Leinster the complete package, says Bath boss Davis

BATH coach Brad Davis predicts Heineken Cup champions Leinster “are going to be hard to stop” in their quest for back-to-back titles.

Bath were shell-shocked after a 52-27 hammering at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night and Davis struggled to fault his side’s effort insisting they were beaten by one of the best teams in European rugby.

Davis said: “The scoreline reflects the game. Leinster were outstanding. It was a lesson in how to finish off opportunities. Defensively we were off the pace by some margin and at times that made it easy for Leinster to make yards.

“They are a quality side and they put us to the sword and all credit goes to them. Their back three had an absolute field day, assisted by some poor decision making from us.”

But rather than focus on Bath’s errors, Davis heaped praise on their hosts.

“You don’t want to take too much away from a fantastic team. We can have a look at their game and try and head in that direction. They are definitely one of the best teams in Europe and we’ve been on the end of a hiding.” He added: “We did do some good stuff, but you’ve got to be right on the top of your game if you’re going to get anything here. We’re proud of the way the guys stuck to their task and scored the three tries. But you can’t read too much into that because Leinster took their foot off the pedal.

“The difference is that any half opportunities for them were turned into full opportunities and that’s the sign of a good side.

“They are the best team our guys have come across this season, possibly in a good couple of years. They’re a quality outfit with a good set piece, good half backs, exciting back three, experienced centres.

“They’re pretty much the complete package and are going to be hard to stop.”