PASSION and commitment will drive Worcester Warriors to play for the full 80 minutes in Saturday’s Aviva Premiership tussle against Bath at Sixways (3pm).

That’s the belief from Warriors director of rugby Gary Gold, who admits star-studded Bath will be “unbelievably tough” opposition.

And Gold reckons the high intensity training sessions run by Paddy Anson, the head of strength and conditioning, are bearing fruit on matchdays.

“Maybe we haven’t seen it on the scoreboard yet but we have finished strongly in a couple of games,” said Gold.

“It doesn’t look like there’s a lack of energy or desire from the players.

“We’ve made mistakes and paid for them.

“But I’d have a much bigger problem on our hands if the attitude and passion and commitment from the players wasn’t there to play for a full 80 minutes.

“Because of that, we have probably got three or four extra bonus points we might not have in times gone by.”

Warriors sealed a last-gasp try-scoring bonus point from a 36-26 defeat at Sale Sharks last Friday but their Premiership safety is not yet secure.

Bristol collected two bonus points from an agonising 38-34 defeat at Exeter Chiefs but trail Warriors by eight points with three fixtures remaining.

Gold says Warriors will have their work cut-out against an in-form Bath, who are fifth but chasing a play-off spot.

“We are up against a Bath team who have hit some form,” said Gold, a former head coach and director of rugby with the West Country club.

“They played particularly well against Brive in Europe and were very good against Leicester last weekend.

“I thought the scoreline flattered Leicester because Bath should have turned around with a substantial lead at half-time.

“Bath asked a lot of questions with ball in hand and are an all-round team.

“There isn’t one weak link in their team and every aspect of their game functions really well.

“They have world-class players and are very well coached.

“It’s going to be an unbelievably tough battle for us and we need to focus on some of the things we are good at and do them more often.”

Warriors were guilty of crucial lapses in concentration against Sharks and can ill-afford a repeat against Bath.

“We have to play for 80 minutes and keep our levels of concentration throughout,” said Gold.

“We’ve put a lot of time into our fitness and conditioning work to try to improve those areas.

"The more you get rewards from fitness and conditioning the easier it is to concentrate in tough situations when you are in the trenches.

“We know what we need to do to get a positive result. But it’s one thing knowing and another thing going out there and getting it done.”

Worcester have watched extensive footage of Bath’s attacking play and are well aware of the threats posed by the likes of Anthony Watson and Jonathan Joseph.

“Bath don’t just have one or two threats,” said Gold.

“Every person in the backline from Kahn Fotuali'i to Watson is a threat with ball in hand and that’s what makes Bath so dangerous.

“At this moment in time, I would probably back Bath as the only team who could open up Saracens.

“I know people say Wasps have the potential to do it too but I think it’s a three-horse race due to Bath’s game breakers.

“Bath have players back from England duty and I think they can finish the season in a strong way.”