SARACENS rugby director Alan Gaffney was full of praise for Worcester Warriors after the hosts' fine victory at Sixways.

Gaffney admitted he was surprised at how Worcester found themselves in a relegation dogfight despite completing the double over his side this season.

Watford-based Saracens now play at Gloucester in the Guinness Premiership semi-finals on Saturday, while Leicester play Bristol.

He said: "Our goal was a top-six finish, but our dream goal was top four. We are euphoric about achieving that, although you can't be euphoric about the performance.

"Worcester played with a lot of pride, passion and skill. We have got to take it on the chin, and each of the players and coaches must look at their own performances.

"It is very difficult to see how Worcester finished where they did in the league. Their defence was aggressive and they had a lot to play for but so did we. We are competing with the elite at this level now and we always wanted to do that. We've got nothing to hide from Gloucester on Saturday.

"I don't think anyone would have suggested we would make the top four this season - someone even suggested we would be relegated - so we are very happy, but we have got to try to move forward into next week.

"We got bashed at Worcester. We still tried to play rugby, even though our set-piece was under a bit of pressure, but we think we can compete down at Gloucester."

Gaffney, meanwhile, played down any injury fears surrounding England World Cup-winning flanker Richard Hill, who withdrew from the game just before kick-off.

He added: "Just prior to the warm-up, Richard tightened up in the knee. He could have played, but there was no point risking him. He is OK."