29/12/03 - Brain -- 'I thought it was one of those days'

Worcester's director of rugby watched on as his side looked to be dropping their fourth bonus point of the season after their worst performance of the campaign.

However, a penalty try and a Ben Hinshelwood score in stoppage time, made it maximum points for the Warriors and kept them on course for promotion.

"In a game where we enjoyed so much possession to be 7-5 down at half time, you are thinking: 'is it one of those days?'," said Brain.

"When I first arrived at the club we had one of those days against Coventry here at Sixways and it was looking like a case of dj vu.

"However, the guys came out in the second half and showed what they were made of. There was a lot of niggle and a lot of agendas flying around in the game, many stoppages and the cards could have come out a lot sooner for Coventry's players.

"Our guys came through the test and I'm pleased because, in this league, it's not that often that you get tested. We beat Penzance by 70 points here at Sixways recently and didn't play that well and you come across a game like Coventry and we probably needed a match like that.

"I wouldn't have wanted it out of choice but ultimately, having got the result at the end, it's worked out very, very well for us. I think we're a stronger team for having played that game and come through it."

Brain made seven changes to the side which beat Pertemps Bees 18-0 in their last league outing and he defended the tactic in the wake of the Coventry win.

"We don't regret making those changes," added Brain. "The fact is that we wanted to see David Officer, we needed to see Tommy Hayes play at number 10. We're pleased with Lee Fortey while Matt Evans has shown his versatility where he ended up playing on the wing.

"There were certain things we wanted to achieve in terms of selection and we did that. The changes didn't weaken the team and ultimately they've come through it.

"Our selection policy was based on reason and I think we've been justified."