Back to the Prem: Exeter v Bath

Comeonmylovers.co.uk
15/04/2025 08:55

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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:24:11:08:53 by CoochieCoo.

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P G Tips
15/04/2025 09:03

Thanks Roko

Good preview.

I agree with your point about tightening the defence - although this is not an issue unique to Bath. Most Premiership games seem to be high scoring affairs recently, raising the question- how would the strong sides cope in tighter matches? Bath though have conceded the fewest tries in the Prem this year. Improvement is needed, but we have something to build on.

As for the team- that selection is nearly the strongest we can put out. Add in Ewels and Lawrence and it would be the ideal Cup Final XV. I anticipate more rotation- giving selected bench and squad players a run-to rest the front runners and to prepare the inclusions for sterner tests later if needed.

I would hope to see returns for Ewels and Bailey if injuries allow, perhaps a chance for Tuipolotu and for the ever dependable Reid.

We shall know on Friday!

PG

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jayeatman
15/04/2025 09:42

I understand points in the bank thing, but win our two remaining home games and we're guaranteed a home semi.
Combine that with a hard mudpatch and the argument for resting players this weekend is strong.
I would therefore trust this game to some of the guys who did such a good job in the Prem Cup Final:

Tom De Glanville
Joe Cokanasiga
Max Ojomoh
Will Butt
Ruaridh McConnochie
Orlando Bailey
Tom Carr-Smith

Francois Van Wyk
Niall Annett
Will Stuart
Quinn Roux
Charlie Ewels
Miles Reid
Guy Pepper
Josh Bayliss

Kepueli Tuipulotu
Arther Cordwell
Kieran Verden
Ewan Richards
Ethan Staddon
Louis Schreuder
Ciaran Donoghue
Arthur Green

BATH supporter since 1975

Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart

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Barfboy
15/04/2025 11:31

We are due a decent amount of rain this week, which will hopefully make the pitch less of an issue!

Personally I'm wary of us going into the next two games thinking 10 points are in the bank regardless of what team we put out. Would also prefer to secure top spot as opposed to just a home SF.

With the above in mind, I'd rather we played out first-choice 9 and 10 with a view to them only playing 40/50mins - if it's going well. Maybe Richards, Staddon and Verden to start with a strong bench.

Worth noting that Bristol in 2nd are playing Leicester in 3rd at home. Tigers will surely be out for revenge after the mauling they got at WR in Dec! If that result goes our way and we win, it's potentially a 13/14/15 point gap.

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jayeatman
15/04/2025 12:18

Quote:
Barfboy
Personally I'm wary of us going into the next two games thinking 10 points are in the bank regardless of what team we put out. Would also prefer to secure top spot as opposed to just a home SF.

Not regardless. JvG always goes strong for home games and has form for resting players for away fixtures. Mind you, Newcastle at home.....

BATH supporter since 1975

Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart

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HK890
15/04/2025 15:24

Quote:
jayeatman
Quote:
Barfboy
Personally I'm wary of us going into the next two games thinking 10 points are in the bank regardless of what team we put out. Would also prefer to secure top spot as opposed to just a home SF.
Not regardless. JvG always goes strong for home games and has form for resting players for away fixtures. Mind you, Newcastle at home.....

To be honest at this point there could be so much debate for what’s strongest in some positions and which combinations. No Excuses no matter the team that gets put out, 10 points should be expected.

The Prem Cup boys absolutely put away the Exeter 1st team in a much bigger game.

Some players are shoe-ins for this game imo just from missing out completely last game.

Stuart Ewels Pepper I would imagine all come into the team.

Bailey into 15 possibly.

Donoghue whilst very very good attacking last game I thought he was quite vulnerable defensively caught out and in the air not quite as confident as Bailey/TDG.

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OutsideBath
15/04/2025 15:27

Definitely a game to play the PRC team, their pitch is too dodgy to risk the likes of Finn, Ben, TDT etc.

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gaz59
15/04/2025 15:30

Quote:
HK890

Donoghue whilst very very good attacking last game I thought he was quite vulnerable defensively caught out and in the air not quite as confident as Bailey/TDG.

I didn't see Donoghue particularly weak at any point. The commentator pinned the blame on him for the Singleton try but I thought it was Redpath that had stepped inside leaving the space for JS

Is that right? But where else did you see vulnerability coz I didn't see that at all

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boozeboozebooze
15/04/2025 15:33

Great preview, I'm now at the stage where I have full faith in JvG's selection decisions, whether that be rotating or going full strength.

Does anyone know how Chiefs are faring injury wise? Just had a look at their team against Falcons:

15 Harvey Skinner 14 Paul Brown-Bampoe 13 Henry Slade 12 Will Rigg 11 Josh Hodge 10 Ben Coen 9 Stu Townsend

1 Scott Sio 2 Jack Yeandle 3 Josh Iosefa-Scott 4 Dafydd Jenkins (c) 5 Franco Molina 6 Martin Moloney 7 Richard Capstick 8 Greg Fisilau

16 Max Norey 17 Kwenzo Blose 18 Jimmy Roots 19 Rusi Tuima 20 Kane James 21 Tom Cairns 22 Tamati Tua 23 Ben Hammersley

They have a few confirmed long term absentees (IFW, Woodburn, Painter), a couple of first teamers who could be available soon (Roots, Wyatt), and then the likes of Tshiunza, Vintcent, Vermuelen, Frost, Hawkins, Haydon-Wood who will presumably be pushing for selection.

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rugbyfan11
15/04/2025 16:27

For me, we go strong here to save us potentially needing to go full bore vs Bris, Leic or Sarries when we've potentially got 5 games next month - think that will be the time to rotate, not now

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shipwrecked
15/04/2025 16:39

Quote:
gaz59
Quote:
HK890

Donoghue whilst very very good attacking last game I thought he was quite vulnerable defensively caught out and in the air not quite as confident as Bailey/TDG.

I didn't see Donoghue particularly weak at any point. The commentator pinned the blame on him for the Singleton try but I thought it was Redpath that had stepped inside leaving the space for JS

Is that right? But where else did you see vulnerability coz I didn't see that at all

Yes, I agree with all of that Redpath got beaten inside but then credit to Singleton, he had a jink to beat CD and was up to speed by then and CD had to avoid Quinn Roux. He also put in a rock solid tackle on Christian Wade to dislodge the ball.
He isn't a dominant tackle merchant but there is a bit more to him that at first sight.

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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shipwrecked
15/04/2025 16:41

Quote:
rugbyfan11
For me, we go strong here to save us potentially needing to go full bore vs Bris, Leic or Sarries when we've potentially got 5 games next month - think that will be the time to rotate, not now

Agree, Finn said as much in the interview posted above, basically "watch out for Exeter and Chiefs they are fighting for survival".

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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gaz59
15/04/2025 16:45

Quote:
shipwrecked
Quote:
rugbyfan11
For me, we go strong here to save us potentially needing to go full bore vs Bris, Leic or Sarries when we've potentially got 5 games next month - think that will be the time to rotate, not now

Agree, Finn said as much in the interview posted above, basically "watch out for Exeter and Chiefs they are fighting for survival".

I thought that was a hypothetical 'if there was relegation and promotion' which there isn't so neither side is, in the context anyway, "fighting for survival"

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shipwrecked
15/04/2025 16:46

Quote:
gaz59
Quote:
shipwrecked
Quote:
rugbyfan11
For me, we go strong here to save us potentially needing to go full bore vs Bris, Leic or Sarries when we've potentially got 5 games next month - think that will be the time to rotate, not now

Agree, Finn said as much in the interview posted above, basically "watch out for Exeter and Chiefs they are fighting for survival".

I thought that was a hypothetical 'if there was relegation and promotion' which there isn't so neither side is, in the context anyway, "fighting for survival"

I think he meant it descriptively rather than literally.

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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gaz59
15/04/2025 16:52

Quote:
shipwrecked
Quote:
gaz59
Quote:
shipwrecked
Quote:
rugbyfan11
For me, we go strong here to save us potentially needing to go full bore vs Bris, Leic or Sarries when we've potentially got 5 games next month - think that will be the time to rotate, not now

Agree, Finn said as much in the interview posted above, basically "watch out for Exeter and Chiefs they are fighting for survival".

I thought that was a hypothetical 'if there was relegation and promotion' which there isn't so neither side is, in the context anyway, "fighting for survival"

I think he meant it descriptively rather than literally.

What does that mean?

Wasn't it when they were discussing how to make the English game compete more with the French? And Finn talking about the pressure on Racing and Stade being so close to the drop and the incentive for D2 clubs to get promoted?

Anyway, the point is they're not fighting for survival but most reckon we should go all out for the 5 points to give us more selection flexibility in the final rounds before play-offs

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jayeatman
15/04/2025 16:59

Absolutely, Exeter and Newcastle should be fighting tooth and nail to avoid the drop.
But they are safe.

BATH supporter since 1975

Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart

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gaz59
15/04/2025 17:33

Quote:
rugbyfan11
For me, we go strong here to save us potentially needing to go full bore vs Bris, Leic or Sarries when we've potentially got 5 games next month - think that will be the time to rotate, not now

Of those 3 matches, it is only the Tigers game I would be concerned if we lost

Losing a home game so late to the playoffs would give our semi final opponents a lot of oomph in their belief we are beatable at the Rec

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shipwrecked
15/04/2025 17:37

Quote:
gaz59
Quote:
shipwrecked
Quote:
gaz59
Quote:
shipwrecked
Quote:
rugbyfan11
For me, we go strong here to save us potentially needing to go full bore vs Bris, Leic or Sarries when we've potentially got 5 games next month - think that will be the time to rotate, not now

Agree, Finn said as much in the interview posted above, basically "watch out for Exeter and Chiefs they are fighting for survival".

I thought that was a hypothetical 'if there was relegation and promotion' which there isn't so neither side is, in the context anyway, "fighting for survival"

I think he meant it descriptively rather than literally.

What does that mean?

Wasn't it when they were discussing how to make the English game compete more with the French? And Finn talking about the pressure on Racing and Stade being so close to the drop and the incentive for D2 clubs to get promoted?

Anyway, the point is they're not fighting for survival but most reckon we should go all out for the 5 points to give us more selection flexibility in the final rounds before play-offs

The bit where he is talking about Bath and how they revert to day one after each game not taking anything for granted. Also stating the bottom two sides don't get any European games. Around 37 minutes.

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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Charlieboa1
16/04/2025 06:48

Quote:
gaz59
Quote:
rugbyfan11
For me, we go strong here to save us potentially needing to go full bore vs Bris, Leic or Sarries when we've potentially got 5 games next month - think that will be the time to rotate, not now

Of those 3 matches, it is only the Tigers game I would be concerned if we lost

Losing a home game so late to the playoffs would give our semi final opponents a lot of oomph in their belief we are beatable at the Rec

I agree that we need to give ourselves the luxury of heavy rotation at the back end of the prem, esp against sarries as that could fall between a euro final and a prem semi if all goes to plan.

This prem/euro block could be 14 games in 14 weekends which is absurdly tough. I would rotate a fair bit against exeter as I just think that's our best chance of winning on a 6 day turnaround.

