they have proven to be the premierships squeaky clean outfit with a 4 game undefeated run before hand. With a full strength team, we got a great win at Sale in the showers, took the Tigers to the cleaners, and then beat Gloucester, keeping our nerve when the ball was like a bar of soap. Despite the Wasps result, we will soak up the pressure like a sponge, and will not throw in the towel, and like this time last year, we can take our Bath, with heads held high.

Well with my Perrier Comedy Award clearly in the bag, I can get down to brass tacks. If we look at this very basically it looks like a Bath walkover, they won the first leg well, they are flying high at the top, and we have only recently staved off the Carnegies, the latest challenge to our premiership tenure. However, when you look at a bit of recent form it gets more fun. Both sides have just reached the ECC semis with ease. However Bath have dropped points at Sale and London Irish in the GP, and Worcester have picked up the slingshot and have been felling the biggest Giants they can find. I won’t dwell on Wasps, we know it was an experimental team against a team on serious home form, and whilst it has highlighted some issues about our strength in depth, it can’t be said it is representative of this club on top form.

Lets start with the Bath set piece. Bath have the indomitable Steve Borthwick, a man whose leadership and ability in the lineout have been nigh on unimpeachable, until he decided to leave. This caused something of a debate amongst fans, and he has duly found him no longer leading. On the other hand, Craig has just started to remember the form that made G4E so impassioned to the cause, and Lutui has returned to hid best, after his Achilles wrist of early 2008 cleared up nicely. This added to the sheer versatility and strength of spirit shown by Greg ‘Dolph’ Rawlinson during his first season has meant that the Worcester pack (injury allowing) provides a formidable set piece. This is without mentioning the old stalwart and Warriors hero Tony Windo, who has show Mr Sheridan that brute force can be beaten by guild and experience, and Tevita ‘Dave’ Taumoepeau whose sheer effort in the most demanding of positions must not go un-praised.

Another interesting challenge lies in the halfbacks. Shane has rediscovered that little somethin’ somethin’ of late which has reminded the Warriors faithful of the reason we signed him. His sparkle has let him show that you don’t need to be a big fly half or an especially quick on, but that the almost lost art of the slight of hand and the deft wriggle can still leave a defender grasping at thin air. His form has hiccupped in the last couple of games, but we know he can carry it through to a fine farewell before his departure to Japan in, sadly, a few short games. However, he may be up against the fit again Butch James. Though Butch was always a skilled outside half, having played for the Springboks, the defining feature about his game amongst his contemporaries has always been his physicality. The first twenty minutes will be crucial. If Shane’s flare can shine through, it can outgun the rough and tough that James will undoubtedly offer such a diminutive opposite number.

The outside backs present an interesting number of combinations, rather depending on who Worcester picks. Bath still have to win games, and will see this match against a lowly 11th placed team as a must win game. We will see strength from Bath. However, what will injuries and an eye on the ECC do to affect MR’s decision on selection? Let us just toss up a few interesting scenarios that are not out of the realms of possibility.

1: The full on full-backs - Pennell v Abendanon: In the first game of the season Abendanon, with England caps to his name, met premiership debutant Pennell. Chris was visibly shaky under the high ball, and naïve in some defense. However, he did and does show promise in attack. Maybe Abendanon will shade this encounter, but Pennell’s star is on the rise.

2: The wing wonders – The Massive Matt Banahan v Mighty Miles Benjamin. Too close to call, but that said, two different players. Banahan, the Premiership’s top try scorer, against the brightest new star in the under 20 firmament (*disclaimer, I know Noah Cato is blydi good too). This is a case of creativity from a strong and agile winger against ruthless finishing from the man who started life at Bath Academy as a lock, but was just quick and deadly to last in the tight 5. The contest is unlikely to destine the future of the England jersey just yet, but is undoubtedly the first of many traded blows.

3: The Centre of Attention – Barkley v Tuitupou. Two different centres; two different styles. Barkley has always been more of a fly half, even though his time there for Bath has been sporadic. However Sam is the bash n’ crash centre. As an illustrative point my pet Scarlets housemate and I watch rugby highlights and have taken to putting 1st person commentary for Sam T’s runs of ‘get off me weakling’, ‘get out of my way’ and mostly ‘MOVE!’ as he makes his way through the midfield. Barkley does not do this. However, he might kick it over Sam’s head, and this brings young Mr. Pennell back into our remit.

Full back may be crucial in this game, and if Pennell is selected, I would not be surprised to see Bath go for a high ball air assault. If Delport gets the nod, it may well keep things firm at the back, and provide an enormous defensive boot. Thinus, leaving at the end of the season, has hit his stride at full back this year, and it is hard to see Pennell being the better option. However this starlet’s time will come soon enough, and with Chris Latham’s influence, we could easily find ourselves with another Benjamin.

However, so far the games most important feature has been neglected, such as to say, this weekend, rugby will be Tackled Pink. Oh yes blokes, the little woman can get into the rugby for a reduced price this week. Time to make sure ‘er indoors doesn’t miss out on the fun for 15 quid a pop (4.25 of which finds its way to Breast Cancer Care). In all seriousness however, this is a wonderful initiative and as this disease has closely affected my personal life, it is rather close to my heart. So even if you are a manly man, paying full price and all, please I urge you please wear your finest pinkest garments (don’t worry, I know it’s a pastel shade of salmon, not pink) and show your support for this worthy, worthy cause.

Anyway, back on topic, and well done to you hardy souls who have made it this far into my aimless ramble. This game could be a dress rehearsal to the biggest match of our lives. Be ready and bring your lungs.

Its Bath time and they could be our sitting duck. Ladies (especially this week of all weeks, the Ladies) and Gentlemen of Worcester…let’s hunt.

Oh yeah….and be proud, be pink. Ta!!!

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