BATH skipper Danny Grewcock admits 1999 Heineken Cup finalists Colomiers pose a real threat to his side in Sunday's Parker Pen Challenge Cup second round first leg tie in France (3pm).

England World Cup ace Grewcock has labelled the French side, beaten in the final of the European showpiece event by Ulster nearly five years ago, as dark horses in the competition.

Bath, 10 points clear at the top of the Zurich Premiership, are among the hot favourites to lift the Parker Pen trophy, after being beaten in last year's final by Wasps.

But Grewcock knows his side face a considerable task at Le Stade Selery, against a team standing eighth in Pool Two of France's Top 16 championship.

Colomiers have beaten two of the top sides in that championship, including a significant victory over close rivals Toulouse.

Second row Grewcock said: "Colomiers pose a huge threat. We are expecting a very tough game in France as they have proven in the French Championship that they have the ability to raise their game against the big sides."

"They have beaten Montferrand away, which is no mean feat and have also recorded a win over local rivals Toulouse, so they are a good side."

He added: "We are enjoying a good run of form in the Zurich Premiership at the moment and want to transfer that success into this competition,"

Bath's backs crisis shows little sign of abating, although Brendon Daniel may return to ease the pressure after back surgery.

Robbie Fleck, Mike Tindall, Lee Best, Chris Malone, Matt Perry, Iain Balshaw and Mike Catt are all out, while Wylie Human and Gareth Knox are inelligible.

Scotland international wing Simon Danielli may be tried at full-back.

Meanwhile the kick-off time for Bath Rugby's sell-out Zurich Premiership match against London Wasps at the Rec on Saturday, February 7 has been pushed back to 2.40pm for television reasons.

Meanwhile, the date and time for Bath's Powergen Cup quarter-final clash against Leeds Tykes match has now been confirmed.

It will be played at Headingley on Saturday, February 28 and kick-off will be at 2.30pm.

Cirencester travelled to the Forest of Dean for their first match of the new year and came away with a 17-6 victory.

Mike Phillips, Pete Hatch and Nick Farnan scored Cirencester's tries.