Something like :
Tdg, big Joe, butt, cam, rmc, finn, tcs
Fvw, annett, stuart, roux, ewels, staddon, pepper, alfie
Bench: kepu, tdt, griffin, richards, bayliss, reid, schreuder, bailey

Beno, dunn, malony, spencer, mojo, muir have played a lot of rugby recently.

I would rotate again newcastle (give tdt, roux, finn a week off completely in cotton wool) and pretty much through the remainder of the season til prem play offs.

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HK890
16/04/2025 08:31

Quote:
gaz59
Quote:
HK890

Donoghue whilst very very good attacking last game I thought he was quite vulnerable defensively caught out and in the air not quite as confident as Bailey/TDG.

I didn't see Donoghue particularly weak at any point. The commentator pinned the blame on him for the Singleton try but I thought it was Redpath that had stepped inside leaving the space for JS

Is that right? But where else did you see vulnerability coz I didn't see that at all

Haven’t seen us look so weak in the wide channel all season. Almost all success they had was from mini breaks/breaks in those channels. Quite a few times it seemed like he wasn’t on the same wavelength as others. Whether that’s his communication or just getting to know the players around him.

But the big thing is that he missed the most tackles out of anyone in the game. Made 1 Completed tackles but missed 6 Tackles.

In a game where we weren’t defending a whole lot that’s not great.

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Bath Hammer
16/04/2025 08:54

Quote:
HK890
Quote:
gaz59
Quote:
HK890

Donoghue whilst very very good attacking last game I thought he was quite vulnerable defensively caught out and in the air not quite as confident as Bailey/TDG.

I didn't see Donoghue particularly weak at any point. The commentator pinned the blame on him for the Singleton try but I thought it was Redpath that had stepped inside leaving the space for JS

Is that right? But where else did you see vulnerability coz I didn't see that at all

Haven’t seen us look so weak in the wide channel all season. Almost all success they had was from mini
breaks/breaks in those channels. Quite a few times it seemed like he wasn’t on the same wavelength as others. Whether that’s his communication or just getting to know the
players around him.

But the big thing is that he missed the most tackles out of anyone in the game. Made 1 Completed tackles but missed 6 Tackles.

In a game where we weren’t defending a whole lot that’s not great.

Yes, he did show his inexperience early on. It’s not likely that he will be totally consistent so early on his pathway to, hopefully, great things but playing in the first team will increasingly reap dividends.

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dr.bath1865
16/04/2025 09:15

One worry could the absence of Lawrence, our only genuine 13 (despite Eng's efforts), and his experience in defence. They say it's the hardest position to defend, and I think Lawrence was our defensive captain. Combine those elements, then remove Lawrence, add in a green 15 (a defence's "eyes and ears"), and you see why we might be having a little trouble defending on the edge.

With the way Gloucester set up, almost always making two wide and deep passes from the breakdown every phase, they got to the 13/15 slot easily- and always had space to play. Given our power game, we're much more comfortable when teams try to run over us, especially now we're shoe horning Mojo or Redpath into the 13 slot, which is fine/good in attack but hard in defence.

I don't think it's a huge concern as Mojo or Redpath will learn and adapt as they play more games there. Also, few teams play wide-wide like Glos... other than one other... eek.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

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shipwrecked
16/04/2025 09:23

Quote:
dr.bath1865
With the way Gloucester set up, almost always making two wide and deep passes from the breakdown every phase, they got to the 13/15 slot easily- and always had space to play. Given our power game, we're much more comfortable when teams try to run over us, especially now we're shoe horning Mojo or Redpath into the 13 slot, which is fine/good in attack but hard in defence.

I don't think it's a huge concern as Mojo or Redpath will learn and adapt as they play more games there. Also, few teams play wide-wide like Glos... other than one other... eek.

Redpath actually had an uncomfortable game on Sunday and may have contributed to the wide defence issue.

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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BathMatt53
16/04/2025 09:43

Quote:
shipwrecked
Redpath actually had an uncomfortable game on Sunday and may have contributed to the wide defence issue.

I have always thought that Redpath is a much better 12 than 13, it suits his distribution skills better and I don't think that he has the speed for 13.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

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gaz59
16/04/2025 10:59

Quote:
BathMatt53
Quote:
shipwrecked
Redpath actually had an uncomfortable game on Sunday and may have contributed to the wide defence issue.

I have always thought that Redpath is a much better 12 than 13, it suits his distribution skills better and I don't think that he has the speed for 13.

In the pre match interview he said he preferred 12

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boozeboozebooze
16/04/2025 11:13

Also Redpath clearly has a very strong bond with Lawrence, going all the way back to when they were the centre combination for England u20s, so when they play together I imagine elements of attack and defence can be almost second nature.

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Quel Carreleur
16/04/2025 11:13

I'd go with heavy rotation, but slightly stronger than the PRC; with a strong bench.
We're going deep in 2 competitions currently, and have to plan to go all the way in both, so we HAVE to rotate.
We also know that our PRC team can beat both Exeter and Newcastle's first choice teams, in their own backyards. Which doesn't mean we should be complacent, but we should be confident, and manage our resources.
For the next 2 weeks, I'd go something like:
Exeter:
FvW, Tuipulotu, Griffin
Richards, Roux
Reid, Staddon, Barbeary

Spencer, Bailey
Butt, Ojomoh
McConnochie, Muir, Donoghue

Dunn, Obano, TdT, Maloney, Pepper, Hill
TCS, TdG

Newcastle:
FvW, Annett, Griffin
Richards, Maloney
Hill, Pepper, Green

TCS, Bailey
Redpath, Ojomoh
McConnochie, Cokanasiga, Donoghue

Dunn, Obano, TdT, Ewels, Underhill, Reid
Schreuder, TdG

Before going full-bore against Edinburgh
This means that, of our cup-final team
Stuart and Russell get both games off (they're also looking at exceeding the 30-match limit for the year, I want to keep enough in hand for them to play finals)
Obano, Dunn and TdT get 50-60 out of 160 minutes

Ewels and Roux both get a weekend off
Maloney expects about 80 out of 160 minutes

Coetzee gets a chance to rest his knee, Underhill and Barbeary both get a week off
Hill, Reid and Pepper expect about 80 out of 160 minutes

I start Spencer against Ex as they're first up, and the harder challenge than Newcastle; but he still gets a week off

Without Lawrence, Mojo is our best OC, Redpath just doesn't work there for me - okay once we've secure top 2 / top spot, he'd be the least rested of our "full bore" team from these 2 matches. If a match is won by the time the subs come on, then we could try TdG coming on to 12, with Butt moving to 13 for 20 minutes or so.

Coka and Muir both get a week off, whilst TdG expects a good 50-60 minutes out of 160

Heavy rotation, with strong teams for these 2 matches, re-assess after Edinburgh; hopefully with top 2 secured, and a good idea of what's needed to secure first place.

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:16:11:17:19 by Which Tyler.

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dr.bath1865
16/04/2025 11:16

Yeh I think he's a much better 12. In attack, excellent feet that make space in close but not the best top end pace for the wider channels. In defence, hits hard and jackals, whereas likely a top oppo 13 would fancy a go at him on the outside arc. Potentially Max is quicker, so better suited to the 13 spot in defence, if not Hennessy. But we won a QF 61-26, so no need for any major rethinks!

Having said that, whilst we've scored +40 in (I think) our last 7, since returning to the Prem in late Feb, we've conceded 28, 29, 14 (cup final), 26, 28, 24, 26. I know there's lots more tries being scored (and in every one of those games we scored a lot more!), but we could do with conceding a few less points per game.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

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OutsideBath
16/04/2025 11:18

Quote:
gaz59
Quote:
rugbyfan11
For me, we go strong here to save us potentially needing to go full bore vs Bris, Leic or Sarries when we've potentially got 5 games next month - think that will be the time to rotate, not now

Of those 3 matches, it is only the Tigers game I would be concerned if we lost

Losing a home game so late to the playoffs would give our semi final opponents a lot of oomph in their belief we are beatable at the Rec

Losing any home game is bad news, the Rec needs to become a fortress. We need to rest some of the players so I’d fully rest/rotate for Exeter, Bristol and Sarries away then go strong for Newcastle and Leicester at home.

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BathMatt53
16/04/2025 11:37

The nice part of this is that Bath can now rest / rotate without losing much quality except in maybe 2 or 3 positions (10, 9? 3*?)

*plenty of good cover at THP but TDT and Stuart are so good that resting both is always going to make some difference.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

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ChippenhamRoman
16/04/2025 15:15

Quote:
rugbyfan11
For me, we go strong here to save us potentially needing to go full bore vs Bris, Leic or Sarries when we've potentially got 5 games next month - think that will be the time to rotate, not now

Yes this is what I’d be doing. 10 points from the next two games.

Really want to beat Bristol in Cardiff. I hope JVG realised how important that is for the fans to get one over them.

Hopefully that then means a more relaxed selection for Leicester and Sarries.

Although then don’t want to lose momentum.

Throw in a Semi and potential final. There’s a lot of moving pieces. But I have trust in JVG.

J

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rugbyfan11
16/04/2025 16:37

Quote:
ChippenhamRoman
Quote:
rugbyfan11
For me, we go strong here to save us potentially needing to go full bore vs Bris, Leic or Sarries when we've potentially got 5 games next month - think that will be the time to rotate, not now

Yes this is what I’d be doing. 10 points from the next two games.

Really want to beat Bristol in Cardiff. I hope JVG realised how important that is for the fans to get one over them.

Hopefully that then means a more relaxed selection for Leicester and Sarries.

Although then don’t want to lose momentum.

Throw in a Semi and potential final. There’s a lot of moving pieces. But I have trust in JVG.

J

I've come to terms with the possibility that we'll rotate against Bristol. Unfortunately I think most logic says to rotate - it's a game we shouldn't need to win, comes between a semi final and the last home game of the season (as OB said, we don't want to give anyone a sniff of a win at home), and it's such a tough game that we might not win even if we played our first team.

I suppose the counter points are it's a derby, it might give us the chance to push Bristol into an away semi or ideally out of the playoffs, and it gives us a better chance of defending their attack in a potential final if we have more experience of it.

It's a really tough one to call what JvG will do, but as you say, he's got us this far and I trust him to take us further

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OutsideBath
16/04/2025 16:46

Quote:
ChippenhamRoman
Really want to beat Bristol in Cardiff. I hope JVG realised how important that is for the fans to get one over them.

I'm sure JvG realises it's important for fans, but equally I'm sure he won't allow that to be a factor in his team selection.

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gaz59
16/04/2025 18:33

Quote:
rugbyfan11

I've come to terms with the possibility that we'll rotate against Bristol. Unfortunately I think most logic says to rotate - it's a game we shouldn't need to win, comes between a semi final and the last home game of the season (as OB said, we don't want to give anyone a sniff of a win at home), and it's such a tough game that we might not win even if we played our first team.

I suppose the counter points are it's a derby, it might give us the chance to push Bristol into an away semi or ideally out of the playoffs, and it gives us a better chance of defending their attack in a potential final if we have more experience of it.

