Versatile back Josh Matavesi is eager for the side to retain their place in the top four and has paid tribute to the squad as Bath Rugby host West Country rivals Gloucester Rugby in Round 21 of the Gallagher Premiership.
He said: “We are definitely taking each game by itself. We are always going to put our best foot in front and we’ll do our best against Gloucester and then hope the rest takes care of itself.
“We just have to take every day as it comes at the moment. A bit more time between games gives us a bit more of a chance to work on a few things and get things clearer, but the boys are all in a good space.
“I am massively proud of the boys. Even the lads that aren’t playing are probably the most important as they are the ones that help us prepare, so a lot of the credit has to go to those that aren’t in the matchday 23. They are the guys that push standards and push the starting team. We said during lockdown that the team that came out best prepared would 'win' lockdown and it looks like we have – but we can’t rest on our laurels.”
Bath Rugby have scored 231 points in seven outings since rugby restarted on 14 August, and the centre insists that the Blue, Black and White’s work isn't done yet.
He continued: “It’s been good. I play rugby to score tries and have fun so for it to be working, when we put a game plan out in the week and it comes off, that is the most satisfying feeling. Doing it with a group of guys you actually want to play for, get off the floor quicker for and work hard for makes it all even more enjoyable.
“We’ve not done anything yet. We still have two games to go so I’m not going to say anything on that because that’s a bad omen. Look, we’re going well, and we’ve got to keep improving because we’ve got a big few games ahead of ourselves so we’re not going to get too far ahead of ourselves and get caught. For us, it’s just staying in the moment and enjoying it.”
Bath Rugby have had an eight-day turnaround ahead of this afternoon’s match and the side will take an 11-day break before the Saracens game. Matavesi insists he relishes the opportunity for the slower pace of schedule and is wary of the threats Gloucester bring to the table.
He said: “I always take it game at a time, I haven’t even thought about Saracens yet. We have a huge game against Gloucester. At the moment I’m pretty chilled as I don’t really feel much until I get into the changing rooms.
“Their back three are pretty dangerous like myself so we have got to be quick. They have players like Danny Cipriani, who – if he is on form – is one of the best attackers in the world. For us it is about just sticking to our systems and the results will come.
“Touchwood you know – you don’t take anyone for granted in this league as they can bounce straight back. We just need to play what side they put out, do our thing and play the Bath way. We can’t really change the way we play because of what names are on the team sheet. We have shown that in the last seven games: we are going to play our way.”
Whilst enjoying his rugby of late, the centre converted fly-half expressed his desire to play anywhere across the paddock if it helps out his teammates.
He said: “I wouldn’t play it if I didn’t enjoy it. Covid has really knocked that into me, just enjoying the moments and not getting too down because it isn’t the end of the world. I’ve been playing since the age of 6 or 7 and I’m still playing for the same reason, because I love it. I’m not going to hold back on the smiling.
“As long as the team are winning that’s all that matters. There is a bigger cause and we are trying collectively to win the Premiership. I’m not that bothered about my own performance, just as long as we win.”