Bath
“OH WELL, BEARS WILL BE BEARS,” SAID MR BROWN
JvG: target 5
By Devonport Boy
October 21 2025
Yes, I know that quoting Michael Bond’s words from the adventures of Paddington Bear is a bit of a stretch, but the Bears of Bristol certainly behaved like, well Bristol Bears, on Friday evening when despite missing players in key positions they racked up seven tries in defeating a similarly depleted Gloucester side at Kingsholm.
When I arrived home from Trowbridge on Friday after a great evening of walking rugby against visiting teams from Melksham and Langport the score was 20-21 and remembering the post-interval "purple patch" that Gloucester enjoyed against us, I thought they were in with a good chance. Sadly, for the Cherry and White fraternity, their defence failed to put in a structured, cohesive second half shift and the Bears took full advantage, giving them a significant momentum boost coming into this weekend.
Saturday afternoon was more difficult for Bath at an emotionally charged Welford Road where much of the focus was, quite rightly, on Lewis Moody. A few years ago my wife and I had the privilege of sitting at a table with Lewis at a BRSC Awards Supper. Lewis was coming to the end of his career and Mrs DL asked him about his best memories. He thought for a moment and then said that it was a difficult question but that he really hoped that he wouldn’t just be remembered for being the first England player to be sent off at Twickenham. We won't ever forget that; we'll remember him as a courageous, total warrior on the pitch and a thoughtful and family-oriented man off it. He's one of the good guys and hopefully his warrior spirit and the wholehearted support of the entire rugby community will help to sustain him and his family as they face his greatest challenge.
From a Blue Black and White perspective this was a frustrating game. Carrying on the theme from my preview, the Tigers were fully awake, and our "long stick" was about half an inch too short! The frustration comes from knowing that we could and probably should have won that game. Our basics just weren’t 100% right, and the penalty count didn't help. There's a lot of chat on social media about some of the refereeing decisions and even the normally unflappable Ben Spencer looked perplexed at times. However, it's a fundamental coaching point at all levels of the game that you play to the Ref and Leicester did that better than we did. On the positive side I guess it's a sign of how far we've come that we feel that we lost four points that were there for the taking rather than gaining one. There was a time not so long ago when a trip to Welford Road was more about damage limitation than expecting a result!
So, what can we expect on Saturday? Like their ursine namesakes, on their day Bristol Bears can be apex predators. Give them a sniff of weakness and they will attack aggressively and relentlessly. So best we don't give them a sniff! I'm sure training at Farleigh this week will fix the unusual aberrations in our set pieces visible in the Tigers game, especially at the scrum and lineout. J P Ferreira will undoubtedly have a specific defensive strategy in mind to counter the Bear's attacking threats. But it won't all be about nullifying Bristol's attack. These days we have some very potent weapons of our own if we can provide the platform to unleash them. The old adage that "the forwards win the game, the backs decide how much" comes to mind going into this one.
We know that Bristol always lift themselves for their visits to the Rec and this week won't be any different. They will throw the kitchen sink and any other convenient domestic appliance at Bath to try to build a challenging score and after last week at Castle Grim they will be full of confidence. That said I very much hope that the BB&W squad are stung by the nature of the defeat at Welford Road and take to the pitch on Saturday determined to lay down a convincing "bounce back" performance.
Arguably this is as good a time as any to play Bristol with their ranks depleted by injuries and suspension. This is the last game of the first block of the Premiership before the PRC starts up again and I fully expect JvG to target 5 points from this game and to field the strongest team available. If he does and if we can fix the 10% or so that we were "off it" against the Tigers then I think it'll be a good afternoon for the BB&W at the Rec.
COYB
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Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 21/10/2025 12:47
21/10/2025 12:47
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:28:09:01:02 by CoochieCoo.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:28:09:01:02 by CoochieCoo.
Thanks DL.
A week of wet will put a premium on accuracy but Saturday’s forecast looks reasonable.
PG
A week of wet will put a premium on accuracy but Saturday’s forecast looks reasonable.
PG
Seems little doubt we go full noise for this one. Most of the team picks itself so injuries permitting the main questions are probably in the back row, 12 and 15. I'd go with this lineup with the intention of winning / slowing the breakdown and putting together a defensive line with the energy and tackling ability to make a mess of Bristol's phase play. du Toit due a start and think we need Molony to try and manage the lineout otherwise would have started Richards. Would love Muir and Hill for this one given Bristol's weakness in the air but seems like it's tbc on their availability. Going to be a big name or two not making the 23 in the backline - could be 5/3 to accomodate someone?
Obano
Dunn
du Toit
Roux
Molony
Pepper
Underhill
Reid
Spencer
Russell
Muir (or Cokanasiga)
Redpath
Lawrence
Arundell
de Glanville
Kepu
FvW
Stuart
Richards
Hill / Bayliss
TCS
Ojomoh
Barbeary
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:21:13:14:45 by theredseat.
Obano
Dunn
du Toit
Roux
Molony
Pepper
Underhill
Reid
Spencer
Russell
Muir (or Cokanasiga)
Redpath
Lawrence
Arundell
de Glanville
Kepu
FvW
Stuart
Richards
Hill / Bayliss
TCS
Ojomoh
Barbeary
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:21:13:14:45 by theredseat.
Great write up DPB, the disappointment from last weekend was a strangely unfamiliar feeling (can't remember the last time we lost when fielding a first choice (ish) side), but now some time has passed I feel more sanguine about it all. If one of our most disjointed performances for a while, against one of our big rivals (who arguably played their best game of the season so far), away from home, results in the game going right down to the wire, then that doesn't put us in a bad place.
JvG is perfectly capable of turning that 5/10 performance into a 7 or 8, if we start losing whilst playing close to our potential, that's the time to really worry.
For Bristol, I feel that the main way we've come unstuck against them in recent seasons is just getting sucked into playing the game at the mad pace that their tactics depend on. Now admittedly they've been shorn of some of their key weapons, but they've still got Ravouvou, BJVR and Elizalde, so we can't afford to let the game spiral into end to end, unstructured chaos. I'd really like to see Spencer and Russell show some leadership when it comes to shaping the game, if the ball's been in play for minutes on end, someone needs to get it off the park and reset everything with the set piece.
On the subject of the set piece, whilst last week's scrummaging wasn't our best, Tigers do have one of the best front rows in the league, hence why our sub-par showing was fully exploited by them. I agree that I'd bring in TdT to start, especially as Genge is likely to be his opposite man (with an extra weeks rest), and Beno will have his hands full with Kloska, who has impressed me in the past few seasons. You'd like to think our replacement front row should have the edge over Bristol's, but I don't recall us getting much change out of them in the semi final last year. Bristol's risk taking means there's an increased likelihood of balls going to floor, so if we can start squeezing out penalties in the scrum, their players will be under so much pressure not to make a mistake in attack, knowing that it could get ruthlessly punished at the set piece.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:21:14:50:41 by boozeboozebooze.
JvG is perfectly capable of turning that 5/10 performance into a 7 or 8, if we start losing whilst playing close to our potential, that's the time to really worry.
For Bristol, I feel that the main way we've come unstuck against them in recent seasons is just getting sucked into playing the game at the mad pace that their tactics depend on. Now admittedly they've been shorn of some of their key weapons, but they've still got Ravouvou, BJVR and Elizalde, so we can't afford to let the game spiral into end to end, unstructured chaos. I'd really like to see Spencer and Russell show some leadership when it comes to shaping the game, if the ball's been in play for minutes on end, someone needs to get it off the park and reset everything with the set piece.
On the subject of the set piece, whilst last week's scrummaging wasn't our best, Tigers do have one of the best front rows in the league, hence why our sub-par showing was fully exploited by them. I agree that I'd bring in TdT to start, especially as Genge is likely to be his opposite man (with an extra weeks rest), and Beno will have his hands full with Kloska, who has impressed me in the past few seasons. You'd like to think our replacement front row should have the edge over Bristol's, but I don't recall us getting much change out of them in the semi final last year. Bristol's risk taking means there's an increased likelihood of balls going to floor, so if we can start squeezing out penalties in the scrum, their players will be under so much pressure not to make a mistake in attack, knowing that it could get ruthlessly punished at the set piece.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:21:14:50:41 by boozeboozebooze.
