Meehan challenges Bath to double glory
Bath coach Steve Meehan insists Bath are ready to grab two pieces of silverware from this season, after their Challenge Cup semi-final win over Sale on Saturday.
Bath coach Steve Meehan insists Bath are ready to grab two pieces of silverware from this season, after their Challenge Cup semi-final win over Sale on Saturday.
Meehan hailed his side's ruthless 36-14 win over Sale at the Recreation Ground as the best execution of a game plan in the two years he had been at the club.
The Australian saw his side set up a final against Worcester and then praised the way his players had dominated the semi-final.
“That was right on the money. We were aware of their threat but defensively we shut them right down and we took the opportunities that came to us in attack,” cooed Meehan
Bath will be looking to make it third time lucky in Europe's second tier cup competition after loosing in 2003 to Wasps and against Clermont last season.
“The final is a month away and we play Saracens in the league next weekend. If we play like that again we can book ourselves a spot in the play-offs too,” continued Meehan.
“That was a very good performance. From last July we knew exactly what we wanted to do this season but when you see it happen the rewards are there for everyone, including the supporters.
“In the most beautiful surroundings of any rugby park in the world, it was an absolute joy.”
Acknowledging the presence of new England manager Martin Johnson in the stands, he added: “We are playing the sort of rugby that attracts attention but we can improve and we will need to.
“Once you make the play-offs you've got to keep picking up momentum.”
One player who will have been under close scrutiny was Matt Stevens, named man of the match.
“This was an opportunity for Matt to come out and say 'I am the best prop in England'. All I can say is that he would be running on for England if I was involved,” said Meehan.
“He was up against one of the best looseheads in the world, if not the best, in (Andrew) Sheridan and he was carrying the ball well, showing great leg strength in contact. He's always maturing as a leader.”
Sale director of rugby Phlippe Saint-Andre had no complaints about the results.
“You have to accept it when a team are better than you. We made a lot of mistakes and there was poor handling but I am not crying or complaining,” he said.
Sale face a crucial fixture next Sunday with Harlequins rivals for one of the play-off places but Saint-Andre does not know if Jason White and Sebastien Chabal will be available.
“I am crossing my fingers they will be fit for next week. I am confident I can raise the players but we need to be focused,” he concluded.