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Bath's Butch James

This is how you want a season to finish, it really has been fantastic and none of us can remember a season like it, certainly since the play-offs came in as a concept.

Quotes of the week

BATH V SARACENS
Saturday 3 May, 5.55pm. Sky Sports 1

With only two weeks of the regular season of the Premiership left to play, the play-off spots have yet to be decided and we are in for the most exciting weekend of Premiership rugby ever.

At first glance it may seem that Saracens have nothing to play for - being out of contention for both the play-offs and Europe, however Miles Harrison believes that they will be looking to show some character and their build-up for next season starts now.

What can we expect from this weekend Miles?

MILES REPLIES: Well it is the most important weekend of the Premiership. No doubt about that. Next week will be more important and that is the best way to look at it.

This is how you want a season to finish, it really has been fantastic and none of us can remember a season like it, certainly since the play-offs came in as a concept. It is exactly what they were designed to create. I would not like to say who the best side in the country is at the moment and the table is finding it hard to say too.

There are various options at the top and I think come the final we will have an absolutely cracking one. But let's not get there too soon; let's enjoy what is coming up this weekend.

Bath are definitely one of those teams who are vying for a final space, they will be looking at a bonus point win this weekend to help their cause won't they?

MILES REPLIES: Bath would have done their maths and will know that a bonus-point victory will give secure them a semi-final place. That is great but they want more than that. Like all the sides, they want to be at home for a semi-final.

The atmosphere on semi-final day at The Rec would be something very special, they know that and it could be the difference that would take them through to the final at Twickenham in a very tight season. The stakes are very high.

Bath are playing some very entertaining rugby, but it is also winning rugby -- that is what really matters. I have never really understood anyone who talks about sports as an entertainment business. Well it is to a point, but sport is a winning business.

Bath have found a way to win that is very pleasing on the eye. As a neutral that is why you never grow tired of watching them.

We always seem to be talking about Saracens and consistency, but how tough will it be to raise themselves physically and mentally after their Heineken Cup heartbreak?

MILES REPLIES: It is going to be incredibly hard for them. Who am I to give them a get out clause, but to be honest they are allowed not to be consistent this weekend.

I am not saying they should throw the towel in, but last weekend they were terrific. They did not leave any question marks out on the pitch, they gave absolutely everything.

I am saying that they are allowed to feel the affects both physically and mentally of such a monumental effort to get to a Heineken Cup final. And they came that close to do it.

It reflects very well on them and just for once I think the consistency argument might need to be put on the back burner.

Having said that there is another argument -- the argument about character.

I think it would reflect very well on them if they dug even deeper and produced a performance at The Recreation Ground against Bath. If they do that, then they could say to those who have criticised them that we have got a lot of character.

I accept how difficult it is going to be for Saracens this weekend, that is pretty obvious. But the challenge as a professional team is to show their character.

Last weekend will take some time to get out of the system. There will be a cloud over them having realised how close they came. There is a lot riding on the end of season in terms but it is about readying themselves mentally for all that will follow next season.

They may not have made the final, but they did get a wonderful launch pad where they proved to themselves that they can mix it with the best. The belief should start growing for next season now.

We should be in for a great game though, Saracens like to run the ball as much as Bath do don't they?

MILES REPLIES: Yes they do. That try they scored against Munster when Kameli Ratuvou went over was as good a try as you would see, it was a brilliant score.

Started by the nimble footwork of Richard Haughton right in the corner near his own line. It showed not only their adventurous nature, but also their ability to execute moments like that. It is all their in the locker, it really is.

With the arrival of the likes of Michael Owen, Steve Borthwick and of course Eddie Jones as the boss should see the start of some very exciting times ahead for Saracens. Yes, there is a cloud hanging over them, but the sun looks like it will come out for Saracens over the next few years.