Anthony Watson admits Bath are feeling the heat as they gear up for one of the biggest games of their season against West County rivals Gloucester on Sunday.
Bath are currently fifth in the table, three places and four points clear of Gloucester following four wins from their first six games.
And, while Watson admits the city has an extra buzz about in the build-up, he acknowledges that only brings pressure and expectation.
“The West County derby is a very special game for both sets of supporters and for both sets of players as well, it’s obviously a rivalry steeped in history and to be involved in it is a special occasion,” he said.
“The fans are always on you and the players always have that extra edge about them as well. There’s always a scrap or two as well so it’s definitely a massively enjoyable game.
“I think you obviously just get a few extra people giving their two pence worth in the week, telling us ‘you’ve got to smash them this weekend’ and ‘you guys go get Gloucester’ and that kind of thing.
“So there’s always an extra edge to it from the supporters and the players alike. I think it’s probably settled in the pack really.
“That’s ultimately where it always comes down to, it’s who wants it more up front. That’s where I think the games are decided.”
Bath have made a steady start to the new campaign and arrive at the Rec full of confidence following two Champions Cup victories against Benetton Rugby and Scarlets.
With a backline featuring the likes Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Semesa Rokoduguni and fly-half Rhys Priestland they are one of the most potent attacking sides around but it is their defence which has impressed in recent weeks.
They shut out Benetton in a one-sided win and then battled to a 18-13 win against Guinness PRO14 champions Scarlets – and Watson believes a great team spirit is carrying them a long way.
He added: “Everyone’s getting on very well and just really grafting so it’s given us a better understanding of what we’re trying to achieve as a group and what we’re trying to do to defences and do with our attack as well.
“That’s helped us massively and that’ll push through the year.”
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