Bath
CRUCIAL CLASH. BATH v GLOUCESTER 23 MARCH
van Graan: storming
By Dan Wiley
March 20 2025
I’ll be honest, I’ve taken my eye off Gloucester. A foolish thing for anyone to do, but especially dangerous for a Bath supporter. In my head they were still the table propping up team of 23/34 and, as many on here will testify, I’m not one to be overly antagonistic by dwelling on our rival’s fortunes. So, I was going to wax lyrical about the glories of a derby and historic rivalries. Reminisce about old school rugby when these two teams clashed, when men were men and the rugby was viewed from temporary, uncovered stands with poor views. Revel in past glories such as 1990 reflecting on names like: Chilcott, Redman, Barnes and Swift. But I can’t, this match is very
Whisper it quietly, very quietly, this could be Bath’s year. We’ve had a storming season so far, off the back of “oh, so nearly!” last year. Yes, we took home some silverware last week, and that’s great, but let’s not kids ourselves that we wouldn’t be greatly disappointed if that were the end of it.
Games like Sale, where in past years our belief might not have been sufficient to overcome Sale's strong start, suggest we can do it. But we must remember, we were in a situation similar to Gloucester not so long ago. Their season has been mixed, six wins, five losses. Appearing to deal with some of the strongest teams, beating second place Bristol at their place, but slipping up when they visited struggling Exeter. Which Gloucester will turn up at The Rec? Purely based on the history I’d say you could bet your money on the one that sunk Bristol. Given what’s at stake you can almost guarantee it.
If any extra spice were needed for this fixture, a dash of piquancy is added through Bath's signing of Santi Carreras from Gloucester. Sharing his time fairly evenly across the back three and at ten surely the vision is one of supporting Finn as a play maker while regularly playing deeper. But where does this leave Harry Arundell? Both are Rec bound. However these players fit into our fine existing options, one can’t help but be excited by these additions to the already impressive display of talent Bath have.
The timing is important for both clubs as well. Just following a 6 Nations campaign that saw England narrowly pip expectations but lose us Olly Lawrence. It’s there for Gloucester to play for, a slip here could see them back near mid table with it all to do, but a win puts them in a great position for a top four finish. Then there’s Bath, a crash in form could see them outside the top four, but it would have to be a real crash. A win probably means they can start viewing the run in as building to a final rather than getting to a final.
Make no mistake about it, as Gloucester are within striking distance of Bristol and with their eyes on us, this clash will have all the facets of one of the most compelling derbies in our sport and it will be crucial in the run in to the playoffs and finals. Will Bath be riding high or hungover after their cup victory?"
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StumbleuponCRUCIAL CLASH. BATH v GLOUCESTER 23 MARCH. TEAMS UP!
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 20/03/2025 11:09
20/03/2025 11:09
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:03:30:22:38:31 by hasta.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:03:30:22:38:31 by hasta.
Thanks Dan.
Not sure about the hangover, for two reasons- JvG is too level headed to let the squad get carried away and many first choices played little or no part in the PRC triumph.
So, I expect the hunger to remain- and the focus.
As said elsewhere, I am expecting a strong squad, something like:
Obano, Dunn, Du Toit, Roux, Ewels, Hill, Pepper, Barbeary. Spencer, Russell. Muir, Ojomoh, Redpath, Butt. De Glanville.
Replacements: van Wyk, Annett, Verden, Moloney, Bayliss, Carr-Smith, McConnochie, Coetzee.
Anybody got others in mind?
PG
Not sure about the hangover, for two reasons- JvG is too level headed to let the squad get carried away and many first choices played little or no part in the PRC triumph.
So, I expect the hunger to remain- and the focus.
As said elsewhere, I am expecting a strong squad, something like:
Obano, Dunn, Du Toit, Roux, Ewels, Hill, Pepper, Barbeary. Spencer, Russell. Muir, Ojomoh, Redpath, Butt. De Glanville.
Replacements: van Wyk, Annett, Verden, Moloney, Bayliss, Carr-Smith, McConnochie, Coetzee.
Anybody got others in mind?
PG
On the basis that Butt stayed in the centre when Ojomoh came on on Sunday I would expect him to be in the centre with one of Ojomoh or Redpath (I would go with Max) and McConnochie on the wing.
Donohue or Bailey on the bench.
I wonder if a fit Griffin and Richards make the bench. Moloney was quite over the last 2 weeks, I had expected more from him.
Donohue or Bailey on the bench.
I wonder if a fit Griffin and Richards make the bench. Moloney was quite over the last 2 weeks, I had expected more from him.
Ciaran Donoghue can play / has played on the wing.
[www.bathrugby.com]
I think that Max Ojomoh is better in the centre - in his own words he isn't the fastest at the top end. For me Butt has earned his place in the 15 for sure (I would have him at 12 again). Based on recent form Cam would be on my bench.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[www.bathrugby.com]
I think that Max Ojomoh is better in the centre - in his own words he isn't the fastest at the top end. For me Butt has earned his place in the 15 for sure (I would have him at 12 again). Based on recent form Cam would be on my bench.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53
Ciaran Donoghue can play / has played on the wing.
[www.bathrugby.com]
I think that Max Ojomoh is better in the centre - in his own words he isn't the fastest at the top end. For me Butt has earned his place in the 15 for sure (I would have him at 12 again). Based on recent form Cam would be on my bench.
You would think they could have updated his season stats after his winning the cup contributions!
Born in Salisbury but listed as Irish, has he chosen yet I wonder?
Great report AW.....you allowed me to wallow in nostalgia and then brought me crashing back to the current day and the reality of a very tough game against a very dynamic, talented team in a derby.
I have to say PG that team is very strong...a backrow of Hill, Pepper and Barbeary is amazingly strong and then of course bringing Bayliss and Coetzee off the bench just compounds matters!
I have to say PG that team is very strong...a backrow of Hill, Pepper and Barbeary is amazingly strong and then of course bringing Bayliss and Coetzee off the bench just compounds matters!
Quote:P G Tips
Not sure either Griffin or Bailey are yet recovered from injury.
PG
Think Griffin came off the bench against Newcastle in the PRC? If so I'd be tempted to have him on the bench (or even starting with TdT off the bench)
Thanks rugbyfan11 - he did: I had forgotten!
Think Bailey may still need another week.
PG
Think Bailey may still need another week.
PG
Hennessey has also played on the wing for us this season, and scored a well taken try.
