JOSH Matavesi has backed the new-look Warriors side to improve each week as the squad get used to Dean Ryan’s playing style.

With a host of new faces both on and off the field, this season is a fresh start for Worcester and Matavesi feels there were some bright spots in yesterday’s 32-15 defeat at defending Aviva Premiership champions Leicester Tigers.

Trailing 25-3 at one stage, a quickfire brace of tries from the visitors — including a fine solo effort from the former Exeter centre — put the Sixways side right back in the match and threatened to cause an upset.

The hosts rallied and managed to put the game to bed with a late converted try, but Matavesi believes Worcester will keep improving as the new set-up beds in.

“It was always going to be tough coming to Welford Road for the first game of the season,” admitted Matavesi. “But the boys did well and made a good game of it.

“It was a tricky first 40 minutes. It was pretty much the first time we’d played together as a team in a competitive match.

“So it was really pleasing that we got our heads together in the second-half, played a bit of rugby and put Leicester under pressure.”

Matavesi’s sublime dummy to burst through the Leicester line and score a brilliant individual try was the highlight for the visitors.

He believes his side can pick up some good results this season if they keep pressure on teams for long periods.

He continued: “I just saw the gap and went for it, so it was great to get the try. We just need to be a bit more consistent rather than playing in patches.

“We need to put teams under pressure for 80 minutes. If we don’t, teams like Leicester will put points on you and it is hard to claw them back.”

Warriors begin their home campaign with Saturday’s visit from London Irish, who are widely tipped to struggle this term, so it will be key for Worcester to make a bright start to their Sixways fixtures.

Matavesi added: “It’s a quick turnaround. We’ll get our recovery done today and look at the Leicester game. But then we’ll move on to London Irish. It’s a new season at home so hopefully we’ll get the crowd behind us.

“We’ll target a win and it will be great to play in front of our own fans again.

“We’re exciting to watch when we get things right and we showed how dangerous we can be. So there’s lots for us to build on.”