SEVEN of Worcester Warriors squad had been struck down by a virus in the lead up to their battling 12-6 win against basement boys London Irish, revealed director of rugby Dean Ryan.

With Ryan Lamb withdrawn on the morning of the game, Warriors were forced into a late change meaning there was no fly-half cover on the bench.

“We had a tough week," said Ryan.

"We had seven guys in isolation since last weekend who had not been able to come into work due to illness and we had to manage around that.

“We had late changes where people were pulled and, for the team to stay on task with those things in the background, was a great achievement.

“Defensively, with guys low on energy because of the week we had, we were outstanding in accuracy.

“Tom Heathcote was struggling and we lost Lamby with a virus and Millsy (Ryan Mills) had been sick all week.

We didn’t really want to move him (Mills) to 10 because we’ve struggled with attacking shape when we’ve done that in the past.

“Bryce Heem, Mills and Darren Barry had been ill all week and those guys were outstanding to stay the full term.

“Tommy was hurt very early on but we needed him to stay out there.

“He got hit on the top of the shoulder which sent spasms around his body.

“He had to stay in the line and I know it’s a bit easier when you’ve got Francois Hougaard hitting people on the inside, but Tommy was incredibly brave to stay up in the line.”

Ryan had labelled Irish as a “dangerous opponent” before the match and felt Warriors had given their all to keep the strugglers at bay.

“We were up against a very good side," said Ryan.

"In the last five or six weeks, Irish have been on an upward trajectory and we knew they would be very difficult to break down defensively.

“It’s was about the players staying on task and doing their job and really putting pressure on Irish right until the end.“

He added: “We had them worked out defensively and they never looked like pulling us apart but someone can drop off in concentration and suddenly they are through.

“Full credit to Crossy (defensive coach Simon Cross) who has worked hard.

“Even JJ (James Johnston) came on and turned the game with a turnover and that’s the difference when experienced guys come on.”

Although Ryan wouldn’t directly comment on whether that victory had secured Warriors’ Premiership survival, Irish head coach Tom Coventry believes the Sixways side are now "probably safe".

Coventry said: “We have been guilty all year of coming away from games without points so even though we lost the match we still picked up a point so it could be telling. We still have 20 points up for grabs.

“Now Worcester have knocked those points away they are probably safe.”

Coventry added: “We had a couple of lost opportunities which were very telling and frustrating but the style of football we’re trying to play has certainly been a positive over the last couple of months.

"It’s easy to be deflated but we played some good footy.”