Aviva Premiership
Kyle Eastmond: Bath only scratching the surface
PA Sport
May 29, 2015
Kyle Eastmond poses during a Bath media day
Kyle Eastmond poses during a Bath media day© David Rogers/Getty Images

Bath will head into Saturday's Aviva Premiership final with centre Kyle Eastmond claiming they are "only scratching the surface" of their seemingly limitless potential.

Eastmond and company have the ability to light up Twickenham after proving themselves as English rugby's box-office team this season.

Bath's gilt-edged attacking flair has seen them amass 79 Premiership tries in 23 games, with their back division's tally alone of 51 being more than the total league touchdowns each accrued this term by Leicester, Harlequins, London Irish and London Welsh.

If any team possesses the collective tactical nous and defensive resilience to stop Bath in their tracks, then Saturday's opponents Saracens are arguably that side, but a considerable task awaits them.

"Definitely, 100 percent, we are only scratching the surface of what we can do," Eastmond said. "I've heard (Bath head coach) Mike (Ford) saying that for ages, and I've thought 'when is he going to stop saying that?!'- but I genuinely think he is right.

"The way we are playing, we've probably only been doing it for a year, so another pre-season and another year under our belts, I don't know where it can go, but these are exciting times.

"It is unbelievable, the way we play. It is a decision-making team, and if it is not on one way, it is on the other way and we will go that way, it doesn't matter who is there.

"That's the way we play and that is what is so enjoyable, but if it's not on to run, we will kick it. I believe in the way we are playing, and the team do as well, so there is no added pressure on us from anyone.

"We understand that we are playing for a big club who want to win things - we get that - but there is nobody putting added pressure on us. We play our best when we enjoy ourselves.

"Bath have had a history of playing expansive rugby over the years. From people I've spoken to who were in those sides at the time, I think the personnel we've got now suits this game and everyone has bought into it."

Eastmond won the last of his six Test caps during the autumn campaign earlier this season, and current form has led some to believe that England head coach Stuart Lancaster should opt for a Bath midfield triumvirate of George Ford, Eastmond and Jonathan Joseph when the World Cup gets under way in September.

Saturday's final will see Eastmond in opposition to Saracens' defensive mastermind and fellow England centre Brad Barritt, but the former St Helens rugby league star does not intend being deflected from his immediate objective of seeing Bath crowned English champions.

"That (England selection) is not for me to decide," he added. "Don't get me wrong, that would be nice to have that opportunity, but all I can do is play the best I can for Bath.

"I try to improve every day. If that happens, brilliant. It would be nice, but there are a lot of great players in my position, so I will let someone else decide.

"They (Saracens) work as hard as any team in the league, and they've got a great desire to not leak points. They are a really great defensive side, but we have to think about ourselves and what we can do. Hopefully, that is good enough.

"They are a very proud club and very proud of their defensive tag, but they are not just a defensive team, they can score a lot of points as well. "They have got a lot of great players like Alex Goode and Faz (Owen Farrell) who can cause you damage, so we have to prepare the best we can. It will mean a hell of a lot to me after making the switch (from rugby league).

"To get this opportunity three and a half years later - to play in a Premiership Final - is unbelievable, and since last Saturday I've just been thinking about it and looking forward to it. I am going to enjoy it."

© PA Sport

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