Bath
BARBARIANS AT THE GATES. BATH v BARBARIANS
Banahan: welcome back
By PG Tips
November 15 2022
The Barbarians will be at the gates in the Roman city of Bath on Sunday afternoon. These though, will be welcome visitors, not the existential threat to civilisation of the ancient Romans. The world’s most famous invitation rugby club will be here to fill a gap in the hosts’ fixture list left by the recent collapse of Worcester Warriors and Wasps, to provide game time for some players left in the cold by those calamities and to entertain. It will be fascinating to see how Bath Rugby approach this friendly: as a chance to build more winning momentum, or a moment for experimentation?
The BaaBaas have cast a wide net to trawl up their 25-man squad to be coached by Scott Robertson. Established internationals, including some veteran Englishmen, promising youngsters, 3 Bath alumni and several players from the suspended clubs make up the squad. The home support will particularly welcome seeing Matt Banahan come out of retirement for a one-off return to the Rec, to be joined by former teammates Elliott Stooke and Gabriel Oghre. These three will be well acquainted with Cardiff flanker Ollie Robinson, son of the former Bath & England coach who spent some time in the Blue, Black and White Academy.
The stellar names among the visitors include Irish lock John Ryan and halfbacks Francois Hougaard and Damian McKenzie. Ryan could be joined up front by Graham Kitchener or one of the former Wasps Tim Cardall or Kiran McDonald. In front of them props Thompson-Stringer and Brookes are both internationals with a choice of more Wasps, Tom Cruse and Gabriel Oghre to hook. Only 3 specialist loose forwards are in the 25 names so far revealed so there is a strong chance that Olly Robinson will start, joining cross code kiwi Abraham Papali’I and Italian U20 star Jacopo Bianchi.
The BaaBaas backline may well have a makeshift look, but there will be power and pace aplenty, even from such veterans as Luther Burrell, Marland Yarde and Mike Brown. To help knit them together Robertson can choose from Irish prospect Cathal Forde or Jacob Umaga. The latter can cover fly half, centre and fullback – an ideal bench option.
Bath’s selection in response will very much depend on how van Graan views the opportunity. Winning is a habit and it would be great for morale to extend the winning sequence to 4 in a row. However, the demands of an exhibition match and the next competitive match up – away to Exeter in the Premiership Cup - are different. Does he go all out to win or consider a runout for the likely Cup 23 to get them into practice? There may also be a need for respite ahead of the Premiership tie with Harlequins in 3 week’s time. So there could be room for Etete, Richards or Staddon up front and Searle (if fit) and Ojomoh in the backs. Maybe also returns from injury for Will Spencer and Tom de Glanville?
Whoever plays will find their defence tested by Scott Robertson’s ingenuity and the quality of the opposition (albeit veteran and possibly rusty in some positions). This will be a memorable occasion, the first meeting between the teams since 1994. On that day Bath fielded their strongest available team 12 of them internationals with 2 more on the bench. I expect we will see a strong line-up again on Sunday. The result? Anybody’s guess, but fans will come in hope of entertaining rugby- from both teams.
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StumbleuponBARBARIANS AT THE GATES. BATH v BARBARIANS
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 15/11/2022 08:37
15/11/2022 08:37
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:11:22:11:19:58 by P G Tips.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:11:22:11:19:58 by P G Tips.
What colour socks will Banners wear I wonder? Would actually be a nice touch for all of them to wear one Worcester sock and one Wasps sock.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I think he said on BT Sport that he would be wearing his Jersey socks, the first player from Jersey to play for the Barbarians.
Quote:Did Budge Pountney never turn out for them?bathwickboy
I think he said on BT Sport that he would be wearing his Jersey socks, the first player from Jersey to play for the Barbarians.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Quote:bathwickboy
I think he said on BT Sport that he would be wearing his Jersey socks, the first player from Jersey to play for the Barbarians.
Nicely diplomatic! But we all know he's really a Bath boy
Quote:Which TylerQuote:Did Budge Pountney never turn out for them?bathwickboy
I think he said on BT Sport that he would be wearing his Jersey socks, the first player from Jersey to play for the Barbarians.
