Leeds undone by Balshaw

Michael Foley's gamble in playing Iain Balshaw at fly half may have ensured Bath's Premiership safety - and provided England with an unexpected bonus.

The Bath coach's decision to pitch an out-of-sorts Balshaw into the pivotal role in the midst of a relegation struggle represents boldness bordering on the reckless but it might just have worked.

What is more, when England travel to Argentina in June, Clive Woodward may be in possession of the real Balshaw once more.

A handful of fluffed drop-goal attempts may not yet present concrete proof, but Balshaw's old spark was in evidence at The Rec on Saturday as Bath edged to a priceless 23-12 win over relegation rivals Leeds. The indecision and self-doubt in evidence since last summer's Lions tour had given way to clear purpose and belief - finally he seemed to be running free again.

Foley said: 'Balsh is doing pretty well there at the moment, I think he's enjoying it. He had a very defeatist attitude earlier in the season. Now he has suddenly assumed a leadership role that has surprised us all.' Although not overwhelmed by his efforts on Saturday, Balshaw said: 'I'm getting more confident. Playing at fly half helps. If you're getting the ball in your hands so many times you must force yourself to play with confidence, because you need to have an effect on the guys around you.' For Bath, there was a huge sense of relief thanks to tries by Simon Danielli and Olly Barkley, the latter a dazzling solo effort in injury time. Leeds, resolute in defence, were undermined by fly half Steve Bachop's wayward kicking and Steve Borthwick's ability to poach their line-out almost at will.

Leeds coach Phil Davies said: 'If people are going to write us off that's fine but we're not going to throw the towel in.'