PLAYERS are working “a lot more smartly” on and off the pitch since the arrival of Gary Gold, according to Worcester Warriors’ Jackson Willison.

And the New Zealand-born centre says Worcester’s players are “saving energy” on the field which will allow them to compete for the full 80 minutes.

Willison said the shorter and more intensive training sessions have been welcomed by Warriors’ squad.

“We are working a lot more smartly and guys are saving energy now,” said Willison, who scored a last-gasp try in Warriors’ 48-32 Aviva Premiership defeat against Exeter Chiefs last Saturday.

“There has been more intensity in training for shorter durations.

“Not a lot has changed but we are trying to get out and get in as soon as we can.

“Realistically, we shouldn’t be training for too long at this stage of the season but the challenge for us is to turn up for training and be ready to go.”

Warriors remain second-from-bottom in the Premiership but are six points ahead of Bristol, who travel to Sixways on March 5.

Willison says Warriors are not focusing on their relegation rivals and are keen to rise to the expectations of Gold, who became their director of rugby earlier this month.

“There’s a lot that (Gold) expects and some of it is non-negotiable,” said Willison.

“It’s a challenge for us individually and collectively and we need to work hard.

“The guys coming back from injury have meant there is huge competition in the squad and we don’t want to let down any of our team-mates.”

Warriors were in a promising position against Chiefs, leading 18-17 until back row Alafoti Fa’osiliva was sin-sinned for a shoulder charge in the 44th minute.

Chiefs ran in three tries in a devastating 10-minute spell while Fa’osiliva was off the field to open up a 36-18 advantage.

“Alafoti was very sorry (for the yellow card),” said Willison.

“We are all behind him. He was a bit unlucky but those are the rules and they are getting stricter.

“It’s hard enough trying to play against Exeter with 15 men and to give them a man advantage was unfortunate and they capitalised on it.”

Willison says it’s an “honour” to be on the same side as South African scrum-half Francois Hougaard.

“Francois brings so much energy and you can’t match it,” said Willison.

“He’s been missing for most of the season and you can see why he’s been so keen to get back.

“He’s got a lot of experience and a bit of an honour to go out there and play with him.”

Warriors will aim to end their pointless away run when they travel to Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday to face eighth-placed Northampton Saints, who lost 46-31 at Newcastle Falcons.

Warriors have lost all seven away top-tier matches this term and are conceding an average of 40 points a game on their travels.

They slipped to an 18-17 defeat to Northampton at Sixways in November when Jamie Shillcock missed a long-range penalty with the last kick of the match.

“Internally, we are just trying to worry about ourselves and we look forward to Northampton,” said Willison.

“I was away for my wedding when we played Northampton the first time and hopefully we can give them a good challenge.”