Bath Rugby will aim to continue their push for a play-off place when perennial rivals Leicester Tigers arrive at the Rec on Saturday, kick-off 4.30pm.

Head Coach Steve Meehan explains how much the team relish the chance to play in this fixture, and the twists and turns that may still lie ahead this season.

“Having last week off gave everyone the chance to recharge mentally, and also physically it was a good time to have a break as we had four very tough games in quick succession, so there were tired and hurting bodies that had given their all around. Everyone has come back nice and fresh and ready, and looking forward to the game.

“It’s a funny old season – there is pressure all over the place, and a lot to play for. Clubs are battling to make the top four, and the top six to qualify for the Heineken Cup. I think there are a lot of twists still to come before the play-offs. If we win this week, perhaps it will mean slightly less pressure next week, but, although it’s a cliché, we really do just have to take one game at a time.

“This is the one that all the players want to be involved in. Games against Leicester are special games, with great rivalry between the two teams. They are the only two teams to have made the semi-finals every year the last three years running – obviously we’ve travelled to Welford Road for two, which is always a challenge, but it’s spiced up the relationship, and we’re looking forward to renewing acquaintances and challenging them again today.”

Bath team to face Leicester Tigers

15. Nick Abendanon

14. Matt Banahan

13. Ben Williams

12. Sam Vesty

11. Tom Biggs

10. Butch James

9. Michael Claassens

1. David Flatman

2. Lee Mears

3. Duncan Bell

4. Stuart Hooper

5. Danny Grewcock

6. Ben Skirving

7. Luke Watson (c)

8. Simon Taylor

Replacements

16. Pieter Dixon

17. Nathan Catt

18. David Wilson

19. Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe

20. Guy Mercer

21. Mark McMillan

22. Shontayne Hape

23. Jack Cuthbert