Bath bid to make splash

Steve Meehan, the Bath head coach, wants his team to "play without fear" in the Heineken Cup quarter-final clash against Leicester.

Steve Meehan, the Bath head coach, wants his team to "play without fear" in today's Heineken Cup quarter-final clash against fellow English heavyweights Leicester. Bath head to the Walkers Stadium following some average form that has seen them win just four of their last eight league games, suggesting their work will be cut out as they target a repeat of their 2006 Heineken quarter-final victory over Leicester on the same ground.

"We need to arrive at Leicester and play without fear," said Meehan. "It is a one-off cup match, and we have to go out and see how good we can be. "What happened last weekend certainly won't force us into our shells. It's a big prize, and it is worth fishing for. "Let's go and see if Bath can repeat what they did there a few years ago. "We've got to put aside what happened against Quins and get back to playing the rugby we know we can play. Sometimes a bad dress rehearsal can mean a good performance on the big day."

Bath will be relieved their fly-half, South African World Cup winner Butch James, was cleared by Rugby Football Union disciplinary chiefs earlier this week after being cited for an alleged stamp on Wasps centre Riki Flutey. But Leicester, seeking a sixth Heineken semi-final appearance, have lost the services of England prop Julian White following his sending-off last weekend. Toulouse, the pre-tournament favourites who will be without injured prop Benoit Lecouls, face a testing encounter against Cardiff Blues at the Millennium Stadium today

The French Championship leaders, chasing a record fourth European title, will meet opponents unbeaten in this season's tournament and are further boosted by reaching next week's EDF Energy Cup final. "These are exciting times for us," said the Blues head coach David Young. "There is a lot of anticipation and excitement in the squad, and although it is a massive challenge ahead, it is one we don't fear."

Toulouse battered the Blues 41-17 in last year's quarter-finals, but Young added: "I believe we are a far better team now." On Sunday, Harlequins host Leinster while Munster, the holders, welcome the Ospreys. * With agencies