Bath warming to the task
Fri, 09 May 2008 14:13
Bath Rugby, in the wake of their impressive thrashing Saracens last Saturday, are raring to take on fierce rivals Gloucester in a top-of-the-table Guinness Premiership match at Kingsholm on Saturday.
It is arguably the most important game of the season for the two teams - with Gloucester in first place on the standings and Bath two points behind them in second place.
With the semifinal location hanging on the final scoreline of this match, Bath will be looking to continue with their impressive performances and clinch another victory.
Feeling relaxed, coach Steve Meehan is pragmatic about the last time Bath Rugby met Gloucester: "There is no need for us to panic or be too concerned just at the moment. We may as well enjoy things whilst they are going well. I am really looking forward to the match."
In stark contrast to the last time the table-topping sides faced each other, the sun is now shining and the ground is firm.
"We expect the day to be nice and fine," said Meehan. "Hopefully it will bring out the best in both teams.
"Both sides have played some good attractive rugby over the course of this season and both sides like to score tries. They will be aggressive in their decision making and we will see plenty of ball movement."
Ensuring the squad are fully prepared, Meehan evaluated Gloucester's most dangerous players: "Their forwards pack is getting better and better as the season progresses and that is always a dangerous thing. Ryan Lamb is someone who is widely spoken about and who is very important to their team. They have threats all over the place and we will have to be at our best to come up with a favourable result."
With two changes to last weekend's squad, Bath are continuing to field a strong team in anticipation of a gruelling game.
Having received treatment for a hamstring injury, Nick Abendanon will be rested for Saturday, and hat-trick scorer, Tom Cheeseman, takes the place of Alex Crockett - who now moves to the bench.
Bath: 15 Joe Maddock, 14 Andrew Higgins, 13 Tom Cheeseman, 12 Olly Barkley, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 Butch James, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Daniel Browne, 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Jonny Faamatuainu, 5 Danny Grewcock, 4 Steve Borthwick (captain), 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Lee Mears, 1 David Flatman,
Replacements: 16 Pieter Dixon, 17 Duncan Bell, 18 Peter Short, 19 Chris Goodman, 20 Nick Walshe, 21 Shaun Berne, 22 Alex Crockett.
Date: Saturday, May 10
Venue: Kingsholm, Gloucester
Kick-off: 15.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Dave Pearson
Touch judges: Peter Huckle, Stuart Terheege
TMO: Laurie Bryant
