WARRIORS’ battling performance against reigning European champions Saracens will stand them in good stead for Bath’s visit to Sixways on Friday, according to the club’s new director of rugby Alan Solomons.
The Worcester chief, who oversaw Warriors’ 46-31 defeat to Saracens at Allianz Park on Saturday, was proud of his players for pushing to the very end to claim a try bonus-point against their illustrious hosts.
Last Saturday’s clash was Solomons’ first game at the helm of the Sixways outfit, following the departure of Gary Gold, who will begin his new role as head coach of the USA later this month.
South African Solomons has amassed a wealth of coaching experience since moving into rugby 20 years ago as head coach of Western Province and the Stormers following a successful career in law.
In the early days of his coaching career, he was an integral part of the South Africa coaching set-up as his home country equalled New Zealand’s record-breaking 17 consecutive Test wins before finishing third at the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
During three years at Ulster, Solomons led the Irishmen to the knockout rounds of the Celtic League every year, lifting the trophy in 2003. Under Solomons, Ulster remained unbeaten at home in the Heineken Cup for three years.
The 67-year-old, who agreed a two-and-a-half year deal to take over as director of rugby after assisting Gold since October, said he was relishing the challenges ahead and is confident his side will put in another positive performance against Bath.
“To get a bonus-point away to Saracens and play the way we did was a real positive,” said Solomons.
“From what I’ve seen and experienced over the last two months is full marks to the team and everybody involved at the club. It’s not about an individual player, it’s about the whole team.
“The Premiership to me is the best domestic competition in the world. It’s the toughest in world rugby and you just don’t have an easy weekend.
“We know each week will be a tough game, but at least we can take away the positive performance against Saracens and build on it (against Bath). It’s a six-day turnaround but touch wood, everything is all right with the players.”