Bath
ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY. BATH v LONDON IRISH
Stuart: cornerstone
By PG Tips
April 6 2021
It should be a case of once bitten twice shy for Bath in the Challenge Cup Quarter Final on Friday. Two weeks ago they were ambushed at Brentford, a combination of complacency, carelessness and calamitous indiscipline their undoing against slick and fired up opponents. Friday offers both a chance of revenge and a step closer to silverware, but in struggling to defeat Zebre last week, some of the same faults resurfaced. Now they know what to expect. This time there is no excuse.
Irish followed up their Premiership win with a close fought victory over Cardiff in the Round of 16. Trailing 3-17 early in the first half and 13-17 at half time, they snatched victory in the final minute in a match of 9 tries. As 2 weeks ago, they finished without a full team having lost prop Goodrick-Clark to a red card. Despite playing 30 minutes a man light and losing Loader for 10 minutes for a dangerous challenge, they won with an impressive length of the field counter finished off by Rona. All their 5 tries were scored by the backs who ran some quite fantastic attacking patterns. Success in their last few outings has been no fluke and Bath will need to be on their mettle.
Irish are likely to employ the same press defence, aggressive counter rucking and imaginative lineout ploys they did two weeks ago. Bath can and should prepare for these. What is harder to counter is the quick reaction and individual flair of players like Loader. Irish will want to keep Bath penned in their own half, force errors and penalties to keep turning the screw until Bath crack- in defence and discipline. The usual suspects will probably be their danger men: Creevy, Simmons, Rogerson and Cowan up front; Phipps, Jackson, Loader, Hassell-Collins, Rona and Hepetema behind.
Defensive alarm bells will be ringing for Bath after shipping 3 first half tries through slack control and positioning. The answer to that problem is only partly reactive. Plugging defensive holes is unlikely to be sufficient against this Irish attack. Proactive domination of possession and territory should be the foundation of the game plan. Bath eventually exerted control against a pack full of internationals as Zebre tired on Good Friday. They will need another 80 minute performance, with all 8 on the field to gain the same edge over Irish. Charlie Ewels return should help improve the lineout, but Walker’s throwing needs work and in the back row a big shift should be asked of Taulupe Faletau, quiet in Parma. Bath missed Sam Underhill after his head knock against Zebre. His low tackling is exactly what this tie needs; hopefully he will be fit.
While Bath’s backline attack was inconsistent last week, there were some neat moments; Cokanasiga’s and Watson’s tries plus the second Big Joe effort which was disallowed. Orlando Bailey seemed composed and should be retained at 10 as Cameron Redpath is unlikely to be ready yet. There could be returns for Tom de Glanville, Josh Matavesi and Ruaridh McConnochie, all of whom would add to Bath’s firepower if fit.
Bath will need a quantum leap in improvement if they are to challenge the likes of Ulster or Leicester Tigers for the trophy. Anyway, talk of progress should wait. The imperative first is to put this game away. The pack, with Stuart the cornerstone, must put the squeeze on Irish, Bath’s tactical kicking must trap Irish deep in their own half and the backline attack needs more slickness and venom. “Sneaking through” will not be enough at the Quarter Final stage. Bath need to up their game at least 25% in all areas. Only then can they put the bite on their visitors.
Possible Teams:
Bath: Obano, Du Toit, Stuart, , McNally, Ewels (Capt.), Faletau, Underhill, Mercer. Spencer, Bailey. McConnochie, Matavesi, Joseph, Watson. De Glanville.
Replacements: Bhatti, Walker, Thomas, Stooke, Bayliss. Chudley, Ojomoh, Cokanasiga.
London Irish: Gigena, Creevy, Chawatama, Nott, Simmonds, Cowan, Donnell, Rogerson. Phipps, Jackson. Hassall-Collins, Brophy-Clewes, Rona, Loader. Homer.
Replacements: Cornish, Dell, Hoskins,Munga ,Tuisue . Meehan, Joseph, Stokes.
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
StumbleuponONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY. BATH v LONDON IRISH. TEAM UP!
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 06/04/2021 07:57
06/04/2021 07:57
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 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:14:11:02:58 by P G Tips.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:14:11:02:58 by P G Tips.
I think that we need Reid in the team, we have no true dogged jackal in that back row when both TF and ZM are hanging about in the backs hoping to get a run. We will need Sam U chopping (with Dunn and his 35 tackles a game missing) and Miles R getting turnovers rather than the more usual ruck spectating - you can guarantee that's what Cowen et al will be doing. If not then Irish will get a lot more ball (and pens) than we want them too and be able to feed those backs, it will be curtains.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Agree, but I’ll be surprised if we see Sam, he took a bad knock (accidental knee) to the head. Some history for him too with concussions, so perhaps some additional caution required. Get Miles in!
I do find it quite bizarre that London Irish did not have any players cited following our recent game. In particular the clear out featuring Cowans surely merited consideration
Quote:Somersetsi
I do find it quite bizarre that London Irish did not have any players cited following our recent game. In particular the clear out featuring Cowans surely merited consideration
Strangely charging at rucks and hitting any body part other than the head is legal! Personally hitting anyone that hard when they can't move or take steps to avoid should be penalised.
Quote:Somersetsi
I do find it quite bizarre that London Irish did not have any players cited following our recent game. In particular the clear out featuring Cowans surely merited consideration
I think that the club (i.e. Bath) would have to have reported it to the citing commissioner? Assuming they didn't I think that it would have been unlikely that the citing commissioner would have taken it upon themselves to take it further if the ref had seen it and wasn't concerned.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Somersetsi
I do find it quite bizarre that London Irish did not have any players cited following our recent game. In particular the clear out featuring Cowans surely merited consideration
I think that the club (i.e. Bath) would have to have reported it to the citing commissioner? Assuming they didn't I think that it would have been unlikely that the citing commissioner would have taken it upon themselves to take it further if the ref had seen it and wasn't concerned.
No
The citing commissioner is duty bound to take it further if it is clear and obvious. Even if the ref has seen it and pronounced. Hence the upgrading of Will Muir’s offence which was given as yellow on the pitch.
That's what I mean, the citing commissioner clearly didn't think that it was clear and obvious and Bath Rugby didn't either?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53
That's what I mean, the citing commissioner clearly didn't think that it was clear and obvious and Bath Rugby didn't either?
Is it illegal then Matt? He didn't make any head contact.
Slightly different but the Newcastle Welch situation vs Tigers which left him with a dislocated shoulder was also not cited despite coming into a dead ruck from the wrong angle etc. The rules on that do clearly need to be standardised, they cause so many injuries whether they hit the head or not.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
SW
The laws are contradictory.
Law 9.15 (Dangerous Play) says "Except in a scrum, ruck or maul, a player who is not in possession of the ball must not hold, push, charge or obstruct an opponent not in possession of the ball."
Law 9. 20 (Dangerous play in a ruck or maul) says "A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul."
So in one clause a charge is explicitly forbidden but in another it is implicitly OK.
I think though that the reason Cowan's action was not penalised is that entering a ruck forcefully without binding has become normal and so "accepted" by default. A charger of that velocity has potential to injure though, so it may be down to individual ref interpretation.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
The laws are contradictory.
Law 9.15 (Dangerous Play) says "Except in a scrum, ruck or maul, a player who is not in possession of the ball must not hold, push, charge or obstruct an opponent not in possession of the ball."
Law 9. 20 (Dangerous play in a ruck or maul) says "A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul."
So in one clause a charge is explicitly forbidden but in another it is implicitly OK.
I think though that the reason Cowan's action was not penalised is that entering a ruck forcefully without binding has become normal and so "accepted" by default. A charger of that velocity has potential to injure though, so it may be down to individual ref interpretation.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
There is something very, very unfair when a player Basterau for Toulon comes into a ruck at the side illegally, hits a player side on (Faletau), who then has to leave the pitch and is off for 6 months whereas the ref only awards a penalty against Basterau...........
Could easily have resulted in one of those injuries to the bicep for Thomas that would have put him out for weeks - given the bad luck he's had with injuries and the recent run of games he's put together, I'd have felt very, very aggrieved on his behalf about Cowan's actions.
Charging into a ruck from a distance and trying to bind on first is nearly impossible, it effectively results in a disguised shoulder charge, either that or the player doing it will fly over the top with the momentum involved. I am sure TMOs are checking any clear outs where someone races in from over a few metres away.
With the rules around the 'jackal' and the body positions required, the idea of anyone charging in is.kinda scary. It's not like the alternatives (rolls like the one Willis suffered) are any better.
I can't help but feel we're asking the jackler to put themselves in a dangerous position and that will become more obvious as.tackling technique improves.
I can't help but feel we're asking the jackler to put themselves in a dangerous position and that will become more obvious as.tackling technique improves.
just read the press notes for the irish game on the bath website. complete gibberish from hooper.
"ON BATH’S CONSISTENCY AND STYLE OF PLAY…
It’s getting there. The important thing is the more that happens, the more the poor game or the game that isn’t at the levels you expect, the more it stands out. That for me is a good thing. I don’t mean it stands out from an external perspective, I mean from the players because you can reference us and you can reference what we do. That is the biggest thing from this group is about understanding who we are and what we do but also what it feels like to do what we do well.
The key for the group is understanding ‘what does Bath at their best feel like when you’re in it, when you’re defending in the line, when you’re attacking off quick ball… what does it feel like? And really attached some meaning to it. You can write stuff on a board but until you attached meaning to it, it’s just words.
We want the players to understand what it feels like in the middle of a game and also the big thing for us is the development of our leaders so they know what that feels like on a Thursday, on a Wednesday and on a Monday so then you can build performances right throughout the 10,000 minutes in the week so the boys can fly in the 80 minutes."
eh?
"ON BATH’S CONSISTENCY AND STYLE OF PLAY…
It’s getting there. The important thing is the more that happens, the more the poor game or the game that isn’t at the levels you expect, the more it stands out. That for me is a good thing. I don’t mean it stands out from an external perspective, I mean from the players because you can reference us and you can reference what we do. That is the biggest thing from this group is about understanding who we are and what we do but also what it feels like to do what we do well.
The key for the group is understanding ‘what does Bath at their best feel like when you’re in it, when you’re defending in the line, when you’re attacking off quick ball… what does it feel like? And really attached some meaning to it. You can write stuff on a board but until you attached meaning to it, it’s just words.
We want the players to understand what it feels like in the middle of a game and also the big thing for us is the development of our leaders so they know what that feels like on a Thursday, on a Wednesday and on a Monday so then you can build performances right throughout the 10,000 minutes in the week so the boys can fly in the 80 minutes."
eh?
No, that's not difficult to understand. Lots of people on here question the identity of the team and what he's saying is that identity is not words on a whiteboard, it's how you act, react and feel on the pitch. If you have to take time to think about it, it's not working. He's also saying the more you 'get it', the more games stand out where you did something different.
[www.atrixnet.com] - or has he been Googling again?
I wrote a program a number of years to do this;
4 columns each with random phrase in:
generate 4-figure number, allocated to each column -
Hey Presto!!
