Red-hot Bath taking nothing for granted

BATH are hoping that history can repeat itself after setting a blistering pace in the race for this season’s Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

Steve Borthwick’s men visit Glasgow tonight, holding a clear lead at the Pool Five summit after amassing 14 points from three games.

The last time Bath won their opening three Heineken Cup matches, in 1997/98, they went on to be crowned European champions. Victory over Glasgow, allied with Bourgoin beating Leinster in France tomorrow, would leave Bath requiring just one more win for a place in the knockout stages.

Acting Bath coach Michael Foley though, is taking nothing for granted after Glasgow scared the living daylights out of his team last weekend before wing Salesi Finau’s late try secured a 31-26 home triumph.

“Glasgow will be confident,” said Foley. “They’re really well coached, they know their strengths and I like them as a side. The first match was entertaining, and I expect both sides to be better on Friday. I am sure it will be a great game.”

England lock Danny Grewcock, who was rested last Saturday, returns, while former Newcastle wing Michael Stephenson features at full-back instead of Matt Perry.

Ex-All Blacks prop Kees Meeuws accepts it will be “a tough ask” for his Castres team to sink Pool One leaders Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park tonight.

Sale’s 20-16 victory in Castres last Friday strengthened their quarter-final chances, and they’ll undoubtedly target a winning bonus point against a French outfit.

Castres coach Laurent Seinge has made eight changes for the trip, with Meeuws not included and his fellow New Zealand prop Carl Hoeft among the replacements.

Edinburgh coach Todd Blackadder has retained the side beaten 20-13 by tournament favourites and Pool Six leaders Toulouse at Murrayfield last weekend for tonight’s return in southern France.

And Blackadder is optimistic Edinburgh can give a strong account of themselves with their chances boosted by Toulouse half-backs Frederic Michalak and Jean-Baptiste Elissalde both battling injuries.

In the European Challenge Cup tonight, Pool One leaders Northampton face a tricky assignment away to Narbonne with their cause hindered by injuries that have sidelined fly-half Carlos Spencer (hand), wing Sean Lamont (ankle) and centre Rhodri Davies (groin).