Budge Pountney was born in Southamton. His grandmother was from Jersey though. Can't remember him ever playing for Baabaas.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Thanks - knew Jersey was his route into Scotland, but though it was birth.BathMatt53
Budge Pountney was born in Southamton. His grandmother was from Jersey though. Can't remember him ever playing for Baabaas.
I'd be surprised but not amazed if he never played BaaBaas.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Quote:9215
Anyone know if the match will be streamed?
Lewis Hancock on Facebook said it would be I believe but not seen any details/confirmation
Quote:charlieboaQuote:9215
Anyone know if the match will be streamed?
Lewis Hancock on Facebook said it would be I believe but not seen any details/confirmation
Good to know, hopefully they’ll put something out soon
Talking of kit, maybe Bath will play in the silver. Not much difference between BB&W and B&W?
Interesting that the likes of Spencer and Lawrence are on the promotional material. Not sure what JvG will do with selection but considering we don't have a Prem game until Dec, we might see a strong-ish XV, if not full strength, in order to give some combos a chance to get some game time. Suspect the Prem Cup match v Exe might be the one where the first XV guys get a break.
I think that they have to put out a decent side, at least to start. Otherwise it makes a bit of a mockery of the whole event. Then mix it up when the likes of Banners are on - suspect he may be blowing fairly quickly after so long out?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
On the Offy it states full strength:
[www.bathrugby.com]
"Fielding a full strength team on the pitch, as ever we'll be putting on a full strength matchday, complete with live music, a great atmosphere and... Matt Banahan."
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
[www.bathrugby.com]
"Fielding a full strength team on the pitch, as ever we'll be putting on a full strength matchday, complete with live music, a great atmosphere and... Matt Banahan."
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
I have it on very good authority the Banners is really looking forward to the day. So much so that he has been making use of a weights Gym to prepare! Something he tried hard to avoid when playing as a professional. 
It's a tricky one from the point of view of avoiding injuries. You would think that the game would be less abrasive than a typical Prem fixture but then the consensus of coaches is that players should commit fully to contact (playing intuitively) otherwise they are more likely to get injured.
Spoke to Banners after the Saints game and he said then he was working hard to try and get into the Baabaas squad. On the Bath Rugby Plug podcast he said that it was thanks to Tarquin and Hoops contacting the Baabaas that he got put in contact with the right people
Bath Rugby: 15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Will Butt, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Matt Gallagher, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Max Green; 1 Arthur Cordwell, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 D'Arcy Rae, 4 Fergus Lee-Warner, 5 Tom Ellis, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Miles Reid, 8 Richard de Carpentier.
Impact players: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Valeriy Morozov, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Quinn Roux, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Ollie Lawrence, 23 Joe Cokanasiga.
Big Joe less injured than Eddie thought
Impact players: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Valeriy Morozov, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Quinn Roux, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Ollie Lawrence, 23 Joe Cokanasiga.
Big Joe less injured than Eddie thought
Great to have tdg back.
Some serious competition at 15 now with Gallagher and shillcock
Was hoping there may be a more returnees looking for game time.
Some serious competition at 15 now with Gallagher and shillcock
Was hoping there may be a more returnees looking for game time.
Shillcock and Searle were on short term deals, not sure how long for. It's not unreasonable to reckon that with Bailey and TdG back they might be out of contact again.
Good point - got the impression the deals were only for a month or two.
Guess francis cover was a large part of it but worboys has gone OK.
Wouldn't be surprised to see shillcock stay/come back next season. Great utility option.
Searle is a player I really like as well- personally rather have him than francis if comparing as out and out 10 options.
Guess francis cover was a large part of it but worboys has gone OK.
Wouldn't be surprised to see shillcock stay/come back next season. Great utility option.
Searle is a player I really like as well- personally rather have him than francis if comparing as out and out 10 options.
Very good to see Arthur Cordwell getting a start!
He’s been very good off the bench in recent weeks!
He’s been very good off the bench in recent weeks!
I agree about Cordwell, has looked very composed and performed really well, I think he has a great future ahead of him. Reminds me of how I felt when Beno started to make an impression.
Stronger 23 than we’ve been able to put out on games that actually matter.
Quinn Roux has played quite a few games on the trot now.
Quinn Roux has played quite a few games on the trot now.
Quote:by
Stronger 23 than we’ve been able to put out on games that actually matter.
