Michael Claassens says the fans have a big part to play

Bath captain Michael Claassens believes the Premiership play-off hopefuls have hit top form at just the right time.

A run of nine wins from the last 10 matches has thrust Bath to the verge of the semi-finals.

Victory in Saturday's final match, at home to Leeds, will clinch a last-four meeting with Leicester Tigers.

"There's so much confidence in the team and hopefully we are now peaking just at the right time," Claassens told BBC Radio Bristol.

"It's good to come back like we have - it's almost better that way.

"I think in previous seasons we have peaked too early and, by the semi-finals, we were tired."

The 27-year-old South African believes a sell-out crowd at The Rec will have an important part to play as Bath bid for glory.

"It's always great to play at The Rec in front of our crowd. For atmosphere, it's one of the nicest places I've ever played at," he added.

"Hopefully we can send our fans away with a good win. As long as they cheer us on and shout at us if we don't do things right, we'll be fine.

"Leeds don't have anything to lose but they're a very proud team and they are used to fighting for everything.

"They will definitely be up for this game and it's going to be one of our toughest games of the season.

"They will want to finish on a high. Sometimes when you don't have anything to lose teams can be quite dangerous.

"They will attack from anywhere and give it a go."

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