THERE is no chance of Bath being struck down by the Saracens fear factor ahead of Saturday’s showdown against the Aviva Premiership champions, according to back Dan Bowden.

Sarries top the table as they go in search of a third successive domestic title, with Mark McCall’s men also the reigning European Champions Cup kings.

The Londoners have lost just once in the Premiership so far this term and Bowden believes many opponents are beaten before the game has already begun such is the aura surrounding Sarries at present.

However, with new-look Bath coaching staff, led by Bowden’s fellow New Zealander Todd Blackadder, less well-versed in their opponents’ so called ‘wolf pack’ mentality, they can run out at The Rec with the shackles off this weekend.

“They are a very good side, they are so disciplined at sticking to their gameplan and they exit their own half so well.

“It’s going to be a big test for us but one that we are excited for,” said Bowden, who is likely to start at fly-half.

“In recent times, I think a lot of people have counted themselves out before they’ve even played the game.

“We need to be confident, we are back at home and we have been working on a gameplan that we think will be effective against them.

“If we can stick to it for the duration of the game, we will be fine.

“Saracens thrive on breaking you out of your gameplan for a couple of minutes and that can really cost you.

“If you look at the success they have had in recent times, it probably weighs on people’s minds but we are quite lucky, we have got a new group and coaches from the Southern Hemisphere who don’t know as much about them as a side.

“Obviously they have done their research and analysis but they don’t have that baggage that Saracens are the benchmark.

“They know and respect they are a very good side but we are not going into the game beaten before it’s started.”

Bath have won all but one of their home fixtures so far this term, with that sole loss coming in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, so Bowden is hopeful of another strong showing in front of a passionate Rec crowd.

“We have got a great support base and the crowds have been massive.

“I think there’s been a couple of record crowds over the last few games,” said Bowden.

“It’s an early kick-off (12.15pm) so hopefully it will be nice and sunny and we can play some good rugby.

“I’ve been involved in good games against Saracens in the past and they’ve been quite entertaining.

“It may not be the prettiest of games given the way teams have to play against them but I think it will be entertaining nonetheless.”