Wasps v Bath: Teams
Wasps chief Ian McGeechan knows his side will have to raise their game, while Bath coach Steve Meehan calls for focus.
Last Updated: 16/05/08 1:08pm
Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan knows his side need to be firing on all cylinders if they are to beat Bath in their Guinness Premiership semi-final on Sunday.
Wasps have recorded two victories over the west country outfit already this season - and pipped them to second spot in the league.
However, with a place at Twickenham now up for grabs, McGeechan is fully aware that his side can't afford any mistakes.
McGeechan said: "We are in the play offs now, and the stakes have risen accordingly.
"In Bath we are playing a side that is probably the most consistent all season. They are well coached and play good rugby, which will challenge us in all areas.
"We will have to have every part of our game working well if we are to come out with a win."
McGeechan has the luxury of naming a near-full strength squad for the clash at Adams Park, although England winger Paul Sackey remains a doubt.
Sackey was injured in the final-day of the regular season - and he will need to pass a fitness test before his place in the starting XV is confirmed.
Concentration
Bath coach Steve Meehan believes concentration will be the key as his side look to topple Wasps.
Having seen his side punished for lapses in the two defeats to Wasps this season, Meehan knows what his side needs to work on Sunday.
He said: "I think the thing about various points in both matches, is that we didn't concentrate and we dropped off.
"The first 15 minutes of the second half here at The Rec really illustrated our problems that day. Before and after that it was a good match.
"What we have to work on from last week is our selection in regards to where we go and attack. We have to try and shift the ball, be comfortable on the ball and make sure we recycle well and find a space.
"Of course, apart from that, it is a matter of concentrating and playing for the 80 minutes and I truly believe that if we had played the second half in the same way that we played the first, we would have ended up winning that game against Gloucester.
"We know our game. It's just a question of believing in it and seeing it through. If we execute it as well as we can, we are a difficult team to stop."
Meehan has been able to include Lee Mears and Matt Stevens after they suffered knocks in the bruising encounter against Gloucester.
Wasps: 15 Josh Lewsey, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Fraser Waters, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Tom Voyce, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Eoin Reddan, 1 Tim Payne, 2 Raphael Ibanez, 3 Pat Barnard, 4 Simon Shaw, 5 Tom Palmer, 6 James Haskell, 7 Tom Rees, 8 Lawrence Dallaglio (c).
Replacements from: Richard Birkett, Tom French, John Hart, Joe Ward, Joe Worsley, Mark McMillan, Jeremy Staunton, Mark van Gisbergen, Dominic Waldouck
Bath: 15 Joe Maddock, 14 Andy Higgins, 13 Alex Crockett, 12 Olly Barkley, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 Butch James, 9 Michael Claassens, 1 David Barnes, 2 Lee Mears, 3 Matt Stevens, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 5 Danny Grewcock, 6 Jonny Faamatuainu, 7 Michael Lipman, 8 Daniel Browne.
Replacements: 16 Pieter Dixon, 17 Duncan Bell, 18 Peter Short, 19 Chris Goodman, 20 Mike Baxter, 21 Shaun Berne, 22 Nick Abendanon.