Quote:theredseat
Obano
Dunn
du Toit
Roux
Molony
Pepper
Underhill
Reid
Spencer
Russell
Muir (or Cokanasiga)
Redpath
Lawrence
Arundell
de Glanville
Kepu
FvW
Stuart
Richards
Hill / Bayliss
TCS
Ojomoh
Barbeary
That's going to be close.
I'd start Ojomoh over Redpath, but it's marginal.
Hoping to see Horse but JoeC will do a job.
Think you'd have to be very optimistic to see Hill.
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
No room for Carreras? What other Prem teams could/would leave a world class player like him out?
Says something about our squad.
Says something about our squad.
I thought part of our lineout problem was week was having two gurt-lummox locks rather than one plus a more athletic jumper. Ross Molony clearly runs the calls and had a good reputation at Leinster for it, but boy do we miss Charlie Ewels.
Also worth mentioning that Tigers had some big units disrupting our lineouts, both locks are 6ft7, and Leibenberg is 6ft6. Sometimes those extra inches can be the difference between a clean lineout and getting a fingertip on the ball.
One of Ollie/Mojo nailed on to return this week. So too Dunny, Bayliss and possibly Richards too I reckon.
Can see back row of Pepper, Bayliss and Reid with Underhill part of bomb squad. Briz won't bring same physicality as Leicester so him, Kepu, TdT, Molony to bring the heft on at 60mins works for me.
I'd also like to see us persevere with the back 3 from Tigers but I reckon Big Joe will be back in.
Can see back row of Pepper, Bayliss and Reid with Underhill part of bomb squad. Briz won't bring same physicality as Leicester so him, Kepu, TdT, Molony to bring the heft on at 60mins works for me.
I'd also like to see us persevere with the back 3 from Tigers but I reckon Big Joe will be back in.
Agree with boozeboozebooze that JVG will get a much more cohesive performance out of the team this week – they should all be motivated to put that last outing into the rearview mirror.
My main concern is Bristol copying what worked for Tigers last week, so the setpiece needs to be 9/10 and tackling in the back field needs to be more clinical. I would therefore start TDT and put our best tacklers on the pitch at the start – Miles Reid, Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill.
Territory and possession are essential – Ben and Finn need to keep turning their back three when the opportunity presents itself and a direct, pick-and-drive-down-the-middle approach could yield results.
Agree it will be tough if the game is too unstructured, but also looking forward to seeing Arundell and Carreras with space to exploit out wide!
My main concern is Bristol copying what worked for Tigers last week, so the setpiece needs to be 9/10 and tackling in the back field needs to be more clinical. I would therefore start TDT and put our best tacklers on the pitch at the start – Miles Reid, Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill.
Territory and possession are essential – Ben and Finn need to keep turning their back three when the opportunity presents itself and a direct, pick-and-drive-down-the-middle approach could yield results.
Agree it will be tough if the game is too unstructured, but also looking forward to seeing Arundell and Carreras with space to exploit out wide!
Gone for a 5:3 bench
Obano
Dunn
du Toit
Richards
Molony
Reid
Pepper
Barbeary
Spencer
Russell
Cokanasiga
Ojomoh
Lawrence
Arundell
de Glanville
Kepu
FvW
Stuart
Roux
Bayliss
TCS
Redpath
Carreras
Obano
Dunn
du Toit
Richards
Molony
Reid
Pepper
Barbeary
Spencer
Russell
Cokanasiga
Ojomoh
Lawrence
Arundell
de Glanville
Kepu
FvW
Stuart
Roux
Bayliss
TCS
Redpath
Carreras
Quote:tigersimon
Gone for a 5:3 bench
Obano
Dunn
du Toit
Richards
Molony
Reid
Pepper
Barbeary
Spencer
Russell
Cokanasiga
Ojomoh
Lawrence
Arundell
de Glanville
Kepu
FvW
Stuart
Roux
Bayliss
TCS
Redpath
Carreras
That's the squad I would go for as well tigersimon.
Maybe underhill in for redpath with a 6:2 split.
Excellent preview, DL.i never enjoy Bristol week, but am hopeful we can't play that badly two weeks running. Lessons need to be learned from both last week and the semi final. I am, however, enjoying Mr Lam's relative quietness in the build up.
‘Re: Team v that lot
Posted by: robtheh (IP Logged)
Date: 21 October, 2025 16:03
Perhaps a controversial take…throw it.
Send the kids out.
Show them their absolutely bulletproof adherence to the salary cap is what it is.
Beat the b##tards when it counts.’
Some quite unpleasant posters on the Bris board
Widcombe Garçon
Posted by: robtheh (IP Logged)
Date: 21 October, 2025 16:03
Perhaps a controversial take…throw it.
Send the kids out.
Show them their absolutely bulletproof adherence to the salary cap is what it is.
Beat the b##tards when it counts.’
Some quite unpleasant posters on the Bris board
Widcombe Garçon
Quote:Widcombe boy
‘Re: Team v that lot
Posted by: robtheh (IP Logged)
Date: 21 October, 2025 16:03
Perhaps a controversial take…throw it.
Send the kids out.
Show them their absolutely bulletproof adherence to the salary cap is what it is.
Beat the b##tards when it counts.’
Some quite unpleasant posters on the Bris board
Are you really surprised? This is by far the worst fixture of the season thanks to their football fans and a game that is endured rather than enjoyed.
It’s about time we put a heavy scoreline on them, would love it.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Looking at their availability they're going to be sending a fair few kids whether they want to or not
Quote:tigersimon
Gone for a 5:3 bench
Obano
Dunn
du Toit
Richards
Molony
Reid
Pepper
Barbeary
Spencer
Russell
Cokanasiga
Ojomoh
Lawrence
Arundell
de Glanville
Kepu
FvW
Stuart
Roux
Bayliss
TCS
Redpath
Carreras
That bench won't happen
I'd guess Carreras to start in place of TdG. Underhill too with Reid or Richards on the bench
If a senior lock is on the bench it won't be Roux. I don't think his playing style suits it especially against Bristol where the game is on likely to get looser as it goes on.
Checked and he's only been on the bench four times in around 3 years with Bath and the last time was in the rotated team at Benetton.
In looking that up I also found out he hasn't been carded in over 5 years which is some going for a player who gets through his amount of workrate
Checked and he's only been on the bench four times in around 3 years with Bath and the last time was in the rotated team at Benetton.
In looking that up I also found out he hasn't been carded in over 5 years which is some going for a player who gets through his amount of workrate
I am thinking given the injuries:
Beno
Tom D
Thomas DT
Quinn R
Ross M
Josh B
Guy P
Miles R
Ben S
Finn R
Henry A
Cam R
Ollie L
Joe C
Santi C
Kepu T
Francois VW
Will S/Archie G
Ewan R
TCS
Max O
Sam U
Alfie B
Possibly Ted Hill comes into reckoning if fit but my guess is they will want to rest him and give him longer to recover.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:22:17:32:26 by Ali1969.
Beno
Tom D
Thomas DT
Quinn R
Ross M
Josh B
Guy P
Miles R
Ben S
Finn R
Henry A
Cam R
Ollie L
Joe C
Santi C
Kepu T
Francois VW
Will S/Archie G
Ewan R
TCS
Max O
Sam U
Alfie B
Possibly Ted Hill comes into reckoning if fit but my guess is they will want to rest him and give him longer to recover.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:22:17:32:26 by Ali1969.
Quote:Widcombe boy
Some quite unpleasant posters on the Bris board
It’s just envy WB. It’s less than a proud club like Bristol deserves.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:hemington
No room for Carreras? What other Prem teams could/would leave a world class player like him out?
Says something about our squad.
I missed that. Yeah, I'd have him in for de Glanville.
As for OB's comment about hating Bristol games.
I thought the SF against them was one of the best atmosphere games at the Rec I've ever been to.
I sat amongst what few Bris fans there were. In the main they were quiet and well behaved!
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
Interesting no one, including myself , has staddon in the 23 despite being called out as one of our best performers on Saturday by several posters.
I think his role, similar to last season, is being rotated in for the occasional league and champions cup game , and being central to the prem Cup team ....maybe as captain.
Hope that's enough to keep him next season- imagine a few clubs would be v interested and would give him more chances in the bigger games.