Quinn Roux has played quite a few games on the trot now.
Yes, Spencer and Attwood apart, this will probably be the 23 for Quins.
Guess Roux could get a rest for Attwoods return? Lee -Warner has done well.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Could do with attwood and w spencer back to ease the workload of roux and flw.
Williams continued absence may be cap- related?
Cordwell seems to be benefitting from a tough learning curve last season..
I think he is still only 23 so v young for a porp so encouraging progress.
I assume we have gone strong as it's prem Cup next week so if our front line guys don't play this week they will have had 3 weeks between games.
Williams continued absence may be cap- related?
Cordwell seems to be benefitting from a tough learning curve last season..
I think he is still only 23 so v young for a porp so encouraging progress.
I assume we have gone strong as it's prem Cup next week so if our front line guys don't play this week they will have had 3 weeks between games.
Quote:charlieboa
Could do with...w spencer back to ease the workload of roux and flw.
Who?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:charlieboa
Could do with...w spencer back to ease the workload of roux and flw.
Who?
Quite.
The one who is never fit for bath but averaged 20+ games per season as wuss and Leicester
Sure the poor bloke is much more frustrated than us , my frustration is that I think he is an excellent player. He is a monster when fit and firing.
Just can't justify his cap when he averages a handful of games every season due to injury.
Do people think ellis at lock is last man standing studf or where jvg sees his future?
Quote:charlieboa
Do people think ellis at lock is last man standing studf or where jvg sees his future?
Could be a bit of both. There will obviously be a cull at the end of the season and as it stands we have gone from cupboard thin to bursting with locks. Injuries aside. Im not sure JVG rates Richards and with Williams and Spencer frequently absent, Ellis could be a valuable asset as another hybrid back 5 moving forward. Still wondering where Lewis Boyce is but thats another conversation.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Quote:copester
Im not sure JVG rates Richards
I don't think that is true, the lad is only 20. I think that he could be seen as more of a 6 at this stage though?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:copester
Im not sure JVG rates Richards
I don't think that is true, the lad is only 20. I think that he could be seen as more of a 6 at this stage though?
Good point, I was just referring to the fact that Merrigan, RDC, White, V Veltze and Ellis have seemed to be picked over him this season where last year he was an automatic pick.
I wondered if he was carrying an injury?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Personally, I would like to see him settle at 6- IMHO he has the potential to be another Andy Beattie- but just that bit more athletic.
PG
PG
Quote:P G Tips
Personally, I would like to see him settle at 6- IMHO he has the potential to be another Andy Beattie- but just that bit more athletic.
PG
Aah Andy Beattie, great player!
Agree about Cordwell and i think he has been unlucky not to be starting ahead of Mozorov as he played really well last season especially when he and Rae went the full 80 in beating Harlequins.
He did great coming on at Newcastle as Mozorov was not in the refs good books and again with his partner in crime Rae completely dominated Newcastle in the scrum.
IMHO every time he has come on that side of the scrum has improved and I am delighted that he is starting.
I hope Bath come at this game with a full head of steam as we must keep our momentum going and go 4 out of 4.
In my books the best form of entertainment is winning and I know Tarquin gets pelters but good on him in helping get Banners involved.
I am sure that he will get the biggest cheer of the day as long as he does not score the winning try but don't put it past him to do that.
He did great coming on at Newcastle as Mozorov was not in the refs good books and again with his partner in crime Rae completely dominated Newcastle in the scrum.
IMHO every time he has come on that side of the scrum has improved and I am delighted that he is starting.
I hope Bath come at this game with a full head of steam as we must keep our momentum going and go 4 out of 4.
In my books the best form of entertainment is winning and I know Tarquin gets pelters but good on him in helping get Banners involved.
I am sure that he will get the biggest cheer of the day as long as he does not score the winning try but don't put it past him to do that.
Don't get me started on ewan richards- love the guy personally.
I think he may have gone off injured in prem Cup? No idea if he is OK now. Will see if he gets named next weekend I guess.
For me he is a 6 that can play lock but the coaches may have a different view and have put him on a programme to bulk up. If that is the case not playing him may be wise.
As matt says only 20 yrs old but an absolute diamond imho and by all accounts a lovely bloke.
Year 1 of a long term contract so time to ease him in and for him to prove himself to the new coaches.
