Worcester Analysis

By Lawrence Aggleton
August 31 2008

 

Head Coach: Mike Ruddock

EPS Players: 0

Last Season GP: 10^th

Last Season Europe: ECC Losing Finalists

European Group (ECC): Bourgoin, Bucharest, Padova

Pre-Season:

@ Doncaster W

Vs Mosely W

@ Ulster W

@ Cambridge

First Four:

@ Saints

@ Wasps

Vs Tigers

@ Bath

Big Outs: Shane Drahm (Kubota), Thinus Delport (Kobe Steel)

Big Ins: Chris Latham (Queensland Reds), Matthew Jones (Ospreys)

Key Man: Loki Crichton

Worcester were one of the most surprising teams of last season, from winless and awful in the first half to the cusp of Heineken Cup qualification in the ECC final in the second. Their new found attacking style from the likes of Tuitupou and Benjamin cannot but be enhanced by the arrival of Chris Latham. Their pack should be competitive, but half-back looks a little weak. Nevertheless, they were better than their position last year and should improve again.

Premiership: If the fixture gods love Saints then they must hate Worcester. A truly horrible first four won't be helped by what looks like a quite weak pre-season. Still, expect progression. Prediction: 8^th.

Europe: If Bourgoin can be bothered they'd be a threat. As usual though, they won't be bothered. Prediction: ECC SF.