Being brave is important, says Neal Hatley ahead of Saracens test

Bath Rugby coach Neal Hatley believes being brave yet calculated will see the Blue, Black and White prevail when league leaders Saracens arrive at the Rec on Friday night.

Saracens arrive at the Rec fresh off the back of a 36-18 victory over their nearest competitors Exeter Chiefs.

With a host of in-form stars, including returning young England duo Maro Itoje and George Kruis, the visitors are certain to provide stern opposition for Mike Ford's side.

Speaking to Total Sport ahead of the clash, Bath Rugby coach Neal Hatley admitted the challenge is going to be sizeable.

"It's going to be a hell of a tough game," Hatley began.

"They're probably one of the top sides in Europe right now, with all their players back, very big, very attritional and very good defensively.

"It's going to be a hell of a tough game but to be honest most of them are, we've got Northampton after that and Leicester after that so there are no easy games," he added.

The tie holds certain significance to Bath, as it sees them pit against the team who defeated them both in last season's final and also in the reverse league fixture earlier in the season. 

Hatley commentedd: "With the champions coming to town, we were obviously disappointed at their place. We built up a good lead and were in control for 50 or 55 minutes but just let the last 18-20 minutes get away from us. 

"For us it's about starting to climb and making sure we get to where we need to get to by the end of the season. As far as weaknesses go I think it's just making sure that you take the game to them," he added.

When approaching the opposition a strategic game plan is needed, and Saracens are no different.

"Sides against them can sometimes be a bit passive and almost try and play the Saracens way. They kick, you kick, they kick, you kick, so I think being brave is important," said Hatley.

"We've got to make sure that without being foolish we make good decisions in the middle of the pitch and when it's on we stay positive and keep playing.

"I think the worst thing you can do against a side like that is go into your shell because they end up squeezing you to death.

"We're going to look to be positive as we've always been and hopefully that will reap rewards," he added.

Bath will be buoyed on Friday by the return of the influential Dave Attwood, who dons the Blue, Black and White once more following a hefty lay-off after sustaining a slipped disk.

"It's great to have Dave back, he's a huge player for us," Hatley said.

"You always have to be cautious (with the return to playing), especially in someone like Dave's position, it's paramount.

"I think the most important thing is the player feeling confident, if players get pushed back too early there can be an air of nervousness and you don't get what you need from them. 

"Without mollycoddling them we take all that into account and make sure we give them the best chance to play as well as they can when they get back," he added.