I wrote a program a number of years to do this;
4 columns each with random phrase in:
generate 4-figure number, allocated to each column -
Hey Presto!!
I guess some of that would have been Ms Warriners work, a bit like visualisation?
Sir for the game on Friday is Frank Murphy. Of Ireland. The Euro Blazers have a sense of humour, it seems.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:bardofavon
just read the press notes for the irish game on the bath website. complete gibberish from hooper.
"ON BATH’S CONSISTENCY AND STYLE OF PLAY…
It’s getting there. The important thing is the more that happens, the more the poor game or the game that isn’t at the levels you expect, the more it stands out. That for me is a good thing. I don’t mean it stands out from an external perspective, I mean from the players because you can reference us and you can reference what we do. That is the biggest thing from this group is about understanding who we are and what we do but also what it feels like to do what we do well.
The key for the group is understanding ‘what does Bath at their best feel like when you’re in it, when you’re defending in the line, when you’re attacking off quick ball… what does it feel like? And really attached some meaning to it. You can write stuff on a board but until you attached meaning to it, it’s just words.
We want the players to understand what it feels like in the middle of a game and also the big thing for us is the development of our leaders so they know what that feels like on a Thursday, on a Wednesday and on a Monday so then you can build performances right throughout the 10,000 minutes in the week so the boys can fly in the 80 minutes."
eh?
Good lord
Very weird those notes. Why would the person transcribing the interview not do a bit of judicious editing?
Quote:Trawling
No, that's not difficult to understand. Lots of people on here question the identity of the team and what he's saying is that identity is not words on a whiteboard, it's how you act, react and feel on the pitch. If you have to take time to think about it, it's not working. He's also saying the more you 'get it', the more games stand out where you did something different.
Surely the point is that you have just summarised in a succinct manner what he has tried to say in 224 words...Trawling, if you are ever out of work you could maybe join the club as a 'management speak' translator for the rest of us?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
This is exactly how Johny Wilkinson speaks on TV commentary, its very ethereal and introverted. Hoops is not the best communicator bless him.
Quote:sirtidychris
This is exactly how Johny Wilkinson speaks on TV commentary, its very ethereal and introverted. Hoops is not the best communicator bless him.
Whilst Wilko is talking I think he is visionary, but afterwards I'm not sure what he just said.
The problem here is not Hooper - it's the marketing person who has just transcribed an interview without editing it. It's remarkable how badly 99% of spoken word looks in print without a bit of tidying up.
Underhill won't be there. Once again a low tackling player gets a concussion and there is no word at all from the assembled ranks of bleating sheep who grab their pitchforks every time a carrier gets a minor tap anywhere north of his nipples.
Bath will be out for blood in this game and I see us selecting a full strength front five (minus Tom Dunn of course) and giving Irish an absolute hammering in the tight.
I expect to see Redpath starting at 12 and they will probably go with Matavesi at 10 and put Bailey on the bench.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:07:10:56:05 by malco.
Bath will be out for blood in this game and I see us selecting a full strength front five (minus Tom Dunn of course) and giving Irish an absolute hammering in the tight.
I expect to see Redpath starting at 12 and they will probably go with Matavesi at 10 and put Bailey on the bench.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:07:10:56:05 by malco.
Quote:malco
Underhill won't be there. Once again a low tackling player gets a concussion and there is no word at all from the assembled ranks of bleating sheep who grab their pitchforks every time a carrier gets a minor tap anywhere north of his nipples.
Bath will be out for blood in this game and I see us selecting a full strength front five (minus Tom Dunn of course) and giving Irish an absolute hammering in the tight.
I expect to see Redpath starting at 12 and they will probably go with Matavesi at 10 and put Bailey on the bench.
Obano
Walker
Stuart
McNally
Ewels
Reid
Bayliss
Faletau
Spencer
Matavesi
McConnochie
Redpath
Joseph
Rokoduguni
Watson
Du Toit, Bhatti, Thomas, Spencer, Mercer, Chudley, Bailey, Cokonasiga
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:07:11:01:11 by malco.
Matavesi at 10 vs the Irish 10 (and 12) would be a mistake IMO.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Not sure Redpath will be ready Malco. This is Stuart Hooper's take pre Zebre:
"“Cam Redpath [neck injury] is not right yet, he is going to be a bit longer and he is someone who could have covered us at 10, Josh Matavesi is probably going to be another week as well."
PG
"“Cam Redpath [neck injury] is not right yet, he is going to be a bit longer and he is someone who could have covered us at 10, Josh Matavesi is probably going to be another week as well."
PG
Does Cips join in May? Or is he training already and ready to play in May?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:malco
Underhill won't be there. Once again a low tackling player gets a concussion and there is no word at all
Isn't that precisely because everyone accepts that you cannot eliminate danger completely from rugby?
That doesn't mean it's not worth targeting certain aspects of the game in order to lower the injury count.
Your argument is a bit like saying, 'what's the point in protecting a player jumping to catch a high ball, when they could just as easily get hurt by a player hitting them hard as they land'?.
Quote:OptimistQuote:malco
Underhill won't be there. Once again a low tackling player gets a concussion and there is no word at all
Isn't that precisely because everyone accepts that you cannot eliminate danger completely from rugby?
That doesn't mean it's not worth targeting certain aspects of the game in order to lower the injury count.
Your argument is a bit like saying, 'what's the point in protecting a player jumping to catch a high ball, when they could just as easily get hurt by a player hitting them hard as they land'?.
Also a question of player choice to an extent. Underhill and others like him choose to tackle very low with the risk of injury being primarily to themselves. Players can't exactly elect not to be struck by an outstretched elbow to the face when going into contact or hit by a charging shoulder to the back of the neck when bound into a ruck
Quote:P G Tips
Not sure Redpath will be ready Malco. This is Stuart Hooper's take pre Zebre:
"“Cam Redpath [neck injury] is not right yet, he is going to be a bit longer and he is someone who could have covered us at 10, Josh Matavesi is probably going to be another week as well."
PG
I've heard that he is back in full training and fit to start.
Quote:gaz59Quote:OptimistQuote:malco
Underhill won't be there. Once again a low tackling player gets a concussion and there is no word at all
Isn't that precisely because everyone accepts that you cannot eliminate danger completely from rugby?
That doesn't mean it's not worth targeting certain aspects of the game in order to lower the injury count.
Your argument is a bit like saying, 'what's the point in protecting a player jumping to catch a high ball, when they could just as easily get hurt by a player hitting them hard as they land'?.
Also a question of player choice to an extent. Underhill and others like him choose to tackle very low with the risk of injury being primarily to themselves. Players can't exactly elect not to be struck by an outstretched elbow to the face when going into contact or hit by a charging shoulder to the back of the neck when bound into a ruck
You what?
They are being instructed to tackle low on penalty of being sent off. For some reason the game is obsessed with ball carriers and suddenly seems to regard increasing rates of injury to tacklers and jacklers as a price worth paying in order to achieve more protection for carriers. The game really is just becoming a complete mess. The more you fiddle about with the laws and sanctions the more unintended consequences you create and the worse everything becomes.
Ben Coles of The Telegraph tweeted Redpath is back training this week. He also said that Underhill being fit or not will be “tight”. 6 Faletau 7 Reid 8 Mercer 20 Bayliss if he’s out.
Just noticed...are we being a little unfair in only allowing the opposition seven players on the bench?
Quote:malco
They are being instructed to tackle low on penalty of being sent off
They are being instructed to not tackle above the chest on penalty of injuring the player who doesn't have any choice in the matter of how they are tackled.
The tackler has some choice in what they do. They could opt not to tackle at all. They can opt to grab a shirt. They can opt to tackle low. They can opt to risk a card by tackling high. They can opt to risk an injury by headbutting the attacker on the knee.
You're right, the game's currently a bit of a mess (although let's face it the game is always in a mess of some description, whether it's safety, conservative play, rugby tennis, scrum resets, crooked feeds, offside, blocking blah blah), but the current rash of cards will settle down once player habits have changed.
However, eliminating a habit/technique - ie tackling above the chest - which is dangerous to the other player is a positive move. That doesn't mean there aren't still dangers in the game.
Quote:Optimist
That doesn't mean there aren't still dangers in the game.
Yep, most sport is pretty bad for you! For example Tiger Woods back was a mess even before the crash...even peter Ebdon retired from snooker because of his sport related injuries.
[www.bbc.co.uk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:dr.bath1865
Ben Coles of The Telegraph tweeted Redpath is back training this week. He also said that Underhill being fit or not will be “tight”. 6 Faletau 7 Reid 8 Mercer 20 Bayliss if he’s out.
I think Faletau is wasted at 6 and is a better 8 than Mercer. I also believe that Reid is a better 6 now than Mercer or Faletau.
Quote:Disunited
Just noticed...are we being a little unfair in only allowing the opposition seven players on the bench?
Thanks Disunited -corrected now.
PG
Great if Redpath is back. IMO a better choice at 10 than Matavesi.
Faletau at 8, Mercer 6 has not worked as well for us as the other way round. Agree we need Reid if Underhill is out- just think he may be rested after last week's yellow card.
PG
Faletau at 8, Mercer 6 has not worked as well for us as the other way round. Agree we need Reid if Underhill is out- just think he may be rested after last week's yellow card.
PG
Quote:malcoQuote:dr.bath1865
Ben Coles of The Telegraph tweeted Redpath is back training this week. He also said that Underhill being fit or not will be “tight”. 6 Faletau 7 Reid 8 Mercer 20 Bayliss if he’s out.
I think Faletau is wasted at 6 and is a better 8 than Mercer. I also believe that Reid is a better 6 now than Mercer or Faletau.
Doesn't it depend more on what you want them to do rather than a traditional perception of an 8 and a 6?
Faletau at 6 seems more in the Jon Hall type to me and Mercer at 8 akin to Dave Egerton
Have a look back at how Underhill got injured again. There is a very specific problem that has been created when a tackler is square on to the carrier.
Put yourself in the position of that tackler. You have to set yourself to make the tackle but commit yourself as late as possible. You have a very small contact area to aim for with the attacker stepping and able to stoop into contact. If you aim for the chest you can very easily find yourself making contact with the head as the attacker either stoops or is hit by another player a split second before you make contact.
So really you have to aim below the hips, which means you have to get very low. In order to get very low and not get stepped you still have to commit yourself very late and this inevitably puts your head in a very vulnerable position - exposed to the shins, knees, hips and elbows of the carrier. That is what we are seeing and that is where I think the glaring blind spot exists.
I don't know how you can credibly believe that head contact with the carrier is sacrosanct but that head contact for the tackler is something that should just be taken for granted. The carrier and the tackler both look the same in the neurological ward.
Put yourself in the position of that tackler. You have to set yourself to make the tackle but commit yourself as late as possible. You have a very small contact area to aim for with the attacker stepping and able to stoop into contact. If you aim for the chest you can very easily find yourself making contact with the head as the attacker either stoops or is hit by another player a split second before you make contact.
So really you have to aim below the hips, which means you have to get very low. In order to get very low and not get stepped you still have to commit yourself very late and this inevitably puts your head in a very vulnerable position - exposed to the shins, knees, hips and elbows of the carrier. That is what we are seeing and that is where I think the glaring blind spot exists.
