Palma-Newport: Bath simply must end the 9-year drought
LONG-SERVING prop Kane Palma-Newport reckons it is high time Bath shook off their reputation as ‘nearly men’ and turned potential into silverware.
Palma-Newport, 26, was still at school when Bath last claimed a major trophy – a 24-16 Challenge Cup final victory over Worcester at Kingsholm in 2008.
Their latest opportunity to reach a final comes against Stade Francais in Paris this afternoon and the bearded tight-head will not countenance failure. Palma-Newport told The
Rugby Paper: “This is massive for us. We still want to do a league and cup double and it’s important to be competitive in both.
“Going to Stade means we’re going to have to beat the best on their own patch, but we overcame a good French side in Brive in the last round so this tie holds no fear. We’ve just got to go out and play good rugby and see our lads smiling at the end.”
Stade Francais are sure to be well motivated, having put the recent merger fiasco with Racing 92 behind them by moving into Top 14 play-off contention.
Palma-Newport said: “There have obviously been a lot of sub-plots going on in Paris with the on-off merger, but we don’t often get a chance to go to these places so we’ve got our own reasons to be fully charged for a big semi-final.
“We’re only interested in winning. It doesn’t matter if it’s 3-0 or 53-43, it’s a huge game we must win because a trophy is long overdue at this club.”
Palma-Newport added: “It’s nine years since we won the Challenge Cup and although I was affiliated with the club then, I was at school at the time.
“We’ve been close. We’ve had two finals since I’ve been pro and not quite got over the line, so whilst that’s frustrating it’s also motivation.
“We know if we can get one trophy more will follow. It’s been building for a few seasons now and it’s time we finally crossed that threshold. We started the season flying and then had a dip, but we have the ability to do this.”
Dave Attwood will make his comeback after four months out with a knee injury.
The England international will take his place in the second row alongside the returning Luke Charteris while the Lions duo of Taulupe Faletau and Jonathan Joseph start at No.8 and outside centre.
The fit-again Matt Garvey and Robbie Fruean are both named on the bench.
Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder said: “This is a huge opportunity for the club. It’s great to have Dave, Robbie and Garvs back in contention and I have no doubt that their experience will be crucial this weekend.
“Stade Francais are a very physical side with world-class players across the park. We will have to be at our very best to ensure we are on right side of the result on Sunday.”