20 Questions: Matt Garvey – Bath lock
The result was disappointing and the video analysis showed us things to work on but it’s important to focus on the positives. We’re in a tough period and pointing down at people is not going to get us out of it.
Is it tempting to look only at what’s going wrong though?
It can be. As individuals we’re very critical of our own performance anyway and that’s something we look at straight away on our own. But coaches have been hugely positive about it and we have to keep smiling and enjoy what we’re doing.
How do you get better?
We’re not losing games by huge margins and there is no specific aspect of our game that’s drastically wrong. It often comes down to individual errors but that can’t be coached.
What about Exeter today?
Sandy Park is not the easiest place to go to when you’re in need of confidence. They’re a phenomenal side and they’re pushing for trophies but we’re confident in our abilities. London Irish put them under pressure last week which gave us ideas on how beat them.
Do you look at the table?
We’re aware of the situation we’re in but we’re not focusing on the table. We’re not where we want to be so we take each game as they come now.
Does it put more or less pressure on you?
It makes things easier. We put pressure on ourselves already so constantly looking at the table will only pile more and more pressure. We just got to start winning games now.
What’s been going wrong so far this season?
We need to build pressure on teams better rather than work hard for 20 minutes to get in a good field position and give the ball away cheaply. We have to come away with points when we get into the red zone.
You must be happy with your defence though?
We’ve conceded the least amount of tries in the league so our defence is looking after itself but we need to start scoring more points in attack. We have the weapons to do it but we need to put it together now.
Do you have a leadership role at the club?
There’s about eight of us and we meet with Mike Ford to review and preview games. It’s good to be involved in that because we all have different opinions due to our position.
Are you a captain in the making?
Maybe. There are some great leaders in this team and I just enjoy listening to what they have to say and learnt off them.
Third season at the club?
I’ve got another year left in my contract so we’ll see what’s happening but I love it here. I love the area and my family is settled here.
Do you keep an eye on London Irish?
I still have a few mates in the squad and that’s where I’ve learnt my trade. I’d like to see them do better because I’ve got some fond memories from there.
Can they stay up?
It’ll be tough. But if they play like they did at the weekend against Exeter I don’t see why not. They lost but it was their best performance of the season.
Did Bath look at the relegation battle?
Not at all! The season hasn’t gone as well as we’d have hoped but we’ve got good enough players to get us out of it and that’s the only thing we focus on.
Favourite cheat meal?
I have too many but I’d have to say pizza. Only after the game though!
If not rugby what would you be doing?
I’d probably be in the armed forces because that’s where my family comes from.
Something for after rugby?
That’s not something I looked into to be honest but because of my degree I’ll probably go into coaching or teaching.
Three special dinner guests?
Pele, Michael Caine and the Queen, to know what she’s like as a person.
Best and worst banter at Bath?
Apart from myself, Nathan Catt is pretty good but George Ford is an easy pick for the worst.
Best and worst dressed?
I can’t put into words how bad Kane Palma-Newport‘s dress sense is. Always looks horrible with his shorts and coat in any weather. Kyle Eastmond looks good.
