Bath Rugby winger Ruaridh McConnochie ‘just wants to perform’ and is not worried about England after a sensational brace in Bath’s 19-12 victory over Harlequins.
The World Cup try-scorer was the star at the Rec yesterday scoring both tries for the home side. The first a mazy finish followed by a surging run down the left to race clear to score the winner.
A vital win for Bath which takes them up to fourth and remaining in pursuit of the play offs.
England boss Eddie Jones excluded McConnochie from his Six Nations squad due to a dip in form but the Bath man is just taking every game as it comes, saying:
“It’s Eddie’s choice at the end of the day. I’m loving getting the ball and playing well for Bath and if we are winning then it’s great to be here and that’s all I can do.
“I just want to perform well for the club and what happens happens.
“I got a text from him (Eddie Jones) last week just asking how things were going. He’s good like that he always keeps in touch. That was it no rugby chat just a catch up.”
Team Player
Bath have struggled to score tries this season with only one bonus points from seven wins. Ruaridh McConnochie’s form had been dependent on the quality of ball he has had to play with this year with Bath not hitting width often enough. However, yesterday saw change as the former England Sevens player and Semesa Rokoduguni were used frequently which had a subsequent impact.
McConnochie put his success down to his teammates efforts,saying:
“I got given the opportunity from the work that the guys put in in the middle of the field,” said McConnochie.
“Earlier on in the season we didn’t execute those chances on the edge but I’m really proud of the boys today.”
McConnochie continued: “As a winger you want to touch the ball as much as possible.
“I think earlier on in the season we had the game plan there and perhaps we didn’t stick to it but today and last week as well I think we slowly started getting more into it.
“I think that for 60 to 70% of the game we did what we spoke about I think there’s still that small part where we can get better but I think the more we play and the more we get confidence from it it will come.”
Jones’ left-field selections
Ruaridh McConnochie’s Bath teammate Jonathan Joseph was the surprise inclusion in Jones’ squad to face Ireland this weekend. The natural outside centre will make his 50th cap on the wing for England.
However, McConnochie believes that Joseph is more than equipped with the skills to stand up to the challenge of playing out of position tomorrow.
“Over the World Cup we trained him at the wing sometimes. he’s such a talented player, I think he’ll shine tomorrow,” said McConnochie.
Ruaridh McConnochie shows Jones what he’s missing
Joseph has scored 17 tries in his 49 appearances for the red rose since making his debut against South Africa in 2012. The Bath flyer started out as a winger at the beginning of his career and McConnochie is excited to see what he can do, saying:
“He’s is one of the world’s best attackers out there. He played there for London Irish back in the day so looking forward to watching the boys against Ireland tomorrow.”
Bath face a West Country derby next weekend as they host Bristol Bears in round 12 of the Gallagher Premiership.
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