Bath ’embracing’ pressure of Premiership semi-final, says Johann van Graan

Bath are “embracing” the pressure of being in the Premiership semi-finals for the first time in four years, says head of rugby Johann van Graan.

Van Graan’s side have home advantage when they take on Sale on Saturday at the Recreation Ground, after finishing second in the league table.

It is the first time in four years they have reached the Premiership’s final four and their first home semi-final since 2014-15.

“I feel privileged enough to [have been] involved in Super Rugby semis, URC (United Rugby Championship) semis, a World Cup semi-final, my first Premiership semi-final and what I’ve learned through all the semis in different competitions is that this is not just another game,” Van Graan told BBC Radio Bristol.

“We’re not treating it as just another game. We’re sticking to our process but we’re excited about this game and we’re embracing it.

“Is there extra pressure? Yes. Is there expectation? Yes.

“But we want to be in these games and we’ve got to perform on Saturday afternoon – we’re preparing before that, acknowledging that we’re coming up against a team that played in the final last year.”