HEAD coach Carl Hogg has labelled Worcester Warriors’ last-gasp defeat at Brive as a “missed opportunity”.

Warriors led 7-0 and 14-7 in France but suffered a 17-14 loss as they continued their search for a first away triumph in all competitions since March.

Worcester return to Sixways on Saturday when they wind up their European Challenge Cup Pool Three programme against Russian outfit Enisei-STM (2pm).

“It was a missed opportunity (in Brive),” said Hogg. “It was a battle for 79 minutes and to lose it at the death was very disappointing.

“But when you sit and reflect on the game there were good bits and we were very sound defensively.

“We put in a phenomenal amount of effort and at times defended on our own line which is something we need to learn and take forward.”

Hogg was “delighted” with the response, particularly after the 55-19 Premiership battering at Gloucester seven days earlier.

He continued: “It was a young group who went to Brive and playing in France is difficult.

“Brive are mid-table in the Top 14 and to have given ourselves an opportunity to win the game was a very special effort.

“The group showed a huge amount of resilience and character to roll their sleeves up and show the energy and spirit they did.

"We put ourselves in a position to win a game of rugby which ultimately we didn’t but I was hugely proud of the efforts.”

The Warriors chief believes the match had typified the season so far.

Hogg thinks Warriors have “looked a very good rugby side” at times this season but struggled to put in a full 80-minute showing.

Warriors are second from bottom in the Premiership and sit at the foot of their European pool.

“If we reflect on some games we have played this year, for periods we’ve looked a very good rugby side and then there have been periods when we’ve looked less robust,” said Hogg.

“We have to be able to string the consistency over 80 minutes and from week to week.

“The great thing about last weekend was it was away from home which has given us troubles in the past.

"But to go away from home and show such a spirited effort was commendable.”