Can't see why anyone at the club, coach or player, would be concerned with pushing Bristol into an away playoff or out of the top 4

If I had my risk-adverse hat on, I'd go fully stacked for our home match v Leicester to keep that 'fortress' mentality especially so close to the semi-finals and have confidence in rotating some key players for the Bristol game

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Charlieboa1
16/04/2025 20:58

I have tickets for the bris away game which is a rare treat and first time I will have taken the whole family to game.

Trying to make peace with us potentially naming a heavily rotated team.

I think the clearest one for me to rest the majority of front line players is sarries away if we make the cup final.

If we lose the semi vs Edinburgh which is v possible then that's 1 less game to navigate and some of this pressure is released.

I do think pushing bris out of top 2 and laying down a marker against them before the play offs would be a smart move if we can manage it.

Less concerned about potentially losing to leic and sarries and the impact that could have.

As for the immediate challenges of exeter and Newcastle I think we need to go reasonably strong against exeter and in reality a second team should be able to beat Newcastle at home- hope that isn't too disrespectful, the reality is a weaker than second team bt them recently away.

The great thing is that lots of the squad should be feeling they have a genuine chance of making the 23 for the business end of both comps so should be v motivated.

As matt says the majority of positions have some element of selection jeopardy, at least in terms of who makes the bench.

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jayeatman
16/04/2025 21:05

Quote:
OutsideBath
Losing any home game is bad news, the Rec needs to become a fortress. We need to rest some of the players so I’d fully rest/rotate for Exeter, Bristol and Sarries away then go strong for Newcastle and Leicester at home.

This is what JvG will do.

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Charlieboa1
16/04/2025 21:17

Quote:
jayeatman
Quote:
OutsideBath
Losing any home game is bad news, the Rec needs to become a fortress. We need to rest some of the players so I’d fully rest/rotate for Exeter, Bristol and Sarries away then go strong for Newcastle and Leicester at home.

This is what JvG will do.

Do we need to go strong vs newcastle?

Seems a perfect opp to rest tdt, roux, finn and a few others to me.

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jayeatman
16/04/2025 23:52

Quote:
Charlieboa1

Do we need to go strong vs newcastle?

Seems a perfect opp to rest tdt, roux, finn and a few others to me.

Wouldn't want to upset the season ticket holders!
(Seriously).

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Charlieboa1
17/04/2025 05:34

Quote:
jayeatman
Quote:
Charlieboa1

Do we need to go strong vs newcastle?

Seems a perfect opp to rest tdt, roux, finn and a few others to me.

Wouldn't want to upset the season ticket holders!
(Seriously).

We shall see, you may well be right.

Would seem a bit daft to me but in jvg we trust.

For me it's an opp to rest and rotate in a brutal run in.

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OutsideBath
17/04/2025 07:27

Quote:
Charlieboa1
Quote:
jayeatman
Quote:
Charlieboa1

Do we need to go strong vs newcastle?

Seems a perfect opp to rest tdt, roux, finn and a few others to me.

Wouldn't want to upset the season ticket holders!
(Seriously).

We shall see, you may well be right.

Would seem a bit daft to me but in jvg we trust.

For me it's an opp to rest and rotate in a brutal run in.

As a ST holder I do always want to see our best players at the Rec and am irritated if players are rotated out when I’m going to be there. Don’t for 1 minute think that JvG considers the views of ST holders in team selection though.

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BathMatt53
17/04/2025 08:53

Quote:
OutsideBath
Don’t for 1 minute think that JvG considers the views of ST holders in team selection though.

I hope that he does, in so much that they all (like him) want Bath to win the Prem and that he will select each matchday team with the aim of achieving that. Would you prefer to see Finn or TDT vs Newcastle or being MoTM at Twickenham in the Final?

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

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gaz59
17/04/2025 10:34

FWIW I'm coming to the Newcastle game. It will be my first and only game at the Rec this season. Of course I would love to see the likes of Finn and the Tank but if they need a rest week as part of a well managed player welfare schedule through a long demanding season then fine with me

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wetside
17/04/2025 11:06

The fact that JvG has produced the team he has which is, in turn, producing the results I see as a season ticket holder of 40+ years is all the evidence for me that he is thinking of me. But if he isn't so what ? I'm a happy bunny.

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Barfboy
17/04/2025 12:20

Journo from BathLive reporting that Coetzee sustained a knee injury on Sunday. That could be a huge blow to our game plan if it's long-term. Everything crossed it isn't.

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OutsideBath
17/04/2025 12:27

Quote:
Barfboy
Journo from BathLive reporting that Coetzee sustained a knee injury on Sunday. That could be a huge blow to our game plan if it's long-term. Everything crossed it isn't.

That really is a huge blow, made even worse when it looked like a cheap shot by Carreras in the highlights.

Reply Quote Report

BathMatt53
17/04/2025 12:34

Quote:
OutsideBath
Quote:
Barfboy
Journo from BathLive reporting that Coetzee sustained a knee injury on Sunday. That could be a huge blow to our game plan if it's long-term. Everything crossed it isn't.

That really is a huge blow, made even worse when it looked like a cheap shot by Carreras in the highlights.

Cheap shot by the post more like. Carreras was fully entitled to tackle the player / try to dislodge the ball.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

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boozeboozebooze
17/04/2025 12:39

That would be a real shame if Jaco got ruled out for an extended period.

The try all happened in the blink of an eye so there won't have been much time for him to weigh up avoiding the defenders/the posts and dotting the ball down, watching back he had more than enough momentum to dive earlier or step either way and still score in all likelihood.

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wetside
17/04/2025 12:42

Watching live I thought it was an illegal tackle. I was totally wrong. Perfectly legitimate last ditch attempt to dislodge the ball. As the highlights clearly showed.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:17:12:44:23 by wetside.

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Bath Supporter Jack
17/04/2025 13:14

Let's hope he is a quick healer....

I also thought it was illegal but as Wetside says above perfectly legal.....just very unfortunate

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Optimist
17/04/2025 15:27

Potentially, we play 9 consecutive weeks now. I'd be very inclined to go all-out to take 10 points from the next 2 games + obviously the semi vs Edinburgh. At the risk of pride coming before a fall, we really ought to be able to wrap up Exe and Newc games early enough to get the bench on and protect key players for the Edinburgh game.

That would then give JVG the luxury of playing and resting whoever he wants for weeks 4 and 5 of this mini-season.

If we were to beat Edinburgh, that allows for a nicely rested squad for the final, followed by a week's rest ahead of the Prem semi. If we lose, then he's got 3 games across 4 weeks to keep everything on point for the Prem semi.

I just cannot see any sense at all in going anything other than full (ish) strength for next 2 weeks. If we lose to any of Bris, Sarries, Tigers with a weakened team, i don't think it has any bearing whatsoever on what happens if we meet them later on at full-strength.

Sat: 19 Apr: Exeter, A
Sat 26 Apr: Newc, H
Sat 3 May, Edinburgh, A
Sat 10 May, Bristol, A
Sat 17 May, Tigers, H
Fri 23 May, ECPR Final Cardiff
Sat 31 May, Sarries, A
Sat 7 June, Prem semis
Sat 14 June, Prem Final

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jayeatman
17/04/2025 15:31

Quote:
OutsideBath
As a ST holder I do always want to see our best players at the Rec and am irritated if players are rotated out when I’m going to be there. Don’t for 1 minute think that JvG considers the views of ST holders in team selection though.

More seriously:
You go strong for your 'must-win' games. Those are going to be mostly home games.
You identify those games which are not 'must-win', indeed 'might-not-win-even-if-full-strength'. Those are going to be mostly away games. Bristol and Sarries are definitely in this category. Most years Exeter would be too. Those are the ones where you rest players.
On top of that there's timing. It just so happens our 3 remaining away games are on a 3-week cycle:
CC QF Home to Glos Strong, regular rotation
Away to Exeter Regular rotation + rest Finn & Stuart
Home to Newcastle Full strength
CC SF Away to Edinburgh Max strength
Away to Bristol Rest key players, inc Finn & Stuart
Home to Leicester Full strength
CC Final Max strength
Away to Sarries Rest key players, inc Finn & Stuart
Potential Prem SF Full strength
Potential Prem Final Max strength

What I mean by Full to max strength is minimal rotation: He knows his best 15/23, so it's the same 23 bar a forced change or two and shuffling starters/finishers.

BATH supporter since 1975

Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart

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tigersimon
17/04/2025 17:41

Given the 6 day turnaround to the potential CC Final might be worth resting & rotating for R17?

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OutsideBath
17/04/2025 17:46

Quote:
jayeatman
Quote:
OutsideBath
As a ST holder I do always want to see our best players at the Rec and am irritated if players are rotated out when I’m going to be there. Don’t for 1 minute think that JvG considers the views of ST holders in team selection though.
More seriously:
You go strong for your 'must-win' games. Those are going to be mostly home games.
You identify those games which are not 'must-win', indeed 'might-not-win-even-if-full-strength'. Those are going to be mostly away games. Bristol and Sarries are definitely in this category. Most years Exeter would be too. Those are the ones where you rest players.
On top of that there's timing. It just so happens our 3 remaining away games are on a 3-week cycle:
CC QF Home to Glos Strong, regular rotation
Away to Exeter Regular rotation + rest Finn & Stuart
Home to Newcastle Full strength
CC SF Away to Edinburgh Max strength
Away to Bristol Rest key players, inc Finn & Stuart
Home to Leicester Full strength
CC Final Max strength
Away to Sarries Rest key players, inc Finn & Stuart
Potential Prem SF Full strength
Potential Prem Final Max strength

What I mean by Full to max strength is minimal rotation: He knows his best 15/23, so it's the same 23 bar a forced change or two and shuffling starters/finishers.

Like this idea, have you had a chat with JvG about it.. 😁

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Charlieboa1
18/04/2025 05:57

Kind of agree jayeatman and jvg may go that route.

Curve ball is newcastle at home.

Do we really need to be playing the likes of tdt and finn in order to pick up the win?

I would go refular rotation for both exeter and Newcastle personally.

Rest beno / dunn/ malony/ spencer/ muir this week

Rest tdt/ roux/ finn/ mojo/ tdg next.

I would be v disappointed to not pick up 6/7 pts min and that's all we need to stay on track.

Backrow is such a luxury you can so as you please really and be strong- on that topic any news on jaco?

Great that ewels is back in the mix- roux and esp malony have played a lot of rugby recently.

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P G Tips
18/04/2025 11:48

Team Up. Gone strong:

Bath Rugby team news

Bath Rugby: 15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Ruaridh McConnochie, 13 Max Ojomoh, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Will Muir, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Francois van Wyk, 2 Niall Annett, Thomas du Toit, 4 Ewan Richards, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Miles Reid, 8 Arthur Green.

Replacements: 16 Tom Dunn, 17 Beno Obano, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Alfie Barbeary

PG

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P G Tips
18/04/2025 11:50

And Chiefs:

Exeter Chiefs:

15 Josh Hodge

14 Ben Hammersley

13 Henry Slade

12 Joe Hawkins

11 Paul Brown-Bampoe

10 Harvey Skinner

9 Tom Cairns

1 Scott Sio

2 Jack Yeandle

3 Marcus Street

4 Rusi Tuima

5 Dafydd Jenkins (c)

6 Martin Moloney

7 Richard Capstick

8 Greg Fisilau

Replacements:

16 Max Norey

17 Kwenzo Blose

18 Jimmy Roots

19 Jacques Vermeulen

20 Ross Vintcent

21 Niall Armstrong

22 Will Haydon-Wood

23 Will Rigg

PG

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shipwrecked
18/04/2025 11:56

Indeed, good to see an alternative second row with Ewan Richards getting an outing and Arthur Green giving Alfie a break and covering for Jaco's knee. No sign of Louie Hennessy mind, that's a long break without selection. Landy now fit on the bench.

