European Rugby Challenge Cup: Pau 21-6 Worcester Warriors

Colin Slade played 21 Test for New Zealand between 2010 and 2015

Worcester Warriors suffered a setback in the European Challenge Cup as they were beaten by Pau in France.

Colin Slade crossed for the hosts in the first minute and converted his own try, but Jamie Shillcock kicked two penalties to make it 7-6 at the break.

Slade scored again at the start of the second half before Shillcock missed with another penalty attempt.

A late converted try from Julien Blanc sealed the win, cutting Warriors' lead at the top of Pool 2 to one point.

Worcester had won their first two games in the competition, away to Stade Francais and at home against Ospreys, but rainy conditions made for a tricky game at the Stade du Hameau in south-west France.

The Premiership club struggled to impose themselves against a powerful home side, with tries at the start of each half by former New Zealand fly-half Slade proving to be the difference.

However, Worcester did have complaints about Pau's third score on 77 minutes, as Irish referee Frank Murphy allowed play to continue despite the visitors having Andrew Kitchener and Darren Barry down receiving treatment.

Ospreys host Stade Francais in Pool 2's other fixture on Saturday (15:00 GMT), with Warriors back in European Challenge Cup action at home to Pau on Saturday, 15 December.

Pau: Malie; Halai, Stanley, Nicot, Votu; Slade, Daubagna (capt); Mackintosh, Rey, Hamadache, Metz, Ramsay, Pesenti, Puech, Erbani.

Replacements: Bouchet, Calles, Corato, Delannoy, Habel Kuffner, Ugena, Blanc, Hastoy,

Worcester Warriors: Van Breda; Humphreys, Lawrence, Olivier (capt); Hammond, Shillcock, Heaney, Waller, Annett, Milasinovich, Barry, Kitchener, Faosiliva, Williams, Cox.

Replacements: Miller, Cosgrove, Kerrod, Scott, Cutting, Arr, Butler, Howe.

Referee: Frank Murphy (Ire).

For the latest rugby union news follow @bbcrugbyunion on Twitter.