Director of Rugby Alan Solomons spoke to the media today ahead of Friday’s Premiership Rugby Cup match against Exeter Chiefs at Sixways (kick-off 7.45pm).
Here’s what Alan had to say:
On the defeat at Bath
- We started quite brightly, had a nice break down the left, got a penalty, won the lineout but then gave a penalty away
- There was a momentum swing when Bath kicked a penalty and in the next 14 minutes we gave away two pretty soft tries
- They scored a third try and at 24-0 after 30 minutes we were staring down the barrel but what pleased me most is the way we fought back. We scored a try just before half-time and had a lot of pressure in that third quarter. Alex Hearle and Ollie Lawrence both went close before Ollie scored
- But we then lost both tighthead props in quick succession which made it difficult, we gave away penalties at scrum-time and they got a penalty try
- But we showed resilience at the end and scored two really good tries which gave us a bonus point and came within a hair’s breadth of a second
What sort of team are you likely to play against Exeter?
- It’s a six day turnaround so you can expect that the majority of players who played last week will not feature against Exeter
What do make of Exeter?
- They are a fantastic side, they are a really fantastic club. They are well-led, well-coached and well-supported. They are one of the top sides in England
- They have done outstandingly since they came into the Premiership. The way they built things over time has been outstanding. I have nothing but respect for them
Are you looking forward to the first match under the new Sixways floodlights?
- Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham, our co-owners, have invested significantly in the facilities
- The new big screens, Fanzone and PA system were in use for the Leicester match. They all made for a fantastic experience for everyone
- We are looking forward to playing under the new floodlights and I hope that all our supporters turn out in force because Sixways has become a great venue to watch rugby in
Injuries
- Nick Schonert has a tear in a medial ligament. He is seeing a specialist on Thursday when we will know more detail
- Will Butler has a sprain to his upper ankle and he will be seeing a specialist on Friday
- Richard Palframan failed a head injury assessment at Bath and will not be considered this week
- Farai Mudariki has a slight ankle injury
- Melani Nanai came off for a head injury assessment at Bath which he passed
- Matt Cox is still recovering from illness
- Francois Venter is tracking well in his recovery from a calf injury but will not be risked this weekend
- Anton Bresler has not recovered from his ankle injury.
- Matti Williams has recovered from a groin injury and is available for selection