WORCESTER'S coaches John Brain and Andy Keast believe their side have made big strides since they lost to Rotherham in November.

The league leaders have picked up gritty wins at Exeter and Bedford since then while turning on the style in a number of National One encounters in the past four months.

"We have certainly learnt a lot about the players since then," said Sixways director of rugby Brain.

"We learnt a lot on that day. It was such a negative experience for everyone involved at Worcester. But we've moved on from that and we've grown as a squad.

"We went into the break ahead in that game and ended up losing 36-13. It was a poor second half and it is a monkey we have to get off our backs.

"The players, though, are determined because of that second half to put the record straight. It is really driving them on.

"Even if we couldn't win the league, the players would want to make up for that peformance."

"That second half at Millmoor certainly left scars," added Keast. "There is no hiding that fact but we can't do anything about that now. It's history. When South Africa play England in the World Cup do you think they will be worrying about their Twickenham hammering?

"What we hope as coaches is that the handcuffs come off and the players are able to express themselves. Obviously we want to win the game but I think we would all like to see a performance which will do the team justice.

"The pressure will be on all the players on both sides because of the added attention. The crowd, the live television coverage adds to the pressure. However, in a funny way, that will help some of the players - because a lot of them are show offs!"