Warriors confident of delivering the double
SAM Lewis knows Worcester must make a rapid start and keep their foot on the throat if they are to reverse a miserable home record against Leicester.
Warriors edged a 44-37 thriller at Welford Road in September but have lost their last ten matches in all competitions to the Tigers at Sixways.
Sluggish starts in each of their last two league games left Worcester trailing 19-3 and 28-7 at half-time to Bath and Harlequins respectively – a clear warning that they must begin this game better if they are to move away from relegation trouble.
Flanker Lewis said: “We were bitterly disappointed with the manner of our defeat at Quins last weekend. We dug in and got a try-bonus point, but we were very disappointed with the way we started.
“It was the same against Bath, although that day we came back to win, so we have to start well this week and that’s been a big focus.
“We always finish well and pride ourselves on our fitness, it’s just about getting that good start and keeping our foot on the pedal. We owe Leicester one at Sixways but we need that 80-minute performance.”
GJ Van Velze’s fractured arm forces Worcester into a back row reshuffle that sees Marco Mama – fresh from signing a new oneyear contract – start at No.8 and Ted Hill called back from England U20s duty for a shift on the blindside flank.
Two further changes see Ethan Waller start at loosehead. Behind the scrum Tom Howe gets a run on the wing in place of Josh Adams. Ryan Mills captains the side, while Ben Te’o was a travelling reserve with England yesterday and not considered.
Lewis added: “We know what Leicester are all about – big, physical and with a few dangerous backs – but we’re confident we can do the double over them. If we make that good start and get in front, hopefully we can keep riding the wave.”
Dan Cole continues in the tighthead jersey after being released by England for a Leicester side showing five changes, two of them positional.
Academy wing Jordan Olowofela comes in for Tom Varndell as the only change to the back-line, but up front Facundo Gigena replaces loosehead Greg Bateman and Mike Williams shifts to the openside flank in place of Brendan O’Connor.
Mike Fitzgerald switches from lock to the blindside flank, with Harry Wells taking his second row place.
Head coach Geordan Murphy told TRP: “Our fans expect us to be much higher in the league and two or three wins will see you up near the top. It’s been a tough year with everything that’s gone on, but it’s important that we keep scrapping.
“Worcester are one of the most dangerous teams in the Premiership who can score tries from nothing and are very expansive. But we’ve played good rugby ourselves at times and recent wins over Harlequins and Gloucester prove that.”