MIKE Ford insists Bath remain an “unproven’’ force in the Aviva Premiership despite their excellent start to the season.

Six wins from their first eight games have installed Ford’s men in third spot in the table, with last Sunday’s 28-5 victory at London Wasps another high point in a promising first three months of the campaign.

South Africa flanker Francois Louw, props Paul James and Anthony Perenise and Argentina duo Horacio Agulla and Eusebio Guinazu are all available after November international duty to boost the squad for the visit of Exeter Chiefs today (3.15pm).

Ford though is not about to let his squad take their eyes off the ball, especially with a ferociously tough Christmas and New Year programme featuring Harlequins, Northampton and Leicester also around the corner.

“If we fall in love with ourselves we will get beaten by anybody in this competition because we’re unproven as well,’’ said Ford.

“The pleasing thing about Sunday (against Wasps) was that it was our next step, “It wasn’t about making a statement to the rest of the league or anyone else, it was about making a statement to ourselves.

“Going to a decent Premiership side, to do what we did, not just the manner of our win, was the next step for us.

“We’ve just got to keep out feet on the ground. The one thing that has gone really well for us this season is our preparation, we’re worrying about how we can play better, rather than the opposition.’’

Bath United’s progress to the Aviva A League final – they beat Sale Jets 39-21 in front of a 6,000-capacity Rec in Monday’s semi-final – means Ford’s coaching team are in the enviable position of having plenty of selection posers.

“Most coaches would not look to change a winning side,’’ he added.

“We can, because we feel we can get even better. It’s a good position for a coach to be in. These are the sort of problems we want.

“Momentum is already there and hopefully we can have a good performance on Saturday.

“It’s important we enjoy our victories because there is always a lot of pressure preparing for a game. We’ve got a bit of a template that is working for us.

“You’ve just got to be honest with players because if you don’t, it comes back to bite you and it can damage relationships.’’

NEWS AND REACTION FROM BATH V EXETER AT WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK/SPORT