HEAD coach Carl Hogg believes Worcester Warriors’ European Challenge Cup clash at a “hostile” Connacht today will be a test of his players’ mental strength (3pm).

Both teams will be looking to establish themselves as Pool Five leaders after winning their first game.

With strong wind and rain forecast for the area, Warriors are expecting a difficult afternoon against a “very sharp” Pro14 outfit.  

But Hogg is relishing the challenge and says men will need to “box clever” to overcome the elements and their opponents.

“I have been to the Sportsground as a player and a coach in the past and it is a difficult place to go,” Hogg said.

“It’s a unique ground as it’s small and there will be a hostile atmosphere but if you get yourself in the right frame of mind it can be a great place to go.

“It’ll be a challenge for this group, but that’s the beauty of sport.

“Whether you play in front of 60,000 or you are at the Sportsground, that’s the challenge put in front of you.

“That’s the European Challenge Cup – it is different to the Premiership.

“You have to adapt and have the mental strength to overcome the obstacles.”

Warriors kicked off their European campaign with a 30-20 win over a power-packed Brive side last weekend. But Connacht lead the way on points difference after running out 43-15 winners at Oyonnax.

“If you look at Brive they have got a big front five, so we talked about playing with tempo and trying to stretch them,” Hogg continued.

“But the challenge at Connacht will be completely different, so we have got to box clever and see if we can get that winning margin.

“Connacht did very well against Oyonnax and looked very sharp.

“They play with a lot of width and will be a real handful.

“We have got to go out there and impose ourselves."