Meehan praises James' efforts
September 08 2008
Bath coach Steve Meehan was full of praise for fly-half Butch James after the South African international scored 18 points in the 33-20 victory over Bristol.
James only reported back to the Recreation Ground after the Tri-Nations but was instrumental in securing the European Challenge Cup holders' first victory over their west country rivals Bristol at the Memorial Stadium since March 1998.
A slow start saw Bath fall behind to an Andrew Blowers try, converted by fly-half Adrian Jarvis, but the visitors hit back, scoring tries through wing Joe Maddock and centre Tom Cheeseman in the first half and number eight Jonny Faamatuainu after the break.
They went in search of a fourth try as they camped out close to the Bristol line late in the second half but the defence stood firm.
Meehan, who was forced to make two late changes with flanker and skipper Michael Lipman (head) and centre Alex Crockett (ankle), had no qualms about including James despite him having being involved in only a couple of training sessions.
"It was never in doubt. When he was replaced by South Africa against Australia I said 'You beauty'," said Meehan.
"He makes things look easy. He is one of those players who has time on the ball. He has a lot of confidence on the guys in front of him and he has this marvellous way of talking to everyone on the field to organise them.
"He doesn't surprise me and when I have watched him over the seasons there is a lot more in his game than people were aware of and I'm delighted he is at Bath."
Meehan, who hopes to have Lipman available for their second west country derby at home to Gloucester on Saturday, was happy in general with his side's efforts.
"Bristol are a tremendously tenacious side, they never give you anything, and you have to work for every point," he added.
"I was happy with our performance overall, particularly the pack. I thought our scrum and line-out play was very good and that allowed everything else to flow.
"We got quick ball and Butch mixed-up the game - whether he released the backs or kicked, and got us on the front foot.
"The vast amount of field possessions went our way as a result."
Bristol Head Coach Richard Hill, who had few resources available to attract big-name stars for this season, was full of praise for his side.
"It wasn't the start to the season that we would have wanted but Bath are a good side," he said.
"All our players tried as hard as they could and you can't fault them at all. They played to the best of their ability and gave everything which is all you can ask.
"Our players were up for it. It was a huge ask for Mark Irish coming in at loosehead prop, on effectively his debut, up against the England tighthead (Matt Stevens) and then have Duncan Bell come on against him.
"The poor bloke was hanging in there and he did really well but that's the way he's going to learn as he is just starting his career.
"It was disappointing to lose but I don't think we'll come across many better sides than that."