I don't know how you can credibly believe that head contact with the carrier is sacrosanct but that head contact for the tackler is something that should just be taken for granted. The carrier and the tackler both look the same in the neurological ward.
Quote:OptimistQuote:malco
They are being instructed to tackle low on penalty of being sent off
They are being instructed to not tackle above the chest on penalty of injuring the player who doesn't have any choice in the matter of how they are tackled.
The tackler has some choice in what they do. They could opt not to tackle at all. They can opt to grab a shirt. They can opt to tackle low. They can opt to risk a card by tackling high. They can opt to risk an injury by headbutting the attacker on the knee.
You're right, the game's currently a bit of a mess (although let's face it the game is always in a mess of some description, whether it's safety, conservative play, rugby tennis, scrum resets, crooked feeds, offside, blocking blah blah), but the current rash of cards will settle down once player habits have changed.
However, eliminating a habit/technique - ie tackling above the chest - which is dangerous to the other player is a positive move. That doesn't mean there aren't still dangers in the game.
Faletau is a southern hemisphere back rower who likes hanging on the wide channels. He is definitely best at 8 IMO. Mercer isn't a 6 though. Totally agree that on form Reid would be in my 23 irrespective of who is available. Would really like Ellis to come back into form, seems to have fallen down the pecking order a bit but he was one of my favourite players a year or two ago.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Except in this case you wrong, Malco. He was kneed in the head accidentally by a Zebre player who was jumping round/over the players on the floor, rather than actually in the act of tackling. I do agree with your point that lowering tackle height below the waist brings its own problems but I think the real issue is more about the understandable obsession with 'winning the gain line', so many coaches, systems and drills have been imported from league, where the threshold for what constitutes a dangerous tackle is still pretty scary. If I am defending against someone bigger than me or if I'm worried about being stepped I'm going to be even keener to close gap and thereby reduce my reaction time. Passive tackling techniques which used to be the way to bring down a ball carrier running straight at you are far safer for both players and actually give a smaller player more chance of completing a tackle on a bigger ball carrier.
However, having said all that, some (but not all) of this will be improved over time by changing habits, driven in turn by changing drills and targets in training.
So long as both sides in a game are incentivised to avoid those dangerous techniques, if we get a more open game with more offloads and a few more tries because defenders aren't seatbelt tackling a diving player what's the problem? And if it prolongs professional and amateur careers by reducing concussions and wear and tear, brilliant.
However, having said all that, some (but not all) of this will be improved over time by changing habits, driven in turn by changing drills and targets in training.
So long as both sides in a game are incentivised to avoid those dangerous techniques, if we get a more open game with more offloads and a few more tries because defenders aren't seatbelt tackling a diving player what's the problem? And if it prolongs professional and amateur careers by reducing concussions and wear and tear, brilliant.
Malco: "I don't know how you can credibly believe that head contact with the carrier is sacrosanct but that head contact for the tackler is something that should just be taken for granted"
You don't know how I can credibly believe two statements that you've invented and put in my mouth? Where to start with that?
You don't know how I can credibly believe two statements that you've invented and put in my mouth? Where to start with that?
I think Mercer's absence against Zebre was absolutely glaring. I'd get both Zach and Taulupe into the side whatever it takes. But if Underhill, Ellis and Reid were all fit, I'd also be happy to see practically any permutation from those 5.
We need that situation to apply to a few more units - 9/10/12/13 in particular.
We need that situation to apply to a few more units - 9/10/12/13 in particular.
Quote:Optimist
We need that situation to apply to a few more units - 9/10/12/13 in particular.
Agreed. Add tighthead to that list soon. Stuart is great and Thomas has come back well but beyond that there is a big drop off.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
We've seen how they play - wide, expansive and capitalise quickly on turnover ball.
We need to be tight, control possession and be confrontational in the forwards. If we win those gain line collisions in a narrow system we will score trys. They also couldn't handle the maul when we got it right.
We need to be tight, control possession and be confrontational in the forwards. If we win those gain line collisions in a narrow system we will score trys. They also couldn't handle the maul when we got it right.
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Optimist
We need that situation to apply to a few more units - 9/10/12/13 in particular.
Agreed. Add tighthead to that list soon. Stuart is great and Thomas has come back well but beyond that there is a big drop off.
Well as Flatman once said Stuart is a very big and very strong man.
This is a very well reasoned comment and I strongly agree with most of it.
The problem is that you can't undo what has been done. The game has moved in the technical direction it has chosen largely due to the pressures of professionalism. The win at all costs mentality has long since taken over any last vestige of Corinthian spirit and the demand for success is more driven by the desire for revenue than it is for glory so far as I can tell.
As a result players have become more and more commoditised. Financial assets on a spreadsheet. There is a totalitarian approach to success and failure that is measured purely in silverware on the field and money in the bank in the PLC. Winning on Saturday means more shirt sales on Monday and more chance of being a featured game on BT Sport next week.
The end result is players being obsessively bigger, faster and more powerful in a desperate battle for every tiny gain on the field, which translates into more gamesmanship and the change in attitudes from players that we are witnessing. The intensity of this translates directly into more injuries to players and that is combatted by the messing about with laws and sanctions we have seen that make the game more and more complex and takes it further and further from its roots and origins.
The season ticket holder has gone from passionate shareholder to minor irritation in the private thoughts of many a board member, relegated way beneath the TV rights and the merchandise.
I don't see how this will change, right up to the point where the game eats itself.
The problem is that you can't undo what has been done. The game has moved in the technical direction it has chosen largely due to the pressures of professionalism. The win at all costs mentality has long since taken over any last vestige of Corinthian spirit and the demand for success is more driven by the desire for revenue than it is for glory so far as I can tell.
As a result players have become more and more commoditised. Financial assets on a spreadsheet. There is a totalitarian approach to success and failure that is measured purely in silverware on the field and money in the bank in the PLC. Winning on Saturday means more shirt sales on Monday and more chance of being a featured game on BT Sport next week.
The end result is players being obsessively bigger, faster and more powerful in a desperate battle for every tiny gain on the field, which translates into more gamesmanship and the change in attitudes from players that we are witnessing. The intensity of this translates directly into more injuries to players and that is combatted by the messing about with laws and sanctions we have seen that make the game more and more complex and takes it further and further from its roots and origins.
The season ticket holder has gone from passionate shareholder to minor irritation in the private thoughts of many a board member, relegated way beneath the TV rights and the merchandise.
I don't see how this will change, right up to the point where the game eats itself.
Quote:Trawling
Except in this case you wrong, Malco. He was kneed in the head accidentally by a Zebre player who was jumping round/over the players on the floor, rather than actually in the act of tackling. I do agree with your point that lowering tackle height below the waist brings its own problems but I think the real issue is more about the understandable obsession with 'winning the gain line', so many coaches, systems and drills have been imported from league, where the threshold for what constitutes a dangerous tackle is still pretty scary. If I am defending against someone bigger than me or if I'm worried about being stepped I'm going to be even keener to close gap and thereby reduce my reaction time. Passive tackling techniques which used to be the way to bring down a ball carrier running straight at you are far safer for both players and actually give a smaller player more chance of completing a tackle on a bigger ball carrier.
However, having said all that, some (but not all) of this will be improved over time by changing habits, driven in turn by changing drills and targets in training.
So long as both sides in a game are incentivised to avoid those dangerous techniques, if we get a more open game with more offloads and a few more tries because defenders aren't seatbelt tackling a diving player what's the problem? And if it prolongs professional and amateur careers by reducing concussions and wear and tear, brilliant.
Quote:dannyf2
We've seen how they play - wide, expansive and capitalise quickly on turnover ball.
We need to be tight, control possession and be confrontational in the forwards. If we win those gain line collisions in a narrow system we will score trys. They also couldn't handle the maul when we got it right.
Scarlets are a very similar team in style to London Irish and Sale showed a masterclass on how to subdue, overcome and destroy - All built on a totally dominant physical performance.
Play to our strengths, dominate the physical contact and suffocate the space in which they thrive. It was a sheer masterclass by Sandersons men on how to destroy a very dangerous team IMHO - we should IMHO take notes.
They did it to Irish too- in Round 14.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Bullseye, and this is exactly what I expect to see. We will look to inflict serious damage on Irish up front and after what happened two weeks ago I would be amazed if the players weren't absolutely champing at the bit to get at them.
The biggest threat to this is our own discipline.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:07:16:33:15 by malco.
The biggest threat to this is our own discipline.
Quote:Ali1969Quote:dannyf2
We've seen how they play - wide, expansive and capitalise quickly on turnover ball.
We need to be tight, control possession and be confrontational in the forwards. If we win those gain line collisions in a narrow system we will score trys. They also couldn't handle the maul when we got it right.
Scarlets are a very similar team in style to London Irish and Sale showed a masterclass on how to subdue, overcome and destroy - All built on a totally dominant physical performance.
Play to our strengths, dominate the physical contact and suffocate the space in which they thrive. It was a sheer masterclass by Sandersons men on how to destroy a very dangerous team IMHO - we should IMHO take notes.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:07:16:33:15 by malco.
I often think when a team sets out to dominate the other physically or to right some previous wrong they can over do it, tire and concede late points. I would favour controlling the game and making sure we come away with points, build a lead and force errors, make them chase the game.
No cards, controlled aggression, smart rugby.
No cards, controlled aggression, smart rugby.
Quote:B4thB4ck
I often think when a team sets out to dominate the other physically or to right some previous wrong they can over do it, tire and concede late points. I would favour controlling the game and making sure we come away with points, build a lead and force errors, make them chase the game.
No cards, controlled aggression, smart rugby.
It's a fair point but apropos of not very much in my view what this team is really missing is a bit of dog. There just doesn't seem to be anybody on the pitch who shows real passion and fire. Lots of talent, not enough testicular fortitude. They all seem a bit too...nice. I think they need firing up. I think they need to get angry. If they can't do that now after what happened a couple of weeks ago, they never will.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:08:11:14:11 by malco.
Quote:malco
It's a fair point but apropos of not very much in my view what this team is really missing is a bit of dog.
Tell that to Dunn and Stooke! Agree that Eben Etzebeth would be handy but the 'king of dog' Tomas Lavanini hasn't done much apart from get cards at Tigers. In this weeks RUW podcast they were saying that Jacques Burger would never be on the field these days (in the context of Chris Ashton having an entire year out banned when adding them up). Possibly the difference between an impassioned player and a dirty one though I guess.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
"Possibly the difference between an impassioned player and a dirty one though I guess."
I wonder where Dunn's and Ewels' red card offences figure along the ill-defined continuum of 'dog', 'passion', 'fire', 'testicular fortitude' (yuck) and the old saw, 'the game's gone soft'.....?
I wonder where Dunn's and Ewels' red card offences figure along the ill-defined continuum of 'dog', 'passion', 'fire', 'testicular fortitude' (yuck) and the old saw, 'the game's gone soft'.....?
I don't think that either were deliberately aggressive? Dunn's was a silly reactionary impulse and Ewels was just clumsy. So, for me both were particularly low on the dog scale.
