Pennell – Gary Gold has taken the pressure off us

Chris Pennell says Gary Gold has taken the pressure away from the players since his arrival at the Club in January.

Under the leadership of Gold, Warriors have secured Aviva Premiership victories over Saracens and Bristol Rugby, while they have also seen off Cardiff Blues in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

And, according to Pennell, the Warriors Director of Rugby has got his side playing without the weight of expectation.

He said: “Gary has helped us focus on our individual goals and has taken away the external pressure and allowed players to put our energy into the simple things.  

“It’s about sticking to our game plan and having the confidence and discipline to do that. The scoreboard on Sunday shows how that has helped us.”

Pennell was one of four Warriors player from Sunday’s starting line-up who started his side’s epic Championship play-off final against Bristol at Sixways two years ago.

And Pennell says Warriors’ latest victory over their West Country rivals is the best one yet.

He continued: “I have lots of memories of playing against Bristol and the result was much better this time.

“I imagine there were a lot of people present on Sunday who were at Sixways for the play-off final and I hope they enjoyed this latest victory even more.

“We wanted to make it a comfortable game on the scoreboard and we were able to do that which is really pleasing.”

Pennell and his teammates have taken a well-earned break this week following their impressive result at the weekend.

And the full-back admits the players will be hungry to secure their place in the top-flight by continuing their good form in the last five games of the season.

He added: “We are hungry for more success. We are a dangerous side and we need to approach the last five games with confidence.

“We’ve still got a job to do and all the players are focused on finishing the season on a high.”
 


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