Some speculation as underhill, alfie, hill all off contract alongside him. Interesting to see who stays and who goes.
I think his role, similar to last season, is being rotated in for the occasional league and champions cup game , and being central to the prem Cup team ....maybe as captain.
Hope that's enough to keep him next season- imagine a few clubs would be v interested and would give him more chances in the bigger games.
Some speculation as underhill, alfie, hill all off contract alongside him. Interesting to see who stays and who goes.
My friend looked to buy tickets on Monday for the match and the computer said £224 for a gold seat in the east stand 👀.
This’ll be fun. Glad Genge is back as adds a bit of spice and agree that the semi last year was one of the very best occasions at the Rec. I was as despondent at half time as I was elated as we wound down the clock. Still the game I watch back on YouTube most regularly.
Charlie interesting your point on Staddon. Last week felt like a bit of a breakout match. For me, he’s gone ahead of Bayliss, especially at 6. I’m still not sure if 6 Pepper 7 Unders is quite right, although also a big believer in getting your best players on the field. Staddon feels more of a Ted style 6, which allows the 7 to focus on being an open side. There’s not a lot of difference in the modern game, but if Ted’s not back, I think I’d rather Staddon at 6 than Pepper or Bayliss.
Otherwise, Cup Final XV please JvG. Hennessy did great but Lawrence is looking world class. Ben and Finn to put it right. I’d have TDG at 15 and Santi on the bench. TDT to nullify Genge’s nonsense and our power should grind them down. Their injuries are worse than ours (esp with Randall missing- wonder what would’ve happened if he hadn’t got injured in the semi?), so I’m confident we’ll have too much for them over 80 minutes, just as we did on that magic night back in June!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Charlie interesting your point on Staddon. Last week felt like a bit of a breakout match. For me, he’s gone ahead of Bayliss, especially at 6. I’m still not sure if 6 Pepper 7 Unders is quite right, although also a big believer in getting your best players on the field. Staddon feels more of a Ted style 6, which allows the 7 to focus on being an open side. There’s not a lot of difference in the modern game, but if Ted’s not back, I think I’d rather Staddon at 6 than Pepper or Bayliss.
Otherwise, Cup Final XV please JvG. Hennessy did great but Lawrence is looking world class. Ben and Finn to put it right. I’d have TDG at 15 and Santi on the bench. TDT to nullify Genge’s nonsense and our power should grind them down. Their injuries are worse than ours (esp with Randall missing- wonder what would’ve happened if he hadn’t got injured in the semi?), so I’m confident we’ll have too much for them over 80 minutes, just as we did on that magic night back in June!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Treble, £224 seems odd, even with dynamic pricing. I’ve just had a look out of interest and the site offered gold seating in the East Stand at £134. Still a lot but par for the course for this game.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:23:09:41:04 by Devonport Lad.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:23:09:41:04 by Devonport Lad.
Quote:Devonport Lad
Treble, £224 seems odd, even with dynamic pricing.
Shouldn't have logged on as Mrs Lam
Quote:Devonport Lad
Treble, £224 seems odd, even with dynamic pricing. I’ve just had a look out of interest and the site offered gold seating in the East Stand at £134. Still a lot but par for the course for this game.
They did send me a screenshot but I don't know how to get it from WhatsApp to hee . The junior price was £142...
Quote:TrebleQuote:Devonport Lad
Treble, £224 seems odd, even with dynamic pricing. I’ve just had a look out of interest and the site offered gold seating in the East Stand at £134. Still a lot but par for the course for this game.
They did send me a screenshot but I don't know how to get it from WhatsApp to hee . The junior price was £142...
That is absolutely crazy. I'd be forwarding that screenshot on to Mr McDonald and ask him if he's aware. You expect it of Ticketmaster for huge stadium events with global appeal, less so for club rugby games with very localised interest.
EF B 138 (east stand Gold in the middle) is currently £139 for adult and £89 for kid. Same as for Gold in the West Stand. The interesting part is that is also the same price for Bronze in TTS.
I'll watch it on the TV with a box of red and family pack of pork scratchings.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I'll watch it on the TV with a box of red and family pack of pork scratchings.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:TrebleQuote:Devonport Lad
Treble, £224 seems odd, even with dynamic pricing. I’ve just had a look out of interest and the site offered gold seating in the East Stand at £134. Still a lot but par for the course for this game.
They did send me a screenshot but I don't know how to get it from WhatsApp to hee . The junior price was £142...
Treble, just a thought - I wonder if your friend inadvertently looked at a hospitality ticket price. That seems to be the right sort of ball park.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:23:14:43:55 by Devonport Lad.
Quote:Devonport LadQuote:TrebleQuote:Devonport Lad
Treble, £224 seems odd, even with dynamic pricing. I’ve just had a look out of interest and the site offered gold seating in the East Stand at £134. Still a lot but par for the course for this game.
They did send me a screenshot but I don't know how to get it from WhatsApp to hee . The junior price was £142...
Treble, just a thought - I wonder if your friend inadvertently looked at a hospitality ticket price. That seems to be the right sort of ball park.
Mystery solved, turns out this was a resale site price. I need to fact check thoroughly b4 posting 😕. Apologies for any alarm caused...
Officials for Saturday:
Referee: Ian Tempest
ARs: Sara Cox & John Meredith
TMO: David Rose
Not a fan of Tempest, we never seem to get on the right side of him. Would rather Sara Cox was in charge.
Referee: Ian Tempest
ARs: Sara Cox & John Meredith
TMO: David Rose
Not a fan of Tempest, we never seem to get on the right side of him. Would rather Sara Cox was in charge.
Tempest does like to red card a Bath player ... hoping for a game where we are on his good side.
Quote:BathMatt53
EF B 138 (east stand Gold in the middle) is currently £139 for adult and £89 for kid. Same as for Gold in the West Stand. The interesting part is that is also the same price for Bronze in TTS.
I'll watch it on the TV with a box of red and family pack of pork scratchings.
This is still absolutely crazy and continually creeping up it seems. Have we broken the £150 barrier for standard seating yet?
My worry is the new stadium will be for the few not the many (save for a few Prem Cup games)
Quote:BathMatt53
I'll watch it on the TV with a box of red and family pack of pork scratchings.
You'll be able to give us a good appraisal on how bad Tempest was then BM...
Team Up. Strong again.
Bath Rugby Starting XV: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Ross Molony, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Miles Reid, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Henry Arundell, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Santi Carreras
Replacements: 16 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ewan Richards, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Max Ojomoh, 23 Alfie Barbeary
PG
Bath Rugby Starting XV: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Ross Molony, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Miles Reid, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Henry Arundell, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Santi Carreras
Replacements: 16 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ewan Richards, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Max Ojomoh, 23 Alfie Barbeary
PG
Bristol
15. Benjamin Elizalde (20 apps), 14. Jack Bates (54 apps), 13. Matias Moroni (1 app), 12. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (55 apps), 11. Kalaveti Ravouvou (36 apps), 10. Sam Worsley (21 apps), 9. Kieran Marmion (57 apps); 1. Ellis Genge (62 apps), 2. Gabriel Oghre (48 apps), 3. George Kloska (70 apps), 4. Pedro Rubiolo (4 apps), 5. Joe Batley (80 apps), 6. Santiago Grondona (17 apps), 7. Fitz Harding (c) (102 apps), 8. Viliame Mata (22 apps).
System players: 16. Harry Thacker (138 apps), 17. Jake Woolmore (174 apps), 18. Lovejoy Chawatama (11 apps), 19. Joe Owen (40 apps), 20. Ben Grondona (25 apps), 21. Oscar Lennon (14 apps), 22. Josh Carrington (5 apps), 23. Toby Fricker (38 apps).
15. Benjamin Elizalde (20 apps), 14. Jack Bates (54 apps), 13. Matias Moroni (1 app), 12. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (55 apps), 11. Kalaveti Ravouvou (36 apps), 10. Sam Worsley (21 apps), 9. Kieran Marmion (57 apps); 1. Ellis Genge (62 apps), 2. Gabriel Oghre (48 apps), 3. George Kloska (70 apps), 4. Pedro Rubiolo (4 apps), 5. Joe Batley (80 apps), 6. Santiago Grondona (17 apps), 7. Fitz Harding (c) (102 apps), 8. Viliame Mata (22 apps).
