SOUTH African star Thinus Delport believes Worcester's backs are beginning to gel after a classy exhibition of running rugby saw off a gritty Bristol side.

Most pundits had predicted the match would be dominated by the two packs, but the home side moved the ball freely through the hands on a bitterly cold night at Sixways.

Tries for Delport and fellow-wing Aisea Havili were just rewards for the Warriors' adventure and were vital in the 24-15 victory.

The versatile Delport, who can play either wing or full back, said: "It's good to score on the outside. We've got a very strong pack of forwards and they normally dominate and it's good to show we can run with the ball."

He explained that being away from the relegation struggle had allowed the side to concentrate on more 'progressive play' this season.

And the winger, who also showed his defensive qualities with a vital try-saving tackle after just six minutes, was quick to heap praise on his teammates.

"Nicolas Le Roux has played sevens for France and brings real flair," he said. "We are learning how he plays. At first it was quite difficult to pre-empt what he was going to do but he is really creative.

"It's all about playing together for a long time and learning together. We also have Aisea Havili who has come in, which shows we are building for the future. We have a strong set of forwards who can compete with the best packs and we have shown tonight that we can also change our game plan."

While the back three shone with ball in hand, director of rugby John Brain was also delighted with the efforts of the midfield.

"Dale Rasmussen did very well. He's quite an important player for us and he's outstanding defensively," he said.

"Thomas Lombard and Rasmussen together play very well. Bristol are strong in that area and it was important they played well. We wanted to move the ball around. That brought us sin-binnings and points."