Consistency seen as crucial to rivals' top-flight survival

The Premiership's bottom two clubs meet at Headingley, with Leeds just three points behind their opponents.

But they are both buoyed by wins last time out – Bath brushing off west country rivals Gloucester 24-8 and Leeds toppling Newcastle 16-15.

"We are after a couple of good performances on the bounce, and we've got the first one," said Bath head coach Meehan. "We need to back that up again at Leeds.

"We know the game is an important match – it's a massive game for us. The beauty of the Premiership is that it is so tight. Any side on a particular day can get up and challenge another and win.

"It's important for us to keep our feet on the ground, keep working, keep improving and go there and play positive rugby."

Bath – who have former Leeds captain Stuart Hooper in their ranks – have not won away in the league for more than three months, while Leeds are the only club not to record a Premiership home victory this term.

Meanwhile, Shontayne Hape will hope to continue his golden form on his return to Headingley.

The former Bradford Bulls centre used to regularly torment Leeds Rhinos when he ventured there in Super League.

Since switching to union 18 months ago, Hape has steadily improved and impressed, so much so the ex-New Zealand rugby league star has caught the eye of the England selectors. He will soon be eligible on the grounds of residency having first moved to the country when signing at Odsal in 2003.

Worcester, whose last Premiership triumph came on September 26, face being dragged into the relegation picture if they lose against Gloucester tomorrow.

The Warriors, two points and two places adrift of their hosts, did the double over Gloucester last season, but they will arrive at Kingsholm following a 26-6 home loss against Northampton.

"The spirit in the camp is good," insisted Worcester forwards coach and

ex-Gloucester prop Tony Windo.

"We ended up losing by 20 points (against Northampton), but we created plenty of scoring opportunities. What we need is to convert these chances, and then we will get the results.

"We don't see ourselves as being at the bottom of the league playing badly. We see ourselves as being where we are in the league for not taking the chances we are creating.

"We are in a position now where we need a result. We were pleased last week with the number of opportunities we created – yet disappointed with our execution."

Northampton, currently third, entertain second-placed London Irish, while leaders Saracens take on Leicester.