BACKS coach Sam Vesty has insisted his young Warriors squad have dusted themselves down ahead of hosting French Top 14 outfit Brive.
Vesty urged the youngsters learnt a lot from their defeat to Enisei-STM last weekend in their first Pool C encounter of the tournament, but admits they must be better prepared for Saturday’s ‘powerful’ and ‘dangerous’ opponents.
“Russia was a great learning curve. Everyone learnt a lot about themselves and what rugby is all about, “ said Vesty.
“I’m frustrated to not have come away with the win, but I’m proud of what our young group put out there on the pitch against what was a big, strong Russian side.
“We were out-muscled at vital periods of the game and I think that’s what cost us in the end, but these boys will get more opportunities across the competition.
“We’ve reaped the benefits of this in the past and entertaining Brive at home on Saturday is another different opportunity for them.
“Part of growing up and being a good rugby player is being adaptable. As an academy youngster, to get a chance to play a French side is very different from playing other academies, so it’s great for their development.
“We’ve done a bit of homework already on Brive. They have a big set of powerful forwards and they’re very French in the way they move and kick the ball.
“It could be a very slow game one minute and then suddenly it could become fast and furious. They have individuals who can cause some mayhem, so they’ll be dangerous,” he added.
Warriors host Brive at Sixways this Saturday (kick-off 3pm).