System players: 16. Harry Thacker (138 apps), 17. Jake Woolmore (174 apps), 18. Lovejoy Chawatama (11 apps), 19. Joe Owen (40 apps), 20. Ben Grondona (25 apps), 21. Oscar Lennon (14 apps), 22. Josh Carrington (5 apps), 23. Toby Fricker (38 apps).
I hope the boys are in the mood to re-assert themselves after last week.
Leaving this opening phase of the season with a 3-2 record, with the prospect of Saints and Sarries still to come would be quite concerning
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:24:12:11:57 by A.M 180.
Leaving this opening phase of the season with a 3-2 record, with the prospect of Saints and Sarries still to come would be quite concerning
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:24:12:11:57 by A.M 180.
That team really should have enough to bounce back and with a win tomorrow. Don’t get dragged into a silly game and we should have a significant enough tactical advantage. Hopefully the bench reverts to more of a 24/25 season approach and takes the game away from them
We need at least parity in set pieces, get front foot ball and then our half backs should have enough to create a victory. There are lots of individual battles that will need to be won but easily within our control.
Not short of PL appearances in the Bristol lineup so assume that is a strong team they’ve fielded?
Firstly, I am a Bristol fan, I know a lot of Bath fans and we always get on famously. But there are a handful of quite nasty posters on here, who come to the fore when the derbies happen, and cross the line with rudeness and insults. Yes, we play in a football ground but our crowd is a passionate rugby crowd fuelled by one of the best grassroots rugby scenes in the country. Yes we are vocal and chant, isnt that what fans do?! All the Bath fans who actually bother going to Bristol home games seem to think we re a good bunch. So maybe the handful on here, could find a bit of class and respect, put away the big brushes you find it necessary to use to paint all Bris fans and step away from incorrect, ignorant , keyboard warrior insults. And no, I hate football, no, I went to boarding school, no, I dont do drugs, no, I dont steal cars, and, no, I dont live under a bridge😁
Shows our depth when we've a minor injury crisis and that is still the XXIII we can field. That backline is fantasy rugby-esque. Love it. Bristol also look strong despite their absentees and Genge being in the team just cranks it up a notch. Got to try and keep Ravouvou quiet. We've one helluva bench so, hopefully, unlike last week, we can turn the screw and get away from them in the second half.
Given how this is the end of the first block, it feels like a massive game. Might have to re watch the second half from June to settle the nerves!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Given how this is the end of the first block, it feels like a massive game. Might have to re watch the second half from June to settle the nerves!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Quote:hooker 72
Firstly, I am a Bristol fan, I know a lot of Bath fans and we always get on famously. But there are a handful of quite nasty posters on here, who come to the fore when the derbies happen, and cross the line with rudeness and insults. Yes, we play in a football ground but our crowd is a passionate rugby crowd fuelled by one of the best grassroots rugby scenes in the country. Yes we are vocal and chant, isnt that what fans do?! All the Bath fans who actually bother going to Bristol home games seem to think we re a good bunch. So maybe the handful on here, could find a bit of class and respect, put away the big brushes you find it necessary to use to paint all Bris fans and step away from incorrect, ignorant , keyboard warrior insults. And no, I hate football, no, I went to boarding school, no, I dont do drugs, no, I dont steal cars, and, no, I dont live under a bridge😁
Really not sure what you were intending to get from this post but it sure made me chuckle
Sounded a lot like "nobody likes us, everybody hates us just coz we're Briz"
Lighten up, there's a good history of mutual respect and friendly banter on ere. And for those of us who had the privilege of playing in the Moz matches, on the rugby pitch too
I agree with you Gaz. I’m sure Hooker 72’s post is well intentioned and if he’d posted it on the Bristol site as well it might even have been helpful. At the end of the day, we’re not the ones who think it’s smart not to refer to the opposition by name and in one case use the term b##tards.
There's no animosity towards Bristol from me and I don't understand any Bath supporter who has, or vice versa.
I've really enjoyed these fixtures over the years, the semi final last year was one of the best games I've ever watched. While I'd admit that some of the trash talk and hostility in the build up does add to the entertainment factor, everyone must know where the line is drawn.
Outside of the derby games, what a privilege we have to have two rugby cities in such close proximity to one another. Both teams playing top flight European rugby, both teams are entertaining to watch. I don't see how anyone could ever see both teams being successful as a negative.
I've really enjoyed these fixtures over the years, the semi final last year was one of the best games I've ever watched. While I'd admit that some of the trash talk and hostility in the build up does add to the entertainment factor, everyone must know where the line is drawn.
Outside of the derby games, what a privilege we have to have two rugby cities in such close proximity to one another. Both teams playing top flight European rugby, both teams are entertaining to watch. I don't see how anyone could ever see both teams being successful as a negative.
...or the ones who think it's ok to say they "hate" the opposition in a rugby match, unlike the Bristol captain, who isn't actually a keyboard warrior but a walking, talking human being whose words and actions actually have consequences, especially amongst young people.
But agree with the sentiment. It's just a game of rugby and I'm a big fan of Genge and also what Bristol bring to the Prem. Let's all enjoy it!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
But agree with the sentiment. It's just a game of rugby and I'm a big fan of Genge and also what Bristol bring to the Prem. Let's all enjoy it!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
hooker 72
You are welcome on here but I think it is you wielding "the big brush". You have taken a couple of criticisms, civilly expressed and from them interpreted accusations of drugs, car theft and trolling. None of which have been made on this thread.
There is of course rivalry in a derby match, but this board is not expressing hate in the way you suggest. As said above, there is plenty of respect for Bristol as rivals who always rise to the derby occasion and for the club's recent style of play.
Just enjoy the game.
PG
You are welcome on here but I think it is you wielding "the big brush". You have taken a couple of criticisms, civilly expressed and from them interpreted accusations of drugs, car theft and trolling. None of which have been made on this thread.
There is of course rivalry in a derby match, but this board is not expressing hate in the way you suggest. As said above, there is plenty of respect for Bristol as rivals who always rise to the derby occasion and for the club's recent style of play.
Just enjoy the game.
PG
Moving on
I'm now both excited and nervous in equal measures
Excited coz I look at our 23 and think, wow, we really should win this one being at home
Nervous, coz you just know just unprebirzzledictable they can be and have a very good looking 23 also
I'm now both excited and nervous in equal measures
Excited coz I look at our 23 and think, wow, we really should win this one being at home
Nervous, coz you just know just unprebirzzledictable they can be and have a very good looking 23 also
On another related theme
Is there a pay-per-view option anywhere for this match
I've got a friend who usually watches the game with me but is away this weekend and still wants to watch tho doesn't have TNT subs
Is there a pay-per-view option anywhere for this match
I've got a friend who usually watches the game with me but is away this weekend and still wants to watch tho doesn't have TNT subs
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:BathMatt53
I'll watch it on the TV with a box of red and family pack of pork scratchings.
You'll be able to give us a good appraisal on how bad Tempest was then BM...
Not fit to even hold a whistle, let alone blow one! There, I got in early OB just in case I don’t survive the wine, fat and salt overload…
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:OutsideBathQuote:BathMatt53
I'll watch it on the TV with a box of red and family pack of pork scratchings.
You'll be able to give us a good appraisal on how bad Tempest was then BM...
Not fit to even hold a whistle, let alone blow one! There, I got in early OB just in case I don’t survive the wine, fat and salt overload…
LOL
Quote:gaz59
On another related theme
Is there a pay-per-view option anywhere for this match
I've got a friend who usually watches the game with me but is away this weekend and still wants to watch tho doesn't have TNT subs
I don’t think so but I think you can watch on 2 devices at once so that might work if you were happy to share your login.
That bris 23 looks good considering how many they are missing.
If we have any designs on a repeat this season it feels like the kind of game we really should be winning.
Strong 15 and strong bench. Will be concerning if it's another loss but I am confident
If we have any designs on a repeat this season it feels like the kind of game we really should be winning.
Strong 15 and strong bench. Will be concerning if it's another loss but I am confident
Quote:OutsideBath
Officials for Saturday:
Referee: Ian Tempest
ARs: Sara Cox & John Meredith
TMO: David Rose
Not a fan of Tempest, we never seem to get on the right side of him. Would rather Sara Cox was in charge.
Citing officer is Banners!
