By DG
October 13 2021

This Sunday is Bath-time as Sarries head West once more for the latest round in the Gallagher Premiership (our 3rd away fixture in 4 games). I can’t help feeling if the team could actually play for the full 80 minutes they would be untouchable! As it is we barely turned up for the first half against Brizz, the 2nd half against Tigers and the first half against Falcons on Saturday. It’s a minor miracle that we managed to win 2 (and should have won all 3) games!

Bath have not enjoyed a happy start to the season sitting at the bottom with 3 defeats and just 3 bonus points to show for their efforts. They have been badly hit by injuries Danny Cipriani, Ben Spencer, Tian Schoeman, Cameron Redpath, Ruaridh McConnochie and Toby Faletau have been missing, Danny Cipriani hasn’t played since a concussion injury against Sale in the season opener and Sam Underhill has had a couple of knocks. Never the less Bath have some decent talent. Full back Tom de Glanville (son of former England captain Phil) has impressed Eddie and is keeping Anthony Watson out of the side. Wingers Semesa Rokoduguni and Will Muir are dangerous and England International Jonathan Joseph has formed an exciting partnership with young Max Ojomoh. The half-back situation has forced Bath’s hand but Orlando Bailey has taken his chance in the absence of Danny boy (who may return on Sunday) and he has formed a strong alliance with young scrum half Ollie Fox. Bath have of course signed Joe Simpson as scrum half cover and it will be interesting to see if Stuart Hooper lets the 2 youngsters loose or opts for the experienced Cipriani/Simpson partnership from their Wasps days.

Bath have an experienced front row: Jacques Du Toit was impressive at hooker against Brizz and will have Beno Obano and Will Stuart either side of him. Obono struggled against Kyle Sinkler so after his excellent start to the season, Marco Riccioni will be rubbing his hands. (Love the way the Bath front row are referred to as Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup on the Bath site for which the perpetrator was banned but the post remains! All is not well at COML). Locks Charlie Ewels and Josh McNally are unlikely to relish the return of Maro! Sam Underhill looks back to his best and will need watching alongside Tom Ellis & Josh Bayliss although Toby Faletau may be fit to return and Bath may give a debut to South African Jaco Coetzee.

Bath had a week off last week so will be fresh but will also be frustrated at their lack of success. The preview on COML describes Sarries as “Prodigals” and spends a lot of time reflecting on past sins. Bath fans seem to think a Sarries’ win is likely but are pinning their hopes on a vulnerable set piece, “intensity, physicality and niggle”. Sarries must keep their discipline. Faz was criticized for being in the Ref’s ear last week but something swayed Mr Tempest towards the side of righteousness. This time our whistle-blower is Jack Makepeace – only his 8^th Premiership game

At least we should be boosted by the return of Man at M & S – the one and only Maro Itoje. As the lineout has not been rock solid over the past few weeks (Nick Isiekwe seems to be the only go-to option), his presence will be most welcome, quite apart from his general ability to make a nuisance of himself around the pitch! Mark McCall may be tempted to make a couple of other tweaks – possibly a start for Ivan Van Zyl at 9 (after his promising debut last week) and will he persist with Isiekwe at 6? It certainly came off last week but Maro’s return may persuade him to play Nick at 5 and recall Jackson Wray. The centre pairing will be interesting – personally I’d stick with Loz and Tompkins but what do I know. I assume Malins will retain the 15 shirt – unless McCall is tempted to move him to the wing and start Goodey.

Gallagher Premiership stats tell us a few interesting things:-

Bath have conceded the most penalties this season (ave 15.3 per game) over a third of which have come from tackle infringements so an area Sarries will need to capitalize on. Bath have won 97.7% of their rucks – also the highest in the Premiership. Sarries have only conceded 1 try per game (no other team has conceded less than 2) and only 1 second half try so the defence looks pretty solid. Sarries have also only conceded an average of 2.7 line breaks per game, fewer than any other side and only Leicester have allowed their opponents to carry the ball fewer metres than Sarries (435m v 450m). Finally Faz has landed 10/11 kicks at goal.

The game is on BT Sport so a Sunday afternoon in front of the TV for me. Sarries should win but you never know! The Rec hasn’t always been a happy hunting ground for the Men in Black.