Bath v Leeds: Teams
Bath coach Steve Meehan has called on his side to bounce back and book a place in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup.
Last Updated: 04/04/08 3:46pm
Bath coach Steve Meehan has called on his side to bounce back and book a place in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup.
Bath suffered a dent to their title aspirations when they were beaten by Sale, however there is a change of scenery for the west country outfit when they take on Leeds in Europe's second tier competition.
And Meehan knows there are no second chances in this competition.
"You are either in or you are out," said Meehan of the quarter-final.
"So, it's very important that we apply ourselves and make sure we improve on everything we want to improve on.
"Hopefully, we get good weather, the pitch is firm under foot and we can get back to playing some good running rugby."
Meehan makes one change in the backs and three in the forwards from last weekend's losing team. Alex Crockett comes into the side to lead from outside centre, replacing Tom Cheeseman.
Up front, Peter Short moves from the blindside flanker position to the second row, replacing Steve Borthwick. Jonny Faamatuainu is in at six. In the front row, David Flatman replaces Duncan Bell, shifting Matt Stevens over to the number three shirt.
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The injury problems at Leeds have not eased and while Tom Rock, Calum Clark and Richard Welding return, John Holtby (ankle) and Tom Biggs (ribs) have become the latest players to join in the injured list with Vili Ma'asi ruled out by illness.
"I will be looking for a reaction against Bath in a competition we have enjoyed and done well in so far this season," said coach Stuart Lancaster.
"We are in a similar position regarding injuries and selection is limited to those players who were registered for Europe back in October.
"However, I am really looking forward to seeing how we go with the likes of Adam Greendale and Calum Clark in the side. Adam has deserved his chance playing exceptionally well for the A XV and England U20s recently and Calum have been outstanding for us the season.
"The experience for these young players will be invaluable moving forward and they and the team will all need the support of everyone involved with the club."
Bath: 15 Nick ABendanonon, 14 Andrew Higgins, 13 Alex Crockett (c), 12 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 Olly Barkley, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Chris Goodman, 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Jonny Faamatuainu, 5 Danny Grewcock, 4 Peter Short, 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Lee Mears, 1 David Flatman.
Replacements: 16 Pieter Dixon, 17 Paulica Ion, 18 Martin Purdy, 19 Daniel Browne, 20 Mike Baxter, 21 Tom Cheeseman, 22 Michael Stephenson.
Leeds: 15 Jon Goodridge, 14 Richard Welding, 13 Tom Rock, 12 Rob Vickerman, 11 Leigh Hinton, 10 Adam Greendale, 9 Darren Edwards, 8 Calum Clark, 7 Martin Schusterman, 6 Kearnan Myall, 5 Erik Lund, 4 Stuart Hooper (c), 3 Fosi Pala'amo, 2 Rob Rawlinson, 1 Mike MacDonald.
Replacements: 16 Adam Hopcroft, 17 James Parkes, 18 Danny Paul, 19 Rhys Oakley, 20 Joe Bedford, 21 Mark Lock, 22 James Brooks.