Bath 37 Worcester 19: Abendanon helps Bath to shine

Nick Abendanon could provide the answer to England's full-back conundrum this season, with his club coach admitting: "He is in good touch." He scored a dazzling try and was a prominent attacking presence throughout as Bath moved second in the Premiership by beating Worcester.

Abendanon was ditched by former England chief Brian Ashton last year – just two games into his Test career. The Johannesburg-born Bath prospect made his debut against South Africa when he was flown out before the second Test in Pretoria to aid an illness-ravaged England squad.

He also featured in the penultimate World Cup warm-up against France at Twickenham, but one-man wrecking crew Sébastien Chabal exposed Abendanon's defensive frailties.

England manager Martin Johnson appears to face a straight choice at full-back for the autumn Tests between Josh Lewsey and Mathew Tait. Both are part of Johnson's 32-strong elite squad selected almost three months ago, yet Lewsey is struggling for form with Wasps and Tait is widely viewed as a better centre than full-back. As matters stand, Johnson can only promote in the event of injuries.

But Abendanon could make a mockery of that selection system if he continues in his current vein. Bath head coach Steve Meehan said: "I think Nick's performances have been far better this season than last season."

While the International Rugby Board's experimental law variations have helped turn some Premiership games into turgid affairs this term, Bath did their bit to buck the trend. Abendanon, captain Michael Lipman, wing Joe Maddock, centre Shaun Berne and substitute prop Duncan Bell all claimed touchdowns.

Worcester, 17-3 down inside 20 minutes, briefly climbed back to six points adrift before Bath finished with a flourish that saw Lipman and Berne score.

Bath: Tries Abendanon, Maddock, Bell, Lipman, Berne; Conversions James 3; Penalties James 2. Worcester: Try Pennell; Conversion Crichton; Penalties Crichton 3, Pennell.

Bath: N Abendanon; J Maddock, A Crockett (E Fuimaono-Sapulu, 72), S Berne, J Cuthbert (M Stephenson, 74); B James, M Claassens (S Bemand, 74); D Flatman (D Barnes, 40), L Mears (P Dixon, 58), M Stevens (D Bell, 57), J Harrison, P Short, S Hooper, J Faamatuainu (J Scaysbrook, 71), M Lipman (capt).

Worcester: C Latham; C Pennell, D Rasmussen, S Tuitupou, M Benjamin; L Crichton (J Carlisle, 73), R Powell (B Jones, 60); M Mullan, A Lutui (C Fortey, 55), T Tuamoepeau (C Horsman, 55), G Rawlinson (capt; G Kitchener, 58), C Gillies, K Horstmann, Talei, T Wood (M Cox, 67).

Referee: R Debney (Leicestershire).

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