Preview: Bath v Leeds
Meehan is looking for Bath Rugby to bounce back after a Guinness Premiership defeat against Sale last weekend and put in a good performance in a Challenge Cup quarter-final against Leeds they are favourites to win on Saturday.
Meehan is looking for Bath Rugby to bounce back after a Guinness Premiership defeat against Sale last weekend and put in a good performance in a Challenge Cup quarter-final against Leeds they are favourites to win on Saturday.
There is one change in the backs and three in the forwards from last weekend's losing team. Alex Crockett comes into the side to lead from outside centre, replacing Tom Cheeseman.
Up front, Peter Short moves from the blindside flanker position to the second row, replacing Steve Borthwick. Jonny Faamatuainu is in at six. In the front row, David Flatman replaces Duncan Bell, shifting Matt Stevens over to the number three shirt.
“You are either in or you are out,” said Meehan of the quarter-final.
“So, it's very important that we apply ourselves and make sure we improve on everything we want to improve on.
“Hopefully, we get good weather, the pitch is firm under foot and we can get back to playing some good running rugby.”
The injury problems at Leeds have not eased and whilst Tom Rock, Calum Clark and Richard Welding return, John Holtby (ankle) and Tom Biggs (ribs) have become the latest players to join in the injured list whilst Vili Ma'asi has been ruled out by illness.
Good news comes for Leeds with a debut for 19-year-old fly half Adam Greendale. Greendale was part of the England U20's Grand Slam winning squad and is a player who is held in the highest regard by both club and country.
“I will be looking for a reaction against Bath in a competition we have enjoyed and done well in so far this season,” said Head Coach Stuart Lancaster.
“We are in a similar position regarding injuries and selection is limited to those players who were registered for Europe back in October.
“However, I am really looking forward to seeing how we go with the likes of Adam Greendale and Calum Clark in the side. Adam has deserved his chance playing exceptionally well for the A XV and England U20's recently and Calum have been outstanding for us the season.
“The experience for these young players will be invaluable moving forward and they and the team will all need the support of everyone involved with the club.”
The teams:
Bath: 15 Nick ABendanonon, 14 Andrew Higgins, 13 Alex Crockett (c), 12 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 Olly Barkley, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Chris Goodman, 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Jonny Faamatuainu, 5 Danny Grewcock, 4 Peter Short, 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Lee Mears, 1 David Flatman.
Replacements: 16 Pieter Dixon, 17 Paulica Ion, 18 Martin Purdy, 19 Daniel Browne, 20 Mike Baxter, 21 Tom Cheeseman, 22 Michael Stephenson.
Leeds: 15 Jon Goodridge, 14 Richard Welding, 13 Tom Rock, 12 Rob Vickerman, 11 Leigh Hinton, 10 Adam Greendale, 9 Darren Edwards, 8 Calum Clark, 7 Martin Schusterman, 6 Kearnan Myall, 5 Erik Lund, 4 Stuart Hooper (c), 3 Fosi Pala'amo, 2 Rob Rawlinson, 1 Mike MacDonald.
Replacements: 16 Adam Hopcroft, 17 James Parkes, 18 Danny Paul, 19 Rhys Oakley, 20 Joe Bedford, 21 Mark Lock, 22 James Brooks.
Date: Saturday, 6 April
Venue: The Rec
Kick-off: 14:15 BST (13:15 GMT)
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Touch Judges: Jerome Garces, Eric Soulan (France)
Citing Commissioner: Jean-Claude Legendre (France)
Match Commissioner: Eric Bullion