Lipman backs Bath in Europe

Bath captain Michael Lipman has stated that he is confident his team can make a huge impact in Europe this season.

Bath captain Michael Lipman has stated that he is confident his team can make a huge impact in Europe this season.

It is ten years since Bath were crowned European champions and Lipman believes the class of 2008 can match Andy Nicol's squad of 1998.

Lipman led his side to within seconds of victory against Toulouse at Le Stadium in Round One and now his side are preparing for a trip to Newport Gwent Dragons on Sunday.

“Heineken rugby is very intense, it is as close to Test match rugby as you can get and, as such, it's a little mistake here or there which makes the difference between winning and losing,” he said.

Toulouse's David Skrela was the man who broke Bath hearts in Round One. It was his injury time penalty kick which clinched a nail-biting game 18-16 for last year's finalists.

Lipman claims the loss will only spur his side on.

“We came into this tournament wanting to see where we are at and to test ourselves and having come out of the Toulouse match so close to victory we certainly feel good about where we are as a side,” he said.

“We are capable of competing with the best in Europe and that is where we want to be. We are happy with the bonus point from Toulouse which has put us in a decent position in the Pool.”

After taking the positives out of the Toulouse match, Lipman believes Bath will be ready for The Dragons.

“I believe we have one of the best attacking games in Europe and we showed that against Toulouse,” he explained.

“We also have a really good work ethic which will stand us in good stead for this week's match.”

But Lipman warns against complacency.

“The Dragons are very tough opposition,” he said.

“They also have a great work ethic and a very strong team spirit which makes them tough opposition, having said that every match is tough.”

Lipman also highlighted the difference of intensity in the Heineken Cup.

“You have to really work hard for every metre of ground and for every point and we are ready to do what we have to do,” said the Bath captain.

“I'm certainly looking forward to the rematch with Toulouse but this week's match at the Rec against the Dragons is our big focus.”