Have been really impressed with how he's filled out this year, almost looks like Butt Jr these days!
Have been really impressed with how he's filled out this year, almost looks like Butt Jr these days!
No bad options here for selection I don't think.
If the s&c guys think finn and stuart are good to go and better having a rest against quins and/or pau then fair enough.
I would rest stuart this week and finn a few times further down the line once top 2 is secured:
Tdg, rmc, mojo, butt, muir, finn, spencer, beno, dunn, tdt, roux, ewels, reid, pepper, barbeary
Bench: kepu, van wyk, griffin, richards, hill, coetzee, TCS, redpath
Can't find a way to underhill or bayliss in! Lots of backrow rotation coming up!
Certainly think richards and tcs deserve a place as reward for their prem Cup efforts.
If the s&c guys think finn and stuart are good to go and better having a rest against quins and/or pau then fair enough.
I would rest stuart this week and finn a few times further down the line once top 2 is secured:
Tdg, rmc, mojo, butt, muir, finn, spencer, beno, dunn, tdt, roux, ewels, reid, pepper, barbeary
Bench: kepu, van wyk, griffin, richards, hill, coetzee, TCS, redpath
Can't find a way to underhill or bayliss in! Lots of backrow rotation coming up!
Certainly think richards and tcs deserve a place as reward for their prem Cup efforts.
Without access to medical side of things, and how fatigues Finn and Will are...
1. Obano
2. Dunn
3. TdT
4. Richards
5. Roux
6. Reid
7. Pepper
8. Barbeary
09. Spencer
10. Russell
11. Muir
12. Butt
13. Ojomoh
14. McConnochie
15. Donoghue
16. Annett, 17. vanWyk, 18. Stuart, 19. Hill, 20. Green/Staddon, 23. Coetzee
21. Carr-Smith, 22. Redpath/DeGlanville
I want to progress in the JrEuro, and NEED to win against Glos; Finn and Will can rest against Quins, and Finn can have another couple of weeks after that (Exeter & Newcastle).
I want to filter in those who haven't played in the last 7 weeks, whilst rewarding some of the PRC core team.
I'd look to bring the likes of Ewels, Bayliss and Underhill back for Quins, along with AGriffin and hopefully Bailey and whoever misses out on my either/or options.
The likes of Cordwell, Verden, Hennessey can get a run out against Ex and Newc
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
1. Obano
2. Dunn
3. TdT
4. Richards
5. Roux
6. Reid
7. Pepper
8. Barbeary
09. Spencer
10. Russell
11. Muir
12. Butt
13. Ojomoh
14. McConnochie
15. Donoghue
16. Annett, 17. vanWyk, 18. Stuart, 19. Hill, 20. Green/Staddon, 23. Coetzee
21. Carr-Smith, 22. Redpath/DeGlanville
I want to progress in the JrEuro, and NEED to win against Glos; Finn and Will can rest against Quins, and Finn can have another couple of weeks after that (Exeter & Newcastle).
I want to filter in those who haven't played in the last 7 weeks, whilst rewarding some of the PRC core team.
I'd look to bring the likes of Ewels, Bayliss and Underhill back for Quins, along with AGriffin and hopefully Bailey and whoever misses out on my either/or options.
The likes of Cordwell, Verden, Hennessey can get a run out against Ex and Newc
RAEBURN SHIELD
Worries me a bit this game, we don't go well as a club after breaks, should Richards be in after breaking his nose in the final and the adrenaline fuelled exertion in the pack? All that does reduce the glycogen stocks.
We have at least got some game time for the senior players off the bench but Glaws will be fresh and its a local derby.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
We have at least got some game time for the senior players off the bench but Glaws will be fresh and its a local derby.
Interesting point WT about bringing in too many en masses who haven't played in a while.
I think starring roux and ewels together may have an element of risk so your plan of going with richards makes sense.
As SW says, whether his nose agrees is a different matter.
I think starring roux and ewels together may have an element of risk so your plan of going with richards makes sense.
As SW says, whether his nose agrees is a different matter.
Yeah, I'm counting Ewan's nose in the "Without access to medical side of things" - some are fine, some are not - once the adrenaline's worn off.
If not, then I'd probably start Maloney with Ewels, and keep Quinn back for Quins - and not just for the punning value.
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
If not, then I'd probably start Maloney with Ewels, and keep Quinn back for Quins - and not just for the punning value.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Team's up. Gone strong:
Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Max Ojomoh, 14, Ruaridh McConnochie, 15 Tom de Glanville.
Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Sam Underhill, 21, Louis Schreuder, 22 Will Butt, 23 Jaco Coetzee.
PG
Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Max Ojomoh, 14, Ruaridh McConnochie, 15 Tom de Glanville.
Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Sam Underhill, 21, Louis Schreuder, 22 Will Butt, 23 Jaco Coetzee.
PG
The enemy:
1 Ciaran Knight
2 Seb Blake
3 Afo Fasogbon
4 Freddie Clarke
5 Freddie Thomas
6 Jack Clement
7 Lewis Ludlow (C)
8 Ruan Ackermann
09 Tomos Williams
10 Santi Carreras
11 Max Llewellyn
12 Seb Atkinson
13 Chris Harris
14 Christian Wade
15 George Barton
16 Jack Singleton, 17 Val Rapava-Ruskin, 18 Kirill Gotovtsev, 19 Cam Jordan, 20 Harry Taylor
21 Caolan Englefield, 22 Charlie Atkinson, 23 Josh Hathaway
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:03:21:11:57:03 by Which Tyler.
1 Ciaran Knight
2 Seb Blake
3 Afo Fasogbon
4 Freddie Clarke
5 Freddie Thomas
6 Jack Clement
7 Lewis Ludlow (C)
8 Ruan Ackermann
09 Tomos Williams
10 Santi Carreras
11 Max Llewellyn
12 Seb Atkinson
13 Chris Harris
14 Christian Wade
15 George Barton
16 Jack Singleton, 17 Val Rapava-Ruskin, 18 Kirill Gotovtsev, 19 Cam Jordan, 20 Harry Taylor
21 Caolan Englefield, 22 Charlie Atkinson, 23 Josh Hathaway
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:03:21:11:57:03 by Which Tyler.
On paper we have them up front and on the bench, back lines are much more closely matched. Should be a corker.
Interesting that Glos have got their most experience front row on the bench - seems a deliberate tactic to counter us.
Looking forward to Obano v Fasogbon
Bath by 11.
