Match Preview - Great Expectations


By Ed Scott
December 7 2011

As we re-join the Heineken Cup, Bath are faced with the daunting prospect of back to back games with Champions Leinster. After the last couple of performances, I think it would be safe to say that not many will be tipping us to win! 

As we re-join the Heineken Cup, Bath are faced with the daunting prospect of back to back games with Champions Leinster. After the last couple of performances, I think it would be safe to say that not many will be tipping us to win!
 
I can't actually bring myself to talk about the last two Premiership games. The simple fact for me is that I feel let down by the performances; everyone from playing to coaching staff has to take responsibility. As we left the game on Saturday, one of my friends said to me: "Well, they're in for a roasting on Monday". "Really?" I said, "What on earth do you think was said to them after the Worcester game then?!" The plain fact is that something, somewhere needs to change before our season goes from mediocrity to considerable underachievement.
 
As ever, I will attempt (it's getting harder each week to be honest!) to stay optimistic. We saw some good performances on Saturday from Tanner, Banahan, Barkley (1st half more than second - he's just not fit yet) Caldwell (again!) and the returning Ovens - who would have been my MOM had we won. The talent is there, but for some reason it's just not turning into results.
 
We can certainly talk about injuries, but I don't actually think that it's players missing that is the problem, it's continuity that I feel is the issue. We've not fielded the same backline three weeks in a row yet, and our backrow (although highly talented) has been shuffled so much I can't see how they can play effectively together. The phrase over-coached seems to also be banded around a bit, and it's obvious that whatever is happening at Farleigh is not working. I know lots of people are calling for the head of Geech or Haagy, but I just can't see that happening.
 
As such, we need to regroup and focus. This weekend the tag of underdogs suits us. No one expects a victory so perhaps that may release some of the pressure and allow us to play. Hopefully some of the niggles which kept out players this weekend will be gone (disclaimer: I am writing this before the Chron reports on Thursday!) and we can look for some momentum going into the New Year.
 
It's hard to know what to say about Leinster as I'm pretty sure their threats and credentials are well known. They have class in pretty much every position with a fine mix of pragmatism and flair. The set piece and quick ball will be vital, as will discipline. Jonny Sexton will not miss many, so we must remember to keep our heads when under pressure, otherwise the game could be gone before we know it.
 
Team selection this week depends mostly on injuries I would suspect. Providing they are fit, Barkley and Banahan look like they could be brilliant and should start in the centres. If Louw is back from SA (apparently he was at a wedding last weekend)  he must start .  We missed the vital turnovers he wins and will really struggle without him as Ovens is not in the HEC squad . The one change I would make is at scrum half. I thought Claassens was particularly poor on Saturday. In truth, he's not looked good all season (slow, indecisive, inaccurate and poor decision making) and it gives off the wrong message to see him getting picked regardless. The excuse will be is that it's a big game, but I rate both McMillan and Cook. Even if all they do is immediately pass the ball out, then they will do a better job! The same goes for the second row, where Attwood and Caldwell simply must be chosen if form has anything to do with being selected.
 
It's true that a win on Saturday could be beyond us, but in reality I don't think that's what is important right now. This team needs to put in a performance that they and their fans can be proud of. I don't care if we lose to a better team, that's sport, but what I do expect is for us (if we win or lose) to leave the field having played our hearts out. I don't think that's too much to ask for is it?

Bookmark or share this story with:

Match Preview - Great Expectations
Discussion started by BathRugbyEre.co.uk , 07/12/2011 19:38
BathRugbyEre.co.uk
07/12/2011 19:38
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:12:12:16:28:44 by Susanne.

Reply Quote Report
weetam
07/12/2011 21:00
Good summary. For once can we just keep hold of the ball instead of this inane kicking away and loose possession. But most of all let's score some tries.
Let's at least win this home game

Reply Quote Report
abendanon-anon-anon
08/12/2011 11:00
Can't remember going to the Rec expecting to lose - not a nice feeling

Reply Quote Report
Frome Lurkers
08/12/2011 11:20
"It's true that a win on Saturday" ??? thought it was on Sunday@ 12.45??
Fear the same as AAA.

Reply Quote Report
callmeMrTibbs
08/12/2011 13:43
Great Expectations? I'm guessing it'll be A Tale of Two Cities instead. After all let's face it, we've fallen on Hard Times recently and I'm worried the Rec may be a Bleak House come Sunday teatime.

Reply Quote Report
abendanon-anon-anon
08/12/2011 14:40
Check out the Dickens on that!

'Our Mutual Friend' - Old Bathonian, will certainly be composing his post match vitriolic thoughts about anyone to do with Tiggers

Nabs - only joking!

Reply Quote Report
Bathovalballer
08/12/2011 17:27
If the side we put out TRULY plays their heart out with passion, agression and full on the line commitment and we then lose to a better side, I will feel happier-but not happy! The Bath FC I have followed all these years EXPECTED to win at home, whoever the opposition are!

Regretably and from what I have seen this year, if we are within 20 points of Leinster it will be a result.

Terrible to say!

Reply Quote Report
Bod
09/12/2011 01:35
Another post-match press conference when Geech disappears - as usual - poor show AGAIN

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dOg4Ljp3kh8/Sf89bRrqecI/AAAAAAAAAJY/eJCF1kt4b0E/s200/DON%27T-SHOOT-THE-MESSENGER1.jpg

Reply Quote Report
StuartMMoss
09/12/2011 01:36
"I don't care if we lose to a better team, that's sport, but what I do expect is for us (if we win or lose) to leave the field having played our hearts out. I don't think that's too much to ask for is it?"

I totally agree!

I am sorry to say that I am glad that i will be in a plane flying from Singapore to Melbourne when the match is on, so will only be in a foul mood afterwards not during the match as well!

Can the 'boys in BB&W' prove me wrong and make me regret not seeing the match? I bl**dy hpe so, but I just cant see it... sorry...

Sam Underhill - Adopted Player 2023-24
Johannes Jonker - Adopted Player 2022-23
Sam Underhill - Adopted Player 2021-22
Juan Schoeman - Adopted Player 2020-21
Max Green - Adopted Player 2019-20
Francois Louw - Adopted Player 2018-19
Luke Charteris - Adopted player 2017-18

Reply Quote Report
Banahanfan
09/12/2011 17:15
Quote:
abendanon-anon-anon
Can't remember going to the Rec expecting to lose - not a nice feeling

Oh come on positive thoughts please, after all the boys might well just up their game like they did against Montpellier!!! We shall be travelling up from Poole with positive thoughts at least!! (complete with umbrellas!)

* Loyal 'Bath Rugby' season
ticket holder from Darzet

* Ollie Woodburn - Adopted Player: 2012/13
* Carl Ferns - Adopted Player: 2014/15
* Jonathan Evans - Adopted Player: 2015/16

Reply Quote Report
abendanon-anon-anon
09/12/2011 18:29
Tweeted by Blue Black and White -
on the long side but an interesting read nonetheless
[www.leinsterfans.com]

Reply Quote Report
Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In
Sorry, you do not have permission to post/reply in this forum.
We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net