Press Conference Notes 16.01.18

Press Conference Notes

Warriors Head Coach Carl Hogg spoke to the media this afternoon ahead of Saturday’s European Challenge Cup match with Brive (kick-off 3.30pm CET, 2.30pm GMT).

Here’s what he had to say:

Connacht/Brive

  • The Connacht game was frustrating. We had some very good patches and should’ve put the game out of sight but now it means it’s all to play for in the last pool game.
  • Playing Brive will be a tough task. They have a big pack and some flair in behind so we must be accurate.
  • We need to look after some players but we want to get through and reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2009 is a huge incentive.
  • We have to win and more so perform at the levels we know we’re capable of.

Selection/Injury news

  • Matt Cox will start at the weekend and we’re delighted to have him back after injury. He can play anywhere in the back row.
  • Some senior players will be rested such as Bryce Heem and Donncha O’Callaghan, as we have to manage the squad.
  • Will Spencer has had a floating bone removed from his ankle and is due to return in a couple of weeks.
  • Wynand Olivier and Ben Te’o are not far away from a return.

Josh Adams’ Wales call-up

  • Josh Adams is a model of what we are about at Warriors. He came here as a youngster, worked hard, waited for his opportunity before taking it with both hands, and now he’s got an international call-up.
  • The work behind the scenes at Sixways has helped Josh with trying to reach the pinnacle of any players’ careers, which is international rugby. Hopefully now he will get a run in the Welsh side.
  • Josh has been consistent, has pace, can beat people, makes good decisions, is comfortable under the high ball and is good with the kick-chase.
  • He is an ambassador of what we are about at Worcester.
  • He has the rugby intellect to play anywhere in the back three and also at 12 or 13.

David Denton’s Scotland call-up

  • Dave had some misfortune with injury at the start of his Warriors career but has just got better and better with game-time.
  • His intensity and work-rate have obviously caught the eye of Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend.
  • He is a seasoned international and now it’s about hitting form for him.
  • He has tremendous power and consistently gets over the gainline.

Jackson Willison

  • Jackson Willison is a great player with a great attitude but sometimes it’s just part and parcel of sport when players move on.
  • He still has a lot to deliver for Warriors over the next few months.

Jono Lance

  • The situation (on whether Lance will return to Sixways) is still ongoing and nothing has yet been confirmed.

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