Director of Rugby Alan Solomons spoke to the media today ahead of Friday’s European Challenge Cup match against Castres at Sixways (kick-off 8.00pm).
Here’s what Alan had to say:
On the 66-10 win against Enisei-STM
- The boys did really well. We scored some good tries and it was good to see so many youngsters out there.
On facing Castres
- The way the Pool One table looks it seems that it will be the game that will decide who goes through to the quarter-finals.
- I would imagine that Dragons will get five points out of their game against Enisei. We will have a tough game against Castres but, as move back into the Premiership, a game against quality opposition is just what we need.
- We will wait and see what side Castres bring but we know from playing them over there that they are a good team.
Are you likely to make changes?
- We will freshen things up a little bit. We look to bring some players back so we will make some changes this week.
How do you assess the European Challenge Cup campaign?
- It’s been good in patches. We have played well at times and not so well at other times.
- Neither of our away performances against Castres and Dragons have been up to the mark. We would have liked to have performed better in those games but we have performed reasonably well at home.
Cavaliers are going well in the Premiership Rugby Shield. What have you made of their season so far?
- They have made a scintillating start with four bonus point wins.
- We play Leicester Tigers Development at Sixways on Monday which will be our fourth home match in five.
- But the win down at Gloucester before Christmas was terrific and we are delighted to see young homegrown players coming through.
Is there an update on Michael Fatialofa’s injury?
- Michael remains in a serious condition in intensive care.
- I visited him in hospital on Sunday. Everyone has been very supportive of Michael, His wife, Tatiana, and his family are doing their best to support Michael.
- The response from across the rugby community has been terrific and everyone at Warriors is keeping Michael in their thoughts and hoping for a positive outcome.
Injuries
- Conor Carey has ruptured an Achilles tendon and he will be out for the rest of the season.
- Sam Lewis has not fractured his cheekbone as we first feared. He won’t be considered for selection this week but he could be back next week,
- Callum Black is likely to be out for between six to eight weeks with an ankle injury.
- Ryan Mills has some fluid in the tendon of a foot and he will not be considered this week.
- Niall Annett and Melani Nanai have both suffered labral tears in a shoulder and we are seeking specialist advice.