BATH hooker Rob Webber admits his side’s demolition of old foes Leicester last weekend means tomorrow’s trip to champions Northampton is likely to be an even tough assignment than it was already.

The five-try 45-0 mauling of the Tigers at the Rec announced Bath’s Aviva Premiership credentials this season in emphatic style, but England ace Webber concedes it’s also put the team on a perch from which their league rivals would like to topple them.

A visit to the Franklin’s Gardens base of the Saints (3.15pm) has been enough to ensure minds haven’t been dwelling too much on that success at Bath’s Farleigh House base this week and Webber insists it is a challenge his teammates are relishing.

“We’re happy with how the weekend went, but the thing about this week is that, yes we’ve celebrated, but then we’ve had to park it because Northampton away is another big test for us,’’ said the former Wasps man.

“In many ways, it’s almost the perfect follow-up game. Northampton are champions and they are champions for a reason. They’re a very physical side with a lot of threat across the pitch.

“They’ll have seen we have had a good result and they are going to want to knock us over.’’

While the Leicester result sent reverberations, Webber insists Bath’s players were confident in their own ability to deliver a big performance.

“A lot of hard work went into making that performance happen,’’ he said.

“I don’t think we surprised ourselves because, the way we play, we create a lot of opportunities. On this occasion, it just seemed like we finished them all off, but we knew what we were capable of.’’

Bath’s pack has again stepped up to the plate in the opening weeks of the season, Webber forming part of a formidable front row alongside fellow internationals Paul James, of Wales, and England compatriot David Wilson.

That strength is likely to be tested by a Saints’ eight which has proved itself near the top of European rugby for the last few seasons.

“Last Saturday (against Leicester) was probably the best day we’ve had in the scrum this season,’’ added Webber.

“We’ve got good coaches and personnel in that area and we work hard on it.

“Northampton have been right at the top of European rugby in terms of the scrum, but we’re confident with all the players we’ve got in that area. We’ve got good strength and good numbers.’’​

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