Carraro returns for Botha's farewell
Bath star Matt Banahan is back on the wing this weekend as Australian centre Matt Carraro returns to the starting lineup as Steve Meehan’s men head for the Stoop.
Following a mixture of emotions in response to the draw against Leicester last weekend, Skills and Defence Coach Brad Davis is sure that with the right attitude Bath Rugby can peak at the right time to ensure that they are still in the running when it comes to finishing at Twickenham.
But first, and more immediately, Bath Rugby have to face Harlequins at The Stoop and Davis believes that by setting out stalls early, the team are in a with a good chance for the win.
“What we have to do is make sure we turn up with the right attitude and that we are intense about everything we do out on the field,” said Davis.
“We make sure we are proper and correct in whatever we do, whether that is in defence, attack or set piece and we take the game to them because they are a quality side, albeit they have struggled so far this season, but they are a side that has as their coaches has publicly stated in the press.
“They are a side that are improving as well, and they are not too far away from a win themselves. So what we have to do is make sure it’s later on in their season rather than this weekend.”
After an impressive second half performance last Friday away at Kingston Park, where the London side came back from 14-3 down at the interval, Quins will be looking to continue this fighting spirit in Saturday nights clash.
Mike Brown will receive a hearty round of applause when he runs out in the Quins shirt for the first time in 4 months. Injured in Quins’ memorable victory away against Bath at the Rec, Brown returns to the familiar full back position, allowing Ugo Monye to take back his place on the wing.
Gonzo Tiesi also makes a welcome return to the starting line-up after the injury sustained at the London Double Header. With the disappointing news that Jordan Turner-Hall will be out of action for 3-4 months, he will partner Tosh Masson in the centres.
An unfortunate injury to Quins prop, Mark Lambert, sees John Andress joining Ceri Jones and Gary Botha in the front row. It will be Botha’s last outing in the Quins shirt, following the club’s announcement of his wish to return to South Africa to continue his playing career.
Harlequins have taken the last three clashes with Bath, whilst Bath’s only victory at the Stoop in the Premiership in their last eight visits since 2000 was 18-10 on 25 September 2004.
Harlequins are winless in their last five encounters in the Guinness Premiership but did at least draw 17-all at Newcastle on Friday evening. Quins have lost three in a row at the Twickenham Stoop, but have not lost four in succession there in the same Premiership season since 2001/02.
Bath Rugby are unbeaten in their last two matches following a 25-12 victory at Sale and a 20-all draw at home to Leicester. Bath have not won back to back games on the road in the Premiership since this time last year.
The teams:
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 David Strettle, 13 Gonzalo Tiesi, 12 Tosh Masson, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Will Skinner (captain), 6 Chris Robshaw, 5 Jim Evans, 4 Lewis Stevenson, 3 John Andress, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Ceri Jones.
Replacements: 16 Aston Croall, 17 Tani Fuga, 18 James Johnston, 19 Shane O’Connor, 20 Tom Guest, 21 Gareth Williams, 22 Rory Clegg, 23. Gonzalo Camacho.
Bath: 15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Joe Maddock, 13 Matt Carraro, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Michael Claassens (captain), 8 Ben Skirving, 7 Julian Salvi, 6 Andy Beattie, 5 Stuart Hooper, 4 Peter Short, 3 Duncan Bell, 2 Pieter Dixon, 1 David Flatman.
Replacements: 16 Rob Hawkins, 17 David Barnes, 18 Aaron Jarvis, 19 Danny Grewcock, 20 Jonny Faamatuainu, 21 Scott Bemand, 22 Ryan Davis, 23 Jack Cuthbert.
Date: Saturday 03 October
Venue: The Stoop, Twickenham
Time: 18.05 (17.05 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (71st Premiership game)
