WORCESTER Warriors head coach Carl Hogg admits Thursday’s night’s derby clash against Gloucester at Sixways is critical to their European Challenge Cup chances (7.45pm).

Warriors won their group opener 19-3 against La Rochelle and then lost 27-8 in Italy against Zebre, while Gloucester have triumphed against both.

“It becomes a critical fixture,” said Hogg.

“Thursday night is a local derby and it always adds a bit of spice whether that’s in the Premiership or in the European Challenge Cup.

“We’re just looking forward to getting back out there and, hopefully, the conditions will be a little bit better than the La Rochelle and Zebre games and we will get an opportunity as team to go out and perform.

“The group who have played in Europe – against La Rochelle and Zebre have played in heavy downpours and that made it difficult to play and express ourselves. We’re looking to go out and play on Thursday night.”