Anglo-Welsh cup allows Bath Rugby fringe players the chance to impress

Bath Rugby first-team coach Darren Edwards is looking forward to seeing the players that have got a point to prove in Bath's derby with Gloucester tonight (Friday, 19:45).

The Blue, Black and White have, as usual, rested their big names for the hosting of West County rivals Gloucester but Edwards is keen to see how those who are not regular faces to the squad perform in a high-pressure derby.

"It's obviously a change up in the season and there's a group of players who haven't had much game time recently so those guys will get a chance now," he began.

"That's so important because we have got players away and we've also got a big chunk of the season left, those guys could be called upon to see us home and we've got to make sure they're in good shape to.

"It's going to be exciting for a number of players, the younger players in the group, to experience that (a derby) and hopefully it'll be a good contest.

"I think we are probably in the best shape at this stage this season that we have been for a number of seasons. The players that are leaving we have very good players to replace them so the standards should be maintained. 

"We've got some players that need to regain some form and get some time as well so when we do get back to the Premiership they will play full part in that. One in particular, Rhys Priestland, had a long lay-off with injury so it will be nice for him to get a good block of game time and most of our injury returns, it's a good opportunity for them too."