Bath reap benefits from Cheika snub with Ben Tapuai

Ben Tapuai admits leaving Australia left him “scared” but says a fresh start was necessary after being snubbed by Wallabies boss Michael Cheika.
Talented Tapuai, 28, has proved a revelation in Bath's midfield since joining the Recreation Ground outfit in November, with a man-of-the-match display in last week's dramatic 32-30 victory over Northampton highlighting his value.
However, seven-cap Wallaby Tapuai told The Rugby Paper: “There were options to stay in Super Rugby and if I was four years younger I probably would have done, but as you get older you know your opportunities become limited.
“Once Michael Cheika took over the Wallabies I didn't get selected and I've had no interest from him since, so a fresh start was what I needed and I'm still learning the game, which is the main part of why I came over here to join Bath.
“You're a bit scared of the unknown when you move halfway across the world but I'm glad I made the decision to come. Bath's a cool city, I've met new people, played a different style of rugby and I'm playing in pretty much every game.
“It's a great club and I'm loving it in England.”
A Super Rugby winner with Queensland Reds in 2011 before joining the Western Force last year, Tapuai's intuitive, side-stepping style has endeared him to a Bath faithful weaned on gifted centres like Jeremy Guscott and Jonathan Joseph.
He added: “Coming from a different brand of rugby in the Southern Hemisphere, it's good for guys here to get where I'm coming from as well.
“As much as I'm learning, I'm also trying to teach them the rugby that I've played – throwing the ball around, the flick passes etc and, hopefully, my attacking Aussie style is adding some value and showing our young blokes a trick or two as well.”
While Tapuai is gunning for the Premiership title, former club Western Force are facing an uncertain future, with calls for the Perth-based franchise to be axed.
Tapuai said: “When I left there was lots of talk about the Force franchise going and they were under the pump, but I hope they carry on because rugby's got to stay alive in Australia.
“If you lose rugby in Perth, Western Australia rugby will just spiral downwards and will bring down the rest of the game there as well. They need stronger club competitions in Western Australia and a strong franchise will help them grow.”
Tapuai now has his sights set on the Premiership title, adding: “Winning Super Rugby at the Reds was a great achievement, along with making my Wallabies debut that same year, so I'd love to add a Premiership title to that here at Bath.”
NEALE HARVEY