Bath
Match Preview - Opportunity Knocks
By Ed Scott
January 25 2012
As we say goodbye to the Heineken Cup for (at least!) another season, focus moves towards the Anglo-Welsh Cup and our home clash against Northampton. Surely our best (and only realistic) chance of grabbing silverware this season, Bath are undoubtedly going to be taking this game seriously.
Last weekend we saw a rather stuttering performance against Glasgow, but the way things have been going of late, I think we have to use the old adage that a win's a win and be happy with that for the time being. We should take into account that Glasgow had something to play for, as well as Bath pulling things back after having (yet again) fallen asleep and butchered an 11 point lead. We seem to be seeing notable performances from individuals, but lacking the cutting edge and accuracy to play effectively as a team.
I will leave the permutations of this competition to next week, but essentially, a win on Saturday would keep Bath at the top of Pool One and in the driving seat for a place in the semi finals. The LV Cup is often criticised due to it's bizarre format and timing (normally played during International windows) but with a lowly place in the Premiership, it's probably our best chance of getting into Europe, as well as our hands on a domestic trophy for the first time in 16 years.
Team selection this week will be an interesting one, especially for Northampton. They have chosen in the past to take this competition seriously, winning it two seasons ago, and like bath, are currently sitting top of their group with the maximum 10 points. Saints have contributed eight players to the England EPS squad, as well as Ryan Lamb and Paul Doran-Jones to the Saxons; all of whom I assume will be unavailable to play. They also had a highly physical battle with Munster on the weekend and it may be that they decide to give their other front line players a rest. That all said, even without their England contingent they are extremely dangerous with some real strength in depth. Their scrum destroyed Munster's on Saturday and at one stage looked like winning them the game by itself.
Having rested a few players against Glasgow, I expect Bath to field the strongest team they can for this clash. In the forwards we are set to be without our EPS trio of Mears, Attwood and Wilson, with Attwood probably the biggest loss. I do wonder however whether Mears will be released in order to get some game time, having only 35 minutes of rugby under his belt in the last 3 months or so.
It looks as if Hooper will be fit to replace Attwood, but our lack of depth in the second row is likely to be exposed if any injuries occur. In the pack Beech has been improving and I think will start. After Taylor and Louw take their places there is one backrow slot up for grabs between Beattie, Skirving and Mercer, with Beattie getting the nod for me. Hooper will take the captaincy back, but am sure that we've not seen the last of Flo leading the team out.
In the backline it looks as if Banahan and Abendanon will be playing for the Saxons on Saturday so places are up for grabs. I believe Ben Williams is fit so would hope that he will play at 13 next to Barkley, with Biggs and Carraro on the wings. If not then I'd expect Carraro to move into the Centres with Woodburn on the wing. Cuthbert will play 15, but there is a part of me that would quite like to see Vesty there as I think he's got a lot to offer us at fullback and could do with a run out. These matches would be an ideal time to give Eastmond some game time, but I think his injury may mean he is a few weeks off still.
I'm looking forward to the game on Saturday. With my travel from London I often give the LV games a miss, but I feel this is a key game and should be attended. I know that this isn't the trophy that many wanted to get excited about, but we're in a good position and have played some decent rugby to be there. Saints are a tough outfit, but away from home and short 10 players, we should be aiming for a win.
This competition may not have the kudos that went with the knockout cup in the 80s and 90s, but victory would go some way to turning around our season. The team need a solid run of wins, no matter what the circumstance or opposition, I hope to watch us make it two in a row on Saturday.
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Discussion started by BathRugbyEre.co.uk , 25/01/2012 18:42
BathRugbyEre.co.uk
25/01/2012 18:42
25/01/2012 18:42
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:28:18:50:51 by Susanne.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:28:18:50:51 by Susanne.
Ed, nice piece. There's one other factor in the mix here.....confidence. As a club, Northampton's will be generally high whatever squad they put out, ours will be generally pants whatever squad we put out. In a game of fractions, that counts. I know I'll not be popular saying it but confidence is shot and leadership is needed in absolute spades to see us through even against a weakened Saints side. Let's hope the pressure of this being almost our last chance of HEC qualification doesn't get to the players and they go out to play rugby.
Possibly Gareth, but they just got humiliating tonked by an Irish side and dumped out the HC (sound familiar?), so hopefully that confidence won't be at an all time high.
Stuart
Former ed.
Stuart
Former ed.
Lancaster said yesterday that players coming back from injury, such as Lawes, will need a game under their belts so they probably won't play against Scotland. Not sure if he is fit yet but if so I guess he could be released this weekend. Also if this is his thinking then may mean that Mears will get released to get match fit. I would also think that this means there isn't much chance of Atwood getting released if Lawes does.
I thought that Lawes was certain to miss the Scotland game at least as he is still injured so I would doubt he is fit for this weekend. As I said in the preview, I think it's likely Mears will get a release because he's played so little all season (hardly got any RWC game time early on and then was injured).
Our record this year is won 2 lost 1 so I'm not sure about confidence. I think it could be an issue, but with home advantage against a weakened Saints team the team should be feeling pretty good.
The frustrating thing for us all is which Bath team will show up? The London Irish team, or the team we've seen for much of the season? I guess we'll know on Saturday!
Our record this year is won 2 lost 1 so I'm not sure about confidence. I think it could be an issue, but with home advantage against a weakened Saints team the team should be feeling pretty good.