Quote:9215Quote:gaz59
On another related theme
Is there a pay-per-view option anywhere for this match
I've got a friend who usually watches the game with me but is away this weekend and still wants to watch tho doesn't have TNT subs
I don’t think so but I think you can watch on 2 devices at once so that might work if you were happy to share your login.
That's great intel. Didn't know that so will check it out. Cheers
I don't think we could have put a stronger team out. Some will have wanted Underhill or Ojomoh to start, others will have preferred Ted Hill and Charlie Ewels with everyone fit. All I can say is that side is tough to beat (and needs to play like that tomorrow).
We have an excellent lineup on paper. I just hope we have banished the bad habits of last week. Bristol have quality, belief & determination to win at the Rec. That cannot be understated.
Enjoy the game guys. While we have obviously a load of injuries, that’s rugby unfortunately! You guys had it a few years back I seem to remember and we’re just in an unlucky patch.
I think if we had Randall and Jordan (plus ideally Williams), I’d be happy with this team (and maybe 1 more starter too if we’re being picky!) but it’s still got a really talented young 15, a potentially really good 10, and our pack is near enough full strength to give you guys a game. Van Rensburg is always nice to have too as our best back.
Not feeling confident about the result but hopefully it’s an enjoyable game for all! Last year at the semi a fair few cars (including mine unfortunately) with Bristol stickers on got keyed in Charlotte street car park, but while this fixtures brings out a few nasty keyboard warriors from both of our sides, I always like to remind both sets of fans that we all basically live in the same 15 mile radius and overall are two of the best sets of fans in the league IMO.
Fingers crossed no injuries either side, no dodgy reffing decisions (optimistic I know) and obviously a bears 1 point win with a last minute drop goal! If Du Toit fancies a day off too I say let the man take a trip to Bristol beer factory for a few beers to watch the game courtesy of me
I think if we had Randall and Jordan (plus ideally Williams), I’d be happy with this team (and maybe 1 more starter too if we’re being picky!) but it’s still got a really talented young 15, a potentially really good 10, and our pack is near enough full strength to give you guys a game. Van Rensburg is always nice to have too as our best back.
Not feeling confident about the result but hopefully it’s an enjoyable game for all! Last year at the semi a fair few cars (including mine unfortunately) with Bristol stickers on got keyed in Charlotte street car park, but while this fixtures brings out a few nasty keyboard warriors from both of our sides, I always like to remind both sets of fans that we all basically live in the same 15 mile radius and overall are two of the best sets of fans in the league IMO.
Fingers crossed no injuries either side, no dodgy reffing decisions (optimistic I know) and obviously a bears 1 point win with a last minute drop goal! If Du Toit fancies a day off too I say let the man take a trip to Bristol beer factory for a few beers to watch the game courtesy of me
43bears I hope that it’s a great game (if it’s anything close to the one last night then we are in for a treat).
For those travelling by car, you probably already know that:
‘National Highways has said the M4 motorway north of Bristol will be closed in both directions between Junction 18 (Bath) and Junction 19 (M32) from 7pm on Friday, October 24 until 6am on Monday, October 27.‘
I suspect that the A420 diversion is going to be extremely busy.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
For those travelling by car, you probably already know that:
‘National Highways has said the M4 motorway north of Bristol will be closed in both directions between Junction 18 (Bath) and Junction 19 (M32) from 7pm on Friday, October 24 until 6am on Monday, October 27.‘
I suspect that the A420 diversion is going to be extremely busy.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:gaz59Quote:9215Quote:gaz59
On another related theme
Is there a pay-per-view option anywhere for this match
I've got a friend who usually watches the game with me but is away this weekend and still wants to watch tho doesn't have TNT subs
I don’t think so but I think you can watch on 2 devices at once so that might work if you were happy to share your login.
That's great intel. Didn't know that so will check it out. Cheers
And got it to work for the game last night. Big thank you 🍻
Quote:SusanneQuote:OutsideBath
Officials for Saturday:
Referee: Ian Tempest
ARs: Sara Cox & John Meredith
TMO: David Rose
Not a fan of Tempest, we never seem to get on the right side of him. Would rather Sara Cox was in charge.
Citing officer is Banners!
Can he cite players ahead of the game?
Quote:gaz59Quote:gaz59Quote:9215Quote:gaz59
On another related theme
Is there a pay-per-view option anywhere for this match
I've got a friend who usually watches the game with me but is away this weekend and still wants to watch tho doesn't have TNT subs
I don’t think so but I think you can watch on 2 devices at once so that might work if you were happy to share your login.
That's great intel. Didn't know that so will check it out. Cheers
And got it to work for the game last night. Big thank you 🍻
Glad it worked
That Bris try should never have stood. Dummy throw and he was on the pitch and doubt it was straight.
Ref said “not in protocol” What does that mean?
J
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:25:15:58:12 by CoochieCoo.
Ref said “not in protocol” What does that mean?
J
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:25:15:58:12 by CoochieCoo.
What is Reid doing
This is the worst I've seen us play since, well the last time Bristol beat us at home
This is the worst I've seen us play since, well the last time Bristol beat us at home
Well if the game wasn’t at the Rec, I would say you haven’t got off the coach yet!
Quote:A.M 180
What is Reid doing
This is the worst I've seen us play since, well the last time Bristol beat us at home
Why is it always against them?
J
Pen against Bristol 15 harsh but was retaliation to Lawrence throwing the ball directly at him!
Good recovery after a terrible start
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Don't understand the Oghre try at all,
1. He was well on the pitch
2. He dummied the thrwo
3. It wasn't straight. which being to the front it has to be and Bath had jumped
Would be really helpful for Tempo's reasoning to be communicated to fans in the next 48 hours.
After a dreadful start, we've done Ok. Bristol make no effort to roll away at breakdowns and really should be on a warning for penalties in their own red zone.
Feisty game
1. He was well on the pitch
2. He dummied the thrwo
3. It wasn't straight. which being to the front it has to be and Bath had jumped
Would be really helpful for Tempo's reasoning to be communicated to fans in the next 48 hours.
After a dreadful start, we've done Ok. Bristol make no effort to roll away at breakdowns and really should be on a warning for penalties in their own red zone.
Feisty game
Quote:tigersimon
Pen against Bristol 15 harsh but was retaliation to Lawrence throwing the ball directly at him!
Or he bounced the ball gently of the top of his head. It was absolutely nothing. Annoying if you are on the end of it but trivial.
Just been clarified by TNT that TMO could not intervene on such an offence and ref's decision was incorrect but could not be change - ridiculous
Quote:Dorset Boy
Don't understand the Oghre try at all,
1. He was well on the pitch
2. He dummied the thrwo
3. It wasn't straight. which being to the front it has to be and Bath had jumped
Would be really helpful for Tempo's reasoning to be communicated to fans in the next 48 hours.
After a dreadful start, we've done Ok. Bristol make no effort to roll away at breakdowns and really should be on a warning for penalties in their own red zone.
Feisty game
Agree DB. That was recognised in commentary at HT but outside the remit of theTMO. The dummy was very obvious though.
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:tigersimon
Pen against Bristol 15 harsh but was retaliation to Lawrence throwing the ball directly at him!
Or he bounced the ball gently of the top of his head. It was absolutely nothing. Annoying if you are on the end of it but trivial.
SW,
just to clarify it was the correct decision as Bristol 15 retaliated.
As a neutral I agree the Bristol try should have been disallowed, but also think Spencer should have seen a YC and PT just before that - there was no way he was catching that ball. I think the officials have been poor all round so far.
Both knock on have been cause by Britol players, first a hand stripped it, second was a Bristol arm
First knock on was never clear and obvious…
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:A.M 180
Sorry, ref aside but we aren't good enough
This. Some really poor decision making and execution. The Bath of last season would be 20+ up by now.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
We are definitely off where we were at our clinical best last year. However, we are going to be off form at some stage in each season.
Spencer, Russell and Lawrence have made simple errors that we wouldn't expect and they won't make when truly on from. However we are 4 wins from 5, have a new attack coach and we will get better.
Pack has more depth with Richards, Staddon, Green and Tuipuloto. Arundell and Carreras offer us options that we didn't have last year so do not see much real reason to feel down.
