The Blue, Black and White conceded 13 penalties, a lot of which were on their own line in the first period, and were shown two yellow cards as they made desperate attempts to thwart last season’s reigning champions.

That will be an obvious improvement as Johann van Graan’s side head to Northampton Saints on Friday with the side also trying to harmonise the attack and defence to be harder to beat but also score tries to win the game.

Bath face a Saints team who are in the play-off picture but who will be dangerous following their heavy loss to Bristol Bears last time out.

Northampton have conceded the most tries in the league this season, however their attack (the joint best alongside Saracens and Sale Sharks in terms of tries scored) has elevated their position in the Gallagher Premiership to fourth.

Joe Maddock is aware of what Phil Dowson’s team bring, especially on one of the best surfaces in the league at Franklin’s Gardens.

“I would expect a physical game from a big pack, and they will want to impose their attacking game on us,” the Attack Coach said.

“They will throw the ball around and will aim to challenge our defence. It will be a challenge, but we want to rise to that and play rugby in the right parts of the field; we need to back ourselves when opportunities come our way.”

MATCH DETAILS - NORTHAMPTON SAINTs V BATH RUGBY

When: Friday 10 March, 19:45
Where: Franklin's Gardens
Competition: R20 Gallagher Premiership
Coverage: Match Centre, BBC Radio Bristol, BT Sport
Referee: Jack Makepeace
Assistant Referees: Harry Walbaum & Wayne Falla
TMO: Rowan Kitt

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS PROFILE

Formed: 1880
Stadium: Franklin's Gardens
Director of Rugby: Phil Dowson
Captain: Lewis Ludlum
Finish last season: 4th

HONOURS

Premiership: 2013/14
Championship: 1989/90, 1995/96, 2007/08
Champions Cup: 1999/00
Challenge Cup: 2008/09, 2013/14
Premiership Rugby Cup: 2007/08, 2009/10, 2018/19

ONE TO WATCH – FIN SMITH

Young fly-half Fin Smith has been in fine form since moving to Franklin's Gardens. He has started every Premiership game he has been available for whilst at Saints, collecting 53 points in the process - all from the boot. At the start of his career, Smith became the youngest-ever player to start for Worcester Warriors in the Premiership in March 2021, when he lined up against Bath at the age of just 18 years and 313 days.

TRY REWIND

Would you fancy your chances in a foot race with Ruaridh McConnochie?

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England U20 v France U20, Fri 10 Mar, 20:00
Exeter Chiefs, Sun 26 Mar, 15:00
Saracens, Sat 6 May, 16:00

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