BATH head coach Mike Ford has warned his players they cannot afford the defensive lapses that peppered last week’s win over London Welsh if they are to maintain their recent good run against Leicester tomorrow (3.15pm).

Ford’s men ran in seven tries in the 53-26 triumph over the Exiles, but also conceded four times – something Ford believes was a cursory reminder of the dangers lurking in the Aviva Premiership.

“You have to respect every opponent in this league and it was a great reminder to us that you can’t slacken off,’’ he told the Wiltshire Times.

“The lesson for us is that if we get it wrong against Leicester, we won’t win the game, so maybe it was a blessing in disguise.’’

Bath’s main injury concern surrounds wing Anthony Watson, who turned an ankle last weekend, but tighthead prop Davey Wilson and lock Dave Attwood should shrug off knocks.

Bath have won three and drawn one of their last four meetings with their old rivals and Ford added: “We know that we need to up our game in the next few weeks.

“They (Leicester) have started like us with a couple of wins, but they haven’t beaten us for four games so we know that we’re in for a very tough battle.

“For us, (Leicester) is one of a couple of fixtures, like Gloucester, that always stand out. We had a record crowd (at the Rec) last week and hopefully it will be the same this time.

“To have 14,000 screaming for you is fantastic for us.’’

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