Looking forward to Obano v Fasogbon
Bath by 11.
Yes, but they are missing Clark and Alemanno at lock and Tuisue at No8. We need to take it to them up front for 80+ minutes to nullify their backline threat.
PG
PG
Bit off topic but just seen the Exeter team. Bristol should absolutely batter them
Will Muir back is good news, thats quite a bench! I hope that Josh Bayliss, Guy Pepper and Alfie Barbeary don't hit Santi to hard and damage the new acquisition!
Having said that its an attacking back row so let them worry about us!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Having said that its an attacking back row so let them worry about us!
Love it. Interesting back row picks. Maybe our most lightweight, compared to the other options we had at our disposal. Without Joe and Ollie, maybe we're going to play a little wider a little earlier?
Either way, exciting team and I'll be in, all in, all the time from the West Stand at 3pm on Sunday!
Tbf, whilst wanting to see some of the young guns from the Prem Cup win, they did only play a very full on 80 minutes last Sunday, on a hot day on a horrid pitch. So fair that the likes of Richards, Staddon, TCS and Donoghue get a rest. Nice to give Ben and Finn some game time!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Either way, exciting team and I'll be in, all in, all the time from the West Stand at 3pm on Sunday!
Tbf, whilst wanting to see some of the young guns from the Prem Cup win, they did only play a very full on 80 minutes last Sunday, on a hot day on a horrid pitch. So fair that the likes of Richards, Staddon, TCS and Donoghue get a rest. Nice to give Ben and Finn some game time!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Quote:theredseat
Bit off topic but just seen the Exeter team. Bristol should absolutely batter them
Skybet:
Bristol by 18
Saints by 5
Sale by 12
Sarries by 11
Bath by 13
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:theredseat
Bit off topic but just seen the Exeter team. Bristol should absolutely batter them
Skybet:
Bristol by 18
Saints by 5
Sale by 12
Sarries by 11
Bath by 13
Get on the over for those Bristol odds asap
Pretty much as strong a selection as it gets, looking forward to seeing the big guns run out at the Rec for the first time in a while.
Interesting that we've persisted with no specialist lock cover. I wonder if there's been a discussion between Ted and the coaches about playing a bit more 2nd row to keep him in the England discussion?
Interesting that we've persisted with no specialist lock cover. I wonder if there's been a discussion between Ted and the coaches about playing a bit more 2nd row to keep him in the England discussion?
Surprised not to see Miles Reid in the matchday squad.
Hope Santi Carreras doesn't go too well for them.
Hope Santi Carreras doesn't go too well for them.
Can't wait to see Ted coming off the bench on 49 minutes.....he will be like a coiled spring!
Wasn't Sam Underhill out the last month having had ankle surgery? That's a pretty rapid return to rugby!
Unless my feed has been disrupted it’s become remarkably quiet on here. Is that because we’re quietly nervous or not wanting to sound too confident? It’s clear we need to win, preferably with a bonus point, to keep up that safety margin & maintain the momentum. Others will say getting in the top 4 is adequate, I want a home semi final.
Have to 100% aim for a home semi.
Away semi would be devilishly tough.
Think it's real hard to know how both teams will respond to the v long period away from prem action so maybe quiet due to nervousness.
Roux, ewels, hill, spencer, muir that haven't played much/ any rugby in the last few months? Any others in the 23?
Risk to pick them all rather than filter them in? If richards nose rearrangement kept him out then not much choice at lock. Not many options on the wing really either.
Away semi would be devilishly tough.
Think it's real hard to know how both teams will respond to the v long period away from prem action so maybe quiet due to nervousness.
Roux, ewels, hill, spencer, muir that haven't played much/ any rugby in the last few months? Any others in the 23?
Risk to pick them all rather than filter them in? If richards nose rearrangement kept him out then not much choice at lock. Not many options on the wing really either.
Quote:Charlieboa1
Have to 100% aim for a home semi.
Away semi would be devilishly tough.
Think it's real hard to know how both teams will respond to the v long period away from prem action so maybe quiet due to nervousness.
Roux, ewels, hill, spencer, muir that haven't played much/ any rugby in the last few months? Any others in the 23?
Risk to pick them all rather than filter them in? If richards nose rearrangement kept him out then not much choice at lock. Not many options on the wing really either.
Yes, that is a bit of a concern. I recall we started slowly at the beginning of the season, taking a while to really find form. That particularly applies to those players mentioned. In view of that we have to try to keep things tight & not adopt an open carefree approach. I’m pretty sure they will do so.
Quote:Bath Hammer
Unless my feed has been disrupted it’s become remarkably quiet on here. Is that because we’re quietly nervous or not wanting to sound too confident? It’s clear we need to win, preferably with a bonus point, to keep up that safety margin & maintain the momentum. Others will say getting in the top 4 is adequate, I want a home semi final.
It’s a home game so it’s a must win against an opponent that’s always dangerous. Their style of play suggests they will get a TBP, so we need Finn at his best to out score them.
There might be a little rust, but no reason there would be more than Glaws.
Top two is a must, and really we should be going for top of the league. We've got two home games now. Then Europe. Then two games against the worst two teams in the league. All out for this block, then we can see where we sit and make rest and rotation decisions.
Top two is a must, and really we should be going for top of the league. We've got two home games now. Then Europe. Then two games against the worst two teams in the league. All out for this block, then we can see where we sit and make rest and rotation decisions.
Rust shouldn’t be a problem to be honest. Between Prem Cup and 6N we should have more match sharp players than Gloucester. The only players coming off competitive rugby are their Welsh boys who have just spent a couple of months getting beaten up in the 6N anyway.
Quote:theredseat
The only players coming off competitive rugby are their Welsh boys who have just spent a couple of months getting beaten up in the 6N anyway.
Not sure we have any of those actually TRS and remember Wales u20s beat England denying the slam!
Some sloppy play both at lineout and the kick into nothing gives Carreras too much time and leads to a score for Glos
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Ashy right- we’re not sending many of our power runners up the middle
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Gloucester defence finally gives 14 - 7
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
I don’t care how we do it but please Bath re-sign Du Toit
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:A.M 180
This is good!
Redpath is looking ace
Has he bulked up? He looks good taking it to the line now as well as the footwork he already had
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Like the intent of going for the BP
The thing is, you have to back our pack in the red zone
The thing is, you have to back our pack in the red zone
Wow...Will Muir charge down conversion in front of the post
Never seen that
Never seen that
Quote:A.M 180
And a forward pass...
