WORCESTER Warriors director of rugby John Brain admitted his side were taught a "hard lesson" as they conceded six tries in a 48-33 defeat at home to Premiership leaders Sale.

The club's third consecutive league reverse at Sixways proved all the more galling because the Six Nations had deprived Sale of a number of key players.

"I think it is a missed opportunity," said Brain. "I think all the players feel that is the case.

"We have an expectation at home against Sale that we can win and I think all the players believe that they could do that. That is why they are very disappointed not to have done that.

"Our mindset was right going into the game. We've been taught a hard lesson in some respects and we've got to move on from it.

"We're capable of playing good rugby and we expected to beat Sale. We think we are good enough to do that at home."

Brain worked with Sharks' director of rugby Philippe Saint Andre when the two were at Gloucester but it was the Frenchman's side who gave the masterclass.

They allowed Worcester plenty of possession but turned over enough ball to launch a wave of deadly counter-attacks.

Brain said: "I think we shot ourselves in the foot quite a lot. If you turn over ball or if you are loose in any way with your possession, either handling it or kicking it, they've got the ammunition to punish you. And they did that very clinically.

"We are very disappointed with that. To lose at home is very disappointing but to take 48 points at home is very, very disappointing. We probably deserved to get a point. We certainly didn't deserve to win. I just think we made too many errors to win that match."

Warriors now face the daunting task of a visit to Leicester Tigers on Friday night.

Fly-half Shane Drahm should be available for the trip even though he needed an injection after hurting his ankle against Sale.

"It certainly isn't anything serious," added Brain. "It's not a major problem but it is niggling him. He will be fit for Friday and beyond that but we just need to make sure he gets some good rest this week."