However, Dunnys face when scrummaging on the line vs Saints is definitely passion and fire factor 10. Zach has some of that as well tbf.
[twitter.com]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
However, Dunnys face when scrummaging on the line vs Saints is definitely passion and fire factor 10. Zach has some of that as well tbf.
[twitter.com]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
BATH RUGBY SIDE TO FACE LONDON IRISH
15. Anthony Watson,
14. Joe Cokanasiga,
13. Jonathan Joseph,
12. Cam Redpath,
11. Ruaridh McConnochie,
10. Orlando Bailey,
9. Ben Spencer;
1. Beno Obano,
2. Jack Walker,
3. Will Stuart,
4. Josh McNally,
5. Charlie Ewels ©,
6. Taulupe Faletau,
7. Josh Bayliss,
8. Zach Mercer
REPLACEMENTS
16. Jacques du Toit,
17. Juan Schoeman,
18. Henry Thomas,
19. Mike Williams,
20. Miles Reid,
21. Will Chudley,
22. Max Clark,
23. Alex Gray
Probably about as good a 15 as we can get given the Dunn ban? Good to see Redpath back. No fresh 10 cover again other than through rearrangements (Redpath to 10, Clark to 12?)
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:08:12:02:47 by BathMatt53.
15. Anthony Watson,
14. Joe Cokanasiga,
13. Jonathan Joseph,
12. Cam Redpath,
11. Ruaridh McConnochie,
10. Orlando Bailey,
9. Ben Spencer;
1. Beno Obano,
2. Jack Walker,
3. Will Stuart,
4. Josh McNally,
5. Charlie Ewels ©,
6. Taulupe Faletau,
7. Josh Bayliss,
8. Zach Mercer
REPLACEMENTS
16. Jacques du Toit,
17. Juan Schoeman,
18. Henry Thomas,
19. Mike Williams,
20. Miles Reid,
21. Will Chudley,
22. Max Clark,
23. Alex Gray
Probably about as good a 15 as we can get given the Dunn ban? Good to see Redpath back. No fresh 10 cover again other than through rearrangements (Redpath to 10, Clark to 12?)
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:08:12:02:47 by BathMatt53.
Team Up. Redpath returns!
BATH RUGBY SIDE TO FACE LONDON IRISH
15. Anthony Watson, 14. Joe Cokanasiga, 13. Jonathan Joseph, 12. Cam Redpath, 11. Ruaridh McConnochie, 10. Orlando Bailey, 9. Ben Spencer; 1. Beno Obano, 2. Jack Walker, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Josh McNally, 5. Charlie Ewels ©, 6. Taulupe Faletau, 7. Josh Bayliss, 8. Zach Mercer
REPLACEMENTS
16. Jacques du Toit, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. Henry Thomas, 19. Mike Williams, 20. Miles Reid, 21. Will Chudley, 22. Max Clark, 23. Alex Gray
PG
BATH RUGBY SIDE TO FACE LONDON IRISH
15. Anthony Watson, 14. Joe Cokanasiga, 13. Jonathan Joseph, 12. Cam Redpath, 11. Ruaridh McConnochie, 10. Orlando Bailey, 9. Ben Spencer; 1. Beno Obano, 2. Jack Walker, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Josh McNally, 5. Charlie Ewels ©, 6. Taulupe Faletau, 7. Josh Bayliss, 8. Zach Mercer
REPLACEMENTS
16. Jacques du Toit, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. Henry Thomas, 19. Mike Williams, 20. Miles Reid, 21. Will Chudley, 22. Max Clark, 23. Alex Gray
PG
Redpath should make a difference - even if Spencer keeps switching direction in order to avoid giving Bailey the ball, there will be a playmaker on both sides! Pacy back-row that.
Bath by ..... I have not got a clue. Literally anything could happen.
Bath by ..... I have not got a clue. Literally anything could happen.
Quote:ballsout
Must win game. If they lose this, with that team on paper...
It's a knock out match.
Must win is pretty obvious.
Both teams look strong. Should be dry evening, cool but not much wind.
Should be an exciting game! My one hope is that both teams finish with 15 men on the field and that the team that plays the best wins (rather than it being decided by injuries or cards for either side).
Frank Murphy has recent form for card showing:
[www.benchwarmers.ie]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Should be an exciting game! My one hope is that both teams finish with 15 men on the field and that the team that plays the best wins (rather than it being decided by injuries or cards for either side).
Frank Murphy has recent form for card showing:
[www.benchwarmers.ie]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
And the Irish 23:
London Irish:
15 Tom Parton
14 Ben Loader
13 Theo Brophy Clews
12 Terrence Hepetema
11 Ollie Hassell-Collins
10 Paddy Jackson
9 Nick Phipps
1 Facundo Gigena
2 Agustin Creevy
3 Lovejoy Chawatama
4 George Nott
5 Rob Simmons
6 Matt Rogerson (c)
7 Blair Cowan
8 Albert Tuisue
Replacements:
16 Matt Cornish
17 Harry Elrington
18 Ollie Hoskins
19 Chunya Munga
20 Ben Donnell
21 Sean O’Brien
22 Ben Meehan
23 James Stokes
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
London Irish:
15 Tom Parton
14 Ben Loader
13 Theo Brophy Clews
12 Terrence Hepetema
11 Ollie Hassell-Collins
10 Paddy Jackson
9 Nick Phipps
1 Facundo Gigena
2 Agustin Creevy
3 Lovejoy Chawatama
4 George Nott
5 Rob Simmons
6 Matt Rogerson (c)
7 Blair Cowan
8 Albert Tuisue
Replacements:
16 Matt Cornish
17 Harry Elrington
18 Ollie Hoskins
19 Chunya Munga
20 Ben Donnell
21 Sean O’Brien
22 Ben Meehan
23 James Stokes
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Let's hope Bath are as "street-wise" as LI were in the "first leg"
A couple of key absences for irish. Goodrick Clarke and Rona have been crucial for us so fear that without them we could struggle. Fingers crossed for an entertaining game!
Quote:BathMatt53
Both teams look strong. Should be dry evening, cool but not much wind.
Should be an exciting game! My one hope is that both teams finish with 15 men on the field and that the team that plays the best wins (rather than it being decided by injuries or cards for either side).
Frank Murphy has recent form for card showing:
[www.benchwarmers.ie]
Let me get this right - I apologise I haven't seen the officials but if correct and Frank Murphy is the ref so we have an Irish Referee officiating against 2 English sides but one with the caveat of being an Irish Exile club??
Who in their right mind in ECR thought that is a Good Idea impartial Idea when other options were open?
It may be called Irish and have a couple of Irish players but I'm not sure that really counts as actually being a conflict of interest Ali? Would it be better to have a Scottish one when we have a couple of Scottish international players in the side?
His nationality isn't the issue for me, its the fact that he has been receiving pretty bad press for his quality (or lack of) recently...
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
His nationality isn't the issue for me, its the fact that he has been receiving pretty bad press for his quality (or lack of) recently...
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Well, they do at least now fulfil 50% of their name! Re-nicknamed: the 'Yes-Nots'.
BathMatt it is not the amount of players of individual nationality in the respective teams it is about the overriding impartial aspect I am on about. London Irish are an exile club with overriding history and links as the name suggests to Ireland, in these days of transparency and complete impartiality I am shocked ERC chose that appointment that's all. I am sure Mr Murphy will be completely impartial but it is the inference.
As for Mr Murphys performances I have only seen him officiate on 3 occasions and he was truly appalling in all 3- not helped by the rest of his officiating team it should be said. Let's hope 4th time lucky, we better be on our best behaviour. See London Irish have their chief antagonists on the pitch and Tuisue who often likes to hit high as well as being a powerful ball carrier.
As for Mr Murphys performances I have only seen him officiate on 3 occasions and he was truly appalling in all 3- not helped by the rest of his officiating team it should be said. Let's hope 4th time lucky, we better be on our best behaviour. See London Irish have their chief antagonists on the pitch and Tuisue who often likes to hit high as well as being a powerful ball carrier.
I'm interested in how this goes, we underestimated them last time, won't happen again. Could go either way.
Is that Frank Murphy the ex Leicester 9 ?…………Oh dear ! 
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
2 good teams.
Most exciting returnee for me is mcconnachie, consistently our best back 3 player.
Shame for mojo to be bumped out the squad completely but great he now has some game time under his belt.
Glad they resisted any temptation to put redpath at 10 and clatk at 12. He is a class 12 and bailey deserves another go.
That team really ought to be strong enough at home to get a win.
Most exciting returnee for me is mcconnachie, consistently our best back 3 player.
Shame for mojo to be bumped out the squad completely but great he now has some game time under his belt.
Glad they resisted any temptation to put redpath at 10 and clatk at 12. He is a class 12 and bailey deserves another go.
That team really ought to be strong enough at home to get a win.
Quote:ballsout
Must win game. If they lose this, with that team on paper...
One thing we do know about Bath is their unpredictability & that the lineup means precious little. That can work both ways but being confident of a performance based on the team on paper is unwise. Last time despite a strong team they ran as ragged at times & our pack didn’t have much ascendancy. I agree, though, that we SHOULDN’t lose!
In many ways it seems as much a test for the coaching team as for the players. LIrish are a very good team with a well organised pack, a fast, inventive attacking ethos, class players in key positions and a reliable goal kicker but we are at home with a strong 23. It is an important cup tie.
A loss and there must be serious questions at Farleigh about where the problem lies and what the solutions are. A win and many will see it as a good indicator that project Hooper is on the right track
A loss and there must be serious questions at Farleigh about where the problem lies and what the solutions are. A win and many will see it as a good indicator that project Hooper is on the right track
With Redpath at 12, I wonder how many times Bailey will actually get the ball
Quote:woodpecker
With Redpath at 12, I wonder how many times Bailey will actually get the ball
Hopefully most of the times that Redpath gets it, it will have come from Bailey first? Otherwise you are playing with 14 men (even before you get some sent off).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:woodpecker
With Redpath at 12, I wonder how many times Bailey will actually get the ball
Hopefully most of the times that Redpath gets it, it will have come from Bailey first? Otherwise you are playing with 14 men (even before you get some sent off).
Bailey, for me, would be a fantastic player to play outside, he looks to have a longer, faster and flatter pass than Rhys which means the centres get the ball earlier. Giving Redpath early ball has got to be good for the backs as he has both time and space to create stuff.
I think having Redpath next to Bailey should be good all round. Good for Bailey knowing there's a second distributor .... but also, being of similar age must bring some sort of affinity and sense of equality.
Plus, it is Bailey's third consecutive game now, so everyone should be feeling ready to loosen the reins a bit. I certainly hope Spencer will take that view and just play a nice, natural game, rather than constantly box-kicking or switching sides in order not to burden Bailey with actually getting the ball.
Plus, it is Bailey's third consecutive game now, so everyone should be feeling ready to loosen the reins a bit. I certainly hope Spencer will take that view and just play a nice, natural game, rather than constantly box-kicking or switching sides in order not to burden Bailey with actually getting the ball.
Quote:malco
Bath by 20+.
