Match Preview - This message will self destruct.......
By Ed Scott
October 20 2010
I have been thinking about what I could write in this preview that would be original or even thought provoking. I mean, what can anyone say that hasn't been said before about a Bath v Leicester clash? It's just simply, a game against Leicester.......that's enough right?
It probably is, but I've decided to write one anyway! Since time began (or close to it), Bath and Leicester games have meant more to both sets of supporters (and players) than all other fixtures. It's a feeling that only years of close conflict can really create. Ok, in recent seasons Bath haven't been the force they once were, but this is a rivalry that runs through the heart of both our illustrious clubs.
Of late Leicester have not looked as assured as they have done in previous seasons. At times their set piece has struggled, and without Toby Flood, they've often looked lost or stagnated out wide. Finally, Leicester there for the taking at Welford Road?! Well, not quite. Irrespective of form, Leicester lose very few games at home. It's simply one of the hardest places to go to in the Premiership.
We also need to take into account their result against Llanelli last weekend. They just squeezed the life out of them and then ran in tries for fun in the second half - from what I've seen, easily their best performance for far this year. Tom Croft was superb; surely one of the best all round operators in the premiership. Toby Flood was back and didn't look remotely rusty to me.
For me this is our biggest test of the season. Some would argue that Northampton at Franklins Gardens is a harder game, but add our recent shaky form and the scars of our Premiership Semi-Final defeat and it doesn't get much bigger. I'm just a bit concerned that we might go into the game with the aim of a losing bonus point and damage limitation, rather than the win in mind.
There will too many key battles all over the pitch, so I've highlighted my top three. Firstly will be Flats/Catt v Castro/Cole. We fell woefully short here last season and if Flats ever wants to play for England again, he's going to have to at least hold his own on Saturday. Duncan Bell tweeted on Tuesday morning that they had an 8am scrummaging session, I just hope Flats turned up early! Second is Vesty v Flood. More to do with history than anything else, but both will want to get their backlines going. I'm hoping that Vesty has a point to prove and manages to do so. Finally, Hape (who I'm sure will play 13) v Hipkiss. Hipkiss seems to have an ability to break tackles at will, especially against us. Hape needs to stop him or kiss goodbye to his shirt for England in the AIs.
Mission Impossible or Mission Improbable? Well, neither for me, just one hell of a mission against old foe. You never know what might happen...........