I thought that in real time
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:A.M 180
That's so poor from us
No guard at the breakdown is ridiculous
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
So frustrating that we are giving them easy points
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Right guys for gods sake let’s play some sensible heads up percentages please
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:Or not...Toast and Marmite
Right guys for gods sake let’s play some sensible heads up percentages please
Jesus STOP KICKING IT AIMLESSLY
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
How can we be so brilliant at one moment and so brain dead the next
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Ludicrous at times from us
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Terrible end to the half
Some serious brainfarts have completely undermined some otherwise good play
Some serious brainfarts have completely undermined some otherwise good play
Quote:A.M 180
Terrible end to the half
Some serious brainfarts have completely undermined some otherwise good play
Suspect it’s going to be an uncomfortable discussion at half time
We should be at least 2 scores clearr
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Watching on TV and there appears to be zero atmosphere, is the ground really as quiet as all that?
Santi Carreras will steal that 15 spot from TdG next year, why are we giving the ball to him?
Muir's chargedown is the seasons best moment so far!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Muir's chargedown is the seasons best moment so far!
Sigh. We’re just not firing properly
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
JvG's version of 'the hairdryer' is to walk past Barbeary in the changing room looking straight ahead - brutal!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Pepper really making a case to be a nailed on starter
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Another wasted opportunity
Have we ever been this profligate this season?
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Have we ever been this profligate this season?
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Let’s hope the bomb squad get us over the line
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Some fresh heads in the pack might improve our composure
Good to see Underhill back
Good to see Underhill back
Again we balls up a golden opportunity
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Please god convert one of these chances
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Would not be surprised if this is up there for most unforced errors
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Welcome back Mr Underhill!
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Pepper has been excellent today
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Yes!!! Made by Coetzee and you would think that is the game
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Ojomoh is going to be a huge player for us
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Carreras must be licking his lips at the thought of playing for us next season
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Well done boys- says everything about this team that they can make as many mistakes as they did and still win so well.
Let’s hope defensively they have knocked the rust off.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Let’s hope defensively they have knocked the rust off.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Beating nearest and dearest and play-off contenders in 4th gear is pleasing
Beat Quins next week and we have serious maneovering room for the rest of the season
But, we know from our two league defeats and parts of today, we can't afford to let games get loose
Beat Quins next week and we have serious maneovering room for the rest of the season
But, we know from our two league defeats and parts of today, we can't afford to let games get loose
Real mixed bag, but probably to be expected after the break and the final. Didn't really give Gloucester a sniff after the break, and pleasing to keep them scoreless in the second half.
The good thing is it was a comprehensive victory when making lots of mistakes.
The good thing is it was a comprehensive victory when making lots of mistakes.
There's probably a case here of not appreciating some of the excellent stuff he did enough but Spencer was making some poor decisions today, and not interacting with the ref very well. Hopefully he got that out of his system.
Relieved at the win, disappointed at the amount of help we gave Glaws but maybe that was ring rustiness. I think a poll entitled ‘What on earth was Barbary thinking ? ‘ would be an interesting bookend to this game.
Quote:JK7
There's probably a case here of not appreciating some of the excellent stuff he did enough but Spencer was making some poor decisions today, and not interacting with the ref very well. Hopefully he got that out of his system.
Think it’s similar to a goalkeeper- mistakes in that position are just more obvious.
If anyone here enjoys Schadenfreude, a perusal of Shedweb will make your day. Bar some of the more balanced posters, the ref was apparently to blame.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Think that second half was a real positive for us in terms of a blueprint for how to beat Bristol. Really showed that we can close out a team that want to throw the ball around so although Gloucester are a step or two down I thought we managed them really well in the second 40.
Both Redpath and Ojomoh had top performances - pair of them were direct and skillful the entire time. Pepper was a menace for the full 80 and Barbeary carried really well. Good showing from Obano too.
Much easier game when our big lads run hard into the other lots not quite so big lads isn’t it?
Both Redpath and Ojomoh had top performances - pair of them were direct and skillful the entire time. Pepper was a menace for the full 80 and Barbeary carried really well. Good showing from Obano too.
Much easier game when our big lads run hard into the other lots not quite so big lads isn’t it?
Well I guess we now know who fills Finn’s boots when he finally decides to leave.
Quote:JK7
There's probably a case here of not appreciating some of the excellent stuff he did enough but Spencer was making some poor decisions today, and not interacting with the ref very well. Hopefully he got that out of his system.
Fortunately she was equally annoyed with both captains - and the fact that team members from both sides were peppering her with questions.
Did anyone here what was said to her during the fracas on the West stand touchline in the second half? I heard her say "don't speak to me like that" and the touch judge ask her if she was okay but couldn't here who said it or what they said. But she was clear it wasn't to be escalated.
Quote:Beergoggles
Relieved at the win, disappointed at the amount of help we gave Glaws but maybe that was ring rustiness. I think a poll entitled ‘What on earth was Barbary thinking ? ‘ would be an interesting bookend to this game.
I think Ashton probably got it right - looks like they had a huddle, talked about how to see it through to half time without conceding and he took that to mean time was already up. Might want to check the details next time. In fairness he was probably as surprised as everyone else that the ball was kicked right at him.
Quote:JK7Quote:Beergoggles
Relieved at the win, disappointed at the amount of help we gave Glaws but maybe that was ring rustiness. I think a poll entitled ‘What on earth was Barbary thinking ? ‘ would be an interesting bookend to this game.
I think Ashton probably got it right - looks like they had a huddle, talked about how to see it through to half time without conceding and he took that to mean time was already up. Might want to check the details next time. In fairness he was probably as surprised as everyone else that the ball was kicked right at him.
Yes Alfie said as much post-match.
Those who feared ringrust after the 6N break were correct. Hopefully we have got that out of our system and will be firing on all 4 v Quins.
Some of the good stuff though was very good.
PG
Some of the good stuff though was very good.
PG
Someone needs to tell Dunny he has to let go of the ball for the tapped penalty, did it in the Prem final and again today, got away with it twice now!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Enjoyable afternoon, although at times more nervy than I’d hoped. Beating 3rd with BP and feeling like we were rusty and very far from great is a sign of how far we’ve come- and how high our ceiling is.
Our power game, when we go off the top at lineouts especially, when attacking in their 22 and coming round the corner one after another, is almost unstoppable. Unloading Coetzee, Hill and Underhill (especially if Hill now plays 4 so we swap off a 2R) for the final 25 is massive.
