Only winning the Champions Cup in 1998 rivals it and Bath, one of only five clubs who have been permanent residents since the Premiership started in 1997, were on the attack in June’s Premiership final needing a try to defeat Northampton only to be thwarted.
Bath start the new campaign at home to the Saints on Friday night when their thoughts will not so much be on revenge but continuing from where they left off last season two years after finishing bottom of the table.
“Last year is last year,” said Bath’s attack coach Lee Blackett, who joined the club last season after Wasps folded. “I have seen too many times what happens when you get caught up in the previous season.
“We were close, but it took a lot of hard work. We need to remember that and work even harder if we want to go one step further.”
Sale were saying the same this time last year having lost to Saracens in the final, but they took a step back, finishing third rather than second, and had to travel to Bath in the play-off semi-final.
“Momentum is a big thing in sport and Northampton will be a great way to start the season,” said Blackett. “Not many teams struggle early on and then manage to find a way.
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Denne historien er fra September 15, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
