In this weeks edition of Carnegie Call, Director of Rugby Stuart Lancaster looks ahead to Leeds Carnegie's game at Bath this Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.
 
HOW HAVE YOU REFLECTED ON LAST WEEKS RESULT?
 
Looking back on last weeks performance we were obviously disappointed not to have maintained our 100% record in the European Challenge Cup however a quarter final berth remains well within our grasp and we will obviously look forward to two big games against Dax and Castres after Christmas.
All thoughts have now turned to the league programme and what promises to be a run of three massive games for the team over the Festive period.
 
HAVE BATH IMPRESSED YOU THIS SEASON?
 
Bath are a side who have a great history and tradition and who are currently playing some excellent rugby and deserve their position at the top end of the table. They have managed this season to combine their tradition for set piece excellence with a balance to their attacking game. This has been complemented with the arrival of Michael Claassens and Butch James.
The Rec is always a tough place to go but we will be looking forward to going there. It is a notoriously tough place to try and win at and I am sure Bath will be looking to finish their home campaign for the year with a strong performance.
 
HOW HAVE YOU PREPARED THIS WEEK?
 
Our preparations this week have been excellent for the last three or four weeks and we feel we have built momentum with our European campaign. We are excited about the challenge of this game and the next two.
The squad came away from Calvisano in good shape although we have picked up one or two injuries during the week. Colin Noon and John Holtby will both not be available due to slight muscle pulls. However, it is pleasing to welcome Adam Balding into the squad for the first time since his move from Gloucester. He has fitted in extremely well and will bring experience and leadership to complement the pack. In the back line it is great to have Apo Satala back after he was away with the British Army last weekend in South Africa on Sevens duty. He has really developed during the last six weeks and Saturday is a great opportunity for him to test himself at the highest level.