Kai Horstmann has scored four tries for the Warriors this season

Worcester Warriors skipper Kai Horstmann says his side are feeling confident ahead of the Championship play-off semi-final with Bedford Blues.

Horstmann told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "Our performance against Bristol was outstanding and we'll take a lot of confidence from that.

"But this will be a very different affair and the intensity will be huge but we are excited about it."

Worcester went unbeaten in their group games in the play-offs.

And after winning 21 of their 22 matches during the regular Championship season, they are seen as clear favourites to win promotion back to the Premiership at the first time of asking.

"There's been that pressure of expectation throughout the whole year as we are red hot favourites to get promoted so nothing has changed there," said Horstmann.

"All that has changed now is that is that much more of an important game and everyone knows it.

"If we slip up now then we have to go through that long process again so I don't think there is an issue with where the boys' heads will be at.

"Bedford will bring a lot of physicality up front which is where they need to assert their dominance," he continued. "It is an 80-minute shoot-out and I think we have been confident pretty much all year.

"Certainly some of the things haven't gone our way but we have addressed them and pushed on."

Horstmann is expected to lead the side as Chris Pennell remains sidelined with a rib injury.

Adam Balding and Pat Sanderson will also miss the match but the Warriors should otherwise be at full strength.

There will be full coverage of Worcester Warriors v Bedford Blues on Sunday, 1 May on 104 FM and online on BBC Hereford and Worcester.

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