Lahiff Predicts 'Intense' Gloucester Derby, As Bath Seek To Kick Losing Habit

Bath Rugby prop Max Lahiff is relishing Friday's derby encounter against noisy neighbours Gloucester, and is hopeful a win at the Rec can galvanise Mike Ford's side and spur a winning streak

Lahiff entered the fray early on in last weekend's defeat to Saracens, after replacing the injured Nick Auterac. The Bath prop gave a strong account of himself and was able to make an immediate contribution by winning a penalty after taking the upperhand in the scrum.

Speaking to Total Sport ahead of Friday's crunch Gloucester derby, Lahiff reflected on his recent positive form. 

"The last few games I have played quite well so i'm putting in some good form and i'm really enjoying it. Particularly that game (Saracens) coming in so early I was really pumped up for it, especially against the champs," Lahiff began.

"I felt good throughout the game. There were a couple of moments where I was blowing a bit but it was good."

Despite taking an early commanding lead, Bath were undone by their Saracens opposition and fell to a fifth successive defeat.

"Ultimately we lost, and we were in a pretty good position to win it. This season has been difficult because statistically in defence we have been pretty good, but what has happened is we give away far too many penalties," Lahiff said.

"Whether that's because we have bad discipline or refs have an interpretation of the bad discipline we used to have is up to debate, but we've got to elimate those kind of errors," he added.

The hard hitting prop acknowledged the talent in the league, making the Aviva Premiership as competitive as it is.

"You look at teams like Wasps and Leicester who have got a lot of Southern hemisphere players, they've been very busy in the off-season and both got home semis in the Champions cup. They've got defensive playmakers all over the park," said Lahiff.

"And the best ways to score points is by turning the ball over because those teams transition defences into attack and there is more space around the field, and that's why you pay those sort of guys the big money because they get you turnovers," he added.

Despite squad disruptions as a result of players departing for the Six Nations, Lahiff insists he has happy to slot into Mike Ford's plans where required, regardless. 

"Loosehead or tighthead, where ever they tell me to go I will. I guess if Henry (Thomas) had gone away with England I would be playing tighthead, but it's just how it is," Lahiff admitted.

The recent run of defeats however has not spread panic throughout the Bath ranks, insists Lahiff, who is taking a thoughtful stance on the current situation.

"You've got to put it in perspective and look at who you're playing and where. We were playing away against the champions (last weekend) and they've only lost one game this season, but we ran them pretty damn close. you've just got to take the postives out of what you can."

Looking ahead to the Gloucester show down, Lahiff is raring to get stuck into the action. 

"If you win that set-piece then it makes it very easy to exert good pressure on a team and squeeze some points out of them," he added.

For Lahiff, finding the all important win is pivotal, and could well provide a knock on effect for the Blue, Black and White to kick on with the remainder of their season. 

"A derby win at home can galvanise a team and give great momentum, it's a very important game. It only takes one win.

"I think at the momentum we're almost in a habit of losing and it's just trying to break out of that. We've been inconsistent, up and down, but the last few games have had more of an edge and we're more consistent in terms of energy and aggression, so a win in this derby could send us on our way," said Lahiff.

Bath Rugby take on Gloucester at the Rec this friday, broadcast live on BT Sport. Kick off - 7.45pm