BACK row Richard de Carpentier says Worcester Warriors will be out to show they have what it takes to fight until the bitter end when they host Biarritz Olympique in the Amlin Challenge Cup tomorrow (Thursday, 7.45pm).
Warriors went toe-to-toe with Northampton Saints for three quarters of their Aviva Premiership encounter at Sixways on Saturday before their lofty opponents came from behind to secure a comfortable 33-10 win.
Despite the defeat, which was Worcester’s ninth successive in the league, De Carpentier said the side took plenty of positives from their forward display against a pack boasting the likes of England internationals Dylan Hartley and Tom Wood.
However, the 23-year-old admitted they have yet to put in a strong 80 minute showing, which he said they will be looking to achieve before they return to league action later this month.
“It was quite a frustrating defeat to Northampton, but we have definitely taken positives from it as we fronted up well in the forwards and our execution was good for the majority of the game,” de Carpentier said.
“I think we’ve gained a bit of confidence from pushing one of the best sides in the Premiership for 60 minutes, so hopefully we can put in an 80 minute performance against Biarritz and then kick on from there.”
He added: “I think the Amlin and the LV=Cup offers opportunities for some of the younger lads and people who haven’t been playing so much to get a run out and the challenge to test ourselves against the likes of Biarritz, Oyonnax, Sale who are a few steps ahead of us.”
De Carpentier, who has made six appearances this season, said he was also looking to continue to make an impression while Warriors are struggling for options in the back row.
“We have obviously had injuries in the back row as we have lost Jake Abbott and Leonardo Senatore, but I think I just needed that bit of luck to get a run in the team.
“It has offered me the chance to stake my claim before the boys come back, so I need to try and keep my place in the side and continue to prove my worth.”