New order of Bath 2024?

I have been so reluctant over the years to focus on either of my two old clubs, however tempting. Now I cannot resist and for all the right reasons as the link with our National side could develop in a number of ways.

Is it just Finn Russell who has made the difference at Bath this year because the personnel are largely the same? To a degree, because last year's side found line-breaks rather elusive for a start and this ability ensures a glut of try-scoring and funnily enough that is how you win games ! Better teams than the Premiership whether in France or more internationally know how to shut down Russell and stem his offloading and general eye for the space. He is finding it rather easy in England however, with porous defences and absent backrows ushering him through space. We are all loving the result.

But for me it is great to see the likes of Muir and Cokanasiga reap the benefits. They both look liberated along with Lawrence and Spencer all four of whom could find their way on form into England's training squad, perhaps even Ojomoh. I come back to Muir, he looks very hungry and aggressive, he has everything, and could force his way onto the England teamsheet now Arundell is unavailable and May is gone.

Other than Russell, it is the name Lee Blackett which will soon start to resonate. A vastly experienced coach and made available to Bath through Wasps' Bankruptcy, he has always been associated with playing the ball into space and you can see this approach now across the whole Bath squad through his clear influence. Even Thomas du Toit, the mammoth Springbok, has joined in the fun. Confidence with ball in hand is a priceless commodity.

Where now? Not weighed down by history in any way given how long it has been since Bath were top dogs, they can surely enjoy the ride with a fully loaded squad compared to many others in the Premiership. Pressure will come and that is the next challenge when you move up from the basement and expectations rise. To think they could have been relegated two years ago!

Steve Borthwick, England Coach, may think that he doesn't need to adopt the Bath style because Russell is a one off and doesn't exist in English rugby. Wrong actually because Marcus Smith is our version but is constantly questioned unlike in Scotland where Russell is regarded as a proven matchwinner. Mavericks cannot be icemen too. He, like Russell, makes others look better - take Will Joseph for example in the Quins centre who could be in the England mix too and a serious beneficiary of Smiths creative ability. Who knows whether England comes knocking for Lee Blackett because then you are really shooting for the stars- but why not? England should have the best coaching team bar none. 2003 should not be a distant and unattainable memory, no stone should be left unturned for Australia 2027.

I am excited that these two clubs rich in history are pushing the boundaries, as are Northampton Saints and a youthful Exeter Chiefs. Given the ongoing if rather mature strength of Saracens and a brilliantly managed Sale, not to mention a lurking Leicester, there is plenty to choose from as there always has been in England. Borthwick accurately assessed that there was little to admire in the English squad when he took over from Jones. That no longer applies and we are about to find out how good he is as a selector as well as Head Coach.