Spencer, Russell and Lawrence have made simple errors that we wouldn't expect and they won't make when truly on from. However we are 4 wins from 5, have a new attack coach and we will get better.
Pack has more depth with Richards, Staddon, Green and Tuipuloto. Arundell and Carreras offer us options that we didn't have last year so do not see much real reason to feel down.
Yes, unusually pedestrian but not the only one!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Quote:Never In Doubt
We are definitely off where we were at our clinical best last year. However, we are going to be off form at some stage in each season.
Spencer, Russell and Lawrence have made simple errors that we wouldn't expect and they won't make when truly on from. However we are 4 wins from 5, have a new attack coach and we will get better.
Pack has more depth with Richards, Staddon, Green and Tuipuloto. Arundell and Carreras offer us options that we didn't have last year so do not see much real reason to feel down.
Yes to be fair we had a fair few games last season where we didn’t play well but found a way to win - we weren’t always playing sublime rugby
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
God almighty the TMO was tiresome
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Other big plus for me is that it is easy to find pluck and fight when you are the underdog but we have not taken a backward step and every player has stepped up for each other .... a bit more discipline would be better but real team spirit is always a plus.
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:OutsideBathQuote:BathMatt53
I'll watch it on the TV with a box of red and family pack of pork scratchings.
You'll be able to give us a good appraisal on how bad Tempest was then BM...
Not fit to even hold a whistle, let alone blow one! There, I got in early OB just in case I don’t survive the wine, fat and salt overload…
Bris board saved me the trouble:
‘The ref is incompetent. Rose on the other hand is a cheat. Surely should be sacked for his naked bias!’
If it was a different ref Bristol would have won by 50 or 60 I reckon.
Anyhow…Bath made such hard work of that game. Bristol had very little in that second half and yet the scores just weren’t coming. A few have come back from the summer with a hangover - thank goodness for the break.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Love the Warburton comment on TNT .... "think there was a knock-on".
Sugar in the cherry on top…
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Bonkers game.
Fitzharding is some player, but the cause of so much niggle.
Lovely to really rub it all home in extra, extra time - been on the swrong end too often against Bristol.
Bristol can hold their heads high, utter dogs, full of niggle.
Far too sloppy from Bath is the red zone but still a resounding win,
Fitzharding is some player, but the cause of so much niggle.
Lovely to really rub it all home in extra, extra time - been on the swrong end too often against Bristol.
Bristol can hold their heads high, utter dogs, full of niggle.
Far too sloppy from Bath is the red zone but still a resounding win,
Harding 27 tackles and none missed is a ridiculous shift.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Never In Doubt
Love the Warburton comment on TNT .... "think there was a knock-on".
Love Ashy and Sam as the co commentators
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
I put £10 on Bristol at 8-1 just before half time when Bristol were winning I cashed out at £20.57. Well done Bath!
Quote:Dorset Boy
Don't understand the Oghre try at all,
1. He was well on the pitch
2. He dummied the thrwo
3. It wasn't straight. which being to the front it has to be and Bath had jumped
Would be really helpful for Tempo's reasoning to be communicated to fans in the next 48 hours.
After a dreadful start, we've done Ok. Bristol make no effort to roll away at breakdowns and really should be on a warning for penalties in their own red zone.
Feisty game
I’d like to see this changed PDQ in the RFU/refs post weekend analysis.
Seems bonkers that a try so obviously not a try be scored.
Had flash backs to the Scotland v Australia incorrect penalty call from the lineout in the RWC 2015 Quarter Final at the death that robbed us of our slot in the semi and possibly the final.
J
What a weird old game. A generous interpretation would be that it was eccentrically officiated. I think that contributed to all the niggle as well as regardless of which way decisions were going Tempest never seemed to have a grasp of things.
Thought our first 30 minutes or so were just awful so to come away with all the points and give them nothing is pleasing in that respect. Credit to Bristol for being bang up for it and making it tough despite a lack of quality. Oghre was a pest BJVR is quality but Bill Mata looks a spent force.
For us I thought Obano was superb one knock on aside. Molony really put himself about and Barbeary and Underhill made a big difference off the bench.
Thought our first 30 minutes or so were just awful so to come away with all the points and give them nothing is pleasing in that respect. Credit to Bristol for being bang up for it and making it tough despite a lack of quality. Oghre was a pest BJVR is quality but Bill Mata looks a spent force.
For us I thought Obano was superb one knock on aside. Molony really put himself about and Barbeary and Underhill made a big difference off the bench.
Rumour has it that David Rose is still in the van reviewing our second try...
I'd like to understand why when 5m out we repeatedly went pick and go, pick and go, pick and go etc. Is that Spencer or the attack coach or scrum leader? After 4 or 5 at least have a go wide out to stretch the defence.
It feels like we are assuming we will win rather than going out there and earning it.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
It feels like we are assuming we will win rather than going out there and earning it.
It feels strange to write this after a 40-15 BP victory over a team we have had a poor record against in recent times, but I think its obvious now how much we're missing Lee Blackett. That's not a criticism of the current coaching setup in any way, I think we are just in transition and some new faces in the backline exacerbates that. I also think teams are showing signs of having figured us out – getting in Finn's passing channels, putting more pressure on Ben and Finn, and neutralising our scrums.
Ross Molony was excellent today – I haven't always been entirely convinced by him, but he was everywhere, went 80 (90?) minutes and is showing real leadership when we most need it in the second row.
Ross Molony was excellent today – I haven't always been entirely convinced by him, but he was everywhere, went 80 (90?) minutes and is showing real leadership when we most need it in the second row.
Hard to know how much Blackett leaving is making an impact. The attack isn’t fully firing but things like dropped balls that break up great opportunities (Reid last week, Lawrence today) isn’t a coaching thing I don’t think.
Some work to bring Carreras into the game is needed though. He’s too good a player to have to go looking for wonder tries up blind allies like he did today.
Some work to bring Carreras into the game is needed though. He’s too good a player to have to go looking for wonder tries up blind allies like he did today.
Quote:shipwrecked
I'd like to understand why when 5m out we repeatedly went pick and go, pick and go, pick and go etc. Is that Spencer or the attack coach or scrum leader? After 4 or 5 at least have a go wide out to stretch the defence.
It feels like we are assuming we will win rather than going out there and earning it.
I think we want to absolutely sap them and then run away with it after unloading the bench
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Fair play I did not expect anything from that game.
The way the game started was nuts, I certainly did not expect to take the lead.
Our 1st try should have been ruled out however Spencer should have seen yellow and a pen try for the knock on, he was never catching that.
Some really dubious decisions from the ref and tmo for both teams. Lawrence throwing the ball at Elizalde then Rose saying Elizalde started it is a bit poor.
I would imagine both Tempest and Rose will be having a few learning points from that game.
Bristol Bath are always great games. Hopefully we may have a few injury returns come the rematch.
Tbh we should have kicked the ball out and the score line may not have been quite so harsh.
Good luck for the rest of the season except at Ashton gate of course.
The way the game started was nuts, I certainly did not expect to take the lead.
Our 1st try should have been ruled out however Spencer should have seen yellow and a pen try for the knock on, he was never catching that.
Some really dubious decisions from the ref and tmo for both teams. Lawrence throwing the ball at Elizalde then Rose saying Elizalde started it is a bit poor.
I would imagine both Tempest and Rose will be having a few learning points from that game.
Bristol Bath are always great games. Hopefully we may have a few injury returns come the rematch.
Tbh we should have kicked the ball out and the score line may not have been quite so harsh.
Good luck for the rest of the season except at Ashton gate of course.
Nice bit of irony at the end of the Guardian report:
"To Bath the spoils, topped off with further late tries for Sam Underhill and Henry Arundell, but not without a proper fight"
"To Bath the spoils, topped off with further late tries for Sam Underhill and Henry Arundell, but not without a proper fight"
Quote:memnoch
Fair play I did not expect anything from that game.
The way the game started was nuts, I certainly did not expect to take the lead.
Our 1st try should have been ruled out however Spencer should have seen yellow and a pen try for the knock on, he was never catching that.
Some really dubious decisions from the ref and tmo for both teams. Lawrence throwing the ball at Elizalde then Rose saying Elizalde started it is a bit poor.
I would imagine both Tempest and Rose will be having a few learning points from that game.
Bristol Bath are always great games. Hopefully we may have a few injury returns come the rematch.
