BATH director of rugby Todd Blackadder believes his side will benefit from a full week's break from training and then a two-week lead-in to a European Challenge Cup quarter-final with Brive following their 24-3 Aviva Premiership defeat to leaders Wasps.

Australian full-back Kurtley Beale was man of the match - not just for his two tries but also the long, accurate positional kicks that denied the home side any attacking foothold.

"Overall, we didn't show any teeth, particularly in the first half," said Blackadder.

"We were far too passive and waited for Wasps to attack us. They just showed what a good side they are when they get a roll on and get momentum. We were on the back foot the whole game.

"Then we probably tried too hard. We kicked the ball back to them - and they kept attacking us."

Blackadder added: "We looked tired out there, just hanging on. We need this chance to regroup. We're a far better team than we showed out there. We'll get our internationals back and attack the last quarter of this competition."

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young hopes to find out within the next week if Beale will stay on at the club beyond his current one-season deal.

"By virtue of being a quality player, Kurtley has a lot of options," said Young. "We're expecting a decision over the next week but there's quite a lot for him to think about - whether he wants another season in the Premiership or go back to Australia. I'm sure he has plenty of options to consider.

"Fingers crossed, he stays. But if he doesn't we want to make sure he finishes strongly. He's got better with every game and today was his best yet for us.

"It was always agreed that we see how this season goes and how he and his girlfriend settle in. He's got his international career to think about.

"If it ends up being a year, it's a year we wouldn't have changed. If we can extend it, which we are hoping to do, we'll be really pleased. If we can't, it will have been a worthwhile exercise."

Young said he had "challenged" his players to step up the level of performance against Bath.

"This is the best we have played in the block of four games (during the Six Nations). Now we are in the business end. We've got Worcester and Bristol, two teams who will be scrapping for their lives. There's no easy games for us but we are in a very strong position, one I am very pleased with.

"Today we took a big stride in cementing our place in the top four. That's the important thing. Then you've got four games to cement ourselves in the top two. It's not a foregone conclusion by any means."