DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons is willing to stay "patient" with star signing Melani Nanai as he "adjusts" to life in the Gallagher Premiership.

Nanai arrived at Worcester Warriors this summer on the back of an impressive Super Rugby campaign with Blues.

But Solomons admits Nanai, who has started in Warriors' opening two league matches, is still finding his feet in the northern hemisphere.

While Nanai has looked a threat in attack Solomons says the wing is getting used to Warriors' defensive systems and the extra aerial responsibilities in England's top flight.

Three of the five tries Warriors leaked in Saturday's 35-16 defeat at Northampton Saints came down Nanai's channel.

The rangy runner also misjudged a couple of high balls in torrid conditions at Franklin's Gardens.

"I think he has got to adapt to a different style of game and a different defensive system to what he has been used to, particularly in the Premiership," Solomons said.

"Aerial skills become important so it is a case of just adapting to the way the game is played here and the systems that are used.

"You have got to be patient. He is working hard on aspects of his game relative to the way the game is played in the northern hemisphere."

Nanai was voted Blues' players' player of the year after a stunning Super Rugby season.

The 26-year-old carried the ball further than any other player in the regular campaign, racking a total of 1,240 metres.

He was also second in the league's top carries table with 178 and joint third off-loader with 22.

His sensational form put him on the standby list for the All Blacks' World Cup squad.

After being released by the New Zealand Rugby Union, Nanai moved to Worcester in mid-August and has made four appearances for the club.

"I think perhaps our defensive system is different to the one that they had at the Blues," Solomons said.

"There is also far less of an aerial contest in Super Rugby than there is in the Premiership.

"I think he is a good rugby player, there is no question about that. But it always takes time to adjust and adapt."

Nanai was also part of a Warriors attack that struggled to break down Saints as it took until the final two minutes when centre Francois Venter crossed.

"Northampton defended well and we have got to give them credit for that," Solomons added.

"I think it was more a case of that.

"When the game was at 20-9 neither side could get anywhere and then it just broke open in a relatively short period of time as they got the three tries."