OUR game in Montauban was an incredibly physical encounter and France is always a tough place to go and play rugby.

Both the fans and the players are very hostile over there and the Montauban match certainly proved that.

The French players themselves have a very different outlook at home and Montauban didn't disappoint in that department.

The conditions were hard and they really came at us, so it was excellent to get a five-point win.

There were plenty of niggles and flare-ups during the game, but that is their way once they realise the game has gone away from them.

Tom Wood got a yellow card towards the end, but it was that sort of game. He is getting a little bit better every time he plays.

All credit to our boys for sticking together and going toe-to-toe with them when we had to - that showed a lot of character and indicated that we are moving in the right direction.

Also, Loki Crichton and Matt Powell have both played well in the last few games. Matt has been one of our stand-out players and I am really pleased for him.

It is a measure of his character after he came in for some criticism.

Loki has come into the side and performed really well at fly-half too, but we are moving forward as a team rather than individuals. Our attitude is right and we're playing a more complete brand of rugby.

I'm not going to play against Bucuresti on Saturday because Mike Ruddock has decided to give me a rest.

I have played a lot of rugby this season and there comes a time when your body needs a bit of a break.

I will have a rest from the contact training, but I've been doing plenty of fitness work to build myself up for the next push.

We will still be putting a very strong squad out against Bucuresti and I am certain that the guys coming in to the team will be ready to step up to the mark.

We won't be underestimating Bucuresti - they're still going for second spot in our pool.

I'll be there watching the game at Sixways but, to be honest, I hate watching!

We will still be looking to get the win this weekend and carry on our good record in this competition so far this season.

It will be tough, though, as Bucuresti gave us a difficult game at their place in hard conditions, as did Montauban last Friday.

I am pleased with how the European Challenge Cup has gone for us and, if we can win on Saturday, we are just two home wins away from a place in the final and a shot at securing a Heineken Cup spot for next season.

That is what everyone associated with the club aspires to and it would be wonderful if we could achieve it, but we're not getting far in front of ourselves.

Looking ahead to the return to Guinness Premiership action, we have had a good look at Bristol - they are a physical and passionate side - and we will have to give 100 per cent to beat them.

With the added extras of John Brain being there, it will make for an interesting clash.