WHAT a difference a year makes! When Worcester last travelled to Northampton 12 months ago they went there on the back of eight defeats in their opening nine Premiership games.

This time around they have played one fewer match but already have five wins and a draw in the bank. The only blemishes on their record are defeats at Sale and Wasps who are currently the top two sides in the land.

So where did it all go right? Undoubtedly the playing squad has been enhanced. The likes of Andy Gomarsall, Shane Drahm, Nicolas Le Roux and Aisea Havili have given the team extra potency in attack, while new head coach Anthony Eddy is starting to make his mark on the side.

Forward stalwarts like Tony Windo, Drew Hickey and Craig Gillies have built on the foundations they established last term with some brutally effective performances.

But momentum seems to be the biggest factor behind an upward curve that has seen Warriors lose just four Premiership games since the start of the calendar year.

Last season's victory at Franklin's Gardens was the springboard to a superb recovery that culminated in the dramatic climax against the same opponents at the end of April.

This year Warriors go into the match hoping to consolidate their position as Heineken Cup contenders.

What has made that goal more realistic is the new play-off system in the Guinness Premiership, which means the team that finishes in fourth place is guaranteed qualification for Eu-rope's elite competition and also earns a shot at the title.

It is still something of an alien concept in the Northern Hemisphere that a team finishing well behind the pace-setter can claim the highest honour.

But it provides a big incentive for the likes of Worcester and London Irish --the other early surprise package -- who have little chance of finishing ahead of Sale, Wasps and Leicester.

The play-off system can also work in favour of the bigger clubs. Wasps have been the most obvious beneficiaries in recent years, claiming three titles despite never having finished in pole position.

But their success has had more to do with expert management rather than pure luck.

Wasps have blooded youngsters like Tom Rees, John Hart and James Haskell in the games they could afford to lose, so making sure their big guns are available for the run-in.

As a consequence, they have been able to win titles and continue developing young domestic talent -- something which many top Premiership soccer clubs would be envious of.

Worcester don't have that luxury and youngsters like Jamie Lennard, Iyran Clunis and Simon Whatling will have to bide their time.

In the meantime, the senior players can further boost Warriors position in the table with a sixth league win tomorrow.