Joseph: England Bid

By P G Tips
January 20 2015

After a stunning triumph in Toulouse, Bath host Glasgow next Sunday chasing a place in the European Champions Cup knockouts. Qualification is not guaranteed, but in what could be a “knockout shootout” the winner of the round will have a strong chance of making the Quarter Finals.

In scoring 4 tries in the south of France, Bath exacted revenge on Toulouse for spoiling their home win record. Now they will relish the chance to put the record straight against the side that humbled them 5 tries to one in October.

Buoyed by the style of the last two games, Bath must surely be favourites, at home, to prevail? Yes, if they can summon up the vengeful venom that Leicester Tigers showed at Welford Road 3 weeks ago. Yes, if they can prevent Glasgow creating havoc at the breakdown. Yes, if they can win enough set piece ball to put Glasgow’s defence on the back foot & neuter the “rush” which so hurt them at Scotstoun. Glasgow coach Gregor Townsend has publicly rued his side’s inability to take a bonus point against Montpellier, but he will be working to get flyers like Van der Merwe, Hogg & Maitland into space. Niko Matawalu will want to showcase his running talents too-in front of his coaches and fans for next season. Ferocity from his forwards should be a given and a high tempo game may suit Glasgow as much as Bath – both in attack and defence. The likes of Kellock, Swinson, Fusaro, Vernon and Strauss are potent on the drive and at the breakdown. The contest promises to be a dizzying affair for the spectator.

Bath fans will be sweating on the fitness of star backs Eastmond & Watson, both of whom picked up worrying knocks at the Stade Ernest Wallon. If either or both fail to make it, Olly Devoto & Olly Woodburn will be on hand to step in, both having starred when needed against Toulouse. Sam Burgess could well be fit too, to take his place in the backs or up front. The picture in the forwards is more rosy, with only Nathan Catt unavailable through injury. Mike Ford will want as many of his first choice pack on the pitch as possible, but should any need rest after the bruising of last Sunday, there is quality strength in depth to help out- especially in the back row.

As well as revenge and top flight European rugby, many of Bath’s squad have the motivation of international opportunity to spur them. Heading the hopefuls queue will be Jonathan Joseph, described as “world class” by Mike Ford for his Toulouse showing. As many as 7 more can hope for a place in the England 6 nations squad, Paul James will want to confirm his status as a key Wales forward and there will be quite a few harbouring realistic hopes of an England Saxons place on 30 January.

There are motivations aplenty. Qualification is the first of those: revenge and personal ambitions come second. Spirit, so important in these encounters, is soaring in bath at present. All is to play for, between two teams who like a fast, creative game. Glasgow will fancy their chances, but I back Bath to do what Leicester did to Bath: get their own back – in a tight result.

Possible Bath Team:
Bath: James, Webber, Wilson, Hooper, Attwood, Garvey, Louw, Houston. Cook, Ford, , Banahan, Devoto, Joseph, Woodburn. Agulla

Bench: Auterac, Batty, Wilson, Day, Fearns, Stringer, Henson, Burgess,

All to Play For: Bath v Glasgow

Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 20/01/2015 15:16

Comeonmylovers.co.uk
20/01/2015 15:16

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:01:27:12:16:01 by Stuart Anderton.

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abendanon-anon-anon
20/01/2015 21:13

A quick score from Bath to steady the nerves, then we can turn up the heat and aim for 4 tries

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MartianMartian
21/01/2015 14:35

Current form puts Bath as firm favourites. Sunday’s game will bear little resemblance to the Round 1 fixture at Scotstoun, where Bath’s inept performance allowed Glasgow to dominate. Since then, Warriors have been well below par, and are struggling with injuries to key players. The back row looks particularly compromised, with Rob Harley and Chris Fusaro out, plus Josh Strauss being stretchered off last week against Montpellier. Although Harley is named for Scotland’s 6N squad, Sunday is probably too early for a return. Should Strauss also be deemed unfit, this leaves a gaping hole in Glasgow’s pack. Gregor Townsend is likely to start Henry Pyrgos at scrum-half ahead of Bath-bound Niko Matawalu, whose sometimes brilliant but often erratic contributions might be better left for a second-half ‘impact’ appearance. Duncan Weir’s long-term injury means Finn Russell will start at stand-off.

Better news from the backs, with full-back Stuart Hogg being the only significant absence. The last two games, in particular the second half v Montpellier, saw the Glasgow back line approaching the form that got them into the Pro 12 final last year; high tempo, sure handling and strong running. DTH van der Merwe is the man in form, but all the backs look capable of scoring – if they can be brought into the game! Sluggish breakdown play and poor support of the ball-carrier has marred recent performances, leaking penalties and possession in equal measure. If Warriors can improve this part of their game, and the scrum holds firm, Glasgow could cause a major upset.

That’s my opinion, and whatever the result, I’m looking forward to a great game!

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Wee_G
23/01/2015 18:18

Evening Bath legends.

Myself and a few friends are down from Glasgow to watch us spank you on Sunday. We have 5 spare standing tickets as a couple of our fat friends couldn't make it. If you would like to buy these, please give us a bell - Greg (07960947229) or Doddsy (07734649577).

They are £20 - we will accept cash, bank transfer or a signed picture of Gavin Henson.

Enjoy the game.

Greg & Doddsy

P. S. Niko is a legend!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:01:23:18:24:26 by Wee_G.

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