WE have had an enforced break, but the work we have put in and the results we have gained from the training have been very encouraging.

The squad that has been left in Bath have worked very hard on the basics and are chomping at the bit to go out and play. I am confident that all the players' efforts are going to bring great rewards for the club.

However, we are operating on two thirds of our playing capacity with 12 of the chaps being away on international duty and unavailable for the clash against Sale on Sunday.

It is not an ideal situation to go in to, but we are here and we have to get on with it. In fact it is a challenge I relish.

The youngsters have got the opportunity to make a name for themselves and who knows, get a regular first team place.

The youngsters to look out for include Tom Voyce, a fullback of tremendous pace, Sam Cox, a centre who captains Bath Under-21s, Andrew Lloyd, who represented young Wales on Tuesday night and Andrew Williams, a former Wales Under-19 player.

Tom has already represented England Under-21s at the age of 19, which is an achievement in itself.

As I say they have a great opportunity and some of the senior players will be helping their proteges come through.

Sale will have a few players missing from the squad this weekend and they will be looking to achieve a double over us this season.

This is something that all the Bath squad are keen to avoid happening. We have to play at our best if we are going to achieve this.

The rugby league recruits must not have any room to operate: we all know what Jason Robinson can do when given a bit of space.

Also I feel that Sale have one of the best centres in England. Martin Shaw is a terrific player and is destined to play on a bigger stage. He must be marked carefully.

That is Sunday; there is the small matter of a game at Twickenham on Saturday, when England take on the world champions Australia.

The Wallabies seemed pretty averge in their with wins over France and Scotland. In both games they have looked jaded and out of sorts. Perhaps it is a good time for the boys in white to attack them?

Attack them they must! England now have the firepower to take on the very best in the world. What is more, they have the back-up on the bench to make changes if needed.

The big three from the southern hemisphere have always had this luxury.

This time, I do believe it is going to be England's day, with a very comfortable win in the end. They should go unbeaten in the first three internationals this season.

All being well, a very well timed confidence-booster before the side embark on the Six Nations Championship in February.

Good luck to England on Saturday and come on Bath on Sunday. The pitch is looking magnificent, so why not make a visit to the Rec and cheer the team on.