5:59pm Monday 30th August 2010
By Tom Guest
RICHARD Hill is expecting a wholly different battle when his Worcester Warriors side visit Plymouth Albion in the Championship on Saturday.
The Sixways head coach oversaw a convincing 48-3 opening day win over Birmingham and Solihull at the weekend, but is anticipating a much more forward orientated battle at Brickfields.
However, morale will be low at the Devon outfit after slumping to the bottom of the table following a crushing 51-3 loss at Bedford Blues. Graham Dawe’s side were understrength at Goldington Road, though, and Hill is still expecting a physical encounter.
The former England scrum-half said: “It will be a different type of game at Plymouth. We played a Birmingham team that like to play a lot of rugby, they want to keep the ball in hand.
“I think Plymouth will play a different type of game. Our defence will not be tested out wide as much as it will be around the fringes and driving maul.
“Their main objective is to keep driving the ball and go around the corners until you get frustrated. They will kick to the corners and maul.
“We will have to be patient and disciplined when they have the ball, try and win it back and take our opportunities when they come.”
Injuries permitting, Hill plans to take the same 22 players down the M5 on Saturday as he continues to assess his squad. He explained: “I want to keep the 22 settled. I don’t see many changes, provided they are all fit. I want to keep the continuity.
“Playing away from home, you have got to have the same attitude and ability to perform.
“After a few games, I will look to introduce more players and give them an opportunity too.”
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