Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons spoke to the media today ahead of Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership match against Exeter Chiefs at Sixways.
Here’s what Alan had to say:
On the defeat at Newcastle
- We didn’t do ourselves justice. We didn’t control the key moments and allowed them to dominate the collisions.
- The turning point came at 10-6 when we had the opportunity to score out wide but a pass went into touch. They scored their second try soon afterwards and that was a 14 point turnaround.
- We struggled at lineout time and made a number of handling and passing errors. Newcastle’s nine and ten pinned us in our own half and they had 67 per cent territory in the second half.
On facing Exeter
- We had a very good training session today, we will practise again on Thursday and have Friday off.
- It’s a massive game against one of the top two teams in the Premiership. Like Saracens, Exeter are a very powerful team and it’s going to be a massive challenge.
- Exeter are a very physical team and so we are expecting very physical game.
Chris Pennell’s Testimonial Day
- Chris has been a fantastic servant to the club. He’s a good player, a good bloke and fantastic team man.
- He’s a very intelligent player, he’s consistent and reliable and a good all-round footballer.
- I hope that we can produce a performance that befits the occasion.
Luke Baldwin’s loan move to Harlequins
- Luke needs some game time. There are no Cavaliers matches at the moment and Harlequins needed a scrum-half.
- It’s a win-win situation and it’s good to see Luke back in action.
- He won’t be able to play against us in the European Challenge Cup quarter-final as he is cup-tied having played for us against Stade Francais in Paris.
Injuries
- Jack Singleton has suffered ligament damage in an elbow. He is seeing a specialist but he won’t be fit to play against Exeter
- Niall Annett has been able to practise today. He has made good progress with his recovery from a shoulder injury but we will assess him further on Thursday.
- Beck Cutting is not available at the moment because he suffered an ankle injury playing for Bath University last week.
- Marco Mama suffered a head injury at Newcastle. He is going through the return-to-play protocol but we are optimistic that he will be able to play against Exeter.
- Perry Humphreys is taking a full part in practise this week and should be fit for consideration for selection against Bristol in two weeks’ time.