The result against Bristol Bears was hard to take and the work ons are obvious to take forward from the narrow loss.
It was a game that Bath Rugby remained in until the final whistle, but execution of opportunities went awry.
With the nature of the Gallagher Premiership, there is no time to feel sorry for oneself and another match full of history against Leicester Tigers is the perfect encounter to put the performance right.
“Confidence remains in a good place although we’ve gone through some losses,” Defence Coach JP Ferreira said.
“The weekend’s loss against Bristol doesn’t sit well with anyone at the club. I have no doubt this weekend the boys will be raring to go. The good thing is about the Premiership is playing week in, week out and the chance to rectify a loss.
“We’re back on the horse this weekend against a good side and we’re looking forward to it.”
GJ van Velze returned to the matchday 23 against Bristol after a long period out with injury.
He is just one of many experienced heads including Josh McNally and Beno Obano who have returned in recent weeks to aid the Blue, Black and White’s aim of pushing away from the bottom.
“I’m grateful to be back involved. It’s great to work with a group of people that want to grow, and we need to keep working hard and keep improving.
“Every week is a huge challenge. Leicester are the reigning champions and Welford Road is a great place to go and play. They’re a very physical team with class players and you see their success from last season is still going strong. We have to relish that challenge.”
MATCH DETAILS - LEICESTER TIGERS V BATH RUGBY
When: Saturday 4 March, 15:00
Where: Welford Road
Competition: R19 Gallagher Premiership
Coverage: Match Centre, BBC Radio Bristol, PRTV
Referee: Karl Dickson
Assistant Referees: Peter Allan & James Leahy
TMO: Rowan Kitt
leicester tigers PROFILE
Formed: 1880
Stadium: Welford Road
Interim Head Coach: Richard Wigglesworth
Captain: Hanro Liebenberg
Finish last season: Champions
HONOURS
Premiership: 1987/88, 1994/95, 1998/99, 1999/00, 2000/01, 2001/02, 2006/07, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2012/13, 2021/22
European Cup: 2000/01, 2001/02
Anglo-Welsh Cup: 1978/79, 1979/80, 1980/81, 1992/93, 1996/97, 2006/07, 2011/12, 2016/17
ONE TO WATCH – JASPER WIESE
Wiese has been a monster since arriving at Welford Road in 2020. The 27-year-old is a beast in defence and offers extreme go-forward with his carrying ability. He was a key contributor in Tigers winning the Premiership last term and his destructive ways continue to prove important for the way they want to play.
TRY REWIND
Will Butt. Final minute. Dive in the corner. Mona Lisa: a piece of art that will stand the test of time!
join us at the rec
The next three matches at The Rec are:
England U20 v France U20, Fri 10 Mar, 20:00
Exeter Chiefs, Sun 26 Mar, 15:00
Saracens, Sat 6 May, 16:00 (tickets on general sale from Mon 6 Mar)
We look forward to you joining us!
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