Meehan talks up Lipman's potential

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England head coach Brian Ashton is due to name a 32-man group next Wednesday, and Lipman's performance in Bath's 10-5 Guinness Premiership victory over leaders Gloucester on Friday night suggests he cannot be ignored.

Meehan said: "I would have Michael Lipman in my squad. Some of his form this season has been brilliant. He has been consistently at the breakdown before anyone else. He is fearless and has been instrumental in us going forward as a team this season."

Bath's victory, which was secured by a 50th minute try from wing Joe Maddock, means Gloucester had still to register a league victory at the Recreation Ground in 17 attempts.

Although substitute Chris Paterson scored a breakaway try 20 minutes from time, Gloucester could have few complaints as they suffered only their second defeat of the league season.

Torrential rain before the game made conditions treacherous and meant a 15-minute delay to kick-off as referee Wayne Barnes instructed the Bath ground staff to sweep away considerable amounts of surface water.

But once the action started, there was no stopping a Bath pack in rampant form as the home side underlined strong title credentials.

Meehan added: "I am very satisfied with that, and very proud with the way the players knuckled down to the task.

"I thought we were a better team than the five points victory margin showed, and we will now enjoy the moment and enjoy the weekend.

"We didn't go into our shells. We played most of the rugby and we handled the conditions quite well. We have done a good job on the competition leaders, and we can take a lot of pride and self-belief out of that performance."