TOMORROW'S West Country derby between Bath and Bristol has been "devalued" as a spectacle, according to Rec coach Jon Callard.
The former England full-back, a veteran of 11 such league confrontations with the old enemy, believes the absence of several big-name players on both sides due to international commitments has diminished the latest meeting in one of English rugby's most enduring rivalries.
Callard, an increasingly outspoken critic of this season's fixture scheduling in recent weeks, said: "This match has been devalued as a contest, because of all the players we will be missing with the internationals situation, which is something that disappoints me.
"Hopefully, the return match on our ground (on December 29) will have more meaning."
Bath have Mark Regan, Steve Borthwick and Mike Tindall all playing for England against Romania today, with Gavin Thomas and Kevin Maggs representing Wales and Ireland respectively. And in a further blow, the selection of Mike Catt and Danny Grewcock on England's bench means they won't be allowed back to play for their club tomorrow.
Callard, who also has Nathan Thomas and Andy Lloyd injured and Rob Thirlby away on England Sevens duty in South Africa, is hoping his mix 'n' match side can earn their first away Zurich Premiership victory of the season at the Memorial Stadium.
The Bath chief, who had five players missing when Bath lost the corresponding fixture 16-9 last season, added: "There are points at stake and in view of our situation, we need points to move away from the bottom of the table."
Bath do have full-back Matt Perry back from England duty, with fellow international star Iain Balshaw set to resume his duties in the centre.
Kick-off is 3pm.
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