LOCK Pierce Phillips has thrown his weight behind Worcester Warriors’ heavies to “lead from the front” when they tackle Pau at Sixways today (3pm).

Worcester went down 21-6 to the power-packed French side last week and are set to face another stern examination of their strength in the reverse European Challenge Cup fixture.

With a back-line able to cause opposing defences “damage” Phillips admits the “onus” will be on Worcester’s forwards to win the battle up front.

But having worked tirelessly in training this week the 26-year-old, who has been named on the bench for the clash, believes the pack can produce the goods when it comes to the “crunch”.

“A lot of French sides bring the same threats with big guys looking to get front-foot ball,” Phillips said.

“As simple as that game can be it is very effective and can be quite hard to stop.

“We need to match them up front and that starts with the tight five.

“If we can get that job right it really opens the game up for our back-line who can do damage against anyone.

“The onus is a little bit on us to get that right first and then let the game develop from there.

“If we can get on top of them or at least match them physically then that will be great for us.”

Phillips conceded the performances of Warriors’ pack have been “up and down” this term.

“For much of the time the game is built on the forwards,” Phillips continued.

“A lot of hard work goes in day in day out because the guys know we have got to get our jobs right for the whole team to function.

“When we do get it right I really do feel we are effective.

“We will continue to improve every week and hopefully come the crunch games we will perform.

“I think it’s about having the right mind-set and you saw that in the Harlequins game.

“We didn’t play great with the ball but having had a feeling of wanting to try to dominate the game in defence that gave us the base to go on and win that match.

“When we talk about defence the tight five have a massive say in that being the bigger guys so we have got to lead from the front.

“We have got the capability to do that.

“It will be a good test against a French team this week because they will have big guys but we believe we can match them.”

Warriors will be boosted by the introduction of new second row Michael Fatialofa.

The New Zealander, who stands at 6ft 6in and weighs in at 18st, will start against Pau.

“He comes in with a lot of experience,” Phillips said.

“I am sure he is as excited as we are to see how he plays and I am sure he will be great for us.”

Warriors sit in second position in Pool Two, two points behind leaders Ospreys and one point ahead of third-placed Pau.

“We recognise that this is a big game,” Phillips added.

“Not only because we want to put in a good performance at home but we know this can put us in prime position to have a good go in this competition.”