European Cup team news: As an understatement, Bath coach John Connolly's assertion that "we will be stretched" ahead of Saturday's Heineken European Cup match against Leinster at the Recreation Ground is beautifully pitched. The Australian wasn't referring to the potential ebb and flow of this weekend's game, but rather to a debilitating list of injuries that has reduced his playing resources.
He is particularly stymied in terms of selection behind the scrum where the list of those who won't take the pitch includes long-term injury concerns Andrew Higgins (ankle), Spencer Davey (knee), Mike Tindall (shoulder/foot), Lee Best (groin), Martyn Wood (hamstring) and Robbie Fleck (calf), along with Ryan Davis and Frikkie Welsh who are unavailable.
There is only marginal better news with regard to the pack as Connolly must plan without prop David Flatman (achilles), hooker Rob Hawkins (shoulder) and number eight Gareth Delve (foot) while Heinrich Kok is not registered.
Bath were beaten at home by Saracens at the weekend and, as captain Jonathan Humphreys is aware, they regard Saturday's game as one they must win and take a bonus point from. The former Welsh international hooker admitted: "Being realistic, to have any chance of getting through to the last eight we need to win both our remaining games against Leinster and Bourgoin.
"Leinster are obviously the clear pool favourites and our aim is to at least finish runners-up with as many points as possible to go through as either the number seven or eight seeds. Leinster are a very good outfit indeed, and although we had a lot of ball and a few chances at Lansdowne Road, Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy were excellent in the midfield for them. They are huge factors in the team, both going forward and defensively. However, we are confident that we can give them a good game at Bath."
Leinster coach Declan Kidney will confirm his team at lunch-time today with the main concern centring on second row Malcolm O'Kelly, who missed the defeat by Munster with a groin injury. The Irish international was rated no better than 50/50 but will be afforded every opportunity to recover given that he is a pivotal player.
Ben Gissing would deputise if required, as he did the last day at Musgrave Park. Eric Miller is nursing a knee injury but it shouldn't stop him from taking his place on Saturday.
Meanwhile, there is an element of experimentation as Connacht coach Michael Bradley confirmed his starting line-up for Friday night's European Challenge Cup quarter-final first leg game against Grenoble at the Stade Lesdiguieres.
James Downey, who has played most of his rugby at inside centre and to great effect with the western province in his debut season, switches to the right wing. Paul Warwick moves from outhalf to inside centre, veteran Eric Elwood is named in the pivot position, while Ted Robinson and Tom Tierney are also introduced to a much-changed backline from the Connacht match.
Conor McPhillips and Chris Keane drop to the bench. Up front Pieter Myburgh is named alongside captain Andrew Farley in the second row, his greater physique edging him ahead for this match over Christian Short, who is included among the replacements.
John O'Sullivan suffered an injury in the defeat by Ulster and, as a precaution, has been left out of this match. Johnny Muldoon, a replacement the last day, starts at number eight.
Grenoble, coached by former Leicester supremo Dean Richards, have struggled in the French championship but do possess a big powerful pack and lively backs. One of the coldest places in France at this time of year, that probably won't extend to the welcome they'll provide the Irish province on the pitch.
CONNACHT: M Mostyn; J Downey, D Yapp, P Warwick, T Robinson; E Elwood, T Tierney; R Hogan, B Jackman, P Bracken; P Myburgh, A Farley (capt); M Swift, J Muldoon, M Lacey. Replacements: J Fogarty, A Clarke, C Short, B O'Connor, C Keane, N O'Brien, C McPhillips.
