Match Preview - Rome Wasn't Built In A Day

Both England and Bath had something in common last weekend. Not only did they both win away on a Friday night, but the victories were their first on  those grounds since 2003. A good omen? Maybe…..

On Friday we link up once more with the Aviva Premiership, courtesy of an away game against Sale Sharks. For some time I have voiced my frustrations at why Sale get to play almost all their home games on a Friday night. Yes, I know there are logistical reasons in relation to the ground etc, but for me, it’s an advantage to the home team – they are simply more used to playing in those conditions than most of their visitors. That said, Sale will have had a five day turnaround between games after being on the wrong end of a 50-7 score-line against Saracens on Sunday – not ideal, either mentally or physically.

We can’t be lulled into a false sense of security by this. Modern athletes are adept at a fast recovery and Sale are a team up against the ropes. If we allow them to slow down the game then they will kick for territory, pin us back, and Gaskell and Jones will give us trouble in the lineout. With Hodgson there to kick the goals and run the show, we could easily find ourselves 9-12 points down and chasing the game.

For me, Bath need to focus on the short term right now , one game at a time . Yes, we have two games in hand in the AP which could propel us into the top four (depending on results for Gloucester ), but our priority right now must surely be Heineken Cup qualification for next season. A play - off slot should be a bonus if it happens. This all starts with winning your games during the International window.

With the Saxons games now finished, we should be missing only Wilson, Banahan and Hape (every cloud… ?!) this Friday. Sale will be without the influential Andrew Sheridan and their captain Mark Cueto. We have other injuries of course and I’m not sure if Butch will be back from his wedding in SA. These are the kind of games that we must target to win if we want to achieve anything but mediocrity this season. I am beginning to feel like we have a squad developing, not just new signings, but with younger quality players slowly coming through.

So far in 2011 we have won five out of our six games. The victories against Irish, Leeds and Newcastle were scrappy affairs, but we let loose against Aironi and played some good running rugby on Friday night. We of course want to play a high tempo game and score lots of tries, but a winning mentality and habit is far more important right now. Sale are a real potential banana skin this Friday, with conditions unlikely to be favourable for a fast running approach. If we have to rumble the ball up and kick penalties to win, then let's do it. That's not to say we have to change the way we play the game, but to judge what is in front of us and be pragmatic. With a few teams looking shaky above us (Wasps & Irish in particular) scoring four points will add pressure and help us get up the table.

David Flatman spoke brilliantly about the importance of confidence on Sky Sports  on the weekend. He said that it doesn’t matter if it comes from  the lucky bounce of a ball, or the slip of an opponent, you take it wherever you can get it. Say what you like about the LV Cup (I know I have!) but scoring four tries and beating Leicester away will really mean something to the squad.

The positive impact gained by momentum is banded around a lot in sport, and right now, we've got it. A win at Sale, and we keep it. Who knows how much it might mean come the end end of the season - these little baby steps, might just become giant strides.