Worcester 35 Newcastle 27: Sanderson helps Worcester to raise flair factor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Newcastle may have scored more tries but Worcester finished up the winners to leave themselves within flirting distance of a European place. But John Brain, the Worcester director of rugby, was not thinking of foreign fields - he was just pleased that his Warriors are beginning to throw off their "one-dimensional" tag.
Brain said: "We still have a lot more developing to do to be able to play what people call an 'all-court' game of rugby, but we have moved on a bit." They have moved on enough to record a try-scoring bonus point and contributed to a thrilling display of attacking rugby.
They led throughout the match, but had a dicey time as the game entered the last quarter. The Falcons fairly flew at them, ably directed by Jonny Wilkinson, whose entry into fray for the start of the second half transformed their approach.
His distribution was little short of brilliant. The timing and placement were near perfect, and his vision was superb. Ironically, it was Newcastle's kicking game which let them down. Wilkinson had a couple of kicks at goal but missed both, and Matt Burke faired little better, landing the first conversion and missing two subsequent attempts.
Worcester's star was the captain, Pat Sanderson. His groundwork at the breakdown was staggering. His linking work in the backs kept moves alive. And when Sanderson was not punching holes in the opposition defence, Dale Rasmussen was launching himself like a missile from the centre. He and Thomas Lombard formed a formidable midfield - it is a pity the Frenchman is returning to his homeland at the end of the season.
Worcester also look to have a promising scrum-half in Nick Runciman, who darted over off a close-range ruck for the try which earned the bonus point.
Worcester: Tries Horstmann, Trueman, Sanderson, Runciman; Conversions Drahm 2, Brown; Penalties Drahm 2, Brown. Newcastle: Tries Flood, Burke 2, McCarthy, May; Conversion Burke.
Worcester: T Delport; U Oduoza, D Rasmussen (S Whatling, 80+8), T Lombard, G Trueman; S Drahm (J Brown, h-t), N Runciman; T Windo (M MacDonald, 52), C Fortey (A van Niekirk, 80), L Fortey (Windo, 78), P Murphy, C Gillies (E O'Donoghue, 69), P Sanderson (capt), T Harding (D Hickey, 57), K Horstmann.
Newcastle: M Burke (capt); T May, M Tait, J Noon, O Phillips; T Flood (J Wilkinson, h-t), H Charlton (J Grindal, 53); J Williams (M Ward, h-t), M Thompson (A Long, 53), R Morris (Williams, 67), A Perry (L Gross, 79), G Parling, M McCarthy, C Harris, B Woods.
Referee: A Rowden (Berkshire).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments