Ahead of the return of European Rugby this weekend, Worcester flyer Jamie Shillcock addressed the media as the Warriors look to bounce back after a narrow 22-19 away defeat to Bath on Sunday.
After losing their first Challenge Cup game away at Newcastle 31-26, the Warriors saw their second game cancelled away to Biarritz due to extensive Covid troubles.
On facing Toulon:
“It’s a big, big game for us, it’s a big game for the fans.
“We know Toulon aren’t wanting to be in this competition, they want to be in the big dog competition, but it gives us a bit of a benchmark against a team who have won it three time previously and have been in the top tier of European Rugby for a long time.
“That’s where we want to be and if that’s where we aspire to be then it’s a good challenge for us.
On a potential clash with Cheslin Kolbe:
“Obviously, it would be brilliant to face up to a guy like that, a world cup winner who is renowned for his footwork and his finishing so it’s the ultimate challenge for a back-three. But it’s more or less every week in the Premiership when you’ve got guys like Rokoduguni at Bath, Nadolo at Leicester and Nayaravoro at Northampton so there is plenty of world class wingers in the Prem.
“I guess there is the aura around Kolbe given he is one of the best defenders as well, but all that will do is bring out an added edge in us.
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On the impact of Duhan van der Merwe:
“I think just the sheer presence of the bloke is a bit mental to be honest, I know if I was defending against him now, I would rather face Cheslin because the way Duhan is playing at the moment is so strong.
“You can tell by other team’s reaction when they tackle him behind the gain line, which is very rare, the whole squad get a lift as they know how much of an important player he is.
On Worcester’s poor defensive record:
“We have looked at it and its more down to our work rate around the corner, so our defensive ball speed is exceptionally quick compared to when we are in attack so it’s virtually impossible to get off the line and go and make positive shots.
“It’s something we have tried to work on and we feel it is coming to fruition.”
The Warriors look to get their European campaign back on track as they take on French side Toulon this Saturday at 5:30pm from Sixways Satdium.