My only frustration is i think he already is alot better as a lock and a backrower than many of guys getting game time this season but the coaches know better than me. Just annoying that someone gets thrown in at deep end, absolutely excels, outperforming and showing more character than more experienced players and his reward is not getting picked the following season. I need to be patient!
I think he may have gone off injured in prem Cup? No idea if he is OK now. Will see if he gets named next weekend I guess.
For me he is a 6 that can play lock but the coaches may have a different view and have put him on a programme to bulk up. If that is the case not playing him may be wise.
As matt says only 20 yrs old but an absolute diamond imho and by all accounts a lovely bloke.
Year 1 of a long term contract so time to ease him in and for him to prove himself to the new coaches.
My only frustration is i think he already is alot better as a lock and a backrower than many of guys getting game time this season but the coaches know better than me. Just annoying that someone gets thrown in at deep end, absolutely excels, outperforming and showing more character than more experienced players and his reward is not getting picked the following season. I need to be patient!
Quote:charlieboa
I need to be patient!
Yep! Far better to get him ready for many years of first team rugby than throw him in and break him, particularly when we have at least 2 good locks and Hill at 6.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:charlieboa
Do people think ellis at lock is last man standing studf or where jvg sees his future?
Ellis actually started as a lock, if I remember correctly, and then under Blackadder et al went to back row.
Quote:SJSQuote:charlieboa
Do people think ellis at lock is last man standing studf or where jvg sees his future?
Ellis actually started as a lock, if I remember correctly, and then under Blackadder et al went to back row.
Yes, and Levi Douglas went the other way. One lost about 2 stone and the other put it on.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:charlieboa
Wouldn't be surprised to see shillcock stay/come back next season. Great utility option.
+1
Would be great news if Shillcock stays at Bath.
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:SJSQuote:charlieboa
Do people think ellis at lock is last man standing studf or where jvg sees his future?
Ellis actually started as a lock, if I remember correctly, and then under Blackadder et al went to back row.
Yes, and Levi Douglas went the other way. One lost about 2 stone and the other put it on.
I think ellis partnered Charlie for eng u20s?
Quote:charlieboaQuote:BathMatt53Quote:SJSQuote:charlieboa
Do people think ellis at lock is last man standing studf or where jvg sees his future?
Ellis actually started as a lock, if I remember correctly, and then under Blackadder et al went to back row.
Yes, and Levi Douglas went the other way. One lost about 2 stone and the other put it on.
I think ellis partnered Charlie for eng u20s?
Itoje partnered Charlie in the Eng U20's...
Quote:Clarkey3kQuote:charlieboaQuote:BathMatt53Quote:SJSQuote:charlieboa
Do people think ellis at lock is last man standing studf or where jvg sees his future?
Ellis actually started as a lock, if I remember correctly, and then under Blackadder et al went to back row.
Yes, and Levi Douglas went the other way. One lost about 2 stone and the other put it on.
I think ellis partnered Charlie for eng u20s?
Itoje partnered Charlie in the Eng U20's...
Think we are both right, they all seemed to play lock around the same time for u20s.
For example below is ellis partnering itoje.
[www.bathrugby.com]
I think when they won world's it was ewels and itoje?
[www.bathrugby.com] - Watch Live on Bath Rugby website, if you can't get there.
Quote:Mike the Taxi
The live steam video from the above link is very good!
It’s working perfectly for me out here in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Kudos to the logistical team for sorting it.
Damian Mckenzie... Phewy... He's some rugby player.
Bath looked like they hadn't got out of bed.
Bath looked like they hadn't got out of bed.
Bath were outplayed in every aspect today despite the unfamiliarity of the BaBas in playing together. We seemed to have been making progress in the last few games but this game proved how far we still have to go in attack particularly. We appeared clueless compared with the ingenuity & speed of thought of our opponents. Also, OB’s goal kicking has to improve if he wishes to remain a viable option for club & country. Our experienced kicking coach doesn’t seem to be helping at all.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:11:20:16:53:06 by Bath Hammer.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:11:20:16:53:06 by Bath Hammer.
Just an observation but the most consistent place kickers seem to do so with very little follow through, fewer moving parts.
The lineout today was truly awful - much improvement needed Mr Charteris .
