Pennell could solve our kicking conundrum says Ryan - The Worcester Observer

Pennell could solve our kicking conundrum says Ryan

Worcester Editorial 16th Jan, 2014 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0
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DIRECTOR of rugby Dean Ryan says Sixways star Chris Pennell is emerging as the answer to Worcester Warriors’ kicking woes.

Fly halves Ignacio Mieres and Paul Warwick were set to go head to head for the responsibility this season after the club’s record points scorer Andy Goode left in the summer.




But with the pair struggling to hold down a place in the side while their kicking continues to falter, the Warriors boss handed Pennell the chance to push his case.

The 26-year-old, who is arguably in the form of his career, landed three penalties during Worcester’s defeat to London Irish and according to Ryan the full back is steadily becoming a top quality marksman.


“We have got a poor return on kicking so far this season, but if there was a glimmer of light to come from our defeat to London Irish it was Chris Pennell who I thought was outstanding,” Ryan said.

“For him to step into the kicking shoes and only miss one against London Irish was impressive.

“That has grown from Chris never kicking to then practising regularly and you never know his goal kicking may end up being on a par with the rest of his game.”

However, Ryan admitted Worcester, who have yet to record a win in Aviva Premiership this season, will remain unsettled until he has decided on his perfect half-back combination.

“I would love it if Cangu (Mieres) was 95 per cent goal-kicker but he isn’t and I would love it if Paul could hit 70 metre kicks but he doesn’t,” Ryan said.

“It has led us to explore two or three avenues, but none have really nailed things down, so we have to keep creating opportunities to see if one can get a run of form and therefore the team can get a run of form off the back of it.

“We have tried to allow enough time for people to push their case, but we are still yet to settle as a team under the guidance of a clear nine and ten combination, which probably illustrates our form.”

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