Director of Rugby Alan Solomons spoke to the media today ahead of Warriors’ Aviva Premiership clash with Newcastle Falcons at Sixways on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Here’s what he said:
Newcastle preview
- They lie in fourth in the table so they will be a tough team to beat.
- Newcastle have been built steadily over a period of time. We’re beginning that process here and I’m happy with how it’s going.
- They are a good all-round team, they are solid and have had stability and continuity.
- Toby Flood is an experienced player and they have attracted others like Sinoti Sinoti and Niki Goneva. Flood is crucial for them, he is a decent game manager and has a good rugby brain. But you can’t focus on one individual, otherwise you lose focus on the team and they have threats all across the park.
- They look to play and keep the ball in hand.
- We are after a positive reaction. Everyone is focused and we have to be at our best.
- The Premiership is a really high standard and whoever you play there are lessons to learn.
Cavaliers win over Sale
- It was a terrific display with everyone performing across the board and there were some fantastic tries.
- Both sets of half-backs (Grayson Hart and Dorian Jones, Michael Dowsett and Sam Olver) controlled the game well and they did splendidly.
- It was terrific to see our young Academy players doing so well and that is positive for the Club. One has to sit down and think about whether they could make selection for the first-team at the weekend. It does show that there is competition for places.
Injury/selection news
- A final decision will be made on Francois Hougaard on Thursday.
- Marco Mama will be involved at the weekend. I’m happy he’s back as he’ll bring energy to everything he does.
- Chris Pennell is fine for the weekend.
- Anton Bresler is expected back for the Harlequins game.
- Sam Lewis should be fit for the weekend.
- Ryan Mills will see a specialist this week but is unlikely to play again this season.
- Ben Howard is away with England Sevens in Hong Kong.
- Max Stelling is injured (ankle) and unlikely to feature again this season.
Grayson Hart and Dorian Jones
- Grayson and Dorian went nicely for the Cavaliers.
- Dorian managed the game well, he kicked well from hand and tee, he showed his distribution skills, was brave in defence and looked confident and assured. He has made a good impression in practice too.