AS WARRIORS and Bristol prepare to go into battle, we have highlighted six areas which could be key to deciding the outcome of the play-off final.
Lamb must not leave Warriors
to the slaughter….
Whether it’s the intercept against Jersey in November or his sensational kicking display against Cornish Pirates last month, the mercurial fly half has certainly divided opinion this season and his form is likely to play a crucial role over the two legs.
If he’s on his game – both with ball in hand and from the tee, he has the potential to inspire Worcester to promotion, but if he’s off it, Bristol and stand off Matthew Morgan can take advantage.
JB Bruzulier needs to rise
to the occasion….
A crisis at scrum half, with Charlie Mulchrone (broken foot) and Jonny Arr (banned) ruled out, rising star JB Bruzulier has been thrust into the limelight.
The 22-year-old will face a huge challenge against former British & Irish Lions ace Dwayne Peel, so it is important he does not get overawed or else Dean Ryan may have to call upon 17-year-old student Jamie Shillcock.
Henson has still got it….
He might not be the player he was ten years ago when he steered Wales to Grand Slam glory, but the 33-year-old still has the ability to change games.
He is capable of kicking from anywhere, so Warriors need to make sure they don’t give away any silly penalties as they are likely to pay the price.
Pack power can turn tie in
Worcester’s favour….
As Dean Ryan’s men have shown on numerous occasions this season, when their forwards get on top they can be a big weapon.
Bristol have also got plenty of experience in their pack, but Warriors’ dismantling of a bullish London Scottish side in the semi-final will no doubt give skipper GJ Van Velze and his fellow forwards confidence.
Make sure the referee keeps his cards in his pocket….
The last encounter between the two sides showed the impact sin-binnings can have. Warriors were leading 23-10 before Jonathan Thomas and Cooper Vuna were yellow-carded and Bristol made the most of it as they came back and won.
Worcester were fortunate to beat London Scottish at the Athletic Ground despite having three men sin-binned, but they might not be so lucky if they lose their cool at Ashton Gate.
Whisper it quietly, but Bristol have slipped up before….
Unlike Bristol, Warriors only have positive memories of the play-offs. Back in 2011, Worcester overcome Cornish Pirates to seal their place in the Aviva Premiership.
Bristol, meanwhile, have buckled under the pressure in recent years. Their most recent came last year when they lost out to London Welsh and Warriors will certainly be keen to exploit this when it comes to the crunch.