Stringer to strike Saras

By P G Tips
September 30 2014

It never rains but it pours. Bath’s dates with the 2 clubs which finished last year’s league in third and second places precede Friday’s visit of Saracen, this year’s leaders. First in the league last year, Saracens failed at the very last to Saints’ injury time try in the Playoff Final. Now, with 4 fixtures gone, the North Londoners are the only unbeaten side, with a narrow lead over Saints & Bath. It has been a near perfect start for Sarries, with 18 points from their 4 games including a complete demolition of Quins at the Stoop.  

Saracens style does not always win friends among the critics, but there is no denying its’ effectiveness. Bath, on the other hand have won plaudits for élan, but failed to turn their flair into victory at Franklin’s Gardens. Indeed, it was a slow start and an inability to dominate the early confrontations that gave Northampton the initiative – not an auspicious omen when the Wolf pack is coming to scavenge. Mike Ford and his team will be hoping to forge the sort of transformation on their squad that they did following the defensive lapses against London Welsh. Even Saracens will be wary of Bath in the form they showed as a result against Tigers two weeks ago.

So for the third week running an encounter of potential champions is on the cards. Obvious Saracens threats are the pace on their wings, both of whom are in form and the kicking of Charlie Hodgson – both territorial and for goal. Hodgson indeed may prove the greatest danger – he may no longer be in the England set up, or even Sarries first choice, but the experience and vision he brings is suited to tight matches. Otherwise it is the stifling defence of the men from Allianz Park which stands out and which gives them the counter attack chances they seize upon. This will be the sternest test yet of Bath’s creative and penetrative midfield. What could be billed as a clash of the rapier against the cutlass at centre could work in Bath’s favour if the 10/12 axis does find holes because with Rokodoguni & Banahan potential starters, it is Bath who have the edge in power on the wings.

It will be up front though where the game is decided. Webber, Attwood & Wilson have a great chance to impress Stuart Lancaster and will be expected to shine. Also key is the tactical kicking. Bath must use their kicking strategy wisely – to turn the blitz defence, following up to force turnovers and to give opportunities for their runners. A Franklin’s Gardens performance will not do, but the controlled kicking shown against Tigers could truly trouble the visitors.

The bookies are backing Saracens, which is where the prudent neutral would surely bet. This Bath team will be smarting though & will not want 2 AP losses in a row. Bring it on!

Possible Teams:

Bath: James, Webber, Wilson , Hooper, Attwood, Fao’osiliva, Mercer, Houston Cook, Ford, Rokodoguni, Eastmond, Joseph, Banahan, Henson.
Replacements:Auterac, Dunn, Thomas, Day , Sisi, Stringer, Devoto, Woodburn.

Saracens:;, Barrington, George, Longbottom; Kruis, Hargreaves; Wray, Burger, Vunipola. de Kock, Hodgson, Strettle, Barritt, Taylor, Ashton, Goode
Replacements: Gill, Spurling,Du Plessis, Botha, Fraser, Wigglesworth, Bosch, Wyles

Bath to keep the Wolf from the Door? Bath v Saracens

Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 30/09/2014 19:13

Comeonmylovers.co.uk
30/09/2014 19:13

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:10:07:11:13:43 by Stuart Anderton.

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Awp
30/09/2014 21:42

I like the look of the Bath team apart from on the wing, where I really hope Banahan isn't included. I think Woodburn has showed much more in his last two appearances, and in the absence of Watson has to start.

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Widcombe boy
01/10/2014 07:59

Agreed Awp24975.Olly Woodburn looks the part to me.

Where oh where is the bullocking Banahan scoring tries for fun. I really hope he can get his mojo back.

Not sure Cooky had his best game last wk so a change at 9 could be on the cards

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davidthesarrie
01/10/2014 14:12

Thanks for the preview.

Great game to look forward to. Weather looks to be dry, so should be a cracker.

See you Friday!

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BathRugbyRM
01/10/2014 14:14

Quote:

Widcombe Boy
Where oh where is the bullocking Banahan scoring tries for fun. I really hope he can get his mojo back.

I'm sure we have been saying that for the last two years... How long does it take to find your mojo again?!

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Bathovalballer
01/10/2014 15:16

Giving Banners a long term contract was madness. A shorter one may well have ensured his full interest and motivation if he was up to the job. Certainly we can all see he has gone backwards in terms of effort and results and his skill sets have not improved and he still is not using either his strength or size to full advantage. I don't know what the answer is but if he cannot find it in himself then surely we must let him go.

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BathRugbyRM
01/10/2014 15:42

How long did we extend his contract for? Was there truth in what Bri was saying?

Its a shame, but Rocco is a prime example of an effective winger. He equals Banners on strength (If not betters if you're going by the RFU pre-season fitness test rumour), but has serious pace and lovely footwork to go with it. Matt just cant compete unfortunately.

Even the Sarries fans are asking Banahan to be picked on Friday, to help them out!

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Squawker2
03/10/2014 12:59

Sounds like a good game - I do feel for you guys, you seem to get unfair sets of the top teams more than anyone else!

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pluko
03/10/2014 16:44

Looking forward to the game tonight - let's hope there is plenty of action and the right result for us

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