount to take out of that game – in both attack and defence,” said Head Coach Hill.

“I thought our defence was very well organised and for most of the game held out. We looked very threatening in attack and there were very few errors. We looked sharp and it was only some excellent scrambling defence from Argentina that stopped us from scoring a few tries.

“All the players are disappointed as we felt we deserved to win that game. The intercept was a shame but these things happen, we had ten replacements and we have got to have faith in them putting them on. It’s better to learn about them at this stage rather than wait until later on in the season.”

Hill was also full of praise for young half back pairing Joe Carlisle, on his first appearance in pre-season, and Jonny Arr as they shone against a powerful Pumas outfit and heightened his Sale selection headache.

“I’m pleased for Joe tonight because I rate him that highly,” said Hill. “He showed great nerve at the end of last season to kick that goal against Bedford which was a crucial one. He is a young man with a very bright future.

“Both half backs have a bright future and I have a very difficult decision to make. We also have Andy Goode, Shaun Perry and Danny Gray, who had an outstanding game against the Rebels.

“We have three number tens on fine form and we have one more game to really part them and see which one is going to start against Sale. Any of those three could start and do a good job.

“We have got confidence and self-belief in the squad,” concluded Hill. “We go out there and believe we can defend against anybody and we have confidence in attack and real assurance.

“We are in a good place and I think the players know that they are playing well and they are playing for each other.”


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