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Worcester backs coach Sam Vesty has warned his side a huge physical test awaits when they open their European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign against Enisei-STM. - 13/10/2016 10:16
Worcester backs coach Sam Vesty has warned his side a huge physical test awaits when they open their European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign against Enisei-STM.
The Warriors make the long haul East to Moscow for the Pool 3 clash more than aware of their hosts ability to cause an upset on their home turf.
The Russian side only entered European competition last season, and stunned Brive and Newcastle Falcons on their way to claiming two historic victories from their six pool games.
Freezing weather conditions are likely to add to the degree of difficulty for the Aviva Premiership side, but Vesty will not be accepting any excuses and knows the direct approach of their opponents must be met head on if the
Warriors are to avoid defeat.
“This is not an easy fixture, there is no way, not by any stretch of the imagination. They are fit, hungry athletes who are well drilled and well prepared,” said former Bath and Leicester back Vesty.
“They are a very direct side and it is down to us to handle that power and try and put our own game out on the pitch and score some points.
“It is a great opportunity to go to Moscow, which is one of the biggest cities in the world and I am looking forward to it. If it is cold I will take my hat and I will take my coat and we will get on with it. I’m genuinely excited.
“It is a chance for the guys, we need competition in the squad to keep everyone on their toes, there is always an opportunity for everyone and it will make us a better side.”
Match Facts
- This will be the first meeting between the clubs in Europe. Enisei-STM made their debut in the competition last season, winning two of their six matches.
- Enisei faced Premiership opposition in their previous campaign, losing away to Newcastle before winning the return fixture 24-7 in Sochi.
- Worcester are winless in their last six away games in the Challenge Cup, losing five and drawing once.
- Enisei won two of their three home games in last season’s competition, conceding just seven points each time.
- Enisei stole 17 lineouts on their opposition throw last season, more than any other side in the competition.
Méconnaissables par rapport au niveau qu'ils affichent en Top14
Another famous home win for Einsei-STM and another Aviva Premiership team heading home from Moscow with their tails between their legs.
Worcester Warriors may not have been fully tooled-up, but they would have travelled with the expectation of winning. In the end, they were never ahead and became the third big name victim of the Russian Super League side as they went the same way as Brive and Newcastle Falcons last season.
The boot of outside half Iurii Kushnarev was instrumental in setting the stage for victory as he kicked three penalties and converted a first half try from centre David Kacharava. The other points came from the boot of Ramil Gaisin with a 74th minute drop goal that sealed the win.
Worcester got back into the game with a try from wing Josh Adams, which Jamie Shillcock converted, to leave the game handing in the balance at the break at 10-7. Kushnarev then nudged the home team further in front with two penalties before Worcester took full advantage of an extra man after Dmitrii Gerasimov saw yellow.
Derrick Appiah grabbed a try and with nine minutes left to play the gap was reduced to four points. Worcester tried to find a way to break down the dogged home defence, but in the end it was Gaisin’s drop goal that ensured the pits went Enisei’s way.
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