I love the optimism and want some of what you are on this morning Malco!!
I'm going to nail my colours to the mast and say that it will be one of:
- Bath by 20+
- Bath by less than 20
- Draw
- Irish by less than 20; or
- Irish by more than 20.
Not sure which though.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53
I'm going to nail my colours to the mast and say that it will be one of:
- Bath by 20+
- Bath by less than 20
- Draw
- Irish by less than 20; or
- Irish by more than 20.
Not sure which though.
With this lot, I wouldn't actually be willing to commit myself with that level of certainty BathMatt!!
Any room left on that mast Matt?
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:malco
Bath by 20+.
I love the optimism and want some of what you are on this morning Malco!!
I'm going to nail my colours to the mast and say that it will be one of:
- Bath by 20+
- Bath by less than 20
- Draw
- Irish by less than 20; or
- Irish by more than 20.
Not sure which though.
Got to love that level of commitment!
Quote:P G Tips
Any room left on that mast Matt?
Its definitely creaking PG!
The issue is that pretty much every time I have predicted a Bath result this year I have it wrong. Great team vs 'weaker one'? Loss. Players away with 6N and against tough oppo? Win. I think that a chimp strapped to a lab rat would have more success than I have this season.
If the game opens up, with those backs on the pitch anything could happen (cue 3-3 draw).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53
If the game opens up, with those backs on the pitch anything could happen (cue 3-3 draw).
Have to say I'm worried about their number 14 shirt! Thats why I'd rather it stayed a forwards battle to stop them getting posession.
Quote:Optimist
I think having Redpath next to Bailey should be good all round. Good for Bailey knowing there's a second distributor .... but also, being of similar age must bring some sort of affinity and sense of equality.
Plus, it is Bailey's third consecutive game now, so everyone should be feeling ready to loosen the reins a bit. I certainly hope Spencer will take that view and just play a nice, natural game, rather than constantly box-kicking or switching sides in order not to burden Bailey with actually getting the ball.
My assumption is not that this is Spencer's view. I'm sure it's the coaches, we've seen how cautious they've been about letting him start. Hopefully the reins are let out a bit as it hamstrung us in the other two games.
Paddy Power has us as firm favourites at 5/2.
I won't be taking that bet!
I won't be taking that bet!
Betfair has Stuart and Beno at 90-1 to score 2 and Mcnally at 200-1 to score 2! If those above are right about Bath keeping it tight then they seem quite generous..
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:BathMatt53
If the game opens up, with those backs on the pitch anything could happen (cue 3-3 draw).
Have to say I'm worried about their number 14 shirt! Thats why I'd rather it stayed a forwards battle to stop them getting posession.
Funny, I'm worried about our number 14 shirt.
Quote:BathMatt53
Betfair has Stuart and Beno at 90-1 to score 2 and Mcnally at 200-1 to score 2! If those above are right about Bath keeping it tight then they seem quite generous..
McNally at those odds must be worth a throw away tenner
Any odds on Walker and Du Toit to score one each ? 
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Looking forward to this one. Seems like a while since we had a game that really mattered.
Bath by at least 1.
Bath by at least 1.
Quote:woodpecker
HOOPER MUST GO! And change into his blue coat !
Just thought I'd get it in early
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Watson must not play full back, he never ever offloads to a supporting runner...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
McNally with his 1st !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Listening on Radio Bristol.
"....Look at that by Faletau!....."
Sorry, this is radio, you need to describe where the ball is and what happened. Thanks.
"....Look at that by Faletau!....."
Sorry, this is radio, you need to describe where the ball is and what happened. Thanks.
Quote:Debenair
Clear knock on on the ground a couple of phases prior to the try
Not clear at all sorry, look at the replay!
Are my eyes deceiving me or are we playing sensible, coherent rugby, looking after the ball and taking our scoring chances?
Big problems if Bailey doesn't return for future games!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Will Stuart on for the triple !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Quote:Mike the Taxi
Any body put any money on Stuart??
I was tempted but went for McNally!
Bailey fails his HIA.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Quote:B4thB4ck
Listening on Radio Bristol.
"....Look at that by Faletau!....."
Sorry, this is radio, you need to describe where the ball is and what happened. Thanks.
Mercer broke from the back of the scrum, committed the defence then offloaded to Faletau, who stormed up field then chipped ahead, Bath regathered the ball, move the ball across the pitch and and after a couple of recycles Stuart went over. Mercer and Faletau made about 60m between them.
Quote:shipwrecked
Big problems if Bailey doesn't return for future games!
lets hope its precautionary.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Quote:P G TipsQuote:shipwrecked
Big problems if Bailey doesn't return for future games!
lets hope its precautionary.
Me too, but it looked like a proper hit to me! (Tuisue).
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:09:21:13:11 by shipwrecked.
Quote:A pound for 2 tries at 80/1. Now wish I had another pound on the hat trick. Think that was 350/1.Mike the Taxi
Any body put any money on Stuart??
Alex Gray on for Ruaridh and a couple of nice bits of handling shown already.
Getting a bit bored with the individual hero worship from the commentary team of each individual L Irish three-quarter.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
We are definitely the better side. We have played pretty well. I just worry that our rubbish attack has left it close enough for Irish to beat us in the last 5.
Rad Bris: please can they get rid of Andrew Sheridan, Cooch doing well though.
FLAP
FLAP
Quote:shipwrecked
Getting a bit bored with the individual hero worship from the commentary team of each individual L Irish three-quarter.
Ugo definitely in love with Watson...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Quote:JFPCQuote:joethefanatic
Score?
19-10
Thanks. I can't get radio briz "due to rights restrictions" and Big Vase isn't covered on my rugby feed
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:ken_jnr
We are definitely the better side. We have played pretty well. I just worry that our rubbish attack has left it close enough for Irish to beat us in the last 5.
Agree, we haven’t scored in about 35 mins. Now 19-13 !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Now Zach scores 26-13
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Mercer try 26:13
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
They will love his passion too
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Considering we have swapped most of our forwards its pretty impressive up front!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
The last 20mins has been poor from both sides but I think the ref has had a good game...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
A really good 1-9 performance in general. We may as well have a backline of Championship players considering what we do with them. At least we aren’t really awful like we have been in the last few years.
Mr Murphy praised by Radio Briz for his neutrality, and questioned, towards the end, for some of his decisions against LI
Quote:ken_jnr
A really good 1-9 performance in general. We may as well have a backline of Championship players considering what we do with them. At least we aren’t really awful like we have been in the last few years.
Thats harsh Ken, we have no proper 10 and we were way better than LI up front. You play to your strengths.
I've had a s*****r of a week and was fully prepared for Bath to throw away a 15 point lead in the last 20 minutes just to round it off... Absolutely delighted with that. Will Stuart my Mom, he's much more than a scummager. Zach exceptional.
Shame about the on-brand errors around the 55 minute mark when we could have put the game to bed, which would have made it a very efficient win, but few complaints overall. Alex Gray looked decent too. But injuries are starting to stack up a bit in the backs.
Excellent win. Dominated up front. Kept Irish to one try, in the third minute.
Stuart carried superbly, Zach a ball of energy, and Faletau is just a brilliant rugby player.
Ant is so strong, loads of metres after the contact.
Sure there were errors, but losing another 10 didn't help at all.
Stuart carried superbly, Zach a ball of energy, and Faletau is just a brilliant rugby player.
Ant is so strong, loads of metres after the contact.
Sure there were errors, but losing another 10 didn't help at all.
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:ken_jnr
A really good 1-9 performance in general. We may as well have a backline of Championship players considering what we do with them. At least we aren’t really awful like we have been in the last few years.
Thats harsh Ken, we have no proper 10 and we were way better than LI up front. You play to your strengths.
I think I would be more inclined to concede if we had a recent history of sharp attacking plays with any of our recognised 10s.
Quote:Certainly started the match with a couple of dubious calls against Bath, probably evened out of the match, but really don’t think a ref should be praised for being neutral other than turning up its the most basic requirement.Mike the Taxi
Mr Murphy praised by Radio Briz for his neutrality, and questioned, towards the end, for some of his decisions against LI
A better performance than the scoreboard showed. A knockout match win against the most improved side in the Prem who beat us 2 weeks ago.
Thought we mixed it up quite well at first and would have liked to see the backs get some tries from the ambition, but as SW says - you play to your strengths and the backline attacks put us in the right places to pick & drive.
We will need to be better, again, in the semi, but if we can get the accuracy in finishing right, we are in with a chance.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Thought we mixed it up quite well at first and would have liked to see the backs get some tries from the ambition, but as SW says - you play to your strengths and the backline attacks put us in the right places to pick & drive.
We will need to be better, again, in the semi, but if we can get the accuracy in finishing right, we are in with a chance.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
It was a good effort but I just wish we could score some tries other than from rolling mauls.
Quote:hasta
We didn't score any tries from rolling mauls...
True but it was the weapon that set the tries up though wasn't it?
I’d be happy for every score to be from a rolling maul from 5 yards if it meant we’d finally win something. Well done Bath, never in doubt... or maybe not very often in doubt ... or actually frequently in doubt.
Not really? Our maul was fine, but not really dangerous, it stuffed up a few times. Our tight play won us penalties and some good offloading from the forwards and backs kept the ball alive well. We went full width of the pitch a few times (some good touches for Gray, JJ, Ant in second half) and also used (particularly) Beno and Stuart to make superb hard hards in midfield. When we got within 10m we reverted to pick and go which sapped their energy and got us our tries.
It was a very Exeter game plan. Given the conditions, the opposition and the loss of our (third choice) 10 early on, it was entirely the correct plan. We gave their dangerous back three little chance outside of first phase - generally soaked them up well, conceding metres but not line breaks. As soon as they got to multi-phase play our defense was superb.
It was a very Exeter game plan. Given the conditions, the opposition and the loss of our (third choice) 10 early on, it was entirely the correct plan. We gave their dangerous back three little chance outside of first phase - generally soaked them up well, conceding metres but not line breaks. As soon as they got to multi-phase play our defense was superb.
Quote:hasta
Not really? Our maul was fine, but not really dangerous, it stuffed up a few times. Our tight play won us penalties and some good offloading from the forwards and backs kept the ball alive well. We went full width of the pitch a few times (some good touches for Gray, JJ, Ant in second half) and also used (particularly) Beno and Stuart to make superb hard hards in midfield. When we got within 10m we reverted to pick and go which sapped their energy and got us our tries.
It was a very Exeter game plan. Given the conditions, the opposition and the loss of our (third choice) 10 early on, it was entirely the correct plan. We gave their dangerous back three little chance outside of first phase - generally soaked them up well, conceding metres but not lbreaks. As soon as they got to multi-phase play our defense was superb.
+1
That sort of forward dominance plus Cipriani to choose the right time to move the ball wide could be pretty decent.
Who played 10 when OB2 went off?
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Great result for Bath tonight. Irish definitely gave it a go but the better team won for sure. 👏👏👍👍
Well done Bath tonight on a thoroughly deserved victory. We (Irish) huffed and puffed tonight but lacked accuracy throughout and never really got our potent backline firing. All the best for the rest of the competition and P.s thought Mercer was outstanding tonight, you guys will definitely miss him next season.