Special word for Beno who gave the poster boy Faso a bit of a going over. Strange how things work out- this time last year Beno was headed for an England tour- by millimetres he missed out and now isn’t talked about with these young guns around. Great for him to stick it to new guy.
Mojo looks so sharp outside Finn. Cam did a faultless impersonation of Ollie. Oh and Finn was world class. That 50/22… [ drool emoji ]
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Our power game, when we go off the top at lineouts especially, when attacking in their 22 and coming round the corner one after another, is almost unstoppable. Unloading Coetzee, Hill and Underhill (especially if Hill now plays 4 so we swap off a 2R) for the final 25 is massive.
Special word for Beno who gave the poster boy Faso a bit of a going over. Strange how things work out- this time last year Beno was headed for an England tour- by millimetres he missed out and now isn’t talked about with these young guns around. Great for him to stick it to new guy.
Mojo looks so sharp outside Finn. Cam did a faultless impersonation of Ollie. Oh and Finn was world class. That 50/22… [ drool emoji ]
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re above:
KICK- Definition. Law Book Page 6 A kick is made by hitting the ball with any part of the leg or foot except the heel, from the toe to the knee but not including the knee .a kick must move the ball a visible distance out of the hand or along the ground. World rugby passport
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
KICK- Definition. Law Book Page 6 A kick is made by hitting the ball with any part of the leg or foot except the heel, from the toe to the knee but not including the knee .a kick must move the ball a visible distance out of the hand or along the ground. World rugby passport
Quote:dr.bath1865
Enjoyable afternoon, although at times more nervy than I’d hoped. Beating 3rd with BP and feeling like we were rusty and very far from great is a sign of how far we’ve come- and how high our ceiling is.
Our power game, when we go off the top at lineouts especially, when attacking in their 22 and coming round the corner one after another, is almost unstoppable. Unloading Coetzee, Hill and Underhill (especially if Hill now plays 4 so we swap off a 2R) for the final 25 is massive.
Special word for Beno who gave the poster boy Faso a bit of a going over. Strange how things work out- this time last year Beno was headed for an England tour- by millimetres he missed out and now isn’t talked about with these young guns around. Great for him to stick it to new guy.
Mojo looks so sharp outside Finn. Cam did a faultless impersonation of Ollie. Oh and Finn was world class. That 50/22… [ drool emoji ]
Credit to Fasogbon too I think - Obano seemed to have his number early on and the ref had a word after the first couple of scrums but he turned it around nicely. Things seems fairly even the rest of the way and he’s got some nice ball skills in the loose as well.
Really sloppy performance made the afternoon very stressful, however credit to the team for finding a way to win when playing so poorly.
Rugby review worth a watch tonight. Lots on Bath, good interview with Sam Underhill (bit more open than Guy Pepper’s PR perfect post match interview) and the atmosphere at Farleigh after last weekends win. We certainly look in a very good place
Underhill is really, really good value post match and comes across very pleasingly authentic.
Quote:Guessing you mean Carreras. He'll certainly have no trouble picking out Muir or Barbeary with his kicks.@Hydor18
Well I guess we now know who fills Finn’s boots when he finally decides to leave.
Tom de Glanville - Adopted player 2024-5
Quote:hasta
Underhill is really, really good value post match and comes across very pleasingly authentic.
Absolutely. Articulate, intelligent and a good sense of humour.
He’s a guest at Ben Youngs and Dan Coles’ live podcast in Bath in a few weeks and suspect he’ll be very good value for money.
Just another word on Muir's charge down...superb identification of the opportunity and clever execution to pretend to be in the team huddle until Carreras starts running up (although god knows why Carreras lined up the kick from about 7m out). Was almost hoping that glaws try at the end counted so that the charge was the reason they didn't get an LBP
Yes correct. I saw that- Muir hid in the huddle and then burst out to fling himself at the ball. Brilliant. He then smashed the Glos catcher who caught the kick off. Incredible commitment. Great to have him back.
Also- don’t think any obvious injuries today. Presume TDT coming off at HT was purely tactical as Stuart has been in such good form. And I think I saw Joe C wondering about without much trouble and no crutch or obvious strapping. Anyone else see him?
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Also- don’t think any obvious injuries today. Presume TDT coming off at HT was purely tactical as Stuart has been in such good form. And I think I saw Joe C wondering about without much trouble and no crutch or obvious strapping. Anyone else see him?
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Just watched the game. Entertaining undeniably but the kind of decision making on show is not going to win Premierships. We could easily have lost that game just thru letting Santi Carreras have the ball in space. Great advertising for next year? Sure. Not so smart for winning this prem. Glaws are not a mug side and their commitment to running rugby is admirable but I doubt they'll be top 4. We need to tighten up in prep for what is to come. Excellent games from Spenno, Finn and Max but...
My MotM - Horse. For putting a huge grin on my face with that blocked conversion. And for chasing everything. And for keeping running from gun to tape. And for making me absolutely certain we weren't going to lose what was a very tight, very entertaining match.
A word for the ref. I thought Sarah Cox was outstanding. Clear, consistent and no back chat. She's already made herself part of the Prem furniture and I hope she's in the running to ref the final.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:03:24:03:04:57 by joethefanatic.
My MotM - Horse. For putting a huge grin on my face with that blocked conversion. And for chasing everything. And for keeping running from gun to tape. And for making me absolutely certain we weren't going to lose what was a very tight, very entertaining match.
A word for the ref. I thought Sarah Cox was outstanding. Clear, consistent and no back chat. She's already made herself part of the Prem furniture and I hope she's in the running to ref the final.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:03:24:03:04:57 by joethefanatic.
Totally agree about Sara Cox but reading the Glaws forums everyone in Gloucester saying she was the reason they lost !
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
Yes, she controlled the game well, though I thought she was a bit too tolerant of Glaws’ repeated ruck offences 5M out in the first half.
Ithink the frequent repeats merited a card.
PG
Ithink the frequent repeats merited a card.
PG
I tend to agree with Joethefanatic’s comments about some of the decision making, but we’ve come to expect such high standards that when they get it wrong occasionally it really stands out. Ben Spencer’s kick which resulted in a try was a very “un-Spencer like” decision which will still be annoying him. The Alfie brain fade was the result of misinterpreting what was said to him. And well done to JvG for the way he handled it at half time.