The midfield defence was porous, especially in the first half - young Max Ojomoh looks very naive at times.
Credit to the tenacity and spirit of the Barbarians squad. And hats off to Mackenzie - what a special talent he is.
Well done to all at the club for making this a memorable day out despite the rain.
The midfield defence was porous, especially in the first half - young Max Ojomoh looks very naive at times.
Credit to the tenacity and spirit of the Barbarians squad. And hats off to Mackenzie - what a special talent he is.
Well done to all at the club for making this a memorable day out despite the rain.
Quote:dannyf2
Damian Mckenzie... Phewy... He's some rugby player.
Bath looked like they hadn't got out of bed.
He's very, very good! Ran the show and pinpoint kick passes, plus lots of little chips too.
Quote:dannyf2
Damian Mckenzie... Phewy... He's some rugby player.
Bath looked like they hadn't got out of bed.
+1
Class above everyone else on the pitch
Quote:dannyf2
Damian Mckenzie... Phewy... He's some rugby player.
Bath looked like they hadn't got out of bed.
He was so good. Controlled the game. Well deserved MOTM.
J
Left the Rec feeling massively frustrated with Bath's "performance". The lineout stopped us getting any momentum in the middle quarters and it's a mystery to me why we look so lacking in imagination in that area!? Is this where we are missing Ewels (as lineout caller?)
Biggest disappointment was how disjointed we looked with ball in hand. And why didn't we go for the corner instead of the kick with 2 minutes left!? We had all the momentum at that point.
Highlight was the set play the Barbarians ran in the 1st half close to our line, where they all formed a circle, McKenzie tapped and threw the ball into the centre of the player circle and then they all broke in different directions - utter beautiful bedlam! Loved it!
Biggest disappointment was how disjointed we looked with ball in hand. And why didn't we go for the corner instead of the kick with 2 minutes left!? We had all the momentum at that point.
Highlight was the set play the Barbarians ran in the 1st half close to our line, where they all formed a circle, McKenzie tapped and threw the ball into the centre of the player circle and then they all broke in different directions - utter beautiful bedlam! Loved it!
Quote:BathSalmon
Highlight was the set play the Barbarians ran in the 1st half close to our line, where they all formed a circle, McKenzie tapped and threw the ball into the centre of the player circle and then they all broke in different directions - utter beautiful bedlam! Loved it!
100% That one move highlighted the vast difference between our lack of creativity & the imaginative approach of the Babas. I would have hoped for more innovation stemming from Maddock’s coaching.
It was a friendly, whilst Bath weren’t great I’m not sure it’s worth getting hot under the collar about the game.
Worst things was the downpour in the first half!
Worst things was the downpour in the first half!
Quote:Bath Hammer
OB’s goal kicking has to improve if he wishes to remain a viable option for club & country. Our experienced kicking coach doesn’t seem to be helping at all.
I wonder if he’s going through one of those processes where’s he’s had his technique unpicked and is suffering while he puts it back together? Thought he was a decent kicker a year or two ago.
Quote:BathSalmon
Left the Rec feeling massively frustrated with Bath's "performance". The lineout stopped us getting any momentum in the middle quarters and it's a mystery to me why we look so lacking in imagination in that area!? Is this where we are missing Ewels (as lineout caller?)
Biggest disappointment was how disjointed we looked with ball in hand. And why didn't we go for the corner instead of the kick with 2 minutes left!? We had all the momentum at that point.
Highlight was the set play the Barbarians ran in the 1st half close to our line, where they all formed a circle, McKenzie tapped and threw the ball into the centre of the player circle and then they all broke in different directions - utter beautiful bedlam! Loved it!
It was instigated by Stookey who called a group hug which clearly was a ploy which we all agreed was worked out in the bar! Pity it didn’t work!
Am I imagining it, or are one or two ex Bath players being a little less anti-Bath all of a sudden?
Very enjoyable afternoon with both teams giving it a go and entertaining. McKenzie best player on the park by miles and nice to see Stooke and Banners back at the rec again. The only disappointment was Bath running out in grey. Why ?
The usual B, B and W probably seen as too similar to the Baa Baas shirts perhaps. (I can't stand that grey kit!).
