MARCO Mama admitted Worcester Warriors’ bad start cost them the game in Saturday’s 27-8 European Challenge Cup defeat to Zebre in Italy.

Warriors found themselves 18-0 down after just 18 minutes and never recovered as a 17-point haul from fly-half Carlo Canna earned Zebre the win.

And 24-year-old Mama, who is on loan from Bristol, put it down to a tough opening at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma.

“It was a pretty tough game away from home against a side who were really enthusiastic and fired up for the contest,” said the back row.

“We started off pretty poorly and I don’t think we were ready for it. All credit to Zebre. I think they were better prepared for the game than us.

“They came out fighting and put a lot of pressure on us through their set-piece and that’s why they started so strongly and scored those early points.”

In slippery, wet conditions, both sides made a number of errors and Mama admitted the set-piece was a vital area of the game and one which Warriors struggled with in the first period.

He explained: “We probably didn’t combat that very well. In conditions like that the set-piece is your only opportunity to get into the game.

“We struggled there and it took a while mentally and physically to match them up front.”

Warriors competed in the second period, only conceding two penalties and bagged a try of their own courtesy of Dean Hammond.

And Mama revealed a half-time talk helped them to raise their game.

He added: “At half-time we talked about getting our set-piece right and upping our energy levels so we were able to improve in the second half.

“We played a slightly more tactful game and kicked back downfield long and made them play or kick it back from their own half.

“But at the end of the day their good start put us under immense pressure.

“With the rain like it was the emphasis on your kicking game and set-piece is crucial - and you have to be effective at what you do within the conditions.”

Warriors turn their attentions back to the Aviva Premiership on Saturday when they travel to the home of English rugby in Twickenham to take on last season’s champions Saracens.

And Mama knows the task will be another huge test.

“Sarries have looked a handful so far this season and obviously showed what they’re capable of last year,” said the forward.

“But I’m sure we’ll have a few experienced guys back in the squad to help us and we’ll be going there to win.”