Luke Watson is relishing the chance of playing in the Heineken Cup after making his European debut in Bath's 16-9 win over Edinburgh.
Bath forward enjoys Euro victory in first start of the Heineken Cup
Back-row forward Luke Watson is relishing the chance of playing in the Heineken Cup after making his European debut in Bath's 16-9 win over Edinburgh.
Watson joined Bath from Western Province at the end of the Currie Cup season in November, and hopes their latest result will kick-start their season after a disappointing start.
Bath's victory over Edinburgh is the first this year at The Rec and only their second in all competitions after defeating Sale at Edgeley Park on September 18 in the Guinness Premiership.
The Springbok forward was voted man of the match in their recent Heineken Cup victory, and believes that the all-important win was only a matter of time.
He said: "The most important thing was the win for the team.
"It was a really gutsy performance and a great victory. We showed real character and I really think this could be a bit of a turning point for us.
"I certainly don't want to pull that card too soon and say we are going to win every game for the rest of the season, but it is possibly a turning a point in the competition where we can look and say we have put our hand up."
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The 26-year-old is impressed with the high standard of rugby in the competition and is looking forward to the return fixture in Scotland on December 19.
He said: "The Heineken Cup is a very tough competition and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
"It has that little something extra because it is an international competition and the level and standard of northern hemisphere rugby is very high - it is tough and physical.
"We are preparing for the return fixture and I am really looking forward to going to Murrayfield."
With the Heineken Cup now in its 15th year, Bath are just one of nine clubs to have lifted the prestigious trophy back in 1998.
Although they have struggled this season, according to Watson their performances haven't always warranted the results.
"I felt very frustrated for them watching from the outside in South Africa before I arrived because they haven't always got what their performances have deserved," he added.
"It has been very enjoyable so far and while it has been frustrating that we've lost come games so narrowly, this will be a big boost for our confidence."
Confidence
With Bath just three points above bottom side Leeds in the Guinness Premiership, team spirit and confidence have remained high throughout the team.
Watson said: "I don't think our current position in the Premiership is a fair reflection on where we are as a team.
"The team morale has been great at Bath ever since I arrived. It is an environment in which it is all about the team and not the individual.
"Bath have been unbelievable to me so far and have helped me settle in."
