THE bitter experience of losing an Aviva A-League final on home soil will spur on Worcester Warriors in tomorrow night’s British and Irish Cup clash with Leinster ‘A’ at Sixways (7.45pm).

That’s the view of lock James Percival, who believes Worcester must learn lessons from the Cavaliers’ rain-swept 27-19 defeat to Saracens Storm in January.

Leinster have lifted the British and Irish Cup for the last two seasons and the winners will travel to Doncaster Knights or Bristol in the final on April 3.

Pervical, 31, said: “Leinster is a massive game for us. It’s more of a final for us than a semi-final because Leinster are the holders and an outstanding team.

“The hurt of losing to Saracens Storm in the A-League final was huge and we have to learn from it.

“On a wet, rainy night, Saracens wanted to kick the ball and play from field position. I think it was a good lesson for me and the other lads who played in it.

“It’s natural for the lads who haven’t had much game time to come in, throw the ball about and express themselves.

“But that approach can be hard to do in cup matches because, in the back of your mind, you need to be aware of what is needed to win a cup match.

“When there’s time to play we will but when there’s time to kick or opportunities to control the game then that’s what we must do.”

Worcester have fielded fringe players in their unbeaten cup campaign and booked their last-four spot by overcoming Pontypridd 24-10 in the quarter-finals.

Percival added: “The cup is a great tournament to be involved in. The Munster ‘A’ away game has probably been one of the highlights of our season.

“The standard of rugby in that match was very high and Munster were one of the best teams we have come across this season.

“Towards the end, we had to battle to win, which brought us tighter, and I think it will mean a lot going into tomorrow’s semi-final.”