BACK row Matt Cox believes Warriors still have all to play for in their European Challenge Cup campaign ahead of Saturday’s clash with Newport Gwent Dragons at Sixways.
Warriors sit at the foot of Pool C following a string of narrow defeats to Enisei-STM and Brive, but Cox, who featured in both of those games, is certain one win could change the club’s fortunes in the competition.
With just two losing bonus points to account for, Warriors are looking up at Brive (four points), Dragons (five points) and Enisei-STM (nine points), but the former England Sevens international is convinced there is only fine margins between Warriors and their Pool C opponents.
“We could be sitting somewhere different in the Premiership table, but as it stands results haven’t gone our way. It’s the same in the European Challenge Cup. We’ve shown so much promise and positivity, but have come up short,” said Cox.
“I thought we were unlucky not to come away with a win in Russia against Enisei-STM and only a couple of points denied us a victory over Brive. It’s such fine margins and one win could change our fortunes.
“The boys will go out and perform at their best. Once we get ourselves in a winning position we need to work on putting the opposition to the sword. We don’t want more tight finishes to games.
“I think there’s still hope for us in Europe. Enisei-STM are just seven points above us and they still have to come to Sixways. I think it will be an interesting finish to the group. It’s still all to play for,” he added.
The Redditch-born player is looking forward to seeing some of the club’s academy players make the step up again.
“The European Challenge Cup is another chance for the youngsters to shine. So many players put their hands up in the first round of games and I’m sure it will continue against the Dragons,” he added.
“We have a club full of young and hungry kids and the competition is a chance for them to show what they can do.”
Warriors host Newport Gwent Dragons at Sixways this Saturday (kick-off 3pm).