Sir Ian McGeechan hopes Bath can bite back at Sharks after big loss to Saints

SIR Ian McGeechan has backed Bath to recover quickly from their Northampton nightmare in today's Aviva Premiership clash against Sale Sharks.

Bath return to the Recreation Ground following a 31-10 drubbing at Franklin's Gardens that ended an early unbeaten record and saw Saints open up a clear advantage as Premiership leaders.

"We didn't execute well and some of the decisions weren't the best," conceded Bath performance director McGeechan, who saw his former club coast to victory seven days ago.

"But, at this time in the season, that kind of defeat can actually be beneficial to a side. It acts as a reminder, not just to keep going when the game seems lost, but also to figure out how to put ourselves in the position to win tight games, which could well be the case in both Europe and the Premiership.

"I think the reaction from the coaches has been very sensible this week. It's about being precise, working on what will make a difference.

"Sale are a well-organised and physical side, and they have had a good start to the season. They are very competitive, so they won't give much away."

While Bath set about launching their recovery act, Gloucester face a critical early-season encounter against Kingsholm visitors Wasps.

Head coach Bryan Redpath has reacted to Gloucester's 23-16 defeat at London Irish by making six changes.

Internationals Mike Tindall, Nicky Robinson and Alex Brown all move down to the replacements' bench, with scrum-half Rory Lawson taking over from Tindall as skipper, while a new front row of Nick Wood, Olivier Azam and Paul Doran-Jones packs down.

Wasps, captained by former Gloucester favourite Phil Vickery, were the last team to win a Premiership game at Kingsholm and will encounter a home side that has struggled so far this term.

But Redpath said: "A lot hinges upon this game, and we have to make sure that Kingsholm is a tough place to come to. That is the challenge."

Premiership newcomers Exeter visit Harlequins, where they will seek a third win from four starts since arriving in English rugby's top flight this season. They will encounter a Quins side still without a win.

"Harlequins have got themselves in a position right now they are not comfortable with but that doesn't really alter the game for us," said Exeter head coach Rob Baxter.

"The game for us is to go up there and play as well as we can. There will be a bit of pressure on them - whether that brings the best out of them or the worst, I guess only time will tell."

Leeds, having collected just one point from three games, tackle Leicester at Welford Road - a ground where they have never previously won - while in-form Irish make the trip to Newcastle.

"What we are looking for is consistency across the 80 minutes," said Leeds head coach and ex-Leicester star Neil Back. "We have shown at times in all three games so far this season that we are more than a match for any side, but we have only done it in patches. That has to change, and we have been working hard this week in training to address the areas we need to improve.''

Northampton go to Vicarage Road tomorrow for an appointment with Sar-acens, the team which ended their title ambitions last season with a pulsating play-off victory at Franklin's Gardens.