Not our best day at the office but arguably we had the hardest test of the title contenders this weekend and I think we should take some satisfaction in the way we adapted in the second half. 14-0 implies that we got some of the control back. We’ve got analytical coaches who can see what needs to be done and the players who can adapt to deliver it, which is in itself encouraging.
Not our best day at the office but arguably we had the hardest test of the title contenders this weekend and I think we should take some satisfaction in the way we adapted in the second half. 14-0 implies that we got some of the control back. We’ve got analytical coaches who can see what needs to be done and the players who can adapt to deliver it, which is in itself encouraging.
I think most of the decision making fails were overexuberance and the lack of cohesion from 6 weeks without a Prem game.
Spencer could have touched the ball down in goal instead of rushing a kick -which Carreras turned into a scoring opportunity. Similarly, Bayliss drove isolated for the line and was turned over- eventually for a score. Both actions seemed to derive from a desire to play at tempo. Alfie's clearance kick error was 4 seconds short of the clock going dead, so just a misjudgement.
As DL says- the change after half time was actually quite impressive. Glaws appeared to control the first 15 minutes, but got nowhere. Bath on the other hand applied continuous pressure once into the red zone.
None of the remaining games will be easy, but all can be winnable. Certainly enough are winnable to keep Bath at the top of the table if we remain injury free and rotate wisely.
PG
Spencer could have touched the ball down in goal instead of rushing a kick -which Carreras turned into a scoring opportunity. Similarly, Bayliss drove isolated for the line and was turned over- eventually for a score. Both actions seemed to derive from a desire to play at tempo. Alfie's clearance kick error was 4 seconds short of the clock going dead, so just a misjudgement.
As DL says- the change after half time was actually quite impressive. Glaws appeared to control the first 15 minutes, but got nowhere. Bath on the other hand applied continuous pressure once into the red zone.
None of the remaining games will be easy, but all can be winnable. Certainly enough are winnable to keep Bath at the top of the table if we remain injury free and rotate wisely.
PG
Not sure i shared anyone's nervousness about that performance - little bit of complacency, if anything - but really never felt at any point we weren't going to win it.
I find Cam a little frustrating - he almost never passes the ball. And, wondrous as Finn's wide passes are, it did feel like some shorter passes into midfield might have paid off. I did love seeing him demanding the ball close to the line at the clubhouse end before putting Mojo in, and thought back to the more passive 10s we've had.
And Charlie Ewels' dexterity off the top of the lineout is another thing of beauty. Did we lose a lineout yesterday? Not that i recall.
Just so many bits and pieces coming together.
I find Cam a little frustrating - he almost never passes the ball. And, wondrous as Finn's wide passes are, it did feel like some shorter passes into midfield might have paid off. I did love seeing him demanding the ball close to the line at the clubhouse end before putting Mojo in, and thought back to the more passive 10s we've had.
And Charlie Ewels' dexterity off the top of the lineout is another thing of beauty. Did we lose a lineout yesterday? Not that i recall.
Just so many bits and pieces coming together.
Sure the coaches are on to this, but Gloucester have similar attacking tactics to Bristol and both have caused us significant problems defensively. Also couldn’t understand why we were kicking to Gloucester’s strengths and allowing them to run back at us with interest in the first half. Maybe just a bit of rust.
Quote:Optimist
I find Cam a little frustrating - he almost never passes the ball. And, wondrous as Finn's wide passes are, it did feel like some shorter passes into midfield might have paid off. I did love seeing him demanding the ball close to the line at the clubhouse end before putting Mojo in, and thought back to the more passive 10s we've had.
Yeah I noticed we repeatedly used Redpath as a crash ball option off first phase yesterday (presumably running the "Lawrence" line in his absence), which was moderately successful the first few times, but it became pretty predictable, which allowed Harris to get a turnover early in the 2nd half, so would've been good to see a bit of variety introduced.
I was hugely impressed by Ojomoh's playmaking in midfield, his interplay with Russell was incredibly silky. Whilst Lawrence's injury is undoubtedly a tough loss, I do think Max is a better distributor and could potentially help knit the backline together into a more cohesive unit.
Spenno definitely thought he was playing the advantage, whereas [rightly] Cox told him he’d cleared his lines, advantage over.
Great win - yes rusty but great win - really good to be back at a full Rec with the business part of the season ahead.
I think Cam get's a bit of rough treatment on here sometimes - IMHO he is a great player who has been to date plagued with injuries. He punches well above his weight and has wonderful footwork, let alone his poaching abilities, Finn has talked before about Cam's work rate and distribution in glowing terms.
Finn was great yesterday as well - funny enough I thought Spenno had a quiet game in his very high standards but then he hasn't played for 8 weeks. Alfie will never live down his little error!!! Good he could smile and speaks volumes for his personality and the squad in general - a lot of players would have self imploded following that kind of error and fair play to JVG to allow him to bounce back rather than hauling him off at half time like a lot of DoR's.
I agree Max O looked good yesterday but a lot of that was due to Cam's work - I think we forget just how good Chris Harris is as a player and especially as a defender - he was after all Captain of the Lions defence when he last toured with them and is still one hell of a player.
Santi really excites me but look how we closed that Gloucester backline down second half - real credit to JP and the team - In that first half Gloucester showed their backline is probably the most lethal in the Premiership - yes even more than Bristol and it showed when they last met.
Special praise for Horse - he was immense and just gives everything for the team what a player and a really nice bloke to boot.
A great win and on to Quins who themselves had a great win at the weekend - looking forward to another full house.
I think Cam get's a bit of rough treatment on here sometimes - IMHO he is a great player who has been to date plagued with injuries. He punches well above his weight and has wonderful footwork, let alone his poaching abilities, Finn has talked before about Cam's work rate and distribution in glowing terms.
Finn was great yesterday as well - funny enough I thought Spenno had a quiet game in his very high standards but then he hasn't played for 8 weeks. Alfie will never live down his little error!!! Good he could smile and speaks volumes for his personality and the squad in general - a lot of players would have self imploded following that kind of error and fair play to JVG to allow him to bounce back rather than hauling him off at half time like a lot of DoR's.
I agree Max O looked good yesterday but a lot of that was due to Cam's work - I think we forget just how good Chris Harris is as a player and especially as a defender - he was after all Captain of the Lions defence when he last toured with them and is still one hell of a player.
Santi really excites me but look how we closed that Gloucester backline down second half - real credit to JP and the team - In that first half Gloucester showed their backline is probably the most lethal in the Premiership - yes even more than Bristol and it showed when they last met.
