Worcester Warriors 17 Sale Sharks 12 (From Worcester News)

Worcester Warriors 17 Sale Sharks 12

6:34pm Sunday 4th September 2011 in Match Reports By Tom Guest, @tomguestWN #WENsport

AN overturned caravan on the M5 southbound meant the Sale Sharks team bus didn’t arrive at Sixways until 2.15pm and, it soon transpired, the visiting front-row forwards might as well have stayed on it.

The performance of the Stockport-based outfit’s pack made for car crash viewing as firstly Matt Mullan, Ed Shervington and Tevita Taumoepeau and then replacements Chris Fortey and Bruce Douglas marmalised them into submission.

While Worcester’s first opening-day-of-the-season victory in the Premiership will undoubtedly have been a massive confidence-booster for Richard Hill’s squad, the Sixways head coach was quick to admit there is plenty of room for improvement.

The home eight’s dominant display was reminiscent of Warriors’ packs of the past and a successful season will hinge on such showings on a regular basis.

However, despite the verdict being greeted with scenes of jubilation, the game was low on star quality and moments of real inspiration, from either side, were few.

Hill and, in particular forwards coach Phil Davies, will be delighted to have registered four points at the first time of asking, but the back play will need to be a lot crisper against stronger sides in the division.

It is also worth noting that Sale were without no less than 10 players, away at the Rugby World Cup, compared to Worcester who are missing the services of just Aleki Lutui and new recruit Ravai Fatiaki.

Steve Diamond’s new-look Sharks were also unable to call upon their captain, former Warriors centre Sammy Tuitupou, or England flanker Hendre Fourie.

Warriors’ impressive pre-season form must have led to plenty of head-scratching as Hill pondered the line-up to face Sharks.

One of the biggest posers is what to do with fit-again captain Chris Pennell.

Having been sidelined through pre-season with a rib injury, the academy-produced skipper was fit enough for the bench.

However, such is the form of deputy full-back Errie Claassens, the signing from London Welsh, Pennell was left getting splinters in his backside for the entire game.

As Pennell was selected as captain by Hill, he is sure to make a swift return to the starting XV, but what does the head coach do with on-song Claassens, who was narrowly edged out of the man-of-the-match vote by the irrepressible Matt Mullan?

Winger Josh Drauniniu was also unfortunate not to make the 23-man squad after some stellar pre-season performances, but Miles Benjamin made the most of his opportunity with a crucial try.

Jonny Arr was also forced to look on as newcomer Shaun Perry delivered a scrum-half masterclass. Decisions, decisions.