The frustrating thing for us all is which Bath team will show up? The London Irish team, or the team we've seen for much of the season? I guess we'll know on Saturday!
Tricky, we're 2 and 2 this year. Although as some people thought we'd be 0 and 4 that's a definite improvement.
My mistake, yes, we are 2 and 2.
I've also just seen that Abendanon hasn't been selected in the Saxons squad (no idea what Armitage has done to be selected ahead of him) so hopefully we will see him in the 15 shirt on Saturday.
I've also just seen that Abendanon hasn't been selected in the Saxons squad (no idea what Armitage has done to be selected ahead of him) so hopefully we will see him in the 15 shirt on Saturday.
Hasn't Carraro gone home to get wed? I'm pretty sure he's not available.
Quote:callmeMrTibbs
Hasn't Carraro gone home to get wed? I'm pretty sure he's not available.
Doesn't seem right to allow a player to miss games for a wedding, he's paid to play for Bath rugby.
Merely speculating (OK Gareth?) but I suspect that an LV weekend would have looked like a good one to miss when a wedding would have been organised.
Stuart
Former ed.
Stuart
Former ed.
I guess when the coaches agreed to this they didn't realise how important the LV cup would be this season (basically our only realistic way in to the HK). Still seems daft to me though, it could have been arranged for the summer.
Quote:Gareth Redux
OB, in Australia it IS the summer!
I meant our summer when there aren't and Bath matches.
My point is all his (and no doubt her) family are in Aus and people like to get married in the summer. Are you saying he should get married in the winter just for us?
It's tricky isn't it.
You kind of feel that everyone should be able to play in all games, but because there is a game every weekend from mid-August (training starts in July) to early May that means that they can't take a week's holiday through nine or ten months or more, and have to take it all in a batch in June/July.
There aren't many well paid professionals who would agree to that!
Stuart
Former ed.
You kind of feel that everyone should be able to play in all games, but because there is a game every weekend from mid-August (training starts in July) to early May that means that they can't take a week's holiday through nine or ten months or more, and have to take it all in a batch in June/July.
There aren't many well paid professionals who would agree to that!
Stuart
Former ed.
Also good employers create an environment where people CAN do this sort of thing given the right notice and the right circumstances. Matt's wife to be surely deserves a wedding in her own summer surrounded by her own friends and family and Bath Rugby have already set a good precedent with another Matt.
I don't think any of our players should h e time off in the season for weddings, holidays, honeymoons ect. They are well paid to play and have a decent break in the summer.
Teachers can't take holidays in term time.
Teachers can't take holidays in term time.
I'm glad I don't work for you. 
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:27:09:04:22 by Gareth Redux.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:27:09:04:22 by Gareth Redux.
There are many things I dislike about football but one thing for sure it wouldn't be allowed to happen in the season in football.it's wrong.
If you say so. I just happen to believe that enlightened employers would generally be sympathetic to such requests if done properly and well in advance. I guess I'm seeing an inference that MC is being unprofessional and I don't agree FWIW.
I see it differently,everyone know when the season starts and finishes and it should be arranged in the off season,same with Banners.yes the work at Christmas when most don't but they have a better life style than most,doing something they love,getting very well payed.
If every player took two week break through out the season,would that be ok as long as they booked it in advance.No it's wrong end of and should never have been allowed IMHO.
That said and off my chest I wish Matt and his future wife a great wedding and honeymoon,don't come back to knackered
If every player took two week break through out the season,would that be ok as long as they booked it in advance.No it's wrong end of and should never have been allowed IMHO.
That said and off my chest I wish Matt and his future wife a great wedding and honeymoon,don't come back to knackered
So should players only plan to have a family in the off season? I'm not being difficult, I just feel that this is good man management. You know not every player takes a 2 week break in the season and getting married is hardly an annual affair (for most of us), so where's the problem?
I'm not sure how you can stop them having a family in the season but taking a holiday to get married is wrong as most sportsmen know.
Good man management not so sure.team management defo not.
Is that not three players that have taken a break,Banners,Carraro and Flow,how long before other girl friends say well they did it,no it's wrong IMHO and set a wrong precedence IMHO
Good man management not so sure.team management defo not.
Is that not three players that have taken a break,Banners,Carraro and Flow,how long before other girl friends say well they did it,no it's wrong IMHO and set a wrong precedence IMHO
Now if the same three were to make the same request next year I'd be with you!!! Flo and Matt want to get married in the summer, that's entirely reasonable, the SH summer is now. Should we tell all potential SH recruits that they can only marry in their winter? We're not going to agree so I'll stop now but reiterate that I think it's sound man-management.
Would have thought most pro players would know it's a waste of time asking for two week in the season as the answer normal would be,"I hope your joking",
If they are contracted to play for 32 weeks or how long it's not with a jolly in between.IMHO,and that's all it is
If they are contracted to play for 32 weeks or how long it's not with a jolly in between.IMHO,and that's all it is
Remember that on any given weekend ~50% of the squad are not involved in the game - and could have gone on holiday with impugnity!
Stuart
Former ed.
Stuart
Former ed.
Or every other player in their position could be injured and without then we could be in serious trouble.
Sorry if we lose tomorrow I believe it was because we let our best back go away mid season,I just don't agree with it.we lost when Banners was away I think.
Of coarse I don't believe that GR it was a bit of sarcasium but we do leave our selves open for those jibes if we lose.
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