I watched most of it on the stream, while it's a shame to lose, my only concern was the lineout under Dunn (also is Dunn/Annett the best hooker combo we've had since Humphreys/Mears?). Baabaas won for one reason and one only - Damien MacKenzie. What a player. How can he not get into the All Blacks at 15?
OB has been shaky kicking this season, don't know what's going on there. I suspect if we'd have gone for the corner at the end we'd have won, but I can't begrudge the Baabaas the win like that.
OB has been shaky kicking this season, don't know what's going on there. I suspect if we'd have gone for the corner at the end we'd have won, but I can't begrudge the Baabaas the win like that.
Quote:OutsideBath
It was a friendly, whilst Bath weren’t great I’m not sure it’s worth getting hot under the collar about the game.
Worst things was the downpour in the first half!
Totally agree, It was a beer match. Im sure the intensity will be back for Quins.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Agree. Baa Baas there to have fun and express themselves whereas Bath caught between the need to treat it as a training run, playing their 'normal game' and trying to be a bit more entertaining which at present they're not great at! There was a totally understandable lack of intensity given the result didn't really matter, with easy yards given up and that was evident in the crowd too-just a bit of light entertainment. Hopefully the injuries not too bad, particularly Tom Ellis as he's had some rubbish luck recently. I can't remember a match when one player stood out so far from the rest; McKenzie was a pleasure to watch.
Quote:Optimist
Am I imagining it, or are one or two ex Bath players being a little less anti-Bath all of a sudden?
I think you are right.
Was stooke wearing a bath sock?
Quote:charlieboa
Was stooke wearing a bath sock?
Yes and an Oldfield Old Boys RFC one on the other foot.
Were Stookie and Banners really 'anti Bath'? They would have been disappointed with the manner of their leaving but I don't think that they ever had a problem with the Bath players, fans or club as an entity?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Beergoggles
Very enjoyable afternoon with both teams giving it a go and entertaining. McKenzie best player on the park by miles and nice to see Stooke and Banners back at the rec again.
+1
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
I asked Tom Ellis if he was ok after the game and he said he was fine. I thought it might have been an hia as he went straight down the tunnel when he came off ?
Widcombe Garçon
Widcombe Garçon
Really enjoyed the pre and during match commentary from Ewels. He knows his rugby and able to articulate very clearly
Quote!
It was a friendly, whilst Bath weren’t great I’m not sure it’s worth getting hot under the collar about the game.
Worst things was the downpour in the first half!
This above!
We got very wet in the rain, but had a great day! You cannot directly compare the player's attitudes in a Barbarian game to those in a Premiership match.
Hope the player injuries are not serious?
It was a friendly, whilst Bath weren’t great I’m not sure it’s worth getting hot under the collar about the game.
Worst things was the downpour in the first half!
This above!
We got very wet in the rain, but had a great day! You cannot directly compare the player's attitudes in a Barbarian game to those in a Premiership match.
Hope the player injuries are not serious?
Quote:BBWBaaBaa
Quote!
It was a friendly, whilst Bath weren’t great I’m not sure it’s worth getting hot under the collar about the game.
Worst things was the downpour in the first half!
This above!
We got very wet in the rain, but had a great day! You cannot directly compare the player's attitudes in a Barbarian game to those in a Premiership match.
Hope the player injuries are not serious?
Kind of agree tho Ewels said several times that it was all about momentum and that was the reason for a very strong match day 23
I'm sort of pleased we didn't win.
It clearly didn't have the intensity of a Prem match, and TBH not sure I'd have wanted it to. I think as much as anything playing against a team intent on chucking it about might have posed some difficulties for Bath who are more used to more structured play from Prem opponents.
BaaBaas were clearly enjoying themselves - McKenzie was a magician. If I were Bruce I'd have bought him a pint of the *nice* beer afterwards and suggested a sabbatical from the AB's...
If we had have won, I think there would have been a risk of overconfidence/complacency for the next Prem match. It showed that the recent results were definitely a step in the right direction, but that we haven't become world-beaters overnight.
It clearly didn't have the intensity of a Prem match, and TBH not sure I'd have wanted it to. I think as much as anything playing against a team intent on chucking it about might have posed some difficulties for Bath who are more used to more structured play from Prem opponents.
