'We cannot take Worcester for granted'

10:30am Friday 8th February 2008

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DIRECTOR of Rugby Alan Gaffney will name his side for Sunday's clash against Worcester Warriors later today (Friday) for the start of what he describes as a crucial part of the season for the Men In Black.

The Premiership strugglers visit Vicarage Road having won just one game in the competition all season - but that was the case last year when they caught Saracens cold and left Watford with the points.

And Gaffney has warned his player that they cannot afford to do the same again.

He will be boosted by the return of Chris Jack, back from a family commitment in New Zealand, while scrum half Moses Rauluni is also back in the country after spending a few weeks in Australia while his daughter was being born.

However, Gaffney will be without the injured Kevin Sorrell whose ankle problem will keep him out of action until next week. Dan Scarbrough is also back in full training but with only 40 minutes of action under his belt in four months, he is unlikely to be considered.

"It's a crucial time of the season for us and we have a very hard match this weekend. I don't believe Worcester's current position in the Premiership is a reflection of the quality of their squad," stressed Gaffney.

"They have a very strong forward pack upon which they have built their game for a number of years. Their front row is very big and mobile while I believe Craig Gillies to be one of the best line-out forwards in the competition.

"Add a competitive back row to that including Pat Sanderson and Drew Hickey and you have a very impressive unit.

"Throw in the likes of Rico Gear, Sam Tuitupou, Loki Crichton and Dale Rasmussen and you have a very good side. That's even before we've mentioned Thinus Delport at full back. It's unclear as to why they have been struggling but it's only a matter of time before they start to click.

"They got one over on Bristol in their last Premiership match at Sixways and they showed what they can do. They will keep improving and we know it's going to be a very tough game. Anyone who doesn't think that only has to look at our record against Worcester in the past few seasons to know that we cannot take anything for granted.

"Our win over Bath has left us in a pretty good position in the Premiership as we enter the second half of the season," explained Gaffney.

"And while we are all looking forward to the prospect of the two cup battles with the Ospreys, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the league is our bread and butter. That Bath result and performance also showed the depth we have in our squad and that will be tested over the coming months and everyone will need to step up and perform.

"The Premiership is our bread and butter and that's the message I keep stressing to the players. It's nice to be involved in the cup competitions, but we have to perform week in, week out and make sure we finish in a spot in the league that will see us qualify for Europe next year. That is a priority.

"We cannot take Worcester for granted and we have to go in against them as strong as we can. We need to make sure we win our home games. The boys are very proud of playing at Vicarage Road and the two losses at home this season have hurt us."