JONATHAN Joseph is backing Bath’s back line to continue causing a few headaches for Aviva Premiership defences in the New Year.

The Rec outfit may have slipped to defeat at second-placed Northampton Saints last weekend but still outlined the attacking prowess that has taken them to third in the table by scoring 25 points at Franklin’s Gardens.

Along with Rob Webber and Leroy Houston, Kyle Eastmond crossed the line at Northampton and centre Joseph, who himself scored a superb solo try against Harlequins last month, says Bath will continue to play with freedom at champions Leicester today (2pm).

“We do like to express ourselves and we’ve got some exciting players in that back line, who just want the ball in hand and want to run in that space,” said Joseph.

“Obviously the boys are disappointed with the (Northampton) result and the way we played. But we did score 25 points.

“Attacking-wise it was good but I still think there are areas we can improve.

“It is rugby – you are going to win games and you are going to lose a few unfortunately, so it’s about getting back on track and working hard week in, week out.

“I think every time you go up to Leicester, it’s going to be a massive challenge. We’re looking forward to it to see where we are.

“Leicester have been champions however many times and they’re always a top four team. They have a lot of good players and they work well as a team, so it’s going to be a real hard challenge.

“We’re obviously going to give it our all and let’s see what’s going to happen.”

The Six Nations may be looming but Joseph is putting any thoughts of an England recall to the back of his mind.

He said: “I’ve not really given it a thought to be honest – my primary focus is just playing well at Bath and that’s that at the moment. All you can worry about is your club form and that’s what I’m doing.

“Form-wise I feel like I’m getting better and getting used to playing with the players we have down at Bath. I feel like we’re starting to click a bit more.”

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