RUGBY UNION: Jones wary of hosts threat (From Herald Series)

RUGBY UNION: Jones wary of hosts threat

9:40am Friday 21st December 2012 in Sport By Mike Knox, Deputy Sports Editor. Call me on 01865 425457

London Welsh head coach Lyn Jones has warned his players to be aware of Worcester’s attacking threat when the teams meet at Sixways Stadium to-night (8pm), writes MICHAEL KNOX.

Following the two-week European excursion into the Amlin Challenge Cup, the Exiles can now concentrate on trying to secure a second season in the Aviva Premiership.

It’s so far so good for Welsh, who have won four of their first ten games in the the top flight.

The club pointed to their three December league games as crucial in their bid stay clear of the drop zone.

Having already beaten London Irish, Welsh travel to face a Worcester side, who are one place above them in the table.

“Worcester play a positive brand of rugby and love to score tries,” said Jones.

“We may have won more games than them this season (four to three), but look at the bonus points they have acquired.

“That why they are above us in the table.”

Warriors, who boast former England players Andy Goode and Shaun Perry at half-back and Scotland’s Euan Murray at prop, have picked up two try bonuses, while the Exiles have yet to break their duck in that department.

Welsh still have a long injury list, which includes Gavin Henson, who could miss both Christmas holiday matches after tweaking a calf muscle while recovering from a back strain.

It was thought he would return for the attractive derby match against London Wasps at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, December 29, which is the third game on Exiles’ December hit-list.

Jones said: “It’s now nip and tuck whether Gavin will be fit to face Wasps.”

There is a huge interest in next week’s match, which Welsh are bidding to attract a record crowd to watch.

They announced this week that most of the tickets for the South Stand had been sold.