BATH'S backline problems have taken another turn for the worst, with head coach John Connolly having just six fit three-quarters for the trip to Premiership basement boys Rotherham Titans on Sunday (3pm).

The injury to World Cup-winning centre Mike Tindall at Saracens last weekend has left Queenslander Connolly with yet another headache in the backs department as his side try to reinforce their position at the head of the table.

Just Simon Danielli, Andrew Higgins, Alex Crockett, Kevin Maggs, Wylie Human and Gareth Knox are left standing, with Matt Perry also crocked.

Five of them will almost certainly join fly-half Olly Barkley and scrum-half Martyn Wood in the team for the Millmoor clash with the other most likely Knox on the bench.

Connolly added: "We have a couple of backs Iain Balshaw and Brendon Daniel getting close to comebacks, but neither will be ready for Sunday's trip.''

Meanwhile, World Cup hero Balshaw has admitted his MBE had come as a total shock and described it as "the icing on the cake.''

"I'm delighted it's a massive surprise. When I got the letter I just couldn't believe it it was fantastic and a real honour,'' said the 24-year-old full-back.

"Getting one never really crossed my mind I never though I'd ever get anything like this.''