Johann van Graan says Bath are determined to finish the job in Sunday’s blockbuster Investec Champions Cup semi-final against defending champions Bordeaux in France.
Bath arrive in Bordeaux with momentum and belief after a golden spell under the former Bulls and Munster coach.
The Premiership outfit swept to a trophy treble last season, lifting the EPCR Challenge Cup, Premiership Cup and Premiership title, but Van Graan admitted the Champions Cup remains the missing piece.
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“This is the one competition that we, as a group, haven’t won,” said Van Graan.
“We’re coming up against the current champions in their backyard. That’s the opportunity you want.”
Bath face a massive challenge against a Bordeaux side packed with attacking firepower, from Matthieu Jalibert to Louis Bielle-Biarrey, and Damian Penaud to Ben Tameifuna.
But Bath prop Beno Obano insisted the English side will not be overawed by the occasion.
“The team we’re coming up against has more strengths than most and they’re a great team, but we think we’re a good team,” said Obano.
“So, it’s about going out there and being the best version of ourselves.”
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Obano also credited Van Graan for transforming Bath into a side capable of thriving under pressure.
“In these big games, we’re just so calm,” he said.
“Everything we need is in the team, so it’s empowering to play in those games and know that whatever happens, we’ll be calm.”
Van Graan believes that mentality has been built over time since his arrival in 2022.
Reflecting on Bath’s dramatic comeback win over Northampton Saints in the quarter-finals, the South African said the fightback was rooted in the culture the squad has developed over the past few seasons.
“It came from day one,” said Van Graan.
“How do we want to play the game? How do we want to be and speak to each other?
“Two years ago we went from hope to belief.”
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Photo: Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images
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