Cheers & Beers
BB
Cheers & Beers
BB
Quote:Optimist
That sort of forward dominance plus Cipriani to choose the right time to move the ball wide could be pretty decent.
On BT commentary it was mentioned he won't arrive until the very end of the season and probably not play until next season.
Unless that all gets moved up because of 10 injuries and HIAs of course.
Haven't people on here suggested that the Internationals don't deserve a place in the team because they don't play for the club. Don't think Watson, Stuart, Toby, Cam, Bayliss and Obano had the memo. Not many LI fans on here tonight.
Sorry Coughie - just seen your post on another thread. Thanks (although it helps when our team and the ref let us play with 15 men)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:10:00:10:28 by hemington.
Sorry Coughie - just seen your post on another thread. Thanks (although it helps when our team and the ref let us play with 15 men)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:10:00:10:28 by hemington.
Quote:hemington
Haven't people on here suggested that the Internationals don't deserve a place in the team because they don't play for the club. Don't think Watson, Stuart, Toby, Cam, Bayliss and Obano had the memo. Not many LI fans on here tonight.
Sorry Coughie - just seen your post on another thread. Thanks (although it helps when our team and the ref let us play with 15 men)
Possibly but when was the last time we saw Watson and JJ throwing their bodies on the line with real aggression. Perhaps they are doing it to keep their places and convince WG of a Lions place. To be honest its just great seeing it.
Was anyone slagging Bayliss (who got a call up then a concussion) or Cam (neck injury) or Taulupe (who's been excellent) or Beno or Stuart?
The stupid cards against Irish were Muir and Dunn (and Ewels to an extent).
The stupid cards against Irish were Muir and Dunn (and Ewels to an extent).
Good win for Bath, definitely deserved to win.
But man, our attack really is... well, non-existant. So utterly bizarre having Watson, Joseph, Cokanasiga and McConochie, and barely use them.
It's nice to cross the line, but it feels like 9 times out of 10 they're lineout drives or belly flopping over the line. Oh well.
But man, our attack really is... well, non-existant. So utterly bizarre having Watson, Joseph, Cokanasiga and McConochie, and barely use them.
It's nice to cross the line, but it feels like 9 times out of 10 they're lineout drives or belly flopping over the line. Oh well.
Backplay is a tough one when you are down to 4th choice fly half and he gets ragdolled trying to make a tackle on a beast of a number 8. I agree the problems do seem a bit more than just that but the first 5-10 mjns we were super fluid and had great shape, then we lost it?
Quote:ballsout
Good win for Bath, definitely deserved to win.
But man, our attack really is... well, non-existant. So utterly bizarre having Watson, Joseph, Cokanasiga and McConochie, and barely use them.
It's nice to cross the line, but it feels like 9 times out of 10 they're lineout drives or belly flopping over the line. Oh well.
I have to agree. I just don’t see enough of our back line clicking whoever is at halfback. The trouble is when we can’t score tries by rolling maul or pick & go we look very limited. A lot depends on Williams getting a grip on this area of our game. If we don’t I can see both Quinn’s & LI forging ahead of us just like Exeter & Bristol have done.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:10:06:25:36 by Bath Hammer.
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:ballsout
Good win for Bath, definitely deserved to win.
But man, our attack really is... well, non-existant. So utterly bizarre having Watson, Joseph, Cokanasiga and McConochie, and barely use them.
It's nice to cross the line, but it feels like 9 times out of 10 they're lineout drives or belly flopping over the line. Oh well.
I have to agree. I just don’t see enough of our back line clicking whoever is at halfback. The trouble is when we can’t score tries by rolling maul or pick & go we look very limited. A lot depends on Williams getting a grip on this area of our game. If we don’t I can see both Quinn’s & LI forging ahead of us just like Exeter & Bristol have done.
Whisper it not, but Quins are already miles ahead of us.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:Optimist
That sort of forward dominance plus Cipriani to choose the right time to move the ball wide could be pretty decent.
I was thinking the same thing. Sort of game where I think cips would have created a few tries out wide and we would have put them to the sword.
Good win against a good team but would just love us to score tries in a greater variety of ways which I think you need to do to win things (and yes ex score lots of pick and go but also score in other ways)
Didn't look great for Orlando but assume rhys back soon (and matavesi).
Also rmc who will be a big loss but hopefully have tdg and muir back next game.
Good to see watson playing well in Bath colours and redpath was straight back into it. Stuart much improved on his early season form. Zach deserved mom
Also rmc who will be a big loss but hopefully have tdg and muir back next game.
Good to see watson playing well in Bath colours and redpath was straight back into it. Stuart much improved on his early season form. Zach deserved mom
Quote:joethefanaticQuote:Bath HammerQuote:ballsout
Good win for Bath, definitely deserved to win.
But man, our attack really is... well, non-existant. So utterly bizarre having Watson, Joseph, Cokanasiga and McConochie, and barely use them.
It's nice to cross the line, but it feels like 9 times out of 10 they're lineout drives or belly flopping over the line. Oh well.
I have to agree. I just don’t see enough of our back line clicking whoever is at halfback. The trouble is when we can’t score tries by rolling maul or pick & go we look very limited. A lot depends on Williams getting a grip on this area of our game. If we don’t I can see both Quinn’s & LI forging ahead of us just like Exeter & Bristol have done.
Whisper it not, but Quins are already miles ahead of us.
Marcus Smith is miles ahead of us. Not sure Quins are.
Good result against a physically underpowered and generally pretty limp Irish side. A cup game so can't complain too much about being in the semi but the lack of invention and product from that back line is almost criminal, I'm afraid that Girvan has been a huge disappointment for me and will be very glad when the new guy comes in - 5m flops are not what gets kids into this game. I'm guessing that Orlando has woken up this morning to the realisation that in the top level pro game you can't go in high on an 18st+ back rower and expect to get up in a hurry - hope he is OK.
Positives:
- semi final awaits!
- Ant, Beno, Will S, Zach in particular looking sharp and strong
- great to see Cameron 'the jackal' Redpath back
- I had £5 on Will Stuart brace at 90-1
- Ref was better than I expected and no cards for either team
Negatives:
- Ruaridh McConnochie with arm in a sling;
- all huff and puff with not much result from the backs (as per usual)
- that game won't work against Ulster, Montpellier and even a newly S.A. buffed Tigers
The current Quins isn't just about Smith, Care, Dombrandt etc all playing with freedom and I think that Nick Evans and their coaching team deserve credit for chucking the Gustard shackles out of the window.
COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Positives:
- semi final awaits!
- Ant, Beno, Will S, Zach in particular looking sharp and strong
- great to see Cameron 'the jackal' Redpath back
- I had £5 on Will Stuart brace at 90-1
- Ref was better than I expected and no cards for either team
Negatives:
- Ruaridh McConnochie with arm in a sling;
- all huff and puff with not much result from the backs (as per usual)
- that game won't work against Ulster, Montpellier and even a newly S.A. buffed Tigers
The current Quins isn't just about Smith, Care, Dombrandt etc all playing with freedom and I think that Nick Evans and their coaching team deserve credit for chucking the Gustard shackles out of the window.
COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:The announcement when he signed was that he would arrive in May, when there are still 5 rounds of the regular season remaining. Will he play? Guess that depends on the rest of the fly half’s availability, if he is on the books and fit to play I can’t see why he won’t, unless there was a salary cap issue to be mindful of.shipwreckedQuote:Optimist
That sort of forward dominance plus Cipriani to choose the right time to move the ball wide could be pretty decent.
On BT commentary it was mentioned he won't arrive until the very end of the season and probably not play until next season.
Unless that all gets moved up because of 10 injuries and HIAs of course.
Interested to see if/when it unravels at quins. Senior player led structures feel a bit built on sand to me. Brown going, care knocking on, Smith can only be ignored by eng for so long.....
Really don't feel they are miles ahead us of us but huge credit to them for their form over the last 3 months.
Really don't feel they are miles ahead us of us but huge credit to them for their form over the last 3 months.
(Quote) Whisper it not, but Quins are already miles ahead of us.[/quote]
I am obviously talking about it on a permanent basis, not a one off seaso,
I am obviously talking about it on a permanent basis, not a one off seaso,
Glad I am not the only one bathrugbymatt rather underwhelmed by that performance (but congrats on the stuart bet!)
On one hand I was critical a fortnight ago that we didn't play to our strengths/advantages and yest we were pragmatic and got the win.
On the other hand as you say we aren't going to beat any really good teams like that.
I bet if the camera panned out last night there was many many opps where cips would have demanded the ball and put an outside back in for a try (ala banners for glos at the death a few years ago).
Lots of positives and Irish are a good team but just think a proper team would have had that game won at 60 mins , not be 6 pts ahead and struggling.
In terms of Irish imagine if some of their huge money signings had worked out better.....kepu, coleman, so'b, nahalo.....
On one hand I was critical a fortnight ago that we didn't play to our strengths/advantages and yest we were pragmatic and got the win.
On the other hand as you say we aren't going to beat any really good teams like that.
I bet if the camera panned out last night there was many many opps where cips would have demanded the ball and put an outside back in for a try (ala banners for glos at the death a few years ago).
Lots of positives and Irish are a good team but just think a proper team would have had that game won at 60 mins , not be 6 pts ahead and struggling.
In terms of Irish imagine if some of their huge money signings had worked out better.....kepu, coleman, so'b, nahalo.....
Quote:BathMatt53
Positives:
- semi final awaits!
- Ant, Beno, Will S, Zach in particular looking sharp and strong
- great to see Cameron 'the jackal' Redpath back
- I had £5 on Will Stuart brace at 90-1
- Ref was better than I expected and no cards for either team
Negatives:
- Ruaridh McConnochie with arm in a sling;
- all huff and puff with not much result from the backs (as per usual)
- that game won't work against Ulster, Montpellier and even a newly S.A. buffed Tigers
Think it's also worth adding how impressive some of the defence in the backs was, especially in terms of keeping the ball out of their back 3's hands entirely. Joe C has looked like a bit of a liability in terms of positioning in the past but thought he was outstanding today (Creevy try excepted) - whenever they got the ball through the hands towards Hassell-Collins his positioning relative to Joseph always forced them the cut in towards JJ who was able to cover and make the tackle, rather than getting into a 2 on 1 or an outside line break. Thought this was a night and day difference in comparison to the game 2 weeks ago!
Yes agree with that Reclus, defence was much better than it has been at times this season.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:charlieboa
Interested to see if/when it unravels at quins. Senior player led structures feel a bit built on sand to me. Brown going, care knocking on, Smith can only be ignored by eng for so long.....
Really don't feel they are miles ahead us of us but huge credit to them for their form over the last 3 months.
I agree CB. They are a good team but had no six nations call ups and they made hay during this time. Its also normal for a team to put in increased effort for a few weeks with a new coach.
