Dunn and Bath are aiming to improve accuracy
SALFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Tom Dunn of Bath beats (L-R) Jono Ross and Curtis Langdon of Sale Sharks to score his sides second try during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Sale Sharks and Bath at AJ Bell Stadium on February 12, 2021 in Salford, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
HOOKER Tom Dunn leads Bath to Northampton aiming to consolidate improvements in his throwing technique that earned him England recognition last year.
Combative and never far from the top of the Premiership tackle count, Dunn's years of hard work paid off in the autumn when, in the absence of Luke Cowan-Dickie, he became the proud owner of three Red Rose caps as a ‘finisher' against Italy, Georgia and Ireland.
Cowan-Dickie's return to fitness means the 28- year-old is back on England's reserve list, chomping at the bit for another chance. Asked which areas he feels he must improve on to push ahead of Exeter's finest or Jamie George, Dunn's reply is brutally candid.
“I've got to improve my throwing consistency,” he told The Rugby Paper. “That's what they give me feedback on and I'm working on my routine, doing breathing exercises and just doing all the things in training that allow me to deliver under intense pressure. I'm trying to get that extra two or three per cent into my game that I need.”
As for being part of England's shadow squad, Dunn adds: “It's a tough one because you always want to be playing for England, but there's no one else in camp other than Jamie and Luke so I haven't fallen down the pecking order. I'd rather be playing because that way I'll get better and keep my form going.
“It's bitter-sweet really – yes, I want to be there with the lads, but I also want to be playing for Bath as well.
“Since coming back to Bath in November, I'd say I've been okay. Although a couple of lineouts have gone astray, I feel I've been more consistent and I've got to credit our second row guys like Josh McNally, Elliott Stooke and Mikey Williams for helping me.”
Bath take on in-form Northampton looking to build on hard-fought wins over Sale and Gloucester, with last week's late show against their arch rivals providing a boost.
Dunn said: “We weren't happy with the performance but it showed our win at Sale wasn't a flash in the pan and it's the sign of a team that's turned the corner. I don't think our character or desire to win has ever been in doubt, it's just the accuracy of our game that was off and we need to put those two things together.
“Saints are a different team to 12 months ago. They've really solidified their pack and big lads like Nick Isiekwe, Dave Ribbans, Ehren Painter and Sam Matavesi make them a different beast.
“We're missing Charlie Ewels, Beno Obano and Will Stuart, but we've still got a very good set-piece.”
