Match reaction: Saracens 61 Worcester Warriors 29 - Jonathan Thomas

The hosts scored nine tries in total on the way to a 61-29 victory but Worcester scored three tries in the last ten minutes to take a try bonus-point from the Boxing Day clash at the StoneX Stadium.

Saracens had led 40-7 at half-time and 61-14 heading into the closing stages and Thomas admitted his side were not mentally ready for the challenge in that first-half.

“Coming away with a point is not a disgrace but what isn’t acceptable is the first-half performance and we need to own that,” admitted head coach Jonathan Thomas.

“There was a real danger that after that first-half we could have capitulated but once we got into the changing room, we said that the minimum requirement was a point.

“We had to be more physical and make it more tough, we did that and then we scored some really good tries.

“The big thing for me is before you talk about physical things, you have to be mentally prepared. And if you are not on top of it, you are going to get exposed.

“The question we all need to ask is why weren’t we more up for it in the first-half as we showed in the second-half we are a good team that can scored good tries. But if you are off it against a side like Saracens you are going to leak points.

“But Saracens were smarting after a few losses and were fully loaded, they could have done that to any team.

“But it shows good character from us. In years gone by, we might have capitulated but we scored five tries against one of the best defences so we will take heart from that.”

Worcester will now turn their attention to the Premiership Rugby Cup in midweek when they take on rivals Gloucester.

Warriors beat Bristol in their first group game so another win would take them a step closer closer to the knockout stages.

“Of course, we will have to use our squad,” Thomas added.

“But we want to win games and we will put out a strong side to make sure we put ourselves in the best shape to win that game.”