Ashton intent on mauling Lions

BATH coach Brian Ashton hopes to spoil Shane Horgan’s celebration of his 50th Heineken Cup appearance at the Recreation Ground tomorrow.

Indeed, Ashton is also intent on smashing Leinster’s challenge for a place in the quarter-finals.

Leinster, with Will Green and Jamie Heaslip back in the side (they replace Emmet Byrne and Eric Miller), will be at their strongest, but Ashton takes the view that his already qualified side desperately has to secure a home draw in the last eight.

Ashton, who has made five changes from the team that secured a place in the last eight by beating Bourgoin last week, warned he won’t settle for second best this week either.

“We must beat Leinster to guarantee a home draw. “There is no mission accomplished until we play a home quarter-final,” insisted the head coach.

The Bath changes involve Matt Stevens, so impressive when he came on at half-time against Bourgoin, starting at tight head as Duncan Bell is given a breather. Lee Mears switches with Pieter Dixon, Gareth Delve comes in for Zak Feaunati, who is rested, Andy Beattie returns for Peter Short, whilst Andy Higgins starts on the wing for David Bory.

Ashton recognises Leinster can knock Bath out of their stride. “Leinster are very strong and this is a massive challenge.”

The second half performance in Bourgoin (22-9 win) was arguably the best Bath have played this season.

“What we didn’t do was repeat the errors that we made against Sale and Leeds,” he said.

“We have players who are good enough to play their way out of situations and turn back-foot rugby into front-foot rugby. Some of the interplay around the second receiver area amongst the forwards was very good.”

Leinster will be boosted by the return of Green and Heaslip, as well as the availability of Cameron Jowitt. Eric Miller is left on the bench.