Heem on a hot streak with Sale now in sight
IN-FORM Worcester wing Bryce Heem insists Premiership safety will not be taken for granted despite last week’s 41-24 thumping of basement outfit Bristol.
New Zealander Heem has bounced back from knee and hand injuries with six tries in six games, including a double against Bristol, but reckons the hard work will be wasted if Warriors fail to maintain their improvement over five remaining league games.
Worcester are now just five points behind Sale, with Heem telling The
Rugby Paper: “We knew how big last week’s match was and a lot of heart and soul went into it, but although we’ve given ourselves a bit of breathing space, no way are we safe.
“We can’t sit on that performance because we know Bristol have taken down teams like Bath and will be determined to bounce back, so we have to keep building now and it would be great if we could chase down Sale and move up the table a bit.”
With the return from injury of Heem, full-back Chris Pennell and inspirational scrum-half Francois Hougaard providing the catalyst for their revival, Worcester’s back-line looks a match for any, once England’s Ben Te’o comes back into the post-Six Nations mix.
Heem said: “We’ve got a great back-line when everyone’s fit and you can see there are exciting times ahead. It’s been so annoying with the injuries but we’re getting everyone available again and Ben’s return will make us stronger for the run-in. “Francois Hougaard’s return has been pivotal and he’s a massive threat around the field. Defenders can’t stand off him and he provides huge opportunities for us around the edges of rucks, which as a winger is something I really enjoy feeding off. “I love running off No.9s around the ruck so we’re linking well together and I’ve managed to get some tries off the back of it. I’m not setting any try-scoring targets but it’s been awesome crossing the whitewash and winning is the main thing.” With Worcester’s attack firing and their forwards providing the platform, Heem praises the role of interim rugby director Gary Gold, left, in providing clarity. “We’re not too sure what Gary’s intentions are this summer but at the moment he’s a great force to have around,” Heem said.
“He’s well respected by all the players, has filled the void left by Dean Ryan and everyone’s taken his directions on board.
“It shows in our rugby that he’s had a big impact and he’s cleared up a lot of grey areas for us around our style of play.
“He’s put in a lot of nonnegotiables in how we’re going to play and ahead of games everyone’s quite clear on our game-plans.”
Former Auckland and Chiefs man Heem extended his contract last September and sees only good times ahead at Sixways, adding: “Injuries aside, I’ve been very happy here and although it’s been a difficult season, this club is ready for success.”