Hazell eyes improvements

Andy Hazell: Wants to make Kingsholm a fortress

Andy Hazell believes that Gloucester need to work hard and be smart if they are to solve their early-season weaknesses.

The big-hitting openside flanker explained that Rugby director Nigel Davies did not rip into his players following Saturday's 16-16 draw at Worcester.

"The urgency was great, but we've got to wise up a bit."
Andy Hazell Quotes of the week

Instead, Davies praised the side for their commitment, however he did emphasise how quicker and sharper decisions on-field will drive them onto greater form.

The 34-year-old admitted that new boss Davies' influence has given him a new lease of life.

Urgency

Hazell told The Citizen: "We've just got to get stronger tactically. We're coming away from home and as a squad we're expecting to win, and that's improvement.

"Nigel said he couldn't fault the commitment or the work-rate, but that now we need to get smarter. The urgency was great, but we've got to wise up a bit.

"Nigel's completely different from any coach I've had before. It's re-energised me and I'm absolutely loving it."

Hazell believes the Kingsholm men would have cruised past Worcester, if only they would have converted a key scoring chance at the end of the first half on Saturday.

However, James Simpson-Daniel's usual instincts were not on show, as a meagre pass fell through his hands.

Fortress

Demanding a shrewder attitude against Wasps this weekend, Hazell added: "We messed up a try in the first half at Worcester, and in the second we got scrappy and let it fall into their hands.

"The first half against Northampton wasn't good enough either, so we're back at home and we want to put things right really.

"We've got to make Kingsholm a fortress, and that starts now.

"It's our home, it always adds spice and we've got to defend the honour and pride that goes with playing at Kingsholm."