Special praise for Horse - he was immense and just gives everything for the team what a player and a really nice bloke to boot.
A great win and on to Quins who themselves had a great win at the weekend - looking forward to another full house.
Whilst I have some sympathy with the Gloucester fans in relation to the performance of the TMO Dean Richards (who didn't refer a few things to the ref) I think that Bath were good for the win.
I think that TDTs try was short, arguably a knock on by Spencer at the base for the 2nd (but may have been a foot and was under pen advantage anyway). Finn's tap was spot on the mark where Spencer was pushed - close to the 5m / 15m intersection - so that was fine IMO.
Anyway Bath get a hugely valuable win as it puts them even further from 5th place so will definitely take those 5 points especially with Bristol having a tricky looking run in. Well done chaps!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I think that TDTs try was short, arguably a knock on by Spencer at the base for the 2nd (but may have been a foot and was under pen advantage anyway). Finn's tap was spot on the mark where Spencer was pushed - close to the 5m / 15m intersection - so that was fine IMO.
Anyway Bath get a hugely valuable win as it puts them even further from 5th place so will definitely take those 5 points especially with Bristol having a tricky looking run in. Well done chaps!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53
Whilst I have some sympathy with the Gloucester fans in relation to the performance of the TMO Dean Richards (who didn't refer a few things to the ref) I think that Bath were good for the win.
I think that TDTs try was short, arguably a knock on by Spencer at the base for the 2nd (but may have been a foot and was under pen advantage anyway). Finn's tap was spot on the mark where Spencer was pushed - close to the 5m / 15m intersection - so that was fine IMO.
Anyway Bath get a hugely valuable win as it puts them even further from 5th place so will definitely take those 5 points especially with Bristol having a tricky looking run in. Well done chaps!
TMO checked the Spencer knock on, said it wasn't.
Quote:hasta
TMO checked the Spencer knock on, said it wasn't.
Fair enough, it looked to me like it could have been a case that he touched it and a foot came through then he picked it up again. There wasn't anything clear and obvious when I watched it back on the highlights this morning. Unlike the TDT try.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Not sure about the TdT try, but Sara Cox is like two metres away, no one has a better view of that.
Quote:shipwrecked
Re above:
KICK- Definition. Law Book Page 6 A kick is made by hitting the ball with any part of the leg or foot except the heel, from the toe to the knee but not including the knee .a kick must move the ball a visible distance out of the hand or along the ground. World rugby passport
Don't understand why you can 'kick' the ball with your shin [even back of] but not your knee
Back in my playing days at 10 [ok that's a very long time ago!] my style of chipping over the top of their 10/12 was often using knee rather than dropping it to my foot. Would that be regarded as a knock on now if it can't be a kick?
Quote:BathMatt53
arguably a knock on by Spencer at the base for the 2nd (but may have been a foot and was under pen advantage anyway).
Pretty sure the TMO said it came off a Gloucester hand during the review, and if I recall we were under advantage for Ludlow playing the ball on the floor a few breakdown's prior.
If play was stopped, I'm certain one of the Gloucester forwards would have been carded for repeated infringements - instead they scored two tries in quick succession.
Quote:hastaQuote:BathMatt53
Whilst I have some sympathy with the Gloucester fans in relation to the performance of the TMO Dean Richards (who didn't refer a few things to the ref) I think that Bath were good for the win.
I think that TDTs try was short, arguably a knock on by Spencer at the base for the 2nd (but may have been a foot and was under pen advantage anyway). Finn's tap was spot on the mark where Spencer was pushed - close to the 5m / 15m intersection - so that was fine IMO.
Anyway Bath get a hugely valuable win as it puts them even further from 5th place so will definitely take those 5 points especially with Bristol having a tricky looking run in. Well done chaps!
TMO checked the Spencer knock on, said it wasn't.
Isn't that the one that he said was a white shirt that moved the ball and not Spencer?
The TdT try really did look very iffy on the camera shot that came up just before the conversion. I was really surprised they didn't go back and double check before the restart
Quote:Ali1969
I think Cam get's a bit of rough treatment on here sometimes
I can't remember very much criticism of him. My 'criticism' above is in the context of judging him by the very highest standards. He's 25 now and if he's going to get the number of Scotland starts you'd assume he would want, that's the only way to judge him.
I'm not so sure that it was Redpath making Ojo look good - I think Max was making himself look good all on his own. His sleight of hand/hand-eye coordination is unbelievable. A highlights reel from yesterday would show a 30-metre pass off his left hand; a no-look pass; the softest of pop-pass/pull-backs; a couple of thumping tackles; and putting their defence on absolute red-alert on an outside break more than once.
Quote:gaz59
The TdT try really did look very iffy on the camera shot that came up just before the conversion. I was really surprised they didn't go back and double check before the restart
I've only seen the highlights but the angle on those shows Du Toit well across the line so surely not "short"? As hasta says, Sarah Cox was feet away with a good view.
PG
JVG's journey is still on track and the best is yet to come with Carreras, Arundell and a repaired Lawrence waiting in the wings. Desperately need TDT to be a part of next season and as great as Ewels and Roux have been I'm concerned we may be exposed in those positions. I rate Molony and the young lads who have done so well in the PRC but slightly worried. Meanwhile as fans we need to be patient, yesterday wasn't perfect but we nilled Gloucester in the second half due I expect to the coaches work at half time and calculated use of a strong bench. We won without playing at our best and that is welcome. Much of the criticism of yesterday's performance I think is because we are expecting too much. I'll take a 42-16 win any day against a half decent Gloucester side. Thought the crowd were a bit flat yesterday but still a great day out. Band in the Swift Half were excellent and nice to see the lads showing off the Cup.
Quote:Francis Allen
JVG's journey is still on track and the best is yet to come with Carreras, Arundell and a repaired Lawrence waiting in the wings. Desperately need TDT to be a part of next season and as great as Ewels and Roux have been I'm concerned we may be exposed in those positions. I rate Molony and the young lads who have done so well in the PRC but slightly worried. Meanwhile as fans we need to be patient, yesterday wasn't perfect but we nilled Gloucester in the second half due I expect to the coaches work at half time and calculated use of a strong bench. We won without playing at our best and that is welcome. Much of the criticism of yesterday's performance I think is because we are expecting too much. I'll take a 42-16 win any day against a half decent Gloucester side. Thought the crowd were a bit flat yesterday but still a great day out. Band in the Swift Half were excellent and nice to see the lads showing off the Cup.
