Claassens hails loyal Warriors supporters

Errie Claassens paid tribute to supporters who braved the elements to cheer Warriors to victory over Bizkaia Gernika RT at Sixways this afternoon.

Thousands of fans were in the East Stand to see Warriors rack-up a 71-19 scoreline against their Spanish rivals after volunteers had spent the morning clearing snow to ensure the match went ahead.

Claassens said: “It was a great effort for fans to get here. This morning we thought we’d only have a man and his dog in the stand but Worcester supporters are very loyal and we thank them for coming out to support the team.

“It’s a big family and everyone wants to make the best for the club. Everyone wanted this game to go ahead and, if it wasn’t for the volunteers and staff, we wouldn’t have been able to play the game. So thank you to everyone who helped.”

Perpignan’s victory over Femi-CZ VEA Rovigo on Thursday night meant Warriors were unable to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup whatever the outcome today.

But, despite Warriors' European campaign coming to an end, Claassens admits it was crucial to put in a positive display to end on a high.

He continued: “We’ve focused a lot on our attack this week and everyone is excited when we do that.

“We knew we’d be able to run the ball and there wouldn’t be a lot of kicking. So it was a different sort of match and we were able to go out and try different things. And that made it enjoyable.”

The full-back was in fine form against a resilient Gernika side and helped himself to two tries before half-time as his side ran riot.

And with the LV= Cup returning next weekend, Claassens believes the performance has given Warriors the perfect platform to get a positive result at London Irish next Sunday.

He added: “It’s always good scoring tries but a lot of times it’s the forwards and the guys inside you that give you the opportunity so it shows how well the players did today.

“We take the LV= Cup seriously. We’ll put a strong team out next weekend and we want to go to London Irish and win.

“We have been working hard on our mental approach to away games because we have been struggling so that will be our focus next week.”
 


“It was a great effort for fans to get here. This morning we thought we’d only have a man and his dog in the stand but Worcester supporters are very loyal and we thank them for coming out to support the team."

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