FLY-HALF Shaun Berne has been revelling in the opportunity afforded him by the international absences.

The young Australian played second fiddle to Mike Catt at the beginning of the season, and for most of the last campaign.

He stepped into the number 10 jersey when Catt was injured after the Premiership match at Gloucester, but was dropped in favour of the versatile Jon Preston following Bath's defeat at home to Saracens.

However, Berne played well as an early substitute at Newport, scoring a try, and returned at fly-half for the last two Premiership games.

He crossed the line in the narrow defeat of Sale and produced a man-of the match display against Rotherham.

The 21-year-old scored a try, made two more and also kicked 12 points.

He is happy with his own form and happy with the way the team is playing.

"It is good to get some matches week in, week out," he said. "It is good practice and things are going okay.

"The team was fairly happy last week. Rotherham weren't up to much, but it was a good win and it was nice to get six tries."

Berne is an attacking out-half, always looking for the gap, and his direct style of play has given Bath extra options in midfield, while his goal-kicking exploits were another bonus.

He said: "I guess I am a running fly-half, but I try to play with whatever situation is in front of me and adapt with the guys around me.

"I have always goal-kicked, but I never needed to at this club until last week."

Berne, who can also play as a centre, came to Bath on an initial six-week period as cover during the World Cup.

He said: "I ended up here. During the World Cup, the club was short on players, especially in the back line.

"I wanted to experience rugby in a different part of the world and Bath were happy to give me a contract.

"It was good for me at the time, and it's gone all right.

"My contract runs out at the end of the season and I will have to re-evaluate where I'm at.

"I would love to play for Australia, but I will try to keep playing for Bath and see what happens. Premiership rugby is good experience for me."

Berne, whose father was a Wallaby, is looking forward to the challenge posed by Bristol tomorrow.

He said: "It's going to be a tough local derby. There's going to be a good crowd and it's going to be a good game.

"We have got to try to concentrate on our game. We've won the last two weeks and we are starting to put some phases together.

"Our confidence is good. We are playing with a lot of enthusiasm and we are hungry to win again."