WARRIORS tighthead prop Nick Schonert insists the club don’t have the mentality of just settling for losing bonus points as they look to stretch the gap between themselves and Bristol in the Aviva Premiership.
The Sixways side picked up two losing bonus points in the pulsating 40-33 defeat to Wasps at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday, which lifted them nine points above basement side Bristol, who fell 32-14 to Gloucester at Ashton Gate on Friday.
But with just four games remaining in the regular season, the South African insists Warriors won’t be looking to secure safety through picking up ‘the odd’ losing bonus point.
The former Super Rugby player also believes the arrival of director of rugby Gary Gold has rejuvenated the Sixways squad.
“Since Gary arrived there’s been a spark around camp and it’s created a good vibe amongst the squad. We want to express our built up frustration of our earlier performances in the season,” said Schonert. “We’re improving our game under Gary.
The main thing he’s bought in is clarity. He’s made things really simple in terms of when it’s the right time to play around the park and when it’s the right time to defend.
“Regardless of where a team is in the table, if you put in the right amount of passion and resilience you can beat anyone. It’s been a tough season, but we’ll keep putting our game on the field and hopefully come away with something.
“We’re not playing games for bonus points. I don’t go into games hoping to get bonus points. I want the four or five points for winning. If you go into a game hoping to get the odd point, you shouldn’t be in the sport.
“Don’t mistake my confidence for arrogance, but we play to win and that’s what we’ll do for the remainder of the season.”
Warriors travel to the AJ Bell Stadium next Friday, April 7 to take on Sale Sharks (7.45pm).
n Winger Bryce Heem has been hit with a two-week suspension following his red card in Warriors’ loss at Wasps.
The Kiwi pleaded guilty to tackling Willie Le Roux in the air at an RFU disciplinary hearing in Bristol on Monday.
Heem is free to play again from Tuesday, April 18, meaning he will miss Warriors’ trip to Sale Sharks and their home clash against Bath on Saturday, April 15.
