Who really wants the Cherry on top?‏


By Ed Scott
September 23 2011

West Country bragging rights, amongst many other things, are up for grabs this weekend as we prepare for our second local derby in a row. This week we have the pleasure of a trip to the ever welcoming Kingsholm.

Going back through Premiership results (believe it or not, I do sometimes research these reports!), it pained me to realise, that in the Premiership, we haven't beaten Gloucester away since February 2006. I knew it was a long time, but five seasons of defeats (including several at home) was a rather bitter pill to swallow.
 
Over the years the rivalry has been intense. These matches bring out a passion, between both players and fans, that few other games we take part in seem to ever match. In an age of professionalism, contract negotiations and sponsorship deals, it would be easy for players to view every game the same. I get the impression however that this isn't the case. Local boys such as Belly and Guy Mercer have grown up with the tradition, and with long term players in the squad, as well as Haagy on the coaching staff, there is no question that they will be up for this one.
 
I think lots of people underestimated the difficulty of beating Exeter last weekend. It felt as if Bath were almost always in control, with the penalty count lower and sensible winning rugby being played. I was very pleased when I heard that Danny Hipkiss was joining Bath. I always felt he'd been a thorn in our side when he took the field against us. A moment of strength and brilliance lit up The Rec and ultimately turned out to be the difference between the two teams.
 
The scrums were a major worry. I can't remember the last time I saw a penalty try awarded against us at home for scrum infringement. For all their mobility, against canny operators, Catt and KPN are not quite there yet, which means that if Flats and Belly are not having good days, replacements are not going to change things. I sincerely hope that they have been battering that scrum machine this week, as it's a key area. For me, it was the scrum that spelled defeat for us in this fixture last season.
 
Always a force to be reckoned with, Gloucester took a pounding at the hands of Harlequins last weekend. The questions is, are we going to witness the team from the Quins performance, or the open running dangerous team that took Northampton so close and demolished Worcester? They are suffering in some way to the number of players away on international duty as well as losing a few over the summer to other clubs. A quick look and Gloucester are without seven players due to the world cup, including the ex-Bath centres Mike Tindall and Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu - both major forces in our last season home and away losses respectively.
 
For once I actually think that Bath may have the upper hand over the Cherry and Whites when it comes to the battle up front. The most significant news is that Andy Hazel is injured and therefore not available. As such, the battle at the breakdown is one we could well dominate with Strokosh and Qera away on World Cup duty.
 
If we want to stand a chance of winning, then the forwards will have to step up to halt the supply of ball to the Gloucester backs. You could argue that they miss very little without their RWC players there and if we give them any space or miss a tackle, they are likely to punish us with a five pointer. With the departure of Nicky Robinson, Gloucester are relying on Freddie Burns or Tim Taylor at fly-half. Although both fine players, neither have had a full season as first choice in the Premiership. If Carl Fearns can get into their face, then the quality of ball to those dangerous backs could well be affected.
 
I am writing this before the team is announced. Taylor is expected to return, so my only selection quandary is over Dave Attwood; with the rest of the team the same as last week, bar the return of Claassens to the nine jersey. Attwood is almost back to full match fitness so it will be interesting to see whether he gets a start or not. Caldwell has been very solid so far, so it may well be that Dave has to be content with a place on the bench. Needless to say, I think he'll be keen to make an impact when he is on. Keeping his head might be the biggest challenge for him.
 
If Bath are to get a result in this game, I've a feeling that it may well have be a ground out ugly win. To be honest, I'll take any victory, any way. I'm sick of the smug text messages and calls from the one Gloucester fan I know.* Many would want us to play attractive progressive rugby, which is of course an added bonus to any win, but let's face it, after over five years, who cares?!
 
*Disclaimer - it was too far into our friendship to cut him out when I finally found out he was a Glos fan. For understandable reasons, he kept it quiet for several years.

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Who really wants the Cherry on top?
Discussion started by BathRugbyEre.co.uk , 23/09/2011 17:13
BathRugbyEre.co.uk
23/09/2011 17:13
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2011:09:24:16:36:14 by Glen The Ed.

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Susanne
23/09/2011 17:14
By the way - Ed did this before the team went up - I've only just been able to put it up!

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Big Five
23/09/2011 17:48
Sticky you are right an ugly win would be a good one keep that ball lets go forward .cheers

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