Priestland enjoying life alongside Tapuai
RHYS Priestland says the arrival of a Southern Hemisphere cavalry at Bath has given the West Country side fresh vigour.
Director of rugby Todd Blackadder wasted no time in bringing in reinforcements from Australia and New Zealand when he was appointed at the start of the season.
Ben Tapuai joined from Western Force, Robbie Fruean from Hawke’s Bay and Paul Grant from Otago.
And Priestland believed their arrival has helped propel Bath into genuine top four contenders, especially with Matt Banahan currently on the sidelines with a posterior cruciate ligament injury suffered against Harlequins in November.
“These boys have brought something extra to the club coming from the Southern Hemisphere,” said Priestland, who last month signed a deal that will keep him at Bath for at least two more seasons.
“I’m not saying Southern Hemisphere players are better but they’ve just got a different outlook on the game. They give you that direction.”
Priestland combined adroitly with Tapuai in Bath’s last-gasp win over Northampton, and the 48cap Welshman says the Australian’s variety of play and leadership skills make him an ideal partner.
“I love playing with him – he’s always got his head up and he’s always talking to you. As a ten that’s all you can ask for from your 12. I thought he was outstanding against Northampton.
“It always helps having another kicker outside of you, but if he doesn’t call for the ball then it’s useless. Taps likes getting his hands on the ball and he’s very comfortable with ball in hand.
“He’s also a dangerous runner and he really suits the style of game we want to play.” Banahan, below, began running training earlier this month and is expected to be fit in March, but Priestland is confident that Tapuai and Academy product Max Clark can develop into a dominant centre pairing in his absence. “We are a bit thin in the centres at the moment with a couple of injuries and Jonathan Joseph away, so it’s going to be a big workload for Ben and Max,” he said.