IT IS “imperative” Worcester Warriors play with an attacking intent in a bid to avoid falling into a “vicious cycle”, insists backs coach Sam Vesty.

Prior to Warriors’ 41-35 defeat at Harlequins last Saturday, the Sixways side got over the try-line just seven times in six Aviva Premiership games.

Vesty admits a lack of confidence has been a major factor behind his team’s early-season struggles to cross the whitewash.

But he hopes they have “got the monkey off their backs” after touching down five times across their European Challenge Cup clashes against Brive and Connacht and scoring six tries at Harlequins.

“I think we have really struggled (in attack),” Vesty said.

“We have been lacking in confidence which can be a bit of a vicious cycle to get into.

“We have probably allowed that to cloud our thoughts.

“I am really hope that over the last few weeks we have managed to break that.

“We attacked really well against Brive and at Quins. Connacht was very difficult but we showed some glimpses.

“I am happy we are on the right track now as I think we have got that monkey off our backs now.”

Tries from David Denton, Perry Humphreys and Josh Adams saw Warriors take an 18-10 lead at The Stoop before Quins came storming back.

But Warriors fought their way back from a 38-18 deficit to grab two losing bonus points as Dean Hammond struck twice and Jack Singleton went over late on.

“We took a big step forward in the Quins game,” Vesty said.

“We made some really good decisions in and around that halfway line which allowed us to go and break the defence.

“We have been working really hard to finish our opportunities and we did that much better as we had the intent to go out and play.

“The key to our attack is to play with confidence and have a really attacking mindset.

“I think it’s imperative that continues.

“With that (mindset) we are a massive threat to any team. But without that I think we will struggle.”

Warriors kick off their Anglo-Welsh campaign on Friday when they take on Sale Sharks at Sixways (7.45pm).

But Vesty insists his side will need to play “smart rugby” to overcome their “physical” opponents.

“Sale will come with some real grit, determination and physicality to go and win,” Vesty added.

“So the first battle is going to be who wants it the most and then it will be a game of rugby after that.

“We have got some very good wide backs and if we get the ball into their hands then that’s how we will win, so we need to play smart rugby.

“We are certainly not going out there all ‘jouer’, ‘jouer’ as it’s about winning a game of rugby.”