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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Tlacey90
18/04/2025 12:07

Good to see Charlie Ewels back after his rib knock a few weeks back. That's a strong squad they've gone for and allowed for some rotation. Maybe surprised both Finn & Ben Spencer are playing.
Interesting that Exeter have gone for a 5-3 split bench when we've maintained with the 6-2.

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Quel Carreleur
18/04/2025 12:10

Quote:
Which Tyler
I'd go with heavy rotation, but slightly stronger than the PRC; with a strong bench.
For the next 2 weeks, I'd go something like:
Exeter:
FvW, Tuipulotu, Griffin
Richards, Roux
Reid, Staddon, Barbeary

Spencer, Bailey
Butt, Ojomoh
McConnochie, Muir, Donoghue

Dunn, Obano, TdT, Maloney, Pepper, Hill
TCS, TdG
.

He's gone stronger than me, but not a bad estimate
Go well boys

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:18:12:12:16 by Which Tyler.

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hasta
18/04/2025 12:23

Great to see Green get a chance. That bench of forwards is... Formidable.

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Francis Allen
18/04/2025 13:57

Only Arthur Green untested at Premiership level so JVG going strong on the basis of an away win vital to his plan. Newcastle home will be an interesting selection, a win tomorrow may see some rested, a loss and i expect a strong selection next week. 2 wins out of 2 will enable JVG to tinkle with the squad for Edinburgh, Leicester and Saracens with a view to having best squad possible for home semi.

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Francis Allen
18/04/2025 15:54

Quote:
Francis Allen
Only Arthur Green untested at Premiership level so JVG going strong on the basis of an away win vital to his plan. Newcastle home will be an interesting selection, a win tomorrow may see some rested, a loss and i expect a strong selection next week. 2 wins out of 2 will enable JVG to tinkle with the squad for Edinburgh, Leicester and Saracens with a view to having best squad possible for home semi.

How could I forget Bristol. Be nice to have a strong squad in Cardiff, reward the travelling fans with a win.

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OutsideBath
18/04/2025 17:19

Disappointed to see Finn, Ben and TDT risked on their dodgy pitch.

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hemington
18/04/2025 17:22

I think you'll find it a bit softer after recent rain.

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Charlieboa1
18/04/2025 17:36

Quote:
hasta
Great to see Green get a chance. That bench of forwards is... Formidable.

Good selection isn't it- back the young guy who is having a great year (u20 win and prominent in prem cup) and then bring alfie on..

Think our bench strategy is getting in other teams heads- it's so intimidating to have that level of quality to come on.

Really liking how we have been using kepu, sela, richards, staddon, green, tcs, hennessey, donohue etc this season- feed them into strong squads surrounded by quality.

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P G Tips
18/04/2025 17:37

Tribe Talk forecasts are very gloomy.

We need to beware complacency.

PG

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Charlieboa1
18/04/2025 17:42

Hope we are brave enough to back the squad next week and give the likes of beno, dunn, tdt, malony, spenno, mojo, tdg a rest.

I would take finn out the firing line also personally but not convinced they will.

I would go something like the below and trust they will perform and get a win

Donohue, big Joe , butt, redpath, rmc, bailey, tcs, cordwell, annett, griffin, roux, ewels, underhill, pepper, green
Bench: kepu, fvw, stuart, richards, staddon, alfie, schreuder, hennessey

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OutsideBath
18/04/2025 18:32

Quote:
hemington
I think you'll find it a bit softer after recent rain.

Didn’t realise it has been raining there.

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P G Tips
18/04/2025 18:42

Like the look of that Charlieb1!

PG

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OutsideBath
18/04/2025 19:02

Quote:
Charlieboa1
Hope we are brave enough to back the squad next week and give the likes of beno, dunn, tdt, malony, spenno, mojo, tdg a rest.
I would take finn out the firing line also personally but not convinced they will.

I would go something like the below and trust they will perform and get a win

Donohue, big Joe , butt, redpath, rmc, bailey, tcs, cordwell, annett, griffin, roux, ewels, underhill, pepper, green
Bench: kepu, fvw, stuart, richards, staddon, alfie, schreuder, hennessey

Personally think that’s too many rotated out for a home game. Bristol and Sarries away is the time to rest our “stars”.

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Old Bath Tub
18/04/2025 20:09

Quote:
hemington
I think you'll find it a bit softer after recent rain.

And heavy rain forecast tonight ! Here

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

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theredseat
18/04/2025 21:22

That might be the bombiest bomb squad of forwards we’ve picked all season.

Hoping to see a decent win and then some pretty significant rotation next week

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D s & t dad
19/04/2025 08:25

Can anyone tell me if the game is on TV today please.

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dcsh
19/04/2025 08:34

Quote:
D s & t dad
Can anyone tell me if the game is on TV today please.

Yes, TNT/Discovery+

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Charlieboa1
19/04/2025 08:35

Quote:
D s & t dad
Can anyone tell me if the game is on TV today please.

On tnt I believe

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D s & t dad
19/04/2025 08:35

Thanks dcsh.

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hasta
19/04/2025 09:04

All premiership games are televised now!

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dcsh
19/04/2025 09:10

Quote:
hasta
All premiership games are televised now!

Long gone are the days of a poor quality stream from a betting website!

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wetside
19/04/2025 12:08

I have TNT. How do I get TNT/Discovery +

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hasta
19/04/2025 12:10

Discovery+ online or app. TNT Sports on sky or similar.

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Rawce
19/04/2025 13:15

I’ve got it on the Disco+ app on my telly/phone. Just registered for a month and cancelled the subscription - unless there’s any decent games worth carrying on with that I won’t see at The Rec itself.

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 14:48

Sloppy start, lucky not to concede

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 14:51

That seems a harsh penalty.. got out of way and ball available, didn’t really look like he could go any other way

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 14:54

Good first attacking set from us

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 14:55

Spilled in contact bit disappointing

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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hantssabre
19/04/2025 14:55

Distinct lack of any on screen score or clock, very poor

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 14:58

Been all Bath since the early penalty

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:00

Correct call.

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:01

God almighty how irritating is there stadium announcer

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:04

Wonder if Sexton is watching??

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:08

Exeter scrum starting to creak…

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 15:10

Soft penalties seem to be order of the day

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:11

Compound errors creeping in leading to a soft score for Exeter. Really frustrating how we can’t seem to minimise our error count atm

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:13

Restart was poor too. Need to tighten up

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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JK7
19/04/2025 15:15

Prominent starts from Fisilau and Green. Good contest.

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:16

Better! Good driving maul!

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 15:16

Better - Annett pushover in the corner

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:17

Quote:
JK7
Prominent starts from Fisilau and Green. Good contest.

Yeah was hoping we could introduce bomb squad at a leisurely pace but may need them

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 15:18

Finn will be wishing Farrell wasn't here

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:18

Sigh. Finn having a curate’s egg of a game

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 15:21

Fantastic team try! Incredible pass from Van Wyk!

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:21

Great by the numbers try - one missed tackle and we punished them.

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 15:22

And another! Just excellent support running

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JK7
19/04/2025 15:23

Quote:
Toast and Marmite
Quote:
JK7
Prominent starts from Fisilau and Green. Good contest.

Yeah was hoping we could introduce bomb squad at a leisurely pace but may need them

Green being our number 8. I think the starters are holding up well...

...particularly now Horse has done his thing.

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:23

That was just incredible

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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BeatsWorking
19/04/2025 15:24

Two great team tries in 2 minutes...!

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JK7
19/04/2025 15:25

Quote:
JK7

Green being our number 8.

He'll earn himself a red shirt if he's not careful.

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:25

Surely Muir must be in the mix for England?

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:28

Not sure why we continue to give soft penalties- we look very comfortable in defence and now we have to defend a lineout

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:31

Quote:
JK7
Quote:
JK7

Green being our number 8.

He'll earn himself a red shirt if he's not careful.

Not looking out of place at all

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:32

JvG will definitely be talking about discipline at halftime

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Widcombe boy
19/04/2025 15:42

Great analysis from TNT at halftime

Not

Widcombe Garçon

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:55

That must have been one of our sloppiest attacking sets in weeks

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 15:58

So discipline STILL not good enough

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:00

Jesus we are so sloppy

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:04

Pretty sure every Exeter score has come from Bath errors, many unforced.

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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JK7
19/04/2025 16:05

Green's performance had me feeling more relaxed about Jaco's injury but that Muir one is worrying.

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:08

This is an infuriating watch

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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OutsideBath
19/04/2025 16:09

Quote:
JK7
Green's performance had me feeling more relaxed about Jaco's injury but that Muir one is worrying.

What is Muir's injury?

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 16:09

Rubbish start to the 2nd half

Bomb squad hopefully resets things

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:09

JvG has seen enough- 5 subs!

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:10

Correction-6!

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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JK7
19/04/2025 16:10

Quote:
OutsideBath
Quote:
JK7
Green's performance had me feeling more relaxed about Jaco's injury but that Muir one is worrying.

What is Muir's injury?

I think he was knocked out trying to make a tackle. Walked off but with two supporting him.

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 16:13

Quote:
JK7
Quote:
OutsideBath
Quote:
JK7
Green's performance had me feeling more relaxed about Jaco's injury but that Muir one is worrying.

What is Muir's injury?

I think he was knocked out trying to make a tackle. Walked off but with two supporting him.

Came up with a face full of paint - all the while the PA played We Will Rock You

Classy

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:13

We’re definitely not playing like potential champions atm

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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OutsideBath
19/04/2025 16:14

Quote:
JK7
Quote:
OutsideBath
Quote:
JK7
Green's performance had me feeling more relaxed about Jaco's injury but that Muir one is worrying.

What is Muir's injury?

I think he was knocked out trying to make a tackle. Walked off but with two supporting him.

Hope he's ok then, but don't recall him having a history of concussions so with any luck he'll recover quick enough to play a major part in the resto of the season.

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JK7
19/04/2025 16:15

Quote:
Toast and Marmite
Correction-6!

Obano, Dunn, Stuart, Moloney, Hill, Barbeary - all at once. Man alive.

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 16:15

Exeter are fired up for sure

We are in dangerous territory here

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 16:16

Incredible try from Exeter

We have to wake up and go win a game

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:16

God almighty we are danger of losing this game…

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 16:18

Ojomoh hurt

Schreuder on - that's the bench emptied. Flashbacks of the Champions Cup last season

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:18

We have made too many errors, kicked sloppily and given easy yards.

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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JK7
19/04/2025 16:18

Ojomoh injured too, and that really doesn't look good. This is becoming somewhat damaging.

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:20

Just need to play some simple no error rugby but it appears to be completely beyond us

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 16:23

Exeter just want to play and we have little answer to getting our foot back in the game

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:28

Another chance butchered.

