WARRIORS director of rugby Gary Gold admits he can’t wave a ‘magic wand’ to change the club’s fortunes, but insisted his players won’t ‘go down without a fight’.
Having oversaw Warriors’ 53-38 victory at Cardiff Blues in his first game in charge last weekend, Gold urged the Sixways outfit to stand up and be counted when they host Saracens on Saturday.
“When you’re in a situation like we’re in, to go away from home and get 50 points against a team of Cardiff’s stature is great. I’m really happy for the guys and every little bit of confidence helps,” said Gold.
“It wasn’t the neatest performance and there is still plenty for us to work on, but if you’d have given me 50 points away from home when I was on the plane last week, I’d have taken it,” he said.
However the new Worcester chief admitted the club’s defence must sharpen up if they are to get back to winning ways.
“There’s a defensive resilience we lack at the moment. We’re good for a few phases then make errors and slip off tackles. We can’t do that against Saracens on Saturday.
“They’re the best team in Europe being the reigning Premiership and European champions, and are on song to repeat that again. They won’t give us an opportunity to score 50 points, so we must sharpen up our defence.
“We have a lot of work to do and the challenges don’t get any easier, but that’s why the Premiership is as tough as it is. The guys have no doubt about the magnitude of the task, but we’re at home so I’d really like to appeal to the Warriors fans to come out in their droves to watch a team that are improving.
“Whether we win a game in our last nine or not, I don’t know the answer to that, but the only prediction I will make is this group of players won’t go down without a fight and I’ll be going home with my head held high.
“I can’t wave a magic wand and change everything here. It’s going to be a tremendous task as it’s a difficult place being towards the bottom of the Premiership, but I don’t feel the pressure. I’m confident in the quality of the players we have.”
Warriors clash with Saracens kicks off at 3pm.