ONE thing you can certainly say about Bath this season is that, from where they were at the start of the year, they have most definitely moved forward.

I had them grouped with the likes of Wasps, Exeter in that middle area of the Premiership, with Saracens, Leicester, Northampton and probably Harlequins just above.

But you can definitely see a scenario where, by next season, Bath are mixing it with those top teams.

Bath fans have got excited and expect big things from the team so last week’s home defeat by Saracens was a reminder of the journey they still have to make.

Saracens are just operating on a slightly higher level at the moment and, while Bath have closed the gap, Sarries’ exposure to regular top-level European rugby just has them that notch above.

This weekend’s LV= Cup semi-final at home to Exeter offers Bath the real prospect of some silverware and I can’t think of a better chance for the club to reach an important final.

Exeter have done superbly since joining the Premiership two or three years ago, but they have had a little drop off recently and with Bath’s confidence, you’d expect them to win.

Twickenham on Sunday promises to be a massive occasion – not only in terms of this Six Nations Championship, but looking ahead to the World Cup.

All four teams in with a chance of winning the title will put those thoughts to the back of their mind – it really is all about winning this time.

England versus Wales promises to be a massive psychological battle of oneupmanship ahead of the World Cup meeting between the sides next year.

Twickenham will hold no fears for Wales, but England, at home, need to dominate possession and get into the Welsh lineout, which I feel is a little creaky.

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