Tbh we should have kicked the ball out and the score line may not have been quite so harsh.
Good luck for the rest of the season except at Ashton gate of course.
The rematch is the last game of the regular season. I’d like to hope like last season we have the top spot sewn up and field a team like we did Cardiff. That said, if we need to go to AG and get a win. 🤯
J
Shows how silly scoreline expectations can be because this was the score I would have hoped for, but honestly I thought the performance was a bit embarrassing
Coming back after the AI's with Sarries and then Champions Cup feels like a big ask, when for some reason we look like a team who's never played together
Coming back after the AI's with Sarries and then Champions Cup feels like a big ask, when for some reason we look like a team who's never played together
OK we could’ve been MUCH more clinical, and were clunky, and they’ve injuries and were brave etc… but we forced them to concede 26 penalties (only 1 YC??) and beat one of our rivals with a BP, giving them nowt.
Huge effort up front from the likes of Obano, Maloney and Pepper and some lovely stuff behind. Redpath has been good this season so far and Lawrence is looking so powerful and sharp.
I don’t need us to be perfect yet. Main thing is we’re winning, esp versus Bristol, and 4 from 5 and 2nd place will do fine for this block. We can be better, and we will be as Santi and Arundell slot in, Ted and Ewels and Horse get fit, and Gleeson gets working. Onwards and upwards!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Huge effort up front from the likes of Obano, Maloney and Pepper and some lovely stuff behind. Redpath has been good this season so far and Lawrence is looking so powerful and sharp.
I don’t need us to be perfect yet. Main thing is we’re winning, esp versus Bristol, and 4 from 5 and 2nd place will do fine for this block. We can be better, and we will be as Santi and Arundell slot in, Ted and Ewels and Horse get fit, and Gleeson gets working. Onwards and upwards!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
26 penalties - Tempest was very lenient on them on the YC front. They constantly infringed all game in the red zone. They probably should have had 3 yellows.
But Sour Pat blamed it all on the whole of our squad being internationals, and they have 76 players injured.
And who do the TMOs never look at why a ball may have gone forward, rather than just saying it went forward. Both knock ons that ruled out tries came off Bristol players - the first and illegal hand in the ruck, the second off a Bristol arm.
Same in the Nicky Smith incident in the final which had to be a try
But Sour Pat blamed it all on the whole of our squad being internationals, and they have 76 players injured.
And who do the TMOs never look at why a ball may have gone forward, rather than just saying it went forward. Both knock ons that ruled out tries came off Bristol players - the first and illegal hand in the ruck, the second off a Bristol arm.
Same in the Nicky Smith incident in the final which had to be a try
The best teams learn to win when playing badly. We’ve certainly not hit our straps with both Finn and Spenno looking off pace compared with last season.
For all their injury woes, Briz were excellent and deserved more from the match.
Still, we’ve now beaten them two on the bounce which with JvG’s record against them is good!
For all their injury woes, Briz were excellent and deserved more from the match.
Still, we’ve now beaten them two on the bounce which with JvG’s record against them is good!
Quote:A.M 180
Spencer has had an awful game
I've just watched it through and I really don't see that. It was a very frenetic game at times but his decisions and distribution were generally very sound and overall he outplayed his oppo 9
True there were a couple of poor box kicks in the first half but it was just a couple and it was when the wind was a real hoolie
So what did he do, that I missed to make you say that he had an awful game?
Blimey the Bristol supporters on their forum are a sour lot, and apparently we are all smug.
Widcombe Garçon
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:25:20:14:06 by Widcombe boy.
Widcombe Garçon
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:25:20:14:06 by Widcombe boy.
Quote:Widcombe boy
Blimey the Bristol supporters on their forum are a sour lot, and apparently we are all smug.
And in clear and obvious breach of the salary cap.
We're arrogant winners too.
One bloke on the BBC comments is very, very sad.
Quote:Widcombe boy
Blimey the Bristol supporters on their forum are a sour lot, and apparently we are all smug.
Not worth the oxygen WB. I was always taught that in rugby at the whistle you shake hands and move on to the next game. but clearly that missed a few on their board. Anyway, looking forward to playing Bristol next week!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Widcombe boy
Blimey the Bristol supporters on their forum are a sour lot, and apparently we are all smug.
Not worth the oxygen WB. I was always taught that in rugby at the whistle you shake hands and move on to the next game. but clearly that missed a few on their board. Anyway, looking forward to playing Bristol next week!
That will be an interesting selection, Bristol have a fair few Welsh youngsters, if the don't do an Exeter that is.
Quote:@Hydor18
The best teams learn to win when playing badly. We’ve certainly not hit our straps with both Finn and Spenno looking off pace compared with last season.
I agree with this and we can also take comfort from the fact they are both class acts and will get sharper as the season unfolds.
Awful performance from Bath, about as good as the met office weather forecast!
Not sure what’s gone wrong this season but we’re just not performing yet.
Not sure what’s gone wrong this season but we’re just not performing yet.
Quote:OutsideBath
Awful performance from Bath, about as good as the met office weather forecast!
Not sure what’s gone wrong this season but we’re just not performing yet.
I take a different view. I have yet to watch the game back on replay, but live at the Rec my thoughts are below.
This was a derby. A game of pressure, tension, error and plenty of niggle. In recent years Bath have been pulled into the tension and niggle and lost. Today they fell prone to early error but recovered control for a deserved half time lead.
They then dominated the second half, frustrated it is true by some incredible Bristol defence but a penalty count of 26 against the visitors tells a story of real dominance. As about 80% of those penalties were in the red zone, only a single yellow card is frankly baffling.
Bath also managed to win the niggle battle, visibly unsettling Bristol who resorted to handbags when a score or penalty went against them.
Imperfect it may have been, but six tries to two is an "awful performance"? Hardly!
PG
Just watched the game. I'm not really sure what to think. A BP win against Briz after having played into an absolute monsoon and turned around ahead at the half sounds like an admirable thing. And yet. We played dumb rugby in the rain and, as soon as the weather moderated we started to play dumb, inaccurate, heads-up-our-ar$e$ rugby in the sunshine. Surely the loss of LB can't have had this much impact so quickly? If we don't tighten this up pdq, we are not going to be repeat champions. Saints (or a full strength Briz) would have beaten us today. Saints showed how to do it against Salaries last night. But we won and we move on. I hope Martin Gleeson as some good ideas cos Lee's seem to have left with him.
My MotM - Josh Bayliss. Everything, everywhere, all of the time. With enough energy to start a scuffle as well. A true 6 performance.
A word for the ref. Ian Tempest is not my favorite and he missed a bunch of stuff but it was even handed and he clearly decided he wasn't going to put up with any nonsense from the players. I wish he'd decided to do the same with the TMO.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:25:22:09:00 by joethefanatic.
My MotM - Josh Bayliss. Everything, everywhere, all of the time. With enough energy to start a scuffle as well. A true 6 performance.
A word for the ref. Ian Tempest is not my favorite and he missed a bunch of stuff but it was even handed and he clearly decided he wasn't going to put up with any nonsense from the players. I wish he'd decided to do the same with the TMO.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:25:22:09:00 by joethefanatic.
Quote:hasta
Awful performance == 25 point win. Catch yerself on.
I guess you have lower standards than I do. We have yet to see a performance matching last season so far.
We will do and I suspect someone is going to be on the wrong end of a big score.
Quote:hasta
Awful performance == 25 point win. Catch yerself on.
Translated and with the trusty Collins dictionary’s help:
The Collins Dictionary has an entry for the phrase, “catch oneself on”, which is defined as “to realise that one's actions are mistaken.
Don't agree with a lot of the criticism from some. All the players put in a big shift with admirable effort in wet and windy conditions. I watched it at the Rec and replayed it on tv so that's my opinion for what it's worth. The penalty count was a big improvement which helps, Bristol only scored 2 tries, the second of which should have been disallowed, the defence was good and we prevented them from scoring for 60 minutes. Though some players were quiet many put in fine performances, Josh Bayliss was my player of the match, his back row pals all played their hearts out, Finn and Ben were effective and Joe had his best game this season. 4 wins and a 1 point loss is a pretty good return and second place after 5 games is where we were last season. The Blackett factor is a valid point but Gleeson has a classy group of players to work with, I'm sure JVG will get the best out of him, Bath are back on track and the future looks bright.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:hasta
Awful performance == 25 point win. Catch yerself on.
