The Blue, Black and White were electric in attack and scored four tries at the home of last season’s Premiership finalists, and also had one disallowed.

It was the most complete 80 minutes of the Premiership campaign to date, a display which Josh Bayliss admits wasn’t a surprise to the squad.

“It’s always good to be back at home (v Northampton Saints), especially after a performance like last week’s,” he said.

“We had a lot of encouraging signs and put ourselves in a position to win it at the end. Credit to Sarries they put us to the sword in the second half; we had to dig deep, and the boys did brilliantly to get ourselves back in the game which was really pleasing.

“We have felt we’re making improvements and that we’re getting there over the past four or five weeks. Our performance didn’t come as a surprise to us and we’re noticing improvements steadily.

“In the Premiership it’s all about one try, a couple of points here and there – that’s the difference between winning and losing. We do feel like we’re progressing in our performance and that win will come.

“Hopefully we can hit the ground running and put in another positive performance for our supporters.”

Northampton sit third in the Premiership with a record of three wins and three losses to date.

They have an abundance of talent with Alex Coles, Courtney Lawes, Dave Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam and George Furbank all included in Eddie Jones’ England squad as Line-out Coach Luke Charteris referenced in his pre-match presser.

“It’ll be a great test and we can’t wait to be back in front of a big crowd at The Rec,” he added.

“Northampton have been playing really and well and have a strong attacking threat. They move the ball around and they also have a good pack with four of their back five being selected by England this week.

“We have to keep building on our Premiership performances of late and give our supporters something to cheer about.”

MATCH DETAILS - Bath Rugby v northampton saints

When: Saturday 22 October, 15:00
Where: The Rec
Competition: R7 Gallagher Premiership
Coverage: Match Centre, BBC Radio Bristol, PRTV Live
Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe
Assistant Referees: Nick Wood & Simon Harding
TMO: Stuart Terheege

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 – GEORGE FURBANK

George Furbank has played six times for Saints this season, starting the past five matches at full-back. His eye for a gap, ability under the high ball and good kicking game have aided Northampton over the years and earned him international recognition with England. He has gained 289 metres from 38 carries, made five clean breaks and beaten eight defenders.

TRY REWIND

Ben Spencer scored a sneaky try on Northampton's last trip to The Rec!

TICKETS: join us at the rec

Next three at The Rec:

The Double Header! Northampton Saints + Bath Rugby Ladies, Sat 22 Oct
Leicester Tigers, Fri 11 Nov, 19:45
The Barbarians! Sun 19 Nov, 14:00

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Bath Rugby’s Match Preview is delivered to you by Huboo – the club’s Official Training Wear Partner. For more information on Huboo, visit www.huboo.com

Huboo Match Preview: Northampton Saints (H - Round 7)

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