Warriors Head Coach Carl Hogg spoke to the media today ahead of Saturday’s European Challenge Cup clash with Connacht Rugby at Sixways (kick-off 3pm).
Here’s what he had to say:
- Friday’s loss to Bath was disappointing. We lost out in collisions and physicality and we weren’t at the levels we expect of ourselves.
- This week we’ll be looking for a reaction from the players and every one of them wants to get back out there.
- We can qualify for the knockout stages of European Challenge Cup and we need to win our home games.
- Connacht won the Pro12 quite recently, they like to hold the ball and apply pressure so they’ll be tough.
- European competition lets us to take a step away from the Premiership and allows us to look at different aspects and expand.
- This week is a big opportunity and it’s about how we react.
- Anton Bresler isn’t registered for Europe but we’ll look to get him involved during the Anglo-Welsh Cup.
- Huw Taylor came through the ranks and has been on the fringes in recent seasons but we have lots of competition in the back row with international-class players.
- Every player wants to play first-team rugby. Huw’s sought a different pathway and we wish him well and hopefully he becomes successful.
- Nick Schonert (ankle) is still out for approximately 4-6 weeks, while Ben Te’o (ankle) is approximately four weeks from a return.
- Jonny Arr (concussion) is approximately five weeks away, Wynand Olivier (hamstring) is approximately six weeks away and Dewald Potgieter (knee) is expected back in February.