On another point it seems off that a team can give away a free kick at the scrum in order to avoid a potential penalty

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:32

Simple lineout play please

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:34

Jesus why throw to the tail on their 5 metre line - ludicrous

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 16:35

Oh McConachie what have you done

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:35

Absolutely shocking call- how on earth is that knocked on

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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JK7
19/04/2025 16:35

That ball really, really didn't go forward in goal there. Terrible decision. How do they not see that having looked at it repeatedly?

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JK7
19/04/2025 16:36

Our big boys got the TMO out of jail.

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:40

Kicking today has been awful

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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JK7
19/04/2025 16:42

Well, that was rough.

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Mike the Taxi
19/04/2025 16:42

Phew!!!

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:43

Pretty sure we have played better than that and lost.

Very sub-par performance but we march on and put this in the rear view mirror.

Kudos to the bench though that dug us out!

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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hasta
19/04/2025 16:44

Phew. Been a while since we've had a stressful one like that.

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BeatsWorking
19/04/2025 16:44

Not quite sure how Exeter didn't win that... careless play and we didn't look ourselves. Lineout dodgy throughout. Still, dogged it out and finished last 10 mins well. Injuries a concern....

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OutsideBath
19/04/2025 16:45

Bit of complacency creeping in with the players?

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theredseat
19/04/2025 16:47

From 30 mins or so that was probably our worst performance of the season. Hard to put my finger on at first watch exactly what wasn’t working.

Still think that’s a pretty poor Exeter side. Fortunate that a 5 or 6 out of 10 for us beats an 8 or so from them.

Not a bad time to get a bit of a kick up the backside though. On to the next one

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ChippenhamRoman
19/04/2025 16:49

Quote:
hasta
Phew. Been a while since we've had a stressful one like that.

Indeed. I worry about today’s butchers bill.

Muir and Ojomo looked in bad shape.

J

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Dorset Boy
19/04/2025 16:50

Got out of jail there. We lacked energy and kicked all our possession away in the second half, and some really poor lineout calls when we did finally get in their danger zone.

Brown-Bampoe looks to me like he jumped tackles for each of their tries - Topsy called it a hitch kick, but it isn't.

Hopefully the injuries aren't too ball and that was our lacklustre poor performance out of the way.

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boozeboozebooze
19/04/2025 16:51

Anyone else feel like they've time travelled back to 2021? Minutes 40 - 79 felt like a throwback to the Hooper era, with the obvious caveat that we just about flopped over the finishing line in the end.

Fair play to Exeter, their tactic of sling it wide at all opportunities worked wonders, some serious work to do on wide defence, especially now that Muir and Ojomoh have joined the injury list.

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hasta
19/04/2025 16:53

Honestly the kick up the posterior but still getting the five points is kind of ideal. Possibly showing the short turn around.

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 16:59

Quote:
hasta
Honestly the kick up the posterior but still getting the five points is kind of ideal. Possibly showing the short turn around.

Fair point on the turnaround hasty, we’ve seen it elsewhere, with other teams too, surprising how one less dayrest can have so much impact.

Exhibition wins are obviously much more enjoyable (and less anxiety inducing) but at some points there will be performances like this where the team just needs to grind out a win.

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Gaughers
19/04/2025 17:02

Utterly morose after watching Mojo leave the field. Losing Lawrence was bad but losing Mojo as well? Feels like the difference between winning silverware and not.

Redpath is not good there last time out
Butt is an out and out 12
Hennessey totally unproven at the level we need to win titles

It's difficult not to panic.

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Charlieboa1
19/04/2025 17:03

Quote:
hasta
Honestly the kick up the posterior but still getting the five points is kind of ideal. Possibly showing the short turn around.

Agreed.

A good scare but escape with 5 points.

I really do think we need to give fresh guys a go next week.

Sometimes on paper and on the field are two v different things. I think a well rested 23 desperate to prove a point will go better than sticking with players who have been involved in most match day squads over the last 5 weekends.

Injuries will force some changes anyhow.

Hats off to Arthur Green- exceptional every time i have seen him for us and eng u20s. Thought richards was also quite prominent so surprised he was hooked at 50 mins.

Hill had a good impact as always.

Scrum dug us out of a self created hole- lineout was a bit of a shambles.

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 17:11

Quote:
Charlieboa1

Scrum dug us out of a self created hole- lineout was a bit of a shambles.

Air was blue in our house with the mystifying calls at the lineout. Surely you don’t go long on a 6 metre lineout when you’re just a couple of points ahead? I appreciate a throw to 2 narrows your options but even in worst case of losing the throw, Exeter are then in coffin corner and have to work really hard to get out.

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:19:17:12:23 by Toast and Marmite.

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gaz59
19/04/2025 17:15

Two big worries for me

One, the obvious concern at injuries to Ojomoh and Muir

But not scoring in the second half will give a lot of encouragement to the Sale, Saracens and Bristol that we are beatable even when the big stuff comes off the bench

When was the last time we didn't score for the last 50 mins?

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OutsideBath
19/04/2025 17:16

What was the injury to Ojomo?

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 17:21

Quote:
OutsideBath
What was the injury to Ojomo?

Leg injury, severity unclear

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Optimist
19/04/2025 17:33

Quote:
Toast and Marmite
Kudos to the bench though that dug us out!

Not sure how the bench ‘dug us out’ given we were home and hosed at half-time and failed to score in the 2nd half?

Fair play to Exeter who played with real verve and energy in the 2nd half, but boy did it show that we haven’t had a lot of practice at closing out a tight game recently. Going to the air way too soon, going wide’ish unnecessarily, butchering 2 x close-it-out lineouts, giving away penalties. Still - 5 points vs Falcons and the whole run-in can be managed however JVG wants. Happy days when I can still find something to whinge about with 5 points in the bank!

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theredseat
19/04/2025 17:34

Quote:
gaz59
Two big worries for me
One, the obvious concern at injuries to Ojomoh and Muir

But not scoring in the second half will give a lot of encouragement to the Sale, Saracens and Bristol that we are beatable even when the big stuff comes off the bench

When was the last time we didn't score for the last 50 mins?

If we’ve fallen to the point where Bristol can shut us out for 50 mins we might as well pack it up now

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 17:47

Quote:
Optimist
Quote:
Toast and Marmite
Kudos to the bench though that dug us out!

Not sure how the bench ‘dug us out’ given we were home and hosed at half-time and failed to score in the 2nd half?

Referring more specifically to the f forwards particularly at scrum time., obvious one being the scrum penalty on the line.

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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P G Tips
19/04/2025 17:48

A lot to work on- particularly choices & execution at the lineout, playing fast and loose without committing the opposition and losing concentration in the final stages of attack. The coaches will be busy this week.

On the plus side, we had a 50 minute exercise in coping with pressure and managed somehow to weather the disruption of injuries to Muir & Ojomoh (plus niggly knocks for Bailey & Redpath).

I'm with Charlieboa - a few of the PRC players, refreshed and bursting to go - could come in for next week. I think they would do well.

PG

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Clarkey3k
19/04/2025 18:15

Pleased to see Bath in a real contest for a change and pleased we managed to close it out. It's been too easy in recent games so this was a useful reality check. We should finish top of the log in the regular season but we will need to be super sharp for the playoffs...

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

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Charlieboa1
19/04/2025 18:15

Was muir injury a boot to the chops?

Never great but fingers crossed nothing broken and no ill effects to keep him out longer than next week.

Mojo looked like ankle? Wasn't clear.

Ankle ligs or clean ankle break and should be back before end of the season. Let's hope it was nothing too serious.

I would have rested both this week but tbf they were both v good and we may have lost the game without their contributions!

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Toast and Marmite
19/04/2025 18:27

Quote:
Charlieboa1
Was muir injury a boot to the chops?
!

Yep by Brown-Bampoe jumping the tackle, something he did twice for 2 of his tries.

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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OutsideBath
19/04/2025 18:48

Quote:
Toast and Marmite
Quote:
Charlieboa1
Was muir injury a boot to the chops?
!

Yep by Brown-Bampoe jumping the tackle, something he did twice for 2 of his tries.

Thought jumping tackles wasn’t permitted?

Given that there isn’t much between Chiefs and Falcons in terms of quality, looking forward to seeing Finn, Ben and TDT starting in a full strength team at the Rec next weekend.

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Bath Hammer
19/04/2025 18:49

Quote:
Charlieboa1

Ankle ligs or clean ankle break and should be back before end of the season. Let's hope it was nothing too serious.
!

Back that quickly from such an injury???
We’re now down to our last two first team centres, quite worrying especially how important Ojomoh has been for us recently. This was what I feared with us being chasing 3 trophies, though this was an important match.

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Bath Hammer
19/04/2025 18:51

Quote:
OutsideBath

Given that there isn’t much between Chiefs and Falcons in terms of quality, looking forward to seeing Finn, Ben and TDT starting in a full strength team at the Rec next weekend.

This is all getting exceedingly worrying in terms of injuries. We are so near yet still so far!

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Dorset Boy
19/04/2025 19:00

Even a couple of independent viewers consider Brown-Bompoe's actions as jumping tackles and illegal, especically given one resulted in hte Horse being knocked out.
They certainly weren't hitch kicks

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OutsideBath
19/04/2025 19:30

Quote:
Dorset Boy
Even a couple of independent viewers consider Brown-Bompoe's actions as jumping tackles and illegal, especically given one resulted in hte Horse being knocked out.
They certainly weren't hitch kicks

Perhaps he should be cited for the jumped tackle that resulted in Muir’s injury?

Given our growing injury list in key positions is it time to choose to focus on trying to win the CC or PL instead of stretching the squad for both?

Be disastrous if we ended up winning neither.

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 19:41

Not sure too much can be read into it, but Max has posted on Instagram, with the Full Time graphic '😌gritty!'

So certainly no 'my seasons done' kind of despair

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Bath Hammer
19/04/2025 20:20

Interpretations of 😌 Gritty?

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Kidney Stone
19/04/2025 20:38

Turgid second half, bomb squad less effective than normal. Disrupted backs killed our game.

Some great carries from Green, he regularly got over the gain line and some.

Finn needs a rest for Falcons.

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A.M 180
19/04/2025 20:40

Quote:
Bath Hammer
Interpretations of 😌 Gritty?

Think he's just referencing the win

I guess just notable he's not posting about the injury

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Hugh Jarse
19/04/2025 21:25

Tis in the scriptures that once in a while you feck up. Hay ho my cockers we won ! Just.
Onward and upwards bey !

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Charlieboa1
19/04/2025 21:30

Quote:
Bath Hammer
Quote:
Charlieboa1

Ankle ligs or clean ankle break and should be back before end of the season. Let's hope it was nothing too serious.
!

Back that quickly from such an injury???
We’re now down to our last two first team centres, quite worrying especially how important Ojomoh has been for us recently. This was what I feared with us being chasing 3 trophies, though this was an important match.

8 weeks to a potential prem final, 7 to a pretty much nailed on semi final.

I did my ankle ligs quite badly in my mid 30s and had the most amateur of amateur recovery plans and was back in less then 2 months.

