Boss high praise for back row tyros

Richard Hill paid tribute to his back row trio of Sam Betty, Jake Abbott and Blair Cowan as Warriors defeated Saracens 16-11 at Sixways in the Aviva Premiership on Friday night.

The back row tyros were at their devastating best in the home clash against high flying Saracens with Abbott winning man-of-the-match from ESPN after his all-action performance.

“Our back row is going so well,” admitted Hill. “We have young Jake Abbott and two Cornish Pirates in Blair Cowan and Sam Betty who are having superb games. We also have Matt Kvesic who is an outstanding player.

“Tonight they were up and at Saracens all the time, tackling around the ankles. The work rate was just superb.

“I was watching Saracens making substitutions in the second half and you do think about it, but the players for us were playing for each other and determined to close that game out.

“Part of the spirit is trying to win those turnovers. Occasionally we stayed in too long and gave them away, but you can excuse one or two.”

Meanwhile, Hill was hopeful injuries suffered by Errie Claassens and Chris Jones would not be as bad as first feared as both limped out of a bruising encounter.

“Errie has a dead leg so hopefully that is not too serious. He was on 80 per cent power. Chris has rolled his ankle so we will wait and see,” added Hill.


“I was watching Saracens making substitutions in the second half and you do think about it, but the players for us were playing for each other and determined to close that game out…"

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