Since 27/2 they have lost to Newcastle, chiefs, Bristol and ulster. Beating only Gloucester and Northampton. I feel its already started to unravel for them.
well we won, and we get a semi final. and within the context of a very limited game plan we outplayed the irish and denied ball to their dangerous back three by playing through the centre although we also denied ball to our dangerous back three in the process. with bailey off and redpath playing 10 it was difficult to assess the overall effectiveness of the team. we certainly had the measure of irish in the set piece and the driving maul. hooper said in the post game interview that it was a decision by the coaches to play a forward dominated game in order to deny space for their dangerous backs. after bailey went off and with no alternative 10 on the bench there was no choice. but hooper's logic is this: we have strong forwards who are our strength so we should play to that strength. the reason we have strong forwards is because hooper and the forwardly-inclined coaching team have invested a lot of time and resources in the forwards. in contrast the backs have been neglected. this then justifies a forward orientated game week in week out?
look at how many tries our forwards have scored since november and compare them to our backs. these tries are no things of beauty. they are carbon copy flopovers from one or two yards out, usually scored by our front row or mercer. in a sense we have become exeter. it is a boring way to play rugby and my guess is that fans will want more than this for their money. a lot more.
as for the game, bath again tried to blow it in the last 20 minutes, repeatedly making school boy errors and gifting possession. our old favourite jack walker butchered a try by knocking on on the line and then a few minutes later he gave away a breakdown penalty and suddenly irish were knocking on our door when a few minutes peviously we had been knocking on theirs. when ewels- he with the hands of treacle- knocked on from a bog standard restart i nearly threw the cat at the TV. haven't we been trying to cut that nonsense from our game? once again ewels seems incapable of leading by example. it seems he is unable to get through 80 minutes without committing some faux pas or other. i wouldn't have him in my best side. let mcnally be captain.
elsewhere some bath players are seriously stepping up. toby at long last looks like the player we thought we'd signed in 2016. mercer is looking fabulous which begs the question as to why hooper hasn't tried harder to keep him. spencer was his usual excellent self and will stuart was outstanding.
but bath isnt going to win much playing this flopover stuff. even exeter have developed additional strings to their bow.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:10:10:02:22 by bardofavon.
look at how many tries our forwards have scored since november and compare them to our backs. these tries are no things of beauty. they are carbon copy flopovers from one or two yards out, usually scored by our front row or mercer. in a sense we have become exeter. it is a boring way to play rugby and my guess is that fans will want more than this for their money. a lot more.
as for the game, bath again tried to blow it in the last 20 minutes, repeatedly making school boy errors and gifting possession. our old favourite jack walker butchered a try by knocking on on the line and then a few minutes later he gave away a breakdown penalty and suddenly irish were knocking on our door when a few minutes peviously we had been knocking on theirs. when ewels- he with the hands of treacle- knocked on from a bog standard restart i nearly threw the cat at the TV. haven't we been trying to cut that nonsense from our game? once again ewels seems incapable of leading by example. it seems he is unable to get through 80 minutes without committing some faux pas or other. i wouldn't have him in my best side. let mcnally be captain.
elsewhere some bath players are seriously stepping up. toby at long last looks like the player we thought we'd signed in 2016. mercer is looking fabulous which begs the question as to why hooper hasn't tried harder to keep him. spencer was his usual excellent self and will stuart was outstanding.
but bath isnt going to win much playing this flopover stuff. even exeter have developed additional strings to their bow.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:10:10:02:22 by bardofavon.
Tbf re mercer the rumour is montpellier offered him twice as much as bath (and baths offer was decent).
Not getting a look in with England, wants a new experience.
I think hoops has done well to keep it all civil and is getting great performances out of mercer this season.
Hopefully no bridges burnt and if he comes back to the prem we would be in the mix.
Not getting a look in with England, wants a new experience.
I think hoops has done well to keep it all civil and is getting great performances out of mercer this season.
Hopefully no bridges burnt and if he comes back to the prem we would be in the mix.
Quote:Spot on. Twice the money, a much nicer climate, great city, beaches, new experience and people criticise SH for not keeping him... Players move clubs these days; we've gained plenty.charlieboa
Tbf re mercer the rumour is montpellier offered him twice as much as bath (and baths offer was decent).
Not getting a look in with England, wants a new experience.
I think hoops has done well to keep it all civil and is getting great performances out of mercer this season.
Hopefully no bridges burnt and if he comes back to the prem we would be in the mix.
Thanks for the updates last night. I gave up with Radio Bristol, just too frustrating not knowing where the ball was. At times I had no idea whether we were defending or attacking.
Whilst I am reading that our backs are not part of our attack we do have changes on the way at 10 and coaching so that will hopefully change.
If our forwards can win with plan A then that is still a great thing and the threat they pose should open up space for when they come up against a solid defence and the backs become the better option.
Whilst I am reading that our backs are not part of our attack we do have changes on the way at 10 and coaching so that will hopefully change.
If our forwards can win with plan A then that is still a great thing and the threat they pose should open up space for when they come up against a solid defence and the backs become the better option.
Exeter built on their solids forwards foundations. We have said we are on the same journey, just a few years behind. I think we will accelerate that quicker than the ~7 years it took Exeter. And we are 2 years in.
On replay, Walker’s knock on went backwards for me. Walker is improving and realising his potential with game time. See also Henry T, Joe C, etc.
For a massive guy, I thought Tuisue did very well as a jackaller, not something I’d expect given his frame, but very effective. I noticed a stat on the coverage that LI had the most dominant presence (or something similar) last week out of all teams in the competition (I’m assuming that meant Challenge Cup), so for our forwards to out dominate them is encouraging.
With the backs, I get the impression we start heads up, play very slick for 5 or 10 minutes, don’t get a score, cough it up, end up on the back foot and defending near our try line and go into our shells offensively for most of the rest of the first half. It happens so many times with us and is a mentality/leadership issue for me that needs to be worked on.
On replay, Walker’s knock on went backwards for me. Walker is improving and realising his potential with game time. See also Henry T, Joe C, etc.
For a massive guy, I thought Tuisue did very well as a jackaller, not something I’d expect given his frame, but very effective. I noticed a stat on the coverage that LI had the most dominant presence (or something similar) last week out of all teams in the competition (I’m assuming that meant Challenge Cup), so for our forwards to out dominate them is encouraging.
With the backs, I get the impression we start heads up, play very slick for 5 or 10 minutes, don’t get a score, cough it up, end up on the back foot and defending near our try line and go into our shells offensively for most of the rest of the first half. It happens so many times with us and is a mentality/leadership issue for me that needs to be worked on.
before the game most on here were saying keep it in the forwards for this game. Then they do (and win) and some on here complain about our style and want to use the backs more.
Quote:bardofavon
when ewels- he with the hands of treacle- knocked on from a bog standard restart i nearly threw the cat at the TV.
That made me larf.
Quote:hemington
before the game most on here were saying keep it in the forwards for this game. Then they do (and win) and some on here complain about our style and want to use the backs more.
Precisely!
It was a very coherent game plan and execution for beating what’s in front of you. The kicking and the chasing were outstanding and meant that LI were playing ‘panicky’ looking counter-attacks more often than threatening ones. It’s a massive cliche but still worth stating that JJ is a genius defender in the outside channel and last night he was right on it. I would suggest that he and Watson, in particular, want silverware.
We blew the chance to put it to bed around the 55 minute mark when we spent a good 5 minutes battering their line and came away with nothing. But even allowing for that there was fairly little (other than paranoia stemming from past occasions) to suggest we were in any real danger of blowing it.
What we did last night wouldn’t be enough to beat Exeter or Leinster or Toulouse, but we weren’t playing Exeter or Leinster or Toulouse. But the template - agree a game plan, execute it, stick to it - was good. The identification of key moments was good. The taking of opportunities was good. Even the 55-minute relapse could be categorised as ‘not crucial’ given that we were already a score and a half ahead at that point.
I’m hoping - if not quite hopeful - that Cipriani is going to be our Cantona.
Happy with that performance and the result particularly given the outside-half situation and the other changes through injuries etc.
A settled squad over the next few weeks and you never know what may transpire.
A settled squad over the next few weeks and you never know what may transpire.
Good lord, a four try to one win in the rain against a team that has been playing really well recently, and beat us two weeks ago, and we had no front line fly half.
Playing throw it around rugby against that back three would be insane. Everyone get some perspective. We're never going to go from zero attack to all out attack in one step, there are definite improvements (particularly in our offloading game) and we played the right game plan for the conditions and the opponents.
Playing throw it around rugby against that back three would be insane. Everyone get some perspective. We're never going to go from zero attack to all out attack in one step, there are definite improvements (particularly in our offloading game) and we played the right game plan for the conditions and the opponents.
Quote:hasta
Good lord, a four try to one win in the rain against a team that has been playing really well recently, and beat us two weeks ago, and we had no front line fly half.
Playing throw it around rugby against that back three would be insane. Everyone get some perspective. We're never going to go from zero attack to all out attack in one step, there are definite improvements (particularly in our offloading game) and we played the right game plan for the conditions and the opponents.
+ 1 Baby steps!
Quote:hasta
Good lord, a four try to one win in the rain against a team that has been playing really well recently, and beat us two weeks ago, and we had no front line fly half.
Playing throw it around rugby against that back three would be insane. Everyone get some perspective. We're never going to go from zero attack to all out attack in one step, there are definite improvements (particularly in our offloading game) and we played the right game plan for the conditions and the opponents.
Completely agree Hasta, strange criticism, it also has to be noted that Spencer seems to be playing both 9 and 10!
Scrum half and Fly half absolutely dictate play, at the moment we ONLY box kick or throw it wide, that's easy to defend if you know its coming. When was the last time we saw a tactical kick from 10 not down the touchline.
Anthony Watsons kick was the the only example for a while.
Anyway not to worry we will probably have someone else at 10 now, just wonder if Bayliss could do it, he is quick enough!
I think it's perfectly possible to enjoy the win and be pleased with the pragmatism whilst accepting that we probably won't win anything purely with 2m pick and drives plus rolling mauls (tho it's a ruddy good start).
As hasta says the baseline is zero attack and we have definitely seen some positive movement over the last 2 months. Long way to go. Personally v interested to see how quickly cips could accelerate that process.
On a separate note spent a bit of time focusing on bayliss. He gets through some serious work. Does lots of good nuts and bolts work like making up big yardage to lift jumpers at kick offs. Expect he does lots of things coaches love.
As hasta says the baseline is zero attack and we have definitely seen some positive movement over the last 2 months. Long way to go. Personally v interested to see how quickly cips could accelerate that process.
On a separate note spent a bit of time focusing on bayliss. He gets through some serious work. Does lots of good nuts and bolts work like making up big yardage to lift jumpers at kick offs. Expect he does lots of things coaches love.
Quote:charlieboa
On a separate note spent a bit of time focusing on bayliss. He gets through some serious work. Does lots of good nuts and bolts work like making up big yardage to lift jumpers at kick offs. Expect he does lots of things coaches love.
Love the guy, he is as good as Faletau and Underhill but in a different way and boy does he get around the pitch!
Recommend this interview with Josh where he talks about his history with Bath and how the squad is coming together: [youtu.be]
I think Alex Grey looks like a quality signing, the timing of his jump and calmness of his catch near our 5m line whilst back-peddling and Ben Loader jumping over him was brilliant. It was unfortunate that Joe C couldn’t take the pass he made when stepping out of contact when he first came on too. He’s certainly a big unit.
