JOHN Brain is under no illusions about the size of the task facing his Worcester Warriors team despite their 29-15 European Challeneg Cup first round first leg victory over Brive.

The Warriors came through their first European test with flying colours but Worcester's director of rugby knows that the second leg on Saturday will be a different ball game entirely.

"Next weekend will be a massive test for us," said Brain.

"Brive probably had 60 per cent of their first team playing. I would expect Brive to field their strongest team in the second leg and play with a lot more physicality and be a lot more direct.

"There could be as many as four or five changes to their pack. We'll certainly find out about our players over there. It will be a major challenge for us on their pitch and a new experience for many of our players. It's one, however, that we're looking forward to."

Brain was satisfied with the way Worcester set up this first-leg victory. With rain lashing Sixways, an expansive approach was never going to pay dividends despite their early attempts. Ultimately, the Warriors pack brushed Brive aside on their way to three driven tries.

"Our target was to perform and win and we've done that," added the former Gloucester lock. "We'd have liked another score to take a 20-point cushion over there but that wasn't to be.

"Our pack of forwards, now we've got everyone fit bar Leon Greeff, is not bad. Gloucester would testify to that after our game here last weekend. It didn't surprise me that we dominated up front."

"This competition has come at just the right time for us," added Brain.

"After last week's defeat at home, we wanted a good performance and a win. We've achieved that and next weekend's clash will help us get a lot of things right before we get back to the Premiership."