BBC Sportrugbyunion

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 10:35 GMT, Monday, 14 March 2011

Andy Goode being targeted, claims Worcester coach Hill

Andy Goode
Former England fly-half Andy Goode joined Worcester Warriors last summer

Worcester fly-half Andy Goode has been warned not to react on the pitch, despite coach Richard Hill's claim that he is being targeted by other clubs.

Goode suffered a suspected broken nose in Sunday's 44-15 win at Bristol after being sin-binned in the incident that saw home captain Iain Grieve sent off.

"It was quite clear there was a punch," "Hill told BBC Hereford and Worcester. "Goodey has possibly broken his nose.

"They are targeting him, but he has to try and keep his cool," added Hill.

"It made a right mess across his face. And I do sympathise with him.

"He is a key player and they do try and get to him. It is very difficult when people are always having a go at you.

"In the play-offs now people will be targeting Andy, which is why when we have won the game and got the bonus point, we can bring him off."

Hill expects the former England fly half to be fit to face London Welsh at Sixways in their next Championship play-off game on Saturday.

You can't do things off the ball. We need that kind of officiating throughout the play-offs

Worcester coach Richard Hill

"Andy will be OK," said Hill. "He seems all right and still has a smile on his face. We can't have anyone missing a game with a broken nose."

Hill insists that referee Dean Richards, and his touch judges, got it right after a mass punch-up at Bristol that saw three men sinbinned, along with Grieve's red card.

"I know Iain Grieve well," said Hill. "And he is very disappointed that has happened to him.

"The referee was strong and made the right decisions.

"You can't do things off the ball. We need that kind of officiating throughout the play-offs.

"Sometimes when you are winning comfortably, the other team will do other things.

"We have just got to make sure we are whiter than white and front up without resorting to foul play."



Print Sponsor


see also
RFU uphold Bristol's Grieve ban
18 Mar 11 |  English
Bristol 15-44 Worcester
13 Mar 11 |  English
Hill eyes Championship signings
10 Mar 11 |  Rugby Union