In this weeks edition of Carnegie Call, Director of Rugby Stuart Lancaster looks ahead to Leeds Carnegie game at Leicester Tigers this Saturday, kick off 3pm.

HOW HAVE YOU REACTED TO LAST WEEKS GAME?

Reflecting on last weeks performance, there were lots of positives to take but we suffered from a lack of composure in crucial areas. The players and coaching staff are working hard to fix these areas and recognise that we need to improve our technical decision making under pressure.
Lapses in concentration ultimately allowed Bath to stretch the lead from 13-8 to 27-8 in a short period of time and whilst we played well in the latter half of the game it gave us too much to do. That said, there are more than enough positives to draw out of the performance to set us up in good heart for the trip to Welford Road this Saturday. Mentally, a losing run tests any team but the spirit and cohesion in the squad is still high and that will stand us in good stead for the challenges ahead.

HOW BIG A CHALLENGE WILL LEICESTER BE THIS SATURDAY?

It will be a massive challenge for us this weekend. I am sure Leicester will be looking for a reaction following their last minute lost at home to Sale last week and with their internationals back they will present us with a formidable challenge. However, these are the games that all players want to play in and we exciting about the challenge that awaits us.

WILL YOU MAKE ANY CHANGES THIS WEEK?

There will be changes to the side this week. Some are enforced by injury however the majority are changes I would have made anyway, the exception to that is Stuart Hooper who would have Captained the side if he had not suffered a calf injury in his comeback game against Bath. It is a frustration for him but it is not too serious and he should be right for next week.
Up front some of the forwards have been working exceptionally hard lately and it is important for me to consider the bigger picture and the mental and physical health of the squad, not only for our trip to Leicester but also our forthcoming games against Bristol, Worcester and Newcastle. With strength in depth, I have the opportunity to bring in players who are fresh and eager for the chance and refresh mentally and physically one or two others for the challenges ahead.