HEAD coach Carl Hogg insists Worcester Warriors are not daunted by their Aviva Premiership curtain-raiser against all-conquering Saracens at Twickenham on Saturday (2pm).

The Sixways club have had a disappointing pre-season, suffering warm-up defeats against French giants Clermont Auvergne, Championship side Jersey and Irish outfit Munster.

Hogg has taken over at the helm following director of rugby Dean Ryan’s shock departure in the summer after three years.

Warriors suffered a 48-18 defeat against Sarries in last season’s fixture at England rugby’s headquarters.

Hogg said: “I think we have a solid group who want to work for each other and want to be involved at Worcester Warriors for the right reasons.

“Last season wasn’t without its challenges.

“We got through a 10-week period of back-to-back matches in the Premiership and picked up four or five wins.

“We built some confidence and momentum and intend to take that forward into this season.”

Warriors finished 10th on their return to the top tier and bolstered their squad this summer with the arrivals of centres Ben Te’o and Jackson Willison, hooker Matti Williams, lock Will Spencer and back rower Alafoti Fa’osiliva.

But Sarries will be confident of further success after winning the Premiership crown and carrying off the European Champions Cup for the first time with a 21-9 victory against Racing 92 in Lyon.

But Hogg is excited about the prospect of Warriors kicking off their campaign against the star-studded double winners.

“We get to play Saracens, who are the European and Premiership champions at Twickenham, and, as a player and a coach, you want to test yourself,” said Hogg.

“You can’t get a better test than against Saracens on the opening day so we are just looking forward to the challenge.”

Warriors rounded off their last campaign with a 43-19 home defeat to an under-strength Sarries in the final round of league fixtures.

Hogg says Warriors are “very respectful” and “mindful” of the champions but cannot stand back in “awe” of them.

“We are very respectful and mindful of what a good side Saracens are but we will go there with every intention to put our game on the field,” said Hogg.

“Saracens are very clinical and when they get an opportunity they take it.

“It’s for us to try to eradicate any small error and any hole in our armour because Saracens will exploit it whether it’s off a kick-return or a set-piece.

“What Saracens do is very methodical and very clinical and we need to be aware of that but it’s also about us putting our game on the field and not standing back in awe of them.”

Hogg added: “We are aware Saracens are a great side who have won championships in Europe but it’s about getting Warriors’ brand on to the field and that’s what I am looking forward to.”