Warriors test is 'massive' - Welch

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By Howard Lloyd
31/3/2016

Damian Welch believes Exeter Chiefs' home clash with Worcester Warriors is a 'massive game' in terms of their top-four hopes.

The Chiefs relinquished their grip on first place last weekend with defeat at Saracens – the first time Rob Baxter's men have failed to take a point from a league game since December 2014.

Not only that, but Wasps – who host Northampton Saints on Sunday – are now just one point behind the Sandy Park club, all of which makes the visit of Dean Ryan's men on Saturday even more important.

"Bearing in mind where we are in the league and where we want to be, this is a massive game," said the 33-year-old.

"The fact that we slipped up against Sarries and it was the first game this season that we didn't take a bonus point of any kind makes the Worcester game that bit more important for us.

"We are definitely targeting the win to help us secure that top-four position."

Exeter's loss at Allianz Park also marked a first start for Welch since the 42-10 defeat at Clermont Auvergne in December.

The Reading-born lock suffered a chest injury in that game which subsequently ruled him out for more than three months.

But he returned to action in North London on Saturday, playing 71 minutes of the 36-18 reversal.

Worcester go into the game on the back of a 12-6 win over London Irish to make it four straight league wins, and Welch has warned that the Sixways outfit must not be underestimated.

"Worcester are a team whose position doesn't tell the full story about how they are playing at the moment," he said.

"If you look at them, they are an extremely good side. They are very physical, have some very direct runners and have a very good set-piece and a strong forward pack. They are a team we are going to have to take very seriously when they come down here.

"If you look back at all their games this season, they have been extremely tough opponents for everybody they have come up against. There have been no easy games against them, especially for teams that have gone to Sixways. We found them tough to deal with up there and I'm pretty sure they'll be tough to deal with again this weekend."

Welch is hoping to start Saturday's match as he continues his quest for full fitness following his injury lay-off.

Another lock who looks set to feature is Australian Mitch Lees (pictured), who has been out since suffering a bicep injury on New Year's Day.

And with Exeter suddenly boasting plenty of second-row options after looking decidedly thin on the ground earlier in the season, Welch says more game time will be key to securing a first-team spot.

"I'm hoping this weekend to be able to finish a full game – that would be a massive bonus," he said. "Competition for places is humongous at the moment so to get a full 80 under my belt would be fantastic."

"On Saturday, I struggled a bit from 50 minutes onwards – my lungs sort of gave out on me," he said. "Up until then it was fairly decent and it was just good to get out on the pitch and feel like a rugby player again rather than a continual trainer."