Lead Rugby Consultant Steve Diamond spoke to the media today ahead of Friday’s Gallagher Premiership match against Bristol Bears at Sixways (kick-off 7.45pm).
Here’s what Steve had to say:
On the performance at Sale
- Sale have a deeper squad and a stronger squad. We did really well to stay in the fight for the first half but we just got out-muscled in the second half.
- Combine that with the strength of Sale’s bench with players like Raffi Quirke coming on. He made two or three breaks and decisions which resulted in tries so he was a game-changer.
- Yellow cards do come from pressure but ours in the last two weeks haven’t. They have come from errors and if we can cut them out, we stand a chance of being even more competitive.
- We have had words with the squad and individuals about that. It’s unnecessary.
What have you learnt about the squad so far?
- We have a resilient bunch of lads who care about what they are doing.
- We have not been as good as the opposition in the last two weeks. We have given our last two opponents opportunities that we could have avoided.
- Last week there were simple one-on-one misses that gave Sale two tries playing against the wind in the first-half. We should have gone in at half-time 12-0 up.
Are you looking forward to being back at Sixways this week?
- We are looking forward to playing under the lights at Sixways.
- We know how important it is to perform at home and everyone is keen to do that and we are looking forward to welcoming Bristol.
- Bristol are a super-star team. They have world-class players all over their team and their league position doesn’t reflect their skill-set.
- They will be difficult to contain but we will be doing our best to do that.
- We need to be more consistent in our defence and in our execution of taking opportunities. We are working our way towards that and if can do that then we stand an opportunity of winning the game.
Is this a game that you have targeted as a possible win?
- In my experience going to Sale is always a difficult job for most teams, Worcester included. With the squad they were able to field last week it was always going to take a big push to get a result there.
- Home games are different. In this league you have got to be highly competitive in all games but more so at home.
- The basis of that is simple; you have your family, friends and the great supporter base that we have. Hopefully you put in a great performance that generates a win and that’s what we hope to do this week.
Injuries are mounting up. Are you looking to bring anyone in on loan?
- We can weather the storm this season. It will be a good opportunity for some of the younger lads to get a run-out and see how they fare in this league.
- It’s a moving feast, as someone gets injured there’s usually someone coming back to fitness. It’s not ideal but we are more than capable of handling the situation.
Injuries
- Tom Dodd has been for a scan on his knee injury. We are awaiting the results but looks like being out for a length of time.
- Kyle Hatherell has a chronic shoulder problem which we are managing this week.
- Ted Hill has a stiff back.
- Sam Lewis has also had scans and we are waiting for a diagnosis from the radiologist.
- Rory Sutherland is being looked after by Scotland and by ourselves. He has a badly bruised shoulder and rib. I don’t know whether it’s fractured or not but he will be out for between four and six weeks.
- Duhan van der Merwe is available to play this week.
- Willi Heinz is recovering from his calf strain and hopefully he will be ready to go in the next two or three weeks.
On the death of Evesham wing Jack Jeffery
- I was shocked when I heard the news on Sunday morning. It’s not just in Worcestershire, it’s the whole rugby world that is in shock at such a tragic accident.
- The owners, the Supporters Club and everyone at the club will be doing everything we can to support Jack’s family and Evesham.
- The club is liaising with Jack’s family through Evesham about a fitting tribute to him at Friday’s game.