Match Preview - A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss

We return to Aviva Premiership action this weekend courtesy of a visit from our local(ish) rivals, Worcester. Only one point behind Bath in mid-table mediocrity, the Warriors always pose a tough physical challenge. A win is vital if Bath are to pose any sort of threat to a top six finish in the league this season.

Despite being on a season best wins of four in a row, Bath have not won a game in the Premiership since November of last year and have really dropped off the pace in search of a Heineken Cup qualifying spot. There has been some talk on the board this week that we don’t want to be in the top competition in Europe because we don’t stand a chance of even getting out of our pool! Firstly, how do we know that? Secondly, the only way to get better is to play the best teams. And finally, the only way to attract top talent, is to be playing in the top tier. Add to this the financial benefits and you’ve got very compelling reasons to move ourselves up the table.

A more pleasing statistic for Bath is that Worcester have never beaten them at The Rec in the league. In fact, Worcester’s away form is such that they have yet to win a Premiership match away from home this year. Bath’s solitary away AP win was a last ditch win against the Warriors at Sixways in what must have been a heart breaking defeat. They will be out to right that result, that is for sure.

Worcester have got losing bonus points in a good number of their defeats against the top clubs, and have been unlucky not to post a couple of wins away from home. I was at their away match to Harlequins and for much of that game they were the better side. I think for Bath to underestimate them would be disastrous. Andy Goode will kick his goals and they will leave nothing behind in their quest to win. If we give away silly penalties we will pay for it on the scoreboard and could be in trouble.

It is probably safe to say that the strength in this Worcester team is generated from it’s well drilled pack. They have always had a good set piece and are particularly effective when it comes to line out play. As such, if Bath persist with a poor kicking game, then we stand a good chance of playing into Worcester’s hands. With the Gloucester-bound talent that is Matt Kvesic on the openside, they will be fierce at the breakdown and Matt Mullan will surely be out to scrummage his way into the England reckoning.

Bath should be going into this game with confidence. They are on their best winning streak all season and welcome back several key players from injury/’A’ international duty. As such Gary Gold has probably one of the biggest set of selection headaches so far this season, in pretty much every position. We will of course be missing our two powerhouse props as they both bench for their respective countries, but according to Toby Booth in the Chronicle, only Taylor and  McMillan are definitely unavailable to play from the remaining squad.

In selection, one of the biggest questions is likely to come (for the first time in several years) over who starts at scrum half. There has been the occasional call at times for Claassens to be dropped, but we’ve never really had anyone regularly pushing for that shirt until now (mainly because he’s been so good). Peter Stringer seems to have had a superb effect on the side, really putting zip and vigour into the game, but Classy is so consistent. He will also set a record for the number of consecutive Premiership starts which means my heart feels he should do so. For me, Claassens for the first 55 and Strings after that.

I think last weeks front row have done enough to maintain their places, although it would be a brave move not to include Lee Mears if he is available. Charlie Beech is really stepping up to the mark to fill the considerable shoes of star signing James, so Nathan Catt is likely to have to be content with a cameo from the bench.

Second row is another huge dilemma. One thing that I think we all agree on, is that Dave Attwood must start the game. He has been immense of late and I desperately hope that the rumours of him signing a new contract have real substance. It’s amazing to say that I don’t think Ryan Caldwell will make the 23, but that just goes to show the depth we have. I suspect that Stuart Hooper will start, but that really would be tough on Dom Day who has been such a great addition.

In the backrow Francois Louw and Carl Fearns will almost certainly start, with the question over the other two slots. I think that if Ben Skirving is fit then he will play at 8, leaving a fight between Gilbert, Koster and Skuse for the bench slot. For me, Gilbert’s athleticism and power has earned him the chance, but the coaches do seem to have a propensity to pick Will Skuse. I think Nick Koster will continue to wait for his Premiership debut. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Fearns get some time at number 8 as I believe he wants to play more there.

In the backs I expect only two changes from last week with Biggs replacing Woodburn and Eastmond, Vesty. Hard on both players, but I think Worcester may struggle with their pace. I cannot help but think that playing Eastmond at 12 in the role of second distributor with Banners at 13 may bring the best out of both players, but I suspect it will be the other way around. I would then pick Heathcote and Vesty on the bench as in Eastmond and Bananhan we have plenty of cover on the wing. If Ben Williams is fit then he also stands a good chance of a starting or bench slot.

My prediction:

1. Beech. 2. Webber 3. Perenise 4. Attwood 5. Hooper 6. Fearns 7. Louw 8. Skirving 9. Claassens 10. Donald 11. Biggs 12. Banahan 13. Eastmond 14. Agulla 15. Abendanon  Replacements: 16. Mears 17. Catt 18. KPN. 19. Day 20. Gilbert 21. Stringer 22. Heathcote 23. Williams

This is a key game for Bath, but Worcester are really going to come at us. We need the win that could really kick-start our traditional New Year Premiership turnaround. With two best friends as Worcester fans, I desperately need to keep hold of those bragging rights, so please gents, don’t let me down!