Gloucester boss Nigel Melville has slammed the citings of rival centres Robert Todd and Tim Horan following last weekend's Zurich Premiership clash against Saracens as "a waste of time and money."

Both players have been reported by the independent citing commissioner for what the Rugby Football Union describe as "acts of foul play."

It is understood that Todd must answer for a high tackle on Saracens skipper Kyran Bracken, which resulted in the former England scrum-half suffering concussion.

Double Australian World Cup winner Horan, meanwhile, who takes over the Saracens captaincy from Bracken against Northampton tomorrow, is believed to have pushed Gloucester wing Marcel Garvey. Todd and Horan will now face disciplinary hearings.

Referee Ashley Rowden took action against both players by penalising them, although no yellow cards were issued, and Melville believes that should have been the end of the matter.

"The referee has seen the incidents, and for that, I see no reason to take it any further," he said. "Rugby is a contact sport.

"This is going to be a waste of time and money for everyone involved, and I am really annoyed. It discredits what the referee is trying to do.

"Citings should be about something cynical that happens off the ball and that the referee misses. This has been dealt with already by the official, who saw the incidents."

Todd is set to line up for Gloucester in tomorrow's West Country derby against Bath at Kingsholm, when the Cherry and Whites target a 13th win of their Premiership campaign.

But Bath, despite being crushed 68-12 when they last visited Gloucester nine months ago and currently languishing perilously close to relegation danger, are upbeat about their chances.

"We drew with Gloucester at the Recreation Ground earlier in the season, and we are definitely a better side now," said Bath assistant coach Brian Smith.

"Gloucester are an outstanding side and deserve their spot at the top of the Premiership, but they are not invincible.

"Look at Munster. They did the near-impossible when they defeated Gloucester in the Heineken Cup in Limerick a few weeks ago. At the end of the day it is 15 on 15, or 22 on 22 - no side is invincible."

Ardent Gloucester fans might chuckle at Smith's admirable optimism. A Bath victory would represent the Premiership's biggest upset this season, such is the gap - 33 points and 10 places - between two fierce local rivals.

Bristol Shoguns, despite showing some impressive home form, aren't out of the relegation mire themselves, although they have a game in hand - at home to Harlequins next month - on fellow strugglers Bath and Newcastle.

Bristol visit Leicester tomorrow, seeking a remarkable fourth successive win against the Tigers following two league triumphs and a Premiership play-off victory at Welford Road last May.

"I have good memories of Leicester. Over the last three games against them, we've played very well," said Shoguns scrum-half Agustin Pichot.

A repeat showing could help ease Bristol's fears near the Premiership basement, and Pichot added: "We never thought that we were safe or away from trouble.

"There are more than five clubs involved at the foot of the table. Teams have to find consistency, and that is what we need to do."

Harlequins could yet be dragged into the dog-fight, which puts added emphasis on them maintaining their excellence on home soil when second-placed Sale Sharks arrive in Twickenham tomorrow.

Quins have switched prop Jason Leonard from loosehead to tighthead, offering a clear indication that his 100th England cap will be won in the number three jersey against RBS 6 Nations Championship opponents France next weekend.

"There were a lot of very frustrated people in our changing room after the game at Newcastle last weekend," said Quins boss Mark Evans, reflecting on a 32-17 defeat.

"But out recent league record at The Stoop has been good, and we have to improve on last Saturday's performance."

Mid-table Saracens, minus their concussed captain Kyran Bracken, visit Northampton tomorrow, where Saints must win to revive fading play-off hopes.

Since taking Leicester's five-year unbeaten home league record in December, Northampton have suffered losses to Gloucester, London Irish and Wasps, leaving them nine points off the top-three pace.

Sunday's Premiership action is at Adams Park, when Wasps entertain London Irish. Another win for Lawrence Dallaglio and company would keep the pressure on third-placed Leeds and their fellow play-off challengers Leicester.