ANTHONY Watson has urged Bath not to waste the hard work after strengthening their claims for a European Champions Cup quarter-final place.

The Bath full-back scored two tries in front of England boss Eddie Jones as Bath toppled Pool Five rivals Toulon 26-21 at the Recreation Ground.

It means they lead the group on points difference from Toulon, with Scarlets close behind. Bath's final two games next month are against Scarlets and Italian side Benetton.

The Watson-inspired victory also gave English rugby a welcome boost after all seven of their representatives were beaten in European action last weekend.

"It is definitely in our hands to qualify now," Watson said. "We have to win our next two games, and take it from there.

"For me, it makes no sense to go out there and not qualify now.

"Having beaten Toulon and put in all that hard work over the last two weeks, it's really just a waste of time if we don't qualify.

"The group is in our control, I think, and it is about what we do now.

"That first 20 minutes was probably our best representation this year. We need to make sure we can replicate it in following games and try to turn it into an 80-minute performance.

"I am always happy to cross the whitewash whenever I can, but I was definitely more happy to come away with the win. That was the main thing."

Watson, a dynamic attacking presence for England and the British and Irish Lions this year, showcased his mesmeric running ability by touching down twice in 12 first-half minutes, which followed a try from prop Beno Obano inside the opening 60 seconds.

Fly-half Rhys Priestland added 11 points, while Toulon posted an Alby Mathewson try and Samu Manoa touchdown, plus a conversion and three penalties from Francois Trinh-Duc as the triple European champions departed the Recreation Ground with a losing bonus point.

Bath rugby director Todd Blackadder said: "We really wanted to come out of the blocks from the start today, and we showed that.

"The first 20 minutes, we played superb rugby - it was everything we hoped for, really.

"Everyone just worked so hard. It's great to win, and I also think it is a massive mindset shift for us. It was more than a win, it was a psychological win.

"We are a really good team, and I think we will really grow from this. There is more to come."