Dean Ryan admits he is looking forward to tonight’s LV= Cup clash between Warriors and Cardiff Blues on the artificial surface at Cardiff Arms Park (7.30pm kick-off).
The Warriors Director of Rugby has never coached a side that has played a match on synthetic turf but is excited about the occasion.
He said: “I’ve never coached on artificial turf before. The feedback is that it is faster and harder to control at the breakdown.
“Carl Hogg hasn’t coached on it either so it’s a new experience but we’re looking forward to it as I think it will fit with the tempo of the game.”
The Warriors boss says he is optimistic going into the game, after his side battled against a powerful Bath Rugby team last Friday at Sixways.
He continued: “We gave Bath a good contest. Talking to a couple of coaches afterwards, they felt they had been rattled more than they have been recently. That’s the consistency of performance we’re after.
“The performance was really pleasing and if we can produce consistent performance levels at that standard against that sort of opposition, then suddenly things will start to work.”
Warriors’ new signing Andy Symons has been named as a replacement for tonight’s match and Ryan plans to give the 22-year-old centre his first taste of action for the club.
He continued: “Andy only arrived on Tuesday but it is the right time to have a look at him. It’s not a bad situation for him to get some game-time.”