Third time lucky for Bath and Butch
May 16 2008
Bath entered the final weekend of the regular Guinness Premiership season knowing a win at Gloucester would secure them top spot in the table, and more importantly a home semi-final.
Eighty minutes of rugby, and a tense final day later and Bath knew their fate, an away semi-final against Wasps - hardly the scenario they would have envisaged before kick-off.
Yet such is the fiercely competitive nature of the Guinness Premiership that Gloucester trumped Bath 8-6, whilst Wasps dispatched Leeds with a four-try 45-28 bonus-point victory to snatch second place at the death.
In an exclusive interview with Planet Rugby, Bath fly-half Butch James speaks openly about the disappointment of an away semi-final, the joys of playing with Olly Barkley and his future plans.
No matter who you end up playing in the semi-finals there is never an easy game, yet perhaps the most testing is a trip to Adams Park to take on Wasps - a side who are rather familiar with the rigours of play-off rugby.
Whilst James and his Bath team-mates were disappointed to see their home advantage taken from them they are still focused on the job at hand.
"If we are being honest it is a big disappointment, as it was clearly something we had wanted to achieve going into the last few games of the season," said James.
"But these things happen, we knew what we had to do against Gloucester and unfortunately we came up short.
"We gave it our all for eighty minutes but things didn't quite go our way. We seemed to get into good positions and then waste them one way or another.
"Now we are facing up to a tricky game on Sunday. But having seen how we can play throughout this season there is now reason why we can't go there and win it."
Despite having not won the Guinness Premiership for two years now Wasps remain the only side to win the coveted trophy three times on the bounce. In contrast you have to go back to 1996 for Bath's last success.
If they are to put an end to a dismal run they will need to reverse the tables on Wasps - a side they have succumbed to twice this season. There is no lack of belief in the team according to the 26-times capped Springbok star, who is ready to let his actions do the talking.
"Hopefully it will be a case of third time lucky and especially in the one that really counts," said James.
"We have got a belief in our team and we know, to avoid the old cliche, that on our day we can beat any side. It just so happens Sunday sees us up against one of Europe's top teams.
"The key is not to talk a great game beforehand to go and blow it but rather let our rugby do the talking and hope that is enough to see us into the final."
When Bath signed James there was a concern as to how he and Olly Barkley would play together. There needn't have been any worries though as the two, both equally capable of playing fly-half and centre, have formed a formidable partnership.
James has made the fly-half shirt his own, despite missing almost two months with a dislocated shoulder, whilst Barkley has been in the form of his life at inside centre. It has been a prosperous partnership and one which James has thoroughly enjoyed.
"Fair play it has been awesome," he said.
"It's not hard really, in fact my job is pretty easy. If I am never to sure what to do with the ball I just pass it to Olly and he seems to do the rest.
"He is in great form at the moment and has helped make my life a lot easier on the pitch."
When James left South Africa, complete with his World Cup winner's medal, it was something of a calculated risk, a trip into the unknown.
Now, with his first season in England nearing an end and Bath flying high in both the league and Europe, he is able to reflect on what he sees as a wise move. Not only that but he has found the different style of rugby a welcome change.
"It's been really enjoyable to be honest and something that I am glad I have done," he added.
"I would say it is easier being a back in the Guinness Premiership as opposed to the Super 14. That said from what I have seen it doesn't get much tougher than being a forward over here in England.
"A lot of the game gets played and dominated up front but I am really glad I made the move over here after the World Cup.
"In the Super 14 the game is a lot more open and you get a lot more exploited in one-on-one situations, where as here you get a bit more shelter from your back row.
"I have really enjoyed the rugby over here and the style Bath are constantly looking to play and the environment that has been created.
"Although I still watch it I can't say I have missed the Super 14 at all."
At 29 James still has a fair few years ahead of him, providing injury doesn't ravage his body, which opens the door to a possible return home. And as much as he is enjoying life at Bath James could not hide the fact he would love to finish his playing days back in Durban.
"Most days I think about what I should do in the future and when and if I should come back home," James revealed.
"I haven't decided on anything yet but ultimately in the perfect world I would love to play a few seasons over here, and then come home for one last shot at the Super 14 and Currie Cup.
"But it all depends on my body and how I hold up over the next few years."
For now James has a clear focus, winning the Guinness Premiership with Bath, as well as adding to his 26 Springbok caps. And with new coach Peter de Villiers set to name his provisional squad on Saturday James will be hoping to have his first contact with Jake White's successor.
"I would be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it and it has been in the back of my head for quite a while now," admitted James.
"It is something I would dearly love to be part of again but if it doesn't happen I just have to take it on the chin.
"There is plenty to focus on at Bath still so if the call doesn't come I can't afford to dwell on it but rather keep going for my club.
"I haven't actually had any contact with De Villiers yet so we will just have to wait and see what happens with the squad announcement on Saturday."
Whatever happens James is safe in the knowledge that he will always be welcome in Bath, and if he can find the keys to unlock the Wasps defence he will be well on his way to legend status.
By Marcus Leach