Opposition view:
Worcester Warriors
Quick facts:
Premiership position: 11th
Challenge cup position: 4th
Stadium: Sixways Stadium
Postcode: WR3 8ZE
Capacity: 12,024
League form:
The Warriors have had an indifferent start to the season, with one win from their opening 10 fixtures which came in a narrow 11 – 9 win over Newcastle Falcons at Sixways. Another home defeat against Wasps last weekend means Worcester find themselves in 11th and facing a relegation dogfight with Bristol RFC. However, they can take some positives for their display against Wasps, with their scrum in particular causing the visitors problems.
European form:
The Warriors have paid the price for fielding youthful sides in Europe, with only 2 losing bonus points to show for their efforts. A narrow home defeat to Brive in round 2 leaves the Warriors needing points against the Dragons before Christmas to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
How to get to the stadium:
Sixways is conveniently positioned adjacent to J6 on the M5 with parking available at the ground and nearby. It is best to book parking in advance, and you can do this by calling the Warriors ticket office on 01905 459309. There are 3 train stations in Worcester with the main one heading straight into the town centre. Buses and taxis can be found in the city centre which operate to the stadium.
Atmosphere:
The ground was reasonably quiet for their home defeat to Brive in October. Dragons fans will expect to out sing the Warriors faithful to create an atmosphere reminiscent of Kingsholm in February. Men of Gwent, can you hear us? Show the foe that you are fearless….. ;-)
Best place to eat and drink (inside the stadium):
The main clubhouse is closed to away supporters but there are numerous food outlets in and around the stadium. The majority of these can be found in the east stand of the ground with plenty of seating space to sit and mingle with fellow supporters. A Cornish pasty, chips and a drink can be purchased for £8.
Best place to eat and drink (outside the stadium):
Warriors fans have suggested The Tything for a beer and this can be found 200 yards from Firegate St railway station. A number of food outlets, bars and restaurants are also nearby, with Warriors fans suggesting The Pheasant, The Bull or The Three Pears as the best places for food.
The Warriors danger men:
Ben Te’o and Chris Pennell starred as the Warriors slipped to defeat against Brive, and the Dragons will have a tough task defending these two strike runners. Tom Heathcote, if fit, will also cause problems for the Dragons. Also, as mentioned above, the Worcester scrum caused Wasps no end of trouble at the weekend, so Ceri Jones’ men will have to be on their game to ensure we win set piece ball.
What the Warriors think of the Dragons:
Danger men:
The fans at the Brive game highlighted Hallam Amos, Sarel Pretorious and Lewis Evans as three players that they fear ahead of our meeting at Sixways. (and rightly so - ed)
Realistic qualification hopes:
Scrum half Luke Baldwin said in his post-match interview against Brive that they could still qualify from the group. He admitted that the group may be out of their hands but felt 8 points against the Dragons can put them back in command.
Attack coach Sam Vesty echoed these views and said he couldn’t believe how they lost both previous games and challenged his side to win both ties against the Dragons.
Verdict:
The Warriors are there for the taking. Their main downfall in defeat to Brive, was their inability to capitalise on good attacking positions. Scrum half Luke Baldwin called on his side to be more clinical in attack and this was something that all Warriors fans would have agreed with. If the Dragons can put together a resolute defensive display, then they have every chance of winning. In terms of attack, the Dragons must be patient and error free, with Brive scoring after exploiting the holes in the Warriors defence that occurred after numerous phases.
Prediction:
Warriors 17 – 22 Dragons
Ryan Robinson – Dragons community ambassador
#standupforthemenofGwent