WORCESTER Warriors must recognise key moments in a match - and be more ruthless in attack.

That's the view from new skipper Gerrit-Jan van Velze who watched footage of Warriors’ last-gasp 23-19 defeat at Bristol in the Greene King IPA Championship.

Van Velze is poised to make his competitive Warriors’ debut this afternoon against Moseley at Sixways after missing the opener because he was celebrating his sister’s wedding.

The South African number-eight admitted: “During the opening game there were moments when we had to react and we couldn’t because we didn’t realise we were in the moment.

“In rugby, we talk about delivering a knockout punch. I think we had the opportunity to deliver it against Bristol but we did not pull it.

“We need to work on realising these key moments but it is not easy during the heat of a match.

“When these opportunities arise we need to take them and we will be very critical of ourselves if we don’t."

Van Velze joined Warriors in the summer after helping Northampton to the Premiership title.

“In my first season at Northampton we lost in the Premiership final and in my second season we lost the LV Cup final but we won the Amlin and the Premiership title,” he said.

“Dean Ryan has a real presence and, the first time I met him, I knew he was someone I wanted to work with.

“He has philosophies he lives by and the way in which he runs the club is something I enjoyed hearing when he spoke to me.”

He added: “I knew from the start that I was going to be missing the first league game – it was my sister’s wedding.

“I flew back home for that – family comes first. I missed the opening round – but it’s only one game. We will meet Bristol again – probably more than once.”

The South African is hoping he can make his presence felt this afternoon.

“It’s our first league game at Sixways and it would be good if we could put a smile on people’s faces by the way in which we play," he said.

“It will be a special occasion for me and we will have to focus on ourselves – not the opposition.

“The fans will demand high standards and we do, too. Hopefully, we can attract more fans by the manner in which we play.”