Max is a young bloke, in great nick and the club got finn back last season in an insanely quick period of time given the nature of the injury.

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Widcombe boy
19/04/2025 23:01

JVG saying he will bring in Butt and Hennessey He was uncertain of the injury to Max but Horse was ok in the changing room 🤞

Widcombe Garçon

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Bath Hammer
19/04/2025 23:21

Quote:
Charlieboa1
Quote:
Bath Hammer
Quote:
Charlieboa1

Ankle ligs or clean ankle break and should be back before end of the season. Let's hope it was nothing too serious.
!

Back that quickly from such an injury???
We’re now down to our last two first team centres, quite worrying especially how important Ojomoh has been for us recently. This was what I feared with us being chasing 3 trophies, though this was an important match.

8 weeks to a potential prem final, 7 to a pretty much nailed on semi final.

I did my ankle ligs quite badly in my mid 30s and had the most amateur of amateur recovery plans and was back in less then 2 months.

Max is a young bloke, in great nick and the club got finn back last season in an insanely quick period of time given the nature of the injury.

So he might just be available for the final if we’re lucky but not match fit.

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FiveSticks
19/04/2025 23:51

wrong thread...

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:19:23:53:34 by FiveSticks.

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Shadders
20/04/2025 00:43

Finn had a poor game, tried too much and looked off the pace. Green fantastic. Max’s passing is so fast, massive shame his injury. Was expecting more from Bailey too…. I’ll be hoping it’s a case of winning while playing badly and taking some lessons being a good thing.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:20:00:52:52 by Shadders.

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joethefanatic
20/04/2025 01:59

Just watched the game. Well played Chiefs but it seems to me that we are guilty of starting to believe our own publicity. There was a lack of ambition about our play that was worrying, especially as, when we really clicked, it was clear we we could do. There are weaknesses to our game that better sides (especially Sale and Sarries) will exploit. I thought we played badly by our standards but still won with a TBP. We've come a long way but there's much to do. I hope all the injured are OK. Mojo really did not look good.

My MotM - Finn Russell. Not for "being Finn" but for "not being Finn". The first minutes made it clear that it was not going to be his afternoon but he shook his head, stopped trying the miracle plays and just managed the game. Just (I suspect) what both JvG and Faz Snr wanted to see.

We need a better name for the replacements than the "Bomb Squad". Given what they did in the scrum, how about the "Wrecking Crew"?

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu

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Charlieboa1
20/04/2025 07:22

Quote:
Bath Hammer
Quote:
Charlieboa1
Quote:
Bath Hammer
Quote:
Charlieboa1

Ankle ligs or clean ankle break and should be back before end of the season. Let's hope it was nothing too serious.
!

Back that quickly from such an injury???
We’re now down to our last two first team centres, quite worrying especially how important Ojomoh has been for us recently. This was what I feared with us being chasing 3 trophies, though this was an important match.

8 weeks to a potential prem final, 7 to a pretty much nailed on semi final.

I did my ankle ligs quite badly in my mid 30s and had the most amateur of amateur recovery plans and was back in less then 2 months.

Max is a young bloke, in great nick and the club got finn back last season in an insanely quick period of time given the nature of the injury.

So he might just be available for the final if we’re lucky but not match fit.

I would hope that bath could get him back a lot quicker than I came back!

Certainly a risk we don't see the best of him even if he is back this season. Finn was back for last few regular season games last season after about a month off I think (from an injury that many thought would be season ending but bruce flew to the rescue!)?

I think if he is out for the season then trust butt and hennessey vs newcastle whilst looking for centre injury cover. If reports are true we we're already looking due to the lawrence injury.

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Charlieboa1
20/04/2025 07:26

Quote:
Widcombe boy
JVG saying he will bring in Butt and Hennessey He was uncertain of the injury to Max but Horse was ok in the changing room 🤞

Here's the article but doesn't add much to your summary WB

[www.somersetlive.co.uk]

Jvg clearly not even guessing what the problem is with max which is fair enough.

Muir confirmed as head knock so let's hope for no repercussions and back available cot edinburgh or bris after passing the protocols. He was due a rest, played a lot of rugby after a long lay off.

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Bath Hammer
20/04/2025 07:34

Quote:
joethefanatic
We need a better name for the replacements than the "Bomb Squad". Given what they did in the scrum, how about the "Wrecking Crew"?

Yes, that name troubles me somewhat so Wrecking Crew is a good alternative.

We know of the term unconscious bias so is there a possibility of unconscious over confidence or even superiority. We know that JvG’s mantra is constant improvement & only looking at the next game which has so far worked brilliantly & players are reflecting this in post match interviews but recently we have been far to gung-ho / reckless for substantial periods of games. That & the ever risk of injuries could deprive us of the big end of season prize so we have to both inject some pragmatism & use the whole squad wisely until the end of the season. I’m pretty sure that JvG will be on top of this. He has to.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:20:07:38:12 by Bath Hammer.

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Charlieboa1
20/04/2025 07:35

Bit of a tough watch yest and plenty of concerns but glass half view is:

Timely scare/ reminder we are v beatable if we aren't on it
Still got the 5 pts meaning well on track for top 2 and being able to manage squad over last 4 rounds.
Roux got a rest and some key players only got less than 30 mins
Another run out for hill at lock providing us with some flex (and he was v good)
Scored a few glorious tries that bris would have been proud of
Couple of crucial scrum pens won by the replacement front 5
Ewels got through his comeback seemingly OK
Held on despite a v disrupted backline (felt a bit similar to the chaos of the euro game we lost last season!)
Arthur green- there was so much to love. Big carries form the base and in open field. Couple of big hits. One gorgeous offload in contact. Would have no concerns seeing him play more whilst jaco out

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Bath Hammer
20/04/2025 07:44

Quote:
Charlieboa1

Muir confirmed as head knock so let's hope for no repercussions and back available cot edinburgh or bris after passing the protocols. He was due a rest, played a lot of rugby after a long lay off.

Let’s keep him wrapped in cotton wool, he’s vital to us in the most important games.

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Charlieboa1
20/04/2025 07:53

Quote:
Bath Hammer
Quote:
Charlieboa1

Muir confirmed as head knock so let's hope for no repercussions and back available cot edinburgh or bris after passing the protocols. He was due a rest, played a lot of rugby after a long lay off.

Let’s keep him wrapped in cotton wool, he’s vital to us in the most important games.

Totally agree, happy to not see him again for weeks in the nicest possible way!

We are looking v thin on numbers in the backs now.

I would be happy for hennessey to get some good game time as think he would rise to the challenge nicely but we are now v short on bodies to be attacking on 2 fronts.

May need to consider injury cover if max is out for more than a few weeks.

Fine at halfback but beyond there we are looking v stretched for senior options.

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Ali1969
20/04/2025 09:19

Great atmosphere at Sandy Park yesterday, my thoughts were it was our worst performance of the season, especially the 2nd half. As Sir Alex Ferguson said it is a sign of a good team to win when playing poorly.

Chiefs took heart from our inaccuracy and made it a proper game which we needed and I hope will stand us well come the end of the season.

One issue is that we do have an issue with our wide defence especially against speed without big Joe we do seem to struggle.

5 point game which is always a win, hope injuries are not too serious and on to the Falcons next week.

Ben Spencer was really losing the plot with the referee, his decisions did appear confusing but clearly he was getting under Ben’s skin.

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Charlieboa1
20/04/2025 09:21

Tbf the rmc 'knock on' that he really took badly was very much the tmo rather than the ref

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shipwrecked
20/04/2025 10:14

Quote:
Charlieboa1
Quote:
Bath Hammer
Quote:
Charlieboa1

Muir confirmed as head knock so let's hope for no repercussions and back available cot edinburgh or bris after passing the protocols. He was due a rest, played a lot of rugby after a long lay off.

Let’s keep him wrapped in cotton wool, he’s vital to us in the most important games.

I would be happy for hennessey to get some good game time as think he would rise to the challenge nicely but we are now v short on bodies to be attacking on 2 fronts.

On Instagram Louie Hennessy was at a Sandhurst ceremony last week, I'm hoping he is very much up for a return.

I was surprised that Brown-Bampoe was allowed to jump out of tackles when Murray's Wales try was disallowed, not even mentioned and very similar incidents.

This need to be looked at as the repeated instruction is to go low to avoid head injuries and now when Muir does that he gets knocked out.

There have been two incidents this weekend when play has ignored an unconscious player, ref, assistants, TMO, players and medics. Simply not good enough.

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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theredseat
20/04/2025 10:18

Quote:
joethefanatic
Just watched the game. Well played Chiefs but it seems to me that we are guilty of starting to believe our own publicity. There was a lack of ambition about our play that was worrying, especially as, when we really clicked, it was clear we we could do. There are weaknesses to our game that better sides (especially Sale and Sarries) will exploit. I thought we played badly by our standards but still won with a TBP. We've come a long way but there's much to do.

If they were believing their own hype wouldn’t they be playing with too much ambition rather than not enough?

I don’t really buy the complacency point of view. It seems like the first thing that gets thrown out there when any team going well has a game like that but haven’t seen anything in the performance or player quotes that suggests that’s an issue. JvG seems pretty hard lined on attitude so presumably he’d be all over any complacent or over confidence.

I think yesterday was just a below par game. Sometimes these things happen. Liverpool are running away with the Premier League this year and dug out a result against West Ham last week. Seems a reasonable comparison and arguable that it’s a sign of a good team to find a way to win these games

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:20:10:20:00 by theredseat.

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hasta
20/04/2025 10:27

It was a scare so it's reasonable to be scared. But it also shouldn't eliminate how good that purple patch was in the first half. I also think if we'd scored in the early minutes of the second half we'd have never looked back. We looked a little tired. Very short turnaround.

On the hurdling, certainly with the TdG one it was a hurdle to avoid a tap tackle. Would be good to get clarification on it though.

Reply Quote Report

ChippenhamRoman
20/04/2025 11:10

Quote:
shipwrecked
Quote:
Charlieboa1
Quote:
Bath Hammer
Quote:
Charlieboa1

Muir confirmed as head knock so let's hope for no repercussions and back available cot edinburgh or bris after passing the protocols. He was due a rest, played a lot of rugby after a long lay off.

Let’s keep him wrapped in cotton wool, he’s vital to us in the most important games.

I would be happy for hennessey to get some good game time as think he would rise to the challenge nicely but we are now v short on bodies to be attacking on 2 fronts.

On Instagram Louie Hennessy was at a Sandhurst ceremony last week, I'm hoping he is very much up for a return.

I was surprised that Brown-Bampoe was allowed to jump out of tackles when Murray's Wales try was disallowed, not even mentioned and very similar incidents.

This need to be looked at as the repeated instruction is to go low to avoid head injuries and now when Muir does that he gets knocked out.

There have been two incidents this weekend when play has ignored an unconscious player, ref, assistants, TMO, players and medics. Simply not good enough.

It’s an odd one the B-B hitch / jump with Muir. It seems entirely logical to do it. Big question is was it a jump or not. You could argue both. It was a sudden movement of his legs out of the way in a not very natural way.

J

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:20:11:11:46 by ChippenhamRoman.

