I thought our performance in Bath was a great confidence builder, not only for the performance itself but also the result. It proved a lot of our doubters wrong, we can go to formidable places and get the result, which hasn't been the case in previous seasons. Bath were undefeated at the Rec for a year and a half and obviously we were proud to take that from them. It was a good, gritty show from the boys which set us up nicely for the Stade match.

Although we didn't get the result we wanted in Paris, I was pleased with the performance. If we are being honest, going out there we were all accepting that coming back from Stade with a losing bonus point would have been a good result. But after the game following the performance shown we were frustrated that we didn't get the win. We had one or two opportunities where we should have scored and it's something we've been banging the drum about this season. At the very top level, in the big games you'll only get one or two opportunities and we need to nail them. Unfortunately we had three opportunities five yards from the line and didn't convert, however it has set us up nicely for this week. We know it won't be any easier but also know to progress we must win our home games.

We've played two games away and come away with something in both so we need to keep our hopes alive. The match in Paris has given us the belief that we can beat the big boys in Europe. At the end of the day I thought we were the better team and could have won the match.

Both teams haven't shown their hand too much. Because of the conditions, neither side were able to execute their moves. I can see Stade being a bit more of a threat behind in this game and hopefully we'll produce more flowing rugby also. However it's good to know we can match them physically. We've put in two good performances and we have to build on that. We are all looking forward to the game which is a bit like a cup final for us. As I said earlier it's good to be back home and we hope to have a big vocal crowd at the Arms Park. Our performances of late hopefully will bring in a few more supporters. They are important to the team and can play their part by making it uncomfortable for Stade.

On behalf of all the players and coaches I would like to wish our fans and sponsors a Merry Christmas and look forward to welcoming you the Arms Park for our Boxing Day match against the Dragons.