HEAD coach Carl Hogg credited Connacht for their ‘fantastic’ brand of rugby against Warriors in their European Challenge Cup clash in Galway on Saturday.
Worcester were edged out 15-8 in a tight contest at the Sportsground as an Eoghan Masterson try and a Jack Carty penalty opened an 8-0 advantage at the break for the Irish outfit in wet and windy conditions.
Josh Adams grounded after GJ van Velze’s break early in the second period for Warriors, but Matt Healy raced underneath the sticks to seal the win for the Irish hosts, despite a late Jono Lance penalty.
Hogg insisted the howling wind and conditions were not to blame for the defeat and believes the ‘hostile atmosphere’ proved too much of a challenge for the Sixways side.
“Let’s not make it all about the conditions. It was about going there to do a job,” said Hogg.
“We know what a prized side they (Connacht) are. Over the last two to three years under Pat Lam they’ve obviously won the Pro12 and done exceptionally well.
“They play a fantastic brand of rugby on a difficult and small ground. It’s a hostile atmosphere (to play in).
“But that’s the great thing about the European Challenge Cup. It’s different to week in, week out Premiership rugby as it makes you challenge yourself as an individual and as a group. You have to adapt.”
Warriors return to European action when they host Oyonnax at Sixways on Saturday, December 9.