Dave Denton ‘can cure Bath’s hangover’ from Sam Burgess
Having missed out on capturing Taulupe Faletau from the Dragons, Booth believes Scotland star Denton provides ammunition the West Country club need when they eventually begin their Champions Cup campaign against holders Toulon, game which was postponed yesterday.
Booth told The Rugby Paper: “If you concentrate too much on the distractions – and there have been plenty – you take your eye off the prize.
“But from the moment the Burgess situation all came to a head, there’s almost a sense of relief that we can finally move on and get on with what we’re paid to do – play rugby in a certain way and give our fans something to cheer about.
“We did that against London Irish last week and since then Denton’s arrival has added considerably to our strength-in-depth in what is a season without any respite, both in the Premiership and Champions Cup.”
Of the former Edinburgh man’s potential, Booth added: “Dave had an excellent World Cup. We were looking for more ball-carrying power in our back row and he’ll add that.
“In the 12 months in particular he’s really kicked on and blossomed.
“Everyone knows we’re an attacking side and the more of players we have who are gain-line breakers, the easier it is to get defences on the back foot.
“He’s well versed in that from a physical point of view and he’ll bring big contributions at the set-piece, too. The other thing from a defensive perspective is his recovery speed from the ground and his jackal technique is also very good.
Bath are pitted in a Champions Cup ‘Pool of Death’ with Toulon, Leinster and Wasps, but Booth believes they will rise to the challenge.
“We’re under no illusions about our group, with Wasps having recruited well and Toulon and Leinster having been the champions over the last five years, but we went to Toulouse last year and won well so we’re buoyed by that,” he said.
“You look at Toulon and even without the likes of Paul O’Connell and Ma’a Nonu they’re like a Barbarians side. But they’re the team to beat and this is what you’re in the top competitions for, to pit your wits against them.”
Booth is further encouraged with how Bath’s England men have reacted to their World Cup woe, adding: “I’ve been impressed by the way guys like George Ford and Anthony Watson have come straight back in and really delivered.
“They’ve had massive distractions, but they’ve got back on the horse and shown their class.”
NEALE HARVEY