Reply Quote Report

ChippenhamRoman
20/04/2025 11:15

Quote:
shipwrecked
Quote:
Charlieboa1
Quote:
Bath Hammer
Quote:
Charlieboa1

Muir confirmed as head knock so let's hope for no repercussions and back available cot edinburgh or bris after passing the protocols. He was due a rest, played a lot of rugby after a long lay off.

Let’s keep him wrapped in cotton wool, he’s vital to us in the most important games.

I would be happy for hennessey to get some good game time as think he would rise to the challenge nicely but we are now v short on bodies to be attacking on 2 fronts.

On Instagram Louie Hennessy was at a Sandhurst ceremony last week, I'm hoping he is very much up for a return.

I was surprised that Brown-Bampoe was allowed to jump out of tackles when Murray's Wales try was disallowed, not even mentioned and very similar incidents.

This need to be looked at as the repeated instruction is to go low to avoid head injuries and now when Muir does that he gets knocked out.

There have been two incidents this weekend when play has ignored an unconscious player, ref, assistants, TMO, players and medics. Simply not good enough.

Was just watching the highlights and the touch judge steps over a prone Muir as if he was a loose tackle pad heading towards the goal line.

Completely unacceptable

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P G Tips
20/04/2025 11:22

I am not sure about a citing. The kick/jump that injured Muir may well not be interpreted as jumping into a tackle as the tackler was behind the “offender”.

One of those loophole anomalies I suspect.

PG

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ChippenhamRoman
20/04/2025 11:35

Quote:
P G Tips
I am not sure about a citing. The kick/jump that injured Muir may well not be interpreted as jumping into a tackle as the tackler was behind the “offender”.
One of those loophole anomalies I suspect.

PG

Yea, that was my thinking. More like hitching out of a tackle rather than jumping into a tackle.

Just one of those rugby incidents. Pretty sure we have all had a boot in the kisser at some point in our playing days. I certainly have.

J

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Bath Hammer
20/04/2025 11:43

Quote:
theredseat

I think yesterday was just a below par game. Sometimes these things happen. Liverpool are running away with the Premier League this year and dug out a result against West Ham last week. Seems a reasonable comparison and arguable that it’s a sign of a good team to find a way to win these games

TY for mentioning that! We were all over Liverpool in the 2nd half & still lost but only gained a draw against the lowly Southampton yesterday. Highly frustrating!

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shipwrecked
20/04/2025 11:47

Quote:
ChippenhamRoman
Quote:
P G Tips
I am not sure about a citing. The kick/jump that injured Muir may well not be interpreted as jumping into a tackle as the tackler was behind the “offender”.
One of those loophole anomalies I suspect.

PG

Yea, that was my thinking. More like hitching out of a tackle rather than jumping into a tackle.

Just one of those rugby incidents. Pretty sure we have all had a boot in the kisser at some point in our playing days. I certainly have.

J

Perhaps, its becoming a trend though, as I say force the tackler to go low and get knocked out in a new and different way.
Hitch kick is a evasive manoeuvre any and should not be used in a tackle situation, its just free licence to kick tacklers in my view.

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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Barfboy
20/04/2025 17:01

Quote:
Barfboy
.Worth noting that Bristol in 2nd are playing Leicester in 3rd at home. Tigers will surely be out for revenge after the mauling they got at WR in Dec! If that result goes our way and we win, it's potentially a 13/14/15 point gap.

Just gonna leave this here.

Performance yesterday was far from satisfactory but 15 points clear with 4 to play. Pinching myself.

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joethefanatic
20/04/2025 17:04

Quote:
shipwrecked
Quote:
ChippenhamRoman
Quote:
P G Tips
I am not sure about a citing. The kick/jump that injured Muir may well not be interpreted as jumping into a tackle as the tackler was behind the “offender”.
One of those loophole anomalies I suspect.

PG

Yea, that was my thinking. More like hitching out of a tackle rather than jumping into a tackle.

Just one of those rugby incidents. Pretty sure we have all had a boot in the kisser at some point in our playing days. I certainly have.

J

Perhaps, its becoming a trend though, as I say force the tackler to go low and get knocked out in a new and different way.
Hitch kick is a evasive manoeuvre any and should not be used in a tackle situation, its just free licence to kick tacklers in my view.

Campese always used it to avoid a tackle from behind. I thought it was fair enough and just unfortunate for Horse.

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu

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seatonian
20/04/2025 17:27

Tough game yesterday but one which I believe we needed. Feet on ground time and showed that despite form there are no easy games. Good to show that we can dog it out. My concern is that I feel that we need a ‘medical joker’ to come in for the rest of the season to fill in at centre when needed. I am sure that there is a Bok or All Black who would be available. We also need someone for the start of next season as I don’t think that Olly will be back before Xmas and Cam and Max could well be in national squads .

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OutsideBath
20/04/2025 17:32

Quote:
seatonian
Tough game yesterday but one which I believe we needed. Feet on ground time and showed that despite form there are no easy games. Good to show that we can dog it out. My concern is that I feel that we need a ‘medical joker’ to come in for the rest of the season to fill in at centre when needed. I am sure that there is a Bok or All Black who would be available. We also need someone for the start of next season as I don’t think that Olly will be back before Xmas and Cam and Max could well be in national squads .

+1

Think we are paying the price for trying to compete in 2 competitions.

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BathMatt53
20/04/2025 18:27

This is where the benefits of playing a genuine development team in the little cup come in. I would have few concerns playing Butt and Hennessy (the Prem cup centre pairing) together if needed.

In terms of next season we should have the likes of Will Parry (who will be 22 and a very strong lad) to cover international (un)availability as well as Butt, Hennessy, Orlando.

In JVG (and the S, C and medical teams) we trust.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

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Never In Doubt
20/04/2025 18:38

Thought we looked a not low energy and jaded. Reid, Bayliss and the front 3 seemed to lack something today. Hard to say why Finn and Ben had an off day but it is a rarity so we have to shrug it off.

I would freshen up against Newcastle especially in the front and back rows.

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Charlieboa1
20/04/2025 19:07

Quote:
Never In Doubt
Thought we looked a not low energy and jaded. Reid, Bayliss and the front 3 seemed to lack something today. Hard to say why Finn and Ben had an off day but it is a rarity so we have to shrug it off.
I would freshen up against Newcastle especially in the front and back rows.

Agree. Bayliss and reid have been involved most weeks over the last 2 months. Hard to keep going to the well.

Hopefully we will have pepper and underhill available. Staddon could be worth a go aswell. More than happy for green to get another run out.

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HK890
20/04/2025 19:14

Expecting to see quite the changeup for Falcons. Believe a fair few of the non internationals have gone away for the week.

Max injury is gutting as he was really filling that gap at 13 so well. Expect this game will have been pencilled in for a while for it to be a start for the likes of Bailey and Hennessy so most likely won’t have impacted selection.

Obviously a week away but my thoughts would be this currently.

1. Van Wyk
2. Dunn
3. Stuart
4. Molony
5. Roux
6. Richards
7. Pepper
8. Reid
9. TCS
10. Bailey
11. Butt
12. Redpath
13. Hennessy
14. Mcconochie
15. Donoghue

16. Annett
17. Cordwell
18. Griffin
19. Ewels
20. Staddon
21. Schreuder
22. Emens/Parry
23. Green

From then on would imagine all of Obano/TDT/Hill/Barbs/Spencer/Russell/TDG to be involved in every game from then till the end of the season.

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OutsideBath
20/04/2025 19:16

It’s a home game against Falcons so we need to go stronger than that. Definitely play Finn and Ben.

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FiveSticks
20/04/2025 19:43

5 points against Falcons next week guarantees Bath will finish top of the league.

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Toast and Marmite
20/04/2025 20:36

Quote:
OutsideBath
It’s a home game against Falcons so we need to go stronger than that. Definitely play Finn and Ben.

This. Let’s get the job done early ensuring we can maximise squad rest and rotation on the run up to hopefully 2 finals

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

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Charlieboa1
20/04/2025 21:38

Quote:
HK890
Expecting to see quite the changeup for Falcons. Believe a fair few of the non internationals have gone away for the week.
Max injury is gutting as he was really filling that gap at 13 so well. Expect this game will have been pencilled in for a while for it to be a start for the likes of Bailey and Hennessy so most likely won’t have impacted selection.

Obviously a week away but my thoughts would be this currently.

1. Van Wyk
2. Dunn
3. Stuart
4. Molony
5. Roux
6. Richards
7. Pepper
8. Reid
9. TCS
10. Bailey
11. Butt
12. Redpath
13. Hennessy
14. Mcconochie
15. Donoghue

16. Annett
17. Cordwell
18. Griffin
19. Ewels
20. Staddon
21. Schreuder
22. Emens/Parry
23. Green

From then on would imagine all of Obano/TDT/Hill/Barbs/Spencer/Russell/TDG to be involved in every game from then till the end of the season.

Like that squad.

No underhill?

If we make euro final I would imagine we could see quite a lot of front line players rested vs sarries before the prem semi

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hasta
20/04/2025 22:26

Underhill's had his rest. Would be good to see Pepper and Coka back?

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gaz59
20/04/2025 22:42

Quote:
P G Tips
I am not sure about a citing. The kick/jump that injured Muir may well not be interpreted as jumping into a tackle as the tackler was behind the “offender”.
One of those loophole anomalies I suspect.

PG

Genuine question

Is it any difference if it is avoiding an ankle tap tackle or a standard tackle at or around lower legs?

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Ali1969
21/04/2025 10:31

Think Redpath needs a rest he seemed to be heavily strapped and struggling come the end of the game - think a Butt / Hennessy combination would be good.

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boozeboozebooze
21/04/2025 11:08

Quote:
seatonian
My concern is that I feel that we need a ‘medical joker’ to come in for the rest of the season to fill in at centre when needed. I am sure that there is a Bok or All Black who would be available. We also need someone for the start of next season as I don’t think that Olly will be back before Xmas and Cam and Max could well be in national squads .

It's a slightly tricky time of year to be calling in a medical joker, as virtually all the major club competitions (Top 14, URC, Super Rugby, Japan Top League, MLR) are still running, so I think the best we could hope for is bringing in someone who's already on the fringes of another club's squad.

I guess JvG might might be able to call in a favour from the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup, but I'd sooner call in one of the academy backs (or use this to properly test whether Bayliss could be a viable "hybrid" player.

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Mike the Taxi
21/04/2025 14:22

Player Ratings - [www.somersetlive.co.uk]

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P G Tips
21/04/2025 16:31

Quote:
gaz59
Quote:
P G Tips
I am not sure about a citing. The kick/jump that injured Muir may well not be interpreted as jumping into a tackle as the tackler was behind the “offender”.
One of those loophole anomalies I suspect.

PG

Genuine question

Is it any difference if it is avoiding an ankle tap tackle or a standard tackle at or around lower legs?

On the assumption I made above I doubt it would be different -unless the tap tackle attempted was from in front of the ball carrier (most unlikely).

PG

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PaulHerox
21/04/2025 17:01

Quote:
seatonian
My concern is that I feel that we need a ‘medical joker’ to come in for the rest of the season to fill in at centre when needed. I am sure that there is a Bok or All Black who would be available.

