Rasmussen joined Warriors from Exeter Chiefs in 2004

Worcester Warriors centre Dale Rasmussen has hit back at critics who accused them of negative tactics at Leicester Tigers on Saturday.

Warriors, who led at one stage of the second half, ran the clock down at the end to get a losing bonus point.

Rasmussen, who came on in the second half, said the criticism was unfounded.

"In the last two minutes, we consolidated and took the losing bonus point, I don't that is a bad thing," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"Most teams would do that at Leicester. We did look to play and at times were not clinical which cost us, but we were looking to score tries but it didn't really happen for us."

It was the 32-year-old's first appearance since a knee operation in the summer, and the Samoan international feels he has made good progress in his recovery.

I'll keep my head down and when I get my opportunities I will make a stake for the jersey Dale Rasmussen

"I was very happy to be back," he said. "It's been a long pre-season for me.

"The backroom staff have been quite tough on me in terms of what we have done and I have had some stringent tests.

"I went into the game with a lot of confidence despite my knee being heavily strapped."

And Rasmussen says he is well aware of the form of youngster Alex Grove, who took his place in the centre of the Warriors backline last season.

"Alex is playing well, he finished the season very strongly and he started the way he finished last season," he added.

"But I'll keep my head down and when I get my opportunities I will make a stake for the jersey."

Worcester Warriors play Montpellier in the European Challenge Cup at Sixways on Thursday 8 October (kick-off 1945 BST).

There will be full commentary from BBC Hereford & Worcester on the game on 104 FM and online at bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester.

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