Charlie - there was an LI kick off where Bayliss was positioned on the 10m line. As soon as they kicked it long’ish he sprinted to get round behind the ball like his life depended it.
Quote:Optimist
Charlie - there was an LI kick off where Bayliss was positioned on the 10m line. As soon as they kicked it long’ish he sprinted to get round behind the ball like his life depended it.
Yep. Think it was the first play of the game I noticed him do that and then was first tackler following the subsequent spencer box kick. Impressive.
Big believer in the 'no talent required ' ethos that Exeter hold very dear. Working v hard to influence the game and doing the basics that are so important.
Quote:RockNRoweller
I think Alex Grey looks like a quality signing, the timing of his jump and calmness of his catch near our 5m line whilst back-peddling and Ben Loader jumping over him was brilliant. It was unfortunate that Joe C couldn’t take the pass he made when stepping out of contact when he first came on too. He’s certainly a big unit.
Looks a decent player doesn't he. Fascinating bloke as well.
Interesting to see if he is retained as only came on 1 year contract. Hope he is personally.
Quote:hasta
Good lord, a four try to one win in the rain against a team that has been playing really well recently, and beat us two weeks ago, and we had no front line fly half.
Playing throw it around rugby against that back three would be insane. Everyone get some perspective. We're never going to go from zero attack to all out attack in one step, there are definite improvements (particularly in our offloading game) and we played the right game plan for the conditions and the opponents.
My point wasn't that we should have thrown it about more Hasta, in fact despite the conditions the backs actually had quite a few touches. My point is that when they get the ball they don't look like they are as threatening as they should be given the quality of the names in that back line. Totally agree that the tactics are fine, but the backs ideas and execution isn't as good as it could or should be IMO.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:hasta
Recommend this interview with Josh where he talks about his history with Bath and how the squad is coming together: [youtu.be]
Unnecessarily long but thanks for posting that Hasta, great stuff about Bailey at the end as well. Absolutely clear that the players mentioned, himself, Reid, Bailey, Ojomoh are totally Bath orientated, I have little concern about club sprit and ethos hearing that. He just doesn't care that much of his work is unseen, how can you leave a guy like that out of your team?
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:hasta
Good lord, a four try to one win in the rain against a team that has been playing really well recently, and beat us two weeks ago, and we had no front line fly half.
Playing throw it around rugby against that back three would be insane. Everyone get some perspective. We're never going to go from zero attack to all out attack in one step, there are definite improvements (particularly in our offloading game) and we played the right game plan for the conditions and the opponents.
My point wasn't that we should have thrown it about more Hasta, in fact despite the conditions the backs actually had quite a few touches. My point is that when they get the ball they don't look like they are as threatening as they should be given the quality of the names in that back line. Totally agree that the tactics are fine, but the backs ideas and execution isn't as good as it could or should be IMO.
Good as it should be? No. Is a realistic progress given where we were, the conditions, the opposition and the total disruption of our midfield? It was pretty decent.
Quote:Only his second start for us, Zac Henry was in front of him, both pretty good back ups for Ford. Not sure who will start for our visit to you, probably Ford with McPhillips on the bench at a guess.gaz59
McPhillips looks a very good back up Fly Half for Tiggers
Quote:Mike the Taxi
https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/all-about/bath-rugby - Chronic Player Ratings
Difficult to argue with those ratings, perhaps McNally an 8. Mercer was a machine.
What’s the issue with Rhys? When is he likely to be back?
Quote:TomReaganQuote:Spot on. Twice the money, a much nicer climate, great city, beaches, new experience and people criticise SH for not keeping him... Players move clubs these days; we've gained plenty.charlieboa
Tbf re mercer the rumour is montpellier offered him twice as much as bath (and baths offer was decent).
Not getting a look in with England, wants a new experience.
I think hoops has done well to keep it all civil and is getting great performances out of mercer this season.
Hopefully no bridges burnt and if he comes back to the prem we would be in the mix.
It’s a no brainer isn’t it.
If he was in the England mix the England money would have kept him at Bath IMHO. But Eddie being Eddie (give a player two caps of so and shove them in a box) I can’t blame him for going to France.
J
Quote:hastaQuote:BathMatt53Quote:hasta
Good lord, a four try to one win in the rain against a team that has been playing really well recently, and beat us two weeks ago, and we had no front line fly half.
Playing throw it around rugby against that back three would be insane. Everyone get some perspective. We're never going to go from zero attack to all out attack in one step, there are definite improvements (particularly in our offloading game) and we played the right game plan for the conditions and the opponents.
My point wasn't that we should have thrown it about more Hasta, in fact despite the conditions the backs actually had quite a few touches. My point is that when they get the ball they don't look like they are as threatening as they should be given the quality of the names in that back line. Totally agree that the tactics are fine, but the backs ideas and execution isn't as good as it could or should be IMO.
Good as it should be? No. Is a realistic progress given where we were, the conditions, the opposition and the total disruption of our midfield? It was pretty decent.
My thoughts exactly Hasta. Given the weather, disruption to the backline and an opposition that thrive on going wide and fast the gameplan from coaches was spot on and mainly executed pretty well by players
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:hasta
Good lord, a four try to one win in the rain against a team that has been playing really well recently, and beat us two weeks ago, and we had no front line fly half.
Playing throw it around rugby against that back three would be insane. Everyone get some perspective. We're never going to go from zero attack to all out attack in one step, there are definite improvements (particularly in our offloading game) and we played the right game plan for the conditions and the opponents.
My point wasn't that we should have thrown it about more Hasta, in fact despite the conditions the backs actually had quite a few touches. My point is that when they get the ball they don't look like they are as threatening as they should be given the quality of the names in that back line. Totally agree that the tactics are fine, but the backs ideas and execution isn't as good as it could or should be IMO.
I completely agree BathMatt. Our back line does not functions at the level it should in any match, not particularly this one. I think some of us are talking about a general weakness considering the quality of players at our disposal. We see individual excellence but rarely collective & to be compared unfavourably with teams like LI in this regard is not where we should be. Sure, we won this match which is great but what happens in a game against a team like Quinn’s on a hard dry pitch when our pack is not superior on the day? We need a far better all round game rather than being almost totally dependant on rolling maul/pick & go/flop over tries.
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:BathMatt53Quote:hasta
Good lord, a four try to one win in the rain against a team that has been playing really well recently, and beat us two weeks ago, and we had no front line fly half.
Playing throw it around rugby against that back three would be insane. Everyone get some perspective. We're never going to go from zero attack to all out attack in one step, there are definite improvements (particularly in our offloading game) and we played the right game plan for the conditions and the opponents.
My point wasn't that we should have thrown it about more Hasta, in fact despite the conditions the backs actually had quite a few touches. My point is that when they get the ball they don't look like they are as threatening as they should be given the quality of the names in that back line. Totally agree that the tactics are fine, but the backs ideas and execution isn't as good as it could or should be IMO.
I completely agree BathMatt. Our back line does not functions at the level it should in any match, not particularly this one. I think some of us are talking about a general weakness considering the quality of players at our disposal. We see individual excellence but rarely collective & to be compared unfavourably with teams like LI in this regard is not where we should be. Sure, we won this match which is great but what happens in a game against a team like Quinn’s on a hard dry pitch when our pack is not superior on the day? We need a far better all round game rather than being almost totally dependant on rolling maul/pick & go/flop over tries.
Surely this has been recognised by the letting go of our backs coach, the continual search for a quality fly half, and the recruitment of Cipriani (for good or bad). Until this is achieved we have to play to our strengths , scoring through the forwards and defending well, to win games!!
Yes, I can put up with two boring games where we rumble over from 5 yards and win without using our backs. It might be heresy but thats how I feel. Its a big ask though!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Quote:I take it you mean 2 more games where we do that and come away with some silverware? If so I absolutely agree.shipwrecked
Yes, I can put up with two boring games where we rumble over from 5 yards and win without using our backs. It might be heresy but thats how I feel. Its a big ask though!
Quote:dcshQuote:I take it you mean 2 more games where we do that and come away with some silverware? If so I absolutely agree.shipwrecked
Yes, I can put up with two boring games where we rumble over from 5 yards and win without using our backs. It might be heresy but thats how I feel. Its a big ask though!
Absolutely!
I personally think that our backline at present is a number of highly talented individuals. That is my point I watch the games and sometimes it is as if they have just met in the pub half an hour before kick-off, although recently there has been signs of improvement.
Some of this can be explained by our constant chopping and changing of key positions since Ford's departure and that is why not all the blame can be placed.of Dempsey, hopefully this will change as we now have stability of Talupe F at 8( think Coetzee will play 6), Ben Spencer at 9 and Cam Redpath at 12. I hope (everything crossed) Cipriani is a true hit and gets the line moving as well as tutoring Bailey as our long term 10.
Finally this will hopefully give us a stable spine of players in that key axis of 8, 9, 10 & 12 for the coaches to gel the other players around and finally we will see the fruits of these incredibly talented players focused and in harmony.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:11:10:53:52 by Ali1969.
Some of this can be explained by our constant chopping and changing of key positions since Ford's departure and that is why not all the blame can be placed.of Dempsey, hopefully this will change as we now have stability of Talupe F at 8( think Coetzee will play 6), Ben Spencer at 9 and Cam Redpath at 12. I hope (everything crossed) Cipriani is a true hit and gets the line moving as well as tutoring Bailey as our long term 10.
Finally this will hopefully give us a stable spine of players in that key axis of 8, 9, 10 & 12 for the coaches to gel the other players around and finally we will see the fruits of these incredibly talented players focused and in harmony.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:04:11:10:53:52 by Ali1969.
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
Bath News 24/7
More Bath headlines
- LEARNINGS FOR NEXT SEASON. SEASON REVIEW CONTINUED.
- World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026 Preview
- FAILURE, FRUSTRATION OR FLATLINE? 2026 SEASON REVIEW
- "IT'S IN OUR HANDS”...BATH V EXETER.
- NOW OR NEVER: BATH V LEICESTER
- BOUNCEBACKABILITY: EXETER CHIEFS V BATH RUGBY
- LE HANDICAP? BORDEAUX v BATH ECC SEMI FINAL
- “MAY YOUR CHOICES REFLECT YOUR HOPES NOT YOUR FEARS”.
- EYES BACK ON THE OTHER PRIZE! BATH v HARLEQUINS
Bath latest threads
- O/T Postcards from the Past No 4 – Naples 2010
- Injury latest on forgotten Bath Rugby wrecking ball Jaco Coetzee
- OT / Prostate
- OT - Fox wins the Open at Birkdale
- O/T Postcards from the Past No 3 Théoule-sur-Mer – May 2017
- OT/ Site advertising
- Will Roue Signed ahead of the 2026/27 season
- Bath Rugby's confirmed 2026/27 incoming signings and outgoings
- 2026/27 PREM Rugby Cup fixtures confirmed
- O/T Postcards from the Past No2 Cordoba 2015