BaaBaas were clearly enjoying themselves - McKenzie was a magician. If I were Bruce I'd have bought him a pint of the *nice* beer afterwards and suggested a sabbatical from the AB's...
If we had have won, I think there would have been a risk of overconfidence/complacency for the next Prem match. It showed that the recent results were definitely a step in the right direction, but that we haven't become world-beaters overnight.
I take the view that it would have been beneficial to have extended the winning run. Also, one could have hoped that by being freed from the pressures of a Premiership clash the team would be more relaxed & able to express themselves & display what they had learnt from their new coaches. It is of course early days & instead this was a reality check.
I don't see all the games but the ones I do see plus the consensus on here tells me we have improved steadily through the season so far. Not a Leicester style, blitz to the top spot when they reset under Borthwick, but a big improvement nonetheless.
This game was not really about the result, neither would I expect us to change our style as we are still building on what we have. I get the feeling the more the team play at the moment, the better they will get so a useful run out, hopefully avoiding serious injuries.
This game was not really about the result, neither would I expect us to change our style as we are still building on what we have. I get the feeling the more the team play at the moment, the better they will get so a useful run out, hopefully avoiding serious injuries.
I think many aspects of our game are improving. But we still have a lot of work to do on some of our basics, most notably the lineout and our restarts.
The lineout is maddening, and such a hindrance if you have one that doesn't guarantee c90% good ball. Our maul seems to have a bit of bite, so we're killing ourselves by not securing the throw. I know we're missing some lineout acumen in the likes of Ewels and McNally, but someone has to get a grip as for weeks we've been 50/50 at best, giving up great attacking positions and points.
Restarts are so important, as yet again proven by our game and Eng v NZ. In our game, a poor take at the end (to be fair following a fine restart kick by the excellent McKenzie) lost us the game. In the Eng NZ game, a good take at the end secured England the draw (or gave them a shot at the win, if they'd had some nuts). It's SO important. It almost doesn't count as 3, 5 or 7 points for your own team until you've secured the restart and got out of your half. The number of teams who fail at this is staggering and we're a pretty bad offender I feel at letting teams immediately wipe out some of our score.
There are those teams – Leinster, Saracens, SA, and lately Argentina off the top of my head – who just nail their lineout drill and exit after almost every kickoff. It is SUCH a huge improvement to your chances across the board being both a 90% lineout team and never having to worry about conceding immediately after you score. I'd be doing nothing else over the next fortnight at Farleigh, and, without being too pointed, if Charteris can't work it out, get in someone that can.
The lineout is maddening, and such a hindrance if you have one that doesn't guarantee c90% good ball. Our maul seems to have a bit of bite, so we're killing ourselves by not securing the throw. I know we're missing some lineout acumen in the likes of Ewels and McNally, but someone has to get a grip as for weeks we've been 50/50 at best, giving up great attacking positions and points.
Restarts are so important, as yet again proven by our game and Eng v NZ. In our game, a poor take at the end (to be fair following a fine restart kick by the excellent McKenzie) lost us the game. In the Eng NZ game, a good take at the end secured England the draw (or gave them a shot at the win, if they'd had some nuts). It's SO important. It almost doesn't count as 3, 5 or 7 points for your own team until you've secured the restart and got out of your half. The number of teams who fail at this is staggering and we're a pretty bad offender I feel at letting teams immediately wipe out some of our score.
There are those teams – Leinster, Saracens, SA, and lately Argentina off the top of my head – who just nail their lineout drill and exit after almost every kickoff. It is SUCH a huge improvement to your chances across the board being both a 90% lineout team and never having to worry about conceding immediately after you score. I'd be doing nothing else over the next fortnight at Farleigh, and, without being too pointed, if Charteris can't work it out, get in someone that can.
'Blitz to the top spot' might be pushing it a little. Borthwick took over and finished the Covid season (2019-20) bottom - excluding Sarries who had their points reduction. The next season they finished 6th out of 12. Which is probably our ceiling this year, but it's not like we're a million miles away.
Sounds like Roux might be out for a while with a knee injury. Luckily Attwood should be free to play, and Will Spencer must be close to fit, early November was the target in the last update. In that vein, wonder if Coetzee, Cloete or Boyce are near fitness, they've all have been out around 8 to 10 weeks by the time we play Quins.
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