SOME serious questions need to be asked about the Worcester Warriors pack and the impact forwards coach Nigel Redman is having.

The former England and British Lions lock began his coaching career with the Worcester academy before working with the England age group sides, ultimately leading the under 20s to the 2008 Grand Slam.

He was subsequently appointed the RFU’s elite coach development manager, before opting to return to Sixways in the wake of Phil Davies’ departure to the top job with Cardiff Blues.

On the face of it, the appointment of Redman, who is an RFU level five coach and a graduate of the UK Sport elite coach programme, seemed like a shrewd move by the Warriors hierarchy.

The ex-Bath second row had developed sound coaching credentials and a well-respected reputation within the game. However, that’s all well and good, but it is not being transferred into any noticeable benefits for Worcester on the field.

Despite having two weeks without a game to prepare for and analyse London Irish, the Warriors pack were so badly bullied by the Exiles eight, if it had been a boxing match, the referee would have stopped the contest.

Every penalty kicked to touch even a matter of yards into the Warriors half gave the home crowd a lift because they sensed blood.

From the outset, the Irish half-backs looked to kick as deep as possible, knowing full well Warriors’ return to touch would give forwards coach Glen Delaney’s well-drilled outfit the chance to catch-and-drive.

Without exception, the home eight made massive inroads into Worcester territory with their driving maul, marching their opponents back almost at will.

This powerful facet of their game led directly to their first two tries, while the third came from a five-metre scrum after Warriors had only just halted yet another catch-and-drive cakewalk.

Unfortunately for Worcester.

This wasn’t an isolated experience; a blip for an otherwise rock-solid pack of forwards.

Over the years in the top-flight, Warriors built a reputation around a fearsome set-piece, but those days are long gone and Redman doesn’t seem to be able to do anything about bringing them back.

Head coach Richard Hill has even admitted that Redman is still learning his trade in the top-flight, but surely that isn’t good enough.

Redman is assistant head coach with a distinguished pedigree in the game, including many years of coaching, so it is not acceptable to say he is still finding his way.

He will have been brought to Sixways on a not inconsiderable salary and it is high time the forwards he is in charge of begin proving that money is being well spent.