Worcester Warriors happy with Blair Cowan debut

New Zealand born Cowan joined the Warriors earlier this month

Worcester Warriors forwards coach Phil Davies says he was impressed by back-row Blair Cowan's debut, despite a 41-14 defeat by Saracens.

Cowan took his Warriors bow in the LV= Cup tie at Vicarage Road after joining the club from Cornish Pirates.

Davies told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "He was excellent in all aspects of the game. When he came off he was tired, but he showed up really well.

"His control at the base of the scrum, industry and carrying were very good."

Davies says it was mistakes that cost the Warriors after they led 14-13 before leaking five tries in the last 20 minutes.

"In the last quarter we lacked accuracy at the breakdown, with our handling and our kicking," said Davies.

"If you do that against a side like Saracens you get blown away.

"But we are back at work today [Monday], and have pretty much the full squad in, apart from those on international duty.

"I think we are in good shape, we are disappointed about the result at Saracens, but the effort was good."