MATTI Williams’ days in the front row appear to be behind him after proving to be an “outstanding” flanker in the eyes of head coach Rory Duncan.

The South African made several outings at hooker for Worcester Warriors before director of rugby Alan Solomons challenged him to fight for a back-row spot.

And Williams came out firing in the number seven shirt on Saturday as Worcester beat Ospreys 27-21 to go top of Pool Two in the European Challenge Cup.

Duncan was full of praise for the 27-year-old’s performance along with the displays of experienced number eight Matt Cox and young blindside flanker Ted Hill.

“I have only known Matti as a flanker and he is an outstanding loose forward. He had a really good performance,” Duncan said.

“Matt (Cox) showed he has got the ability to carry hard. He certainly gets around the pitch and puts a lot of pressure on the opposition defensively.

“Then you have got Ted who is quality so we are fortunate to be able to go into the game with those three strong back rowers and I thought they all did pretty well.”

Williams’ man-of-the-match display featured a lung-busting run from the halfway line as he flattened James Hook before sprinting clear and passing to Wynand Olivier to score under the posts.

“Matti gives 100 per cent and he certainly gets stuck in,” Duncan continued.

“He is physical in defence and he showed that when he carries ball he has got the ability to break tackles and give you gain-line.

“With Coxy as well both of them have got a massive work-rate.

“They are a couple of guys that have really put up their hands so it is going to be interesting when we sit down for our selection meeting.”

Converted tries from Jamie Shillcock, Olivier and Jack Singleton gave Warriors a 21-0 lead at half-time only to see Ospreys claw their way back.

Cory Allen bagged a brace and Rob McCusker went over to close the gap but Shillcock ensured victory with two penalties to boost his points tally to 17.

Duncan said the triumph put Warriors in a “great position” ahead of December’s double-header with Pau as they moved into top spot.

But having failed to claim a try bonus-point in the second period Duncan was not entirely satisfied with his side’s showing.

“I am obviously very happy to walk away with another win,” Duncan said.

“But we do feel we possibly left a bit out there.

“They picked up their game but we made too many errors in the second half.

“We did create opportunities but didn’t finish them off.”

Ospreys sit three points behind Warriors in second spot and their head coach Allen Clarke felt the Welsh region had given themselves a “lifeline” after salvaging an “important” losing bonus point at Sixways.

“In the first half we stood off Worcester and probably didn’t believe in ourselves enough,” Clarke said.

“There were tactical messages at half-time but ultimately we got our mind-set right and all credit to the boys for how they responded in the second half.

“Compared to 60 minutes ago it is a healthy position for us as we are still very much in our pool.”