WARRIORS director of rugby Alan Solomons has called for a positive reaction to the 58-25 reverse to Sale Sharks when his men entertain Newcastle Falcons on Saturday (3pm).
The North East side arrive at Sixways fourth in the Aviva Premiership and Solomons wants his charges to focus on the task in hand in what he expects to be a tough encounter.
Warriors go into the clash knowing a win would see them take a giant leap towards Premiership survival but Solomons said the high standard of the Premiership meant there were always lessons to learn.
“Newcastle have been built steadily over a period of time. We’re beginning that process here and I’m happy with how it’s going. They are a good all-round team, they are solid and have had stability and continuity,” he said.
“Toby Flood is an experienced player and they have attracted others like Sinoti Sinoti and Niki Goneva. Flood is crucial for them, he is a decent game manager and has a good rugby brain. But you can’t focus on one individual, otherwise you lose focus on the team and they have threats all across the park.”
Worcester’s Cavaliers avenged the senior team’s defeat with a crushing 52-21 victory over Sale Jets on Easter Monday in a performance which left Solomons and his coaching staff thrilled.
“It was a terrific display with everyone performing across the board and there were some fantastic tries,” he said.
“Both sets of half-backs (Grayson Hart and Dorian Jones, Michael Dowsett and Sam Olver) controlled the game well and they did splendidly.
“It was terrific to see our young Academy players doing so well and that is positive for the club. One has to sit down and think about whether they could make selection for the first team at the weekend. It does show there is competition for places.”
A final decision will be made on Francois Hougaard’s participation tomorrow (Thursday) while Marco Mama and Chris Pennell will make the Newcastle clash.
Anton Bresler is expected back for the Harlequins game but Sam Lewis should be fit for the weekend, Solomons confirmed.
Ben Howard is away with England at the Hong Kong Sevens while Solomons revealed an ankle injury looks set to have put paid to Max Stelling’s season.