DAVID Sisi emerged from a toe-to-toe struggle with one of world rugby’s most feared back rows with plenty of credit last weekend – but you won’t find the Bath man congratulating himself.

Horrendous injury and unavailability issues at the back of the home scrum meant Sisi formed an unlikely trio alongside usual lock forwards in the form of Welshman Dominic Day and Academy prospect Charlie Ewels against four-time European champions Toulouse.

But facing a formidable task to subdue the all-French international threesome of Thierry Dusautoir, Imanol Harinordoquy and Louis Picamoles, the three held their own as Bath pushed the French giants all the way in a 21-19 European Rugby Champions’ Cup pool defeat.

While teenager Ewels’ efforts were recognised by being handed the captaincy for tomorrow’s LV= Cup tie against London Welsh at the Rec (3pm), Sis also took a great deal of satisfaction from the performance.

But after two starts in the last two matches, the former London Irish man is determined to make further first-team impact as international call-ups eat into Bath’s squad throughout November.

“You look at that (Toulouse) teamsheet the night before (the game) and that was pretty much a world XV back row,’’ the 21-year-old told the Wiltshire Times.

“All of those guys have been at the top of their positions in world rugby and somebody like Picamoles is the sort of guy I look up to.

“But we trained well all week and we (the back row) all had to learn throughout the week and we all held our own.

“That’s a credit to the systems we have in place at the club and the coaching.

“It was a tough result, but we don’t have time to pat ourselves on the back about it.’’

Bath step back into the LV= Cup – a competition they have reached the semi-finals of in the last two campaigns – for the first time this season tomorrow and Sisi reckons players who have had to be patient for their first-team chance will step up.

“The players that will be selected are going to be ready,’’ he added.

“We’re professional rugby players and we’re motivated so that when that chance does come, we’re ready.

“The side has been playing well this season and players have been waiting for their opportunity. It’s a new competition and we’re at home at the Rec so there is only one result we’re looking forward to.’’

Bath coach Toby Booth revealed that 19-year-old Ewels will lead the team out at the Rec.

“He played very well (against Toulouse) and looked like a seasoned pro, not like someone starting his first game (for the first team),’’ said Booth.

“Charlie has worked really hard with Stuart Hooper (club captain). It’s a great honour to captain the club. We feel it’s right and his performance merits it.”

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