I think you may have missed your chance.
I believe there's a cut off in the Prem season where you can't bring in medical replacements regardless of whether you have cap or not.
I'm pretty sure that's what happened to us last season when we needed Prop cover.

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Charlieboa1
21/04/2025 17:37

Quote:
Mike the Taxi
Player Ratings - [www.somersetlive.co.uk]

Aligns pretty well with what I thought- green and richards stood out for me whilst they were on

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FiveSticks
21/04/2025 18:45

Random call on medical joker/ short-term cover - Max Clark.

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joethefanatic
21/04/2025 18:50

He looked pretty good playing for the Falcons on Friday.

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu

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boozeboozebooze
21/04/2025 19:11

Quote:
FiveSticks
Random call on medical joker/ short-term cover - Max Clark.

The thought also crossed my mind, but given he went such a long time without any rugby, I suspect he'd favour a period of continuity rather than upping sticks again and muddying the waters on his Falcons future.

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tigersimon
21/04/2025 19:43

I think OL meets the Injured Player definition in the regulations. (Page 6)

[media-cdn.incrowdsports.com]

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BathMatt53
22/04/2025 09:04

Get Alfie Garside in from Bedford Blues for the rest of the season - he knows Bath, there is no promotion anyway and he was excellent vs Bath in the little cup. Plays centre and wing.

They just beat Ealing and from the match report it sounds like he had a good game, including a nice chip and catch on 56 mins 20 secs.

[www.youtube.com]

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

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shipwrecked
22/04/2025 09:18

Quote:
BathMatt53
Get Alfie Garside in from Bedford Blues for the rest of the season - he knows Bath, there is no promotion anyway and he was excellent vs Bath in the little cup. Plays centre and wing.
They just beat Ealing and from the match report it sounds like he had a good game, including a nice chip and catch on 56 mins 20 secs.

[www.youtube.com]

Great call and also a reliable talent. Was a rock for the Uni side and well respected. I think he has Saints connections though.

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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by
22/04/2025 09:24

JVG is quoted saying he's going to back the squad - Butt + Hennessey, mentioned specifically. Though it wouldn't surprise me if they get someone in to hold tackle pads, as they've done previously.

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Ali1969
22/04/2025 09:37

I have to say having seen a couple of replays of PBB and both his tries - there IS an argument in relation to him jumping into/out of a tackle and it shown up particularly in the second one when Tom D G goes to tackle him - PBB definitely changes his running style and it is does appear to be a deliberate jump out of the attempted tackle.

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BathMatt53
22/04/2025 09:55

Its an interesting one. The Law is:

Dangerous play
9.11Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others including leading with the elbow or forearm, or jumping into, or over, a tackler.
Sanction: Penalty.

There was a Law Clarification on it:

[passport.world.rugby]

'jumping to hurdle a potential tackler is dangerous play, as is the act of a ball carrier jumping into a tackle. '

So I think that it really depends on the orientation of a tackler - only those from the front could be seen as jumpin into or over a tackler? I don't see that jumping to avoid a tackle from behind would - by the letter of the law - fall under this?

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:22:09:59:21 by BathMatt53.

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Never In Doubt
22/04/2025 10:23

As I was watching the game, I never thought he jumped into the tackle, rather he jumped away from the tackler. I don't think this is what the law was intended to cover. If it was a Bath player we would have no problem with this.

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Murty7
22/04/2025 10:28

what I saw was him clearly hurdling the tackler. He didn't have to jump high as the tackles were so low. It was clearly dangerous as he kicked Will M in the mouth and resulted in him leaving the field of play.

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Dorset Boy
22/04/2025 10:44

BM said: So I think that it really depends on the orientation of a tackler - only those from the front could be seen as jumpin into or over a tackler?

no, not only those tackling from in front, but it is possible to jump those coming in from the side too, which is what PB-B did to TdG.

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BathMatt53
22/04/2025 10:50

Quote:
Dorset Boy
BM said: So I think that it really depends on the orientation of a tackler - only those from the front could be seen as jumpin into or over a tackler?
no, not only those tackling from in front, but it is possible to jump those coming in from the side too, which is what PB-B did to TdG.

That's not how I read that Law. I haven't watched it back yet but at the time I thought that he didn't jump into the tackler. I also thought that he didn't jump over the tackler. He did jump to avoid the tackle though. I'm with NID above, I don't see much wrong with it, subject to watching it again.

(update: just watched highlighted and nothing in either of them for me)

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:22:11:39:21 by BathMatt53.

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OutsideBath
22/04/2025 11:24

Quote:
BathMatt53
Quote:
Dorset Boy
BM said: So I think that it really depends on the orientation of a tackler - only those from the front could be seen as jumpin into or over a tackler?
no, not only those tackling from in front, but it is possible to jump those coming in from the side too, which is what PB-B did to TdG.

That's not how I read that Law. He didn't jump into the tackler. He also didn't jump over the tackler. He did jump to avoid the tackle though. I'm with NID above, I don't see much wrong with it.

Just had a chance to watch the (very limited) highlights and agree the Muir head knock was just an unfortunate rugby incident.

Thought we were defensively soft for all their tries and definitely something for the coaches to work on.

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gaz59
22/04/2025 11:36

Quote:
BathMatt53
Quote:
Dorset Boy
BM said: So I think that it really depends on the orientation of a tackler - only those from the front could be seen as jumpin into or over a tackler?
no, not only those tackling from in front, but it is possible to jump those coming in from the side too, which is what PB-B did to TdG.

That's not how I read that Law. I haven't watched it back yet but at the time I thought that he didn't jump into the tackler. I also thought that he didn't jump over the tackler. He did jump to avoid the tackle though. I'm with NID above, I don't see much wrong with it, subject to watching it again.

I honestly don't know what I think on this one other than whatever the position is then it needs to be clarified and communicated so that everyone in the game knows and understands

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BathMatt53
22/04/2025 11:42

I think that you have to be actually jumping over their head / body. In both cases it was just hopping over a flailing arm IMO.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

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Optimist
22/04/2025 11:51

If someone times their tap tackle just right on Brown-Bampoe - ie delaying it until he is at the peak of his hurdling action - he is going to come to earth with a right old crash!

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Dorset Boy
22/04/2025 12:26

You also then have the issue of tackling someone in the air if they hit him when he has jumped....

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BathMatt53
22/04/2025 12:52

Quote:
Dorset Boy
You also then have the issue of tackling someone in the air if they hit him when he has jumped....

Well whenever you run there is a period when you have no feet on the floor, so we are starting to cross into the terratory of what is a run, a step, a leap or a jump and whether you can tackle someone when they are actually running...seems like overkill (definitely in this case).

As an aside, if it's because the act is dangerous, why do they allow it for scoring?

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

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dr.bath1865
22/04/2025 13:53

Our very own Bayliss has his own version of the hitch kick that he uses to kick his leg out of a potential tackle, and he used it on Saturday in the build up to the Muir try.

I’m very much NOT in the ‘the game’s going soft’ camp, but this feels like we might be trying to talk ourselves into adjudicating an act of athleticism which is (kind of) at the heart of exciting outside back play.

For me, Muir was unlucky and it was 100% a rugby incident.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

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shipwrecked
22/04/2025 14:09

Jumping when running is only allowed when in the act of scoring, that was clarified in WR update. Jumping or kicking when being tackled shouldn't be allowed in my view irrespective of the position of the tackler. If you are going to mandate going low in the tackle it has to be safe.

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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P G Tips
22/04/2025 14:10

Agree dr.b.

I am not sure "clarification" will do anything but muddy the waters and would hope that officials use judgement for these type of incidents.

Clearly just accidental bad luck in my view.

What is a concern is Chippenham Roman's point that "the touch judge steps over a prone Muir as if he was a loose tackle pad". I have not seen that myself, but if that is what happened it is not a good look at all.

PG

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jayeatman
22/04/2025 14:23

Quote:
P G Tips
What is a concern is Chippenham Roman's point that "the touch judge steps over a prone Muir as if he was a loose tackle pad". I have not seen that myself, but if that is what happened it is not a good look at all.
PG

Not a good look but if the ref hadn't stopped the game, did he have any choice? Assistant Referees as I believe they like to be called these days can't stop play can they? If he was the leading AR it was his job to stay ahead of play and help adjudge if a try had been scored. [passport.world.rugby]

BATH supporter since 1975

Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart

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shipwrecked
22/04/2025 14:29

Quote:
P G Tips
Agree dr.b.
I am not sure "clarification" will do anything but muddy the waters and would hope that officials use judgement for these type of incidents.

Clearly just accidental bad luck in my view.

What is a concern is Chippenham Roman's point that "the touch judge steps over a prone Muir as if he was a loose tackle pad". I have not seen that myself, but if that is what happened it is not a good look at all.

PG

Happened in that game and another game televised, deplorable in my view.

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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Optimist
22/04/2025 15:00

Quote:
jayeatman
Assistant Referees as I believe they like to be called these days can't stop play can they?

Surely to god, head injury over-rides all.

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shipwrecked
22/04/2025 15:11

Quote:
Optimist
Quote:
jayeatman
Assistant Referees as I believe they like to be called these days can't stop play can they?

Surely to god, head injury over-rides all.

Acting as a human being would be nice. They can hardly say they are needed to indicate where the ball goes out, there is a TMO after all. Equally the TMO can tell the ref there is an unconscious player, that didn't happen either.

Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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P G Tips
22/04/2025 16:00

Without extended highlights or full game replay we cannot be absolutely certain what else was going on around the AR at the time (i.e. were a medical team already on the case, did he just not see the injury because he was following play?) but I would agree that head injury -especially these days - should be considered most important.

I am also pretty sure I have seen an AR step onto the field of play to shield an injured player on the ground from risk of further injury - but the play was close to the downed player at the time.

PG

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joethefanatic
22/04/2025 17:49

Horse was not on the field of play at the time. The AR was not (AFAIK) a physician, so it hard to know what he could have done and there were medical staff available to help Horse, anyway. One of those judgement calls where you're damned if you do, damned if you don't. I thought it was a rugby incident and I've seen far more dangerous head injury situations go completely unremarked upon.

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu

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jayeatman
22/04/2025 18:00

I was at the match. From my vantage point it wasn't obvious it was a head injury. What was obvious was that medical staff were there very quickly. Play stopped a couple of seconds later because the try was scored.

BATH supporter since 1975

Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart

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P G Tips
22/04/2025 21:59

Thanks joe and jay.
Good to hear.

Hopefully Will will pass the protocols smoothly and swiftly & be back for us before too long.

PG

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Sorries2020
23/04/2025 22:28

Quote:
ChippenhamRoman

Was just watching the highlights and the touch judge steps over a prone Muir as if he was a loose tackle pad heading towards the goal line.

Completely unacceptable

The AR steps infield of Muir doesn't he?

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boozeboozebooze
13/05/2025 16:02

Confirmation that Max is back in full training and available for selection after his injury against Exeter.

[x.com]

Really welcome news, was in sparkling form prior to this and adds much needed depth to out backline stocks.

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hasta
13/05/2025 16:28

That's fantastic news, I'm really happy for him (and us).

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Charlieboa1
13/05/2025 16:46

Really good news.

Chance to press his case on Saturday for a place in the cup final team.

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