INJECTING pace and tempo into the game allowed Worcester Warriors to cause “some damage” in their 57-14 drubbing of Enisei-STM, according to head coach Carl Hogg.

Warriors led 37-7 at half-time against the Russian side and eventually ran in nine tries as they ended their European Challenge Cup campaign on a high.

“We showed great intensity and tempo in the game,” said Hogg, whose side finished third, one place above the Siberians, in Pool Three.

“We went into the contest knowing if we could get pace in the game and keep the tempo high we could cause some damage and that proved to be the case.

“There were a number of people who stuck their hands up but I was more pleased by the way the group played at pace and tempo throughout.

“We tried to get away from a static game and achieved that very well. We have always seen the European campaign as about introducing younger players and they have certainly put their hands up.”

Wing Dean Hammond showed his finishing prowess with a first-half hat-trick but the likes of number eight Matt Cox, scrum-half Luke Baldwin, lock Will Spencer and full-back Ben Howard all impressed.

Experienced campaigner Donncha O’Callaghan, who is rumoured to be on the radar of French Division Two club Narbonne for next season, led Warriors with intelligence.

“Try-scorers get their name in lights but it’s about people who put in the foundations,” said Hogg.

“Whether it’s the front five or Luke Baldwin protecting us with accurate box kicks it’s all part and parcel of the jigsaw that makes the performance.

“When you have high tempo and intensity in the game you still need structure and Luke, especially with some of his box kicks coming out of our 22, was controlled and accurate.

“That just protected our 22 and allowed us to play in high field position and he was excellent.”

Hogg added: “Matt Cox is very industrious and works hard and knows our game inside-out.

“He showed a huge amount of work and effort. You always need that glue in the side to keep you moving and keep you going forward.”

USA international hooker Joe Taufete’e also caught the eye on his home debut with his solidity in the set-piece and several no-nonsense carries which took Warriors over the gain-line.

Taufete’e can also play at prop but Hogg sees him as a rival to Niall Annett and Jack Singleton for the number two jersey.

“It has been about us looking at opportunity and seeing what Joe can bring to the group,” said Hogg.

“Every player brings something different and the last couple of weeks we have seen what Joe can bring.

“He brings power and carries and front-foot ball. I see him very much as a hooker.

“Joe has travelled halfway across the world from the USA and he’s performed exceptionally well.”