Head Coach Richard Hill admits the league trip to face in-form Leicester Tigers will be a tough challenge this Friday night (kick-0ff 7.45pm) – but insists his Warriors need no extra motivation to record a first league victory at Welford Road.
Worcester have never beaten Tigers away in the Aviva Premiership so will be looking to change that come Friday evening in a televised ESPN encounter.
After recent wins against Newcastle Falcons and Saracens, the team is on a high and Hill has told his players to now take good performances up another level for the final push.
However, Hill acknowledges Tigers will be out to secure a try bonus point as they hunt a top four place in the standings and his team will need to produce a complete display.
“We will have to defend like we did against Saracens in the opening half at Welford Road, but we will problerly have to do that for 80 minutes as suppose to 30,” he said.
“I don’t have to do a motivational team talk for this one. Leicester are playing at the top of their game at the moment, they are a fantastic team, so we need to be at our best.”0
The last time the two teams met was over the festive period when Tigers claimed a 32-13 win at Sixways.
“It was a disappointed afternoon because everyone was ready to go and looking forward to it, as I said a big packed house and we wanted a big performance,” added Hill.
“Toby Flood cut us to bits twice, we left to big holes in two occasions, he scored one early and one later on.
“They will keep the ball in hand and if they want to guarantee that top four spot we know they need to score four tries against us. We are going to be prepared for that so we are going to have to score at the other end as well.”
Flanker Jake Abbott has been ruled out of Friday’s match due to a twisted ankle meaning England Under-20s star Matt Kvesic replaces him.
“The form of the back row players coming back has made a few tough decisions, I wasn’t intending on changing too many positions,” added Hill.
“Matt Kvesic will come in for Jake, and a very good replacement that is as well. But we will be keeping pretty much a stable team.”