Geech - Attitude the key

Mallinder defends decision to rest players

Last updated: 28th January 2012  

Geech - Attitude the key

Sir Ian McGeechan: welcome break from Premiership struggles

Related links

Teams

Also see

Bath director of rugby Sir Ian McGeechan praised his side's attitude after they all but made sure of a home semi-final in the LV= Cup with a 46-14 win over Northampton.

McGeechan, whose side are 10th in the Aviva Premiership, said: "We got on the front foot early and executed well. Even when their big guns came on I thought our bench was really effective.

"We've said all along, it's not that we're not playing pretty decent rugby, it's just that we've not finished off and not been so good execution-wise.

"We weren't 100% today but the big thing was the attitude right through the team and that counts for a lot.

"We still want to make a big impact in the Premiership. We know we've got to work hard there but there are still a lot of things to play for.

"We've played well in the LV, using the youngsters and also for getting other players back from injury."

Hooper injury

McGeechan does have a worry over skipper Stuart Hooper who went off with a suspected fractured eye socket in his first game since recovering from a broken wrist.

But stand-in captain Francois Louw turned in another performance of the highest quality, whether turning over possession or carrying the ball.

"He's unbelievable, incredible - a fantastic character," added McGeechan.

Northampton Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder said: "We had our chances. The scrum was very good, with a young front row. We're disappointed with today but enthused about this tournament."

On his decision to rest some of his frontline players, even beyond those required by England, he added: "We can't just keep playing some players week in, week out."

Click Here for Your Free Bet