WORCESTER Warriors’ dismal Boxing Day loss at Bristol will have “no bearing” on tomorrow's return clash at Sixways, insists Gary Gold.

The former South Africa assistant coach was not involved with Warriors when they produced a festive horror-show at Ashton Gate.

Tom Varndell snapped up a superb hat-trick for Bristol in a match which saw Carl Hogg’s Warriors humiliated in defeat.

Warriors defended woefully and lacked direction in attack as Bristol deserved their first Aviva Premiership win of the term despite Tusi Pisi’s red card in 14th-minute for taking out Jamie Shillcock in the air.

“It’s essential the players have moved on from Boxing Day,” said Gold, who joined Warriors as director of rugby last month.

“It has no bearing whatsoever on where we are at the moment.

“I would like to believe we have a different focus, a different team and a different venue and we’ve probably picked a different 15. It has no value and is of no consequence.”

Scrum-half Francois Hougaard was in the USA as he recovered from his shoulder operation, while vastly experienced duo Donncha O’Callaghan and Wynand Olivier failed to make Worcester’s squad.

Loosehead prop Val Rapava Ruskin was a late withdrawal due to a fever and Ryan Mills hurt his ribs in the warm-up and had to pull out of the match-day 23.

Despite Canadian international Connor Braid on the field, Chris Pennell was given the kicking duties and missed a late penalty which would have salvaged a losing bonus point.

O’Callaghan  skippers Warriors with Olivier a key part in the midfield, Hougaard at scrum-half and Mills remaining at 10.

But Gold says Warriors will respect Mark Tainton’s men and said Bristol played very well in their 12-11 victory against Bath last weekend.

“Bristol have got a great squad and, on paper, those players are wonderful players,” said Gold.

“They have shown they can beat a top of the table team like Bath and have definitely improved.

“I have been reminded of the Boxing Day fixture quite regularly. I wasn’t here. I haven’t seen that game and I don’t wish to.”

Gold added: “It’s important we go into the game respecting Bristol and maybe Bath didn’t do that enough and paid the price.

“I don’t want us to pay the price for that.

“If we get beaten by a better rugby team so be it but I don’t want to pay the price because we don't respect them. We will respect them.”