A typo there Francis, it was 42 - 26 but fully agree with your central point
Our second half performance was near perfect in the game situation. The first half was a curate's egg and the bad stuff will get sorted in the debrief and with more game time together after the long 6N break
Quote:boozeboozeboozeQuote:Optimist
I find Cam a little frustrating - he almost never passes the ball. And, wondrous as Finn's wide passes are, it did feel like some shorter passes into midfield might have paid off. I did love seeing him demanding the ball close to the line at the clubhouse end before putting Mojo in, and thought back to the more passive 10s we've had.
Yeah I noticed we repeatedly used Redpath as a crash ball option off first phase yesterday (presumably running the "Lawrence" line in his absence), which was moderately successful the first few times, but it became pretty predictable, which allowed Harris to get a turnover early in the 2nd half, so would've been good to see a bit of variety introduced.
I was hugely impressed by Ojomoh's playmaking in midfield, his interplay with Russell was incredibly silky. Whilst Lawrence's injury is undoubtedly a tough loss, I do think Max is a better distributor and could potentially help knit the backline together into a more cohesive unit.
It looks to me like Cam was asked to play a crash ball role in the absence of Ollie, as booze says. Not a style I'd usually think of with him - I usually see him as primarily a distributor who spends a lot of time passing the ball and creating for others.
Tom de Glanville - Adopted player 2024-5
Thought Cam was great… but Mojo was better and loving his rugby, especially outside Finn. Arguably if you want to pair a silky distributor with a banger in the centres then Butt gets one of the shirts. Mojo’s no look to Butt on a line late on was absolute perfection.
Cup final tomorrow? I’d start Cam and Mojo.
v Quins on Saturday? I’d start Mojo and Butt.
Cup semi/final in 2-3 months? Wouldn’t be surprised if Finn brings the best out of Mojo and Mojo gets the best out of Butt. If they win the Prem together, they could be Eng’s centres in Arg and the US.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Cup final tomorrow? I’d start Cam and Mojo.
v Quins on Saturday? I’d start Mojo and Butt.
Cup semi/final in 2-3 months? Wouldn’t be surprised if Finn brings the best out of Mojo and Mojo gets the best out of Butt. If they win the Prem together, they could be Eng’s centres in Arg and the US.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Just watched the second half again
Our defence deep in our own 22 for about 5-6 minutes at the start of the half was outstanding. A critical try-saving tackle by TdG, I think, on Barton when there was one over for a walk in
From that point Glos never got back into our 22 and never looked like breaking out from deep like in first half. The cohesion of our defence line was seriously impressive
Disappointing that it took more than 15 minutes of intense pressure for us to score next especially when they were down to 14. Some great 100% defending from Glos but some poor decisions like Spencer going on own from 5m scrum when simple, quick hands should have found the gap easily
Can put that down to 8 weeks of not playing together, it will get better because from about minute 47 it was never in doubt. Didn't seem like that at the time but that was as much to do with my own paranoia and the heebyjeebies of the first half
And anyone on ere still reckon TdG is a better bet for the starting 15 shirt than Carreras? I think TdG had a very decent game but SC is such an electric, dangerous attacking threat
Our defence deep in our own 22 for about 5-6 minutes at the start of the half was outstanding. A critical try-saving tackle by TdG, I think, on Barton when there was one over for a walk in
From that point Glos never got back into our 22 and never looked like breaking out from deep like in first half. The cohesion of our defence line was seriously impressive
Disappointing that it took more than 15 minutes of intense pressure for us to score next especially when they were down to 14. Some great 100% defending from Glos but some poor decisions like Spencer going on own from 5m scrum when simple, quick hands should have found the gap easily
Can put that down to 8 weeks of not playing together, it will get better because from about minute 47 it was never in doubt. Didn't seem like that at the time but that was as much to do with my own paranoia and the heebyjeebies of the first half
And anyone on ere still reckon TdG is a better bet for the starting 15 shirt than Carreras? I think TdG had a very decent game but SC is such an electric, dangerous attacking threat
Quote:gaz59
And anyone on ere still reckon TdG is a better bet for the starting 15 shirt than Carreras? I think TdG had a very decent game but SC is such an electric, dangerous attacking threat
I think Santi Carreras is in (serious) competition with Finn for the 10 shirt.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:joethefanaticQuote:gaz59
And anyone on ere still reckon TdG is a better bet for the starting 15 shirt than Carreras? I think TdG had a very decent game but SC is such an electric, dangerous attacking threat
I think Santi Carreras is in (serious) competition with Finn for the 10 shirt.
Sorry Joe, don't agree, Finn's distribution from 10 makes him the automatic first choice, Carreras, as we saw on Sunday, is lethal in broken play so he is a perfect 15 but not in all games so I think he will share that 15 role with TdG on a horses for course basis unless Finn is crocked.
Yeh that's my view, too, sw.
Finn is out and out First XV starting 10. Santi and TdG rotate 15 and perhaps Santi can even play 14 if we've got the power of Muir/ Arundell/ JCok on the other flank and Lawrence at 13. It's gonna be fun.
I was thinking this weekend, standing on the terrace, that I know the ticket prices are getting ridiculous, and it depends what you want to do with your weekend, and of course, above all, where you are duty bound to spend the living you make. But the opportunity to watch the squad that JvG and Bruce are putting together, in that magic setting, is not priceless... but it's getting pretty close.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Finn is out and out First XV starting 10. Santi and TdG rotate 15 and perhaps Santi can even play 14 if we've got the power of Muir/ Arundell/ JCok on the other flank and Lawrence at 13. It's gonna be fun.
I was thinking this weekend, standing on the terrace, that I know the ticket prices are getting ridiculous, and it depends what you want to do with your weekend, and of course, above all, where you are duty bound to spend the living you make. But the opportunity to watch the squad that JvG and Bruce are putting together, in that magic setting, is not priceless... but it's getting pretty close.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Agree with you both. I think Finn's swagger and audacity rub off on those around him and can bring a confidence to the team that's about more than just him being a decent player.
Tom de Glanville - Adopted player 2024-5
Tom de Glanville - Adopted player 2024-5
I thought Carreras was outstanding and TdG a bit ordinary, but I maybe had my eye turned by the flash stuff Santi did, and didn’t read the bread and butter of 15 play.
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