Coach Nigel Redman was quick to salute the performance of Chris Jones in LV= Cup victory over Scarlets – and highlighted his impact and versatility this season.
Jones has operated across the back row for much of this season, but was back in tandem with Dean Schofield in the second row for the cup.
And Redman was delighted with his performance as Jones secured a crucial late turnover to help set up a bonus point try for Neil Best.
“I think Chris has done us a massive favour this season,” said Redman. “We had so many injuries at the start of the year with people like Jake Abbott and Neil Best out.
“We were down to two back row forwards in Semisi Taulava and Sam Betty. Semisi was new to the club and the intention was to bring him in gradually but we had to start him.
“Chris has done a huge job for us in the back row and it was great to reward him with a run out in the second row. He kept going and did very well.”
Warriors are next in action a week Sunday when they face London Wasps at Adams Park and Redman admitted team selection would have to be closely scrutinised with the league clash against Saracens soon afterwards.
“At this time we are not sure who we will field,” he conceded. “We will look at the tape and see who is available with international call-ups.
“We have a big game the Friday after with a four day turnaround so we are going to have to make sure that our squad is fit, well and serves the club.
“It was good to get a win today and the players who haven’t really started for us this season on the field,” he concluded.
“It was good to get the four tries and the bonus point. We also had players who have been out coming back in and playing well.
“We need to generate internal competition for places so we are constantly pushing each other to get better.”
“Chris has done a huge job for us in the back row and it was great to reward him with a run out in the second row. He kept going and did very well…"