Dan Hipkiss is a constant in centre of Bath Rugby switches
He could potentially line up alongside a fifth different centre partner during Saturday's trip to Kingsholm but Dan Hipkiss insists it will make no difference to the team's style whoever occupies Bath Rugby's number 12 jersey.
The former Leicester Tiger, an ever-present at outside centre so far this season, has seen Matt Banahan, Ben Williams, Olly Barkley and Stephen Donald all start inside him during the club's five Aviva Premiership games.
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Banahan is definitely out of the clash against Gloucester through injury and Barkley has left for Racing Metro, with Donald expected to step into his shoes at fly-half.
The club are hopeful Williams will recover in time for this weekend but Sam Vesty and Jack Cuthbert are both options to fill the void.
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Hipkiss, who won 13 England caps before his switch to The Rec last summer, says Bath's game plan is the same whoever takes to the field.
"The individuals don't shape the system, it's the system that shapes the individuals," said the 30-year-old.
"It doesn't matter what the combinations are, everyone knows the way we are set up to play.
"What Gary has done since coming in is make sure everyone is on the same wavelength. It shouldn't matter if there is someone different alongside me. Anyone who has to step up knows exactly what they need to do.
"If someone like Jack Cuthbert or Sam Vesty comes in, they already know the objectives that the coaches want the team to achieve."
With such uncertainty surrounding the midfield, Bath will be delighted they do not have the same headaches among the back three, an area Gold and his coaching team have highlighted as a major weapon since their summer arrivals.
Kyle Eastmond has looked the most destructive and Hipkiss has been hugely impressed by the winger's flying start to the season.
"Kyle is not just a sprinter, he's got a physical side to his game as well," he said. "He's great running at people but he's comfortable on the ball as well.
"He's a smart player and not many wingers have got the ball carrying skills he has got.
"We've got good back-three players but it's not just a case of rushing to give them the ball. It's about getting them on the ball in the right areas, where they can be most productive."
Comments
by Bathman62
Friday, October 05 2012, 1:08PM
“Ah, a new signing, Hapkiss! Bath are short in that department since the departure of Olly.
Sorry Chron but the errors seem to be on the increase.”