I guess you have lower standards than I do. We have yet to see a performance matching last season so far.
We will do and I suspect someone is going to be on the wrong end of a big score.
There is a big gap between 'performance not matching last season' and 'awful performance'.
We had inaccuracies in attack and handling (not aided by a ridiculous failure to yellow card Bristol earlier nor the weather), but they didn't score a point after 20 minutes and we won by 25. If that's 'awful' then you must have an incredibly short memory.
The first half was when we were playing against the howling wind which came with that storm and our kicking into the wind was not gaining territory. Why we were kicking high instead of low grubbers which would have been more effective maybe a question for the coaches. Bristol’s tactics of chaotic rugby was also hampering our ability to control the game. Until Finn got his mojo back he was making mistakes. It is the top 3 inches that Bath lost in the first half until we obliterated their lead and controlled the game and caused them to give away so many pens.
The Bristol penalty count was ridiculous and as has been stated how that didn’t get punished with more cards was even more ridiculous. One for the club to analyse and report on.
We weren’t at our best but beating a side like that who have turned us over in the past by 25 points shows life!
The Bristol penalty count was ridiculous and as has been stated how that didn’t get punished with more cards was even more ridiculous. One for the club to analyse and report on.
We weren’t at our best but beating a side like that who have turned us over in the past by 25 points shows life!
Quote:hooker 72
Firstly, I am a Bristol fan, I know a lot of Bath fans and we always get on famously. But there are a handful of quite nasty posters on here, who come to the fore when the derbies happen, and cross the line with rudeness and insults. Yes, we play in a football ground but our crowd is a passionate rugby crowd fuelled by one of the best grassroots rugby scenes in the country. Yes we are vocal and chant, isnt that what fans do?! All the Bath fans who actually bother going to Bristol home games seem to think we re a good bunch. So maybe the handful on here, could find a bit of class and respect, put away the big brushes you find it necessary to use to paint all Bris fans and step away from incorrect, ignorant , keyboard warrior insults. And no, I hate football, no, I went to boarding school, no, I dont do drugs, no, I dont steal cars, and, no, I dont live under a bridge😁
there was no rush to argue with you over this, much is true but after reading the Bears Forum tonight some there may need a polite reminder along these lines. Shame really as today was a good passionate battle, Bristol deserving much credit for a brave performance.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:25:23:29:40 by Francis Allen.
Quote:hastaQuote:OutsideBathQuote:hasta
Awful performance == 25 point win. Catch yerself on.
I guess you have lower standards than I do. We have yet to see a performance matching last season so far.
We will do and I suspect someone is going to be on the wrong end of a big score.
There is a big gap between 'performance not matching last season' and 'awful performance'.
We had inaccuracies in attack and handling (not aided by a ridiculous failure to yellow card Bristol earlier nor the weather), but they didn't score a point after 20 minutes and we won by 25. If that's 'awful' then you must have an incredibly short memory.
ok let’s agree on not up to standard then. Bath set the standard last year and today was significantly below that IMO.
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:OutsideBathQuote:BathMatt53
I'll watch it on the TV with a box of red and family pack of pork scratchings.
You'll be able to give us a good appraisal on how bad Tempest was then BM...
Not fit to even hold a whistle, let alone blow one! There, I got in early OB just in case I don’t survive the wine, fat and salt overload…
Wel you weren’t far wrong BM…. 😁
Only watched from 25 mins in- just in time to catch the silliness of the tmo not being able to step in on oghre being 2 foot on to the pitch.
I didn't think we were great at all again tbh and butchered so many chances it was quite remarkable. Good job it was largely a bris second team due to injuries.
Tough luck to face into horizontal rain and then swap round when the wind and rain totally drop.
I thought last week was really bad, this was fine in terms of just getting it done tho overtime but a gloss on the scoreline that was a little tough on bris. We were totally dominant though in terms of territory and possession so not too concerned.
This first block was always going to be tricky- get finn and stuart back.... then get tdt and santi in....pick up some injuries. All a bit messy, so 21 of a possible 25 is it ? Pretty decent return.
They will all know they need to be a lot better come april/may./June. It's about being up there and then hitting form at the right time.
Enjoyed unloading 6 forwards off the bench at the same time- they were all pretty prominent and no coincidence we finally turned the screw.
Also love arundell is full flight- stupidly fast.
I didn't think we were great at all again tbh and butchered so many chances it was quite remarkable. Good job it was largely a bris second team due to injuries.
Tough luck to face into horizontal rain and then swap round when the wind and rain totally drop.
I thought last week was really bad, this was fine in terms of just getting it done tho overtime but a gloss on the scoreline that was a little tough on bris. We were totally dominant though in terms of territory and possession so not too concerned.
This first block was always going to be tricky- get finn and stuart back.... then get tdt and santi in....pick up some injuries. All a bit messy, so 21 of a possible 25 is it ? Pretty decent return.
They will all know they need to be a lot better come april/may./June. It's about being up there and then hitting form at the right time.
Enjoyed unloading 6 forwards off the bench at the same time- they were all pretty prominent and no coincidence we finally turned the screw.
Also love arundell is full flight- stupidly fast.
One real positive I thought is Kepu showing how he is so clearly (more than ready) for seniors rugby. He got a couple of turnovers and some nice tackles and carries and must be 19/20 years old?! I could easily see him being #1 hooker for Bath next season and given the dearth of England hookers it also wouldn’t surprise me if he was training with the National squad before too many years. Huge talent.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I can see both sides of the argument but haven’t yet seen yesterday’s match. Yes, getting over the line when not at your best is commendable. We failed to do so last week but we did so yesterday. The score seems to have flattered us with 14 points scored at the death. We evidently had lots of possession & pressure but our inability to finish clinically is very definitely a step backwards. Several of those who saw the game have expressed concern & I respect their views. Yes, we may click & start thrashing our opponents but currently we aren’t. JvG’s mantra is constant improvement so I imagine he won’t be happy at present. I think we should just see it as it is.
Having watched the game back I wonder if a (minor) downside to JvG’s approach comes out in games like this
He’s very big picture focussed and ‘never too high, never too low’ goes hand in hand with that. It does seem like this approach where we go through our process can make it harder at times when a team like Bristol are primed to play right on their emotional edge. It seems that’s not what JvG wants from his teams and you can’t argue with overall results and it does mean we avoid some of the daft situations Bristol find themselves in during a season.
I guess at times never too high means you might meet a team who has gone “too high” and it pays off for them albeit it’s very hard to sustain for 80 mins against the squad we have
He’s very big picture focussed and ‘never too high, never too low’ goes hand in hand with that. It does seem like this approach where we go through our process can make it harder at times when a team like Bristol are primed to play right on their emotional edge. It seems that’s not what JvG wants from his teams and you can’t argue with overall results and it does mean we avoid some of the daft situations Bristol find themselves in during a season.
I guess at times never too high means you might meet a team who has gone “too high” and it pays off for them albeit it’s very hard to sustain for 80 mins against the squad we have
That’s an excellent point, Bristol get themselves “psyched up” for Bath games, more than we tend to (perhaps we save that for Glaws or Tigers).
I also think that our structured approach suffers against “chaos rugby”, especially the type that Bristol play. Glaws do the same but don’t quite have the forward power so we can dominate, but Bristol always cause us so many problems.
Given the last 5 years though, I’d probably prefer to be a Bath fan. I’ll take winning the league over some pretty tries every now and again!
I also think that our structured approach suffers against “chaos rugby”, especially the type that Bristol play. Glaws do the same but don’t quite have the forward power so we can dominate, but Bristol always cause us so many problems.
Given the last 5 years though, I’d probably prefer to be a Bath fan. I’ll take winning the league over some pretty tries every now and again!
I thought similar watching on TV and Ashton (who I like) was commenting how odd it is that we don’t use their backs more 5m out and only go wide when on penalty advantage.
I think this would be fair… if we weren’t winning with BPs (last week aside). This is the JvG way. We aim to be as effective as possible in the red zone, and we do that is via our power game. Bristol manned up well on the line but our subs, especially for the JCok try and in the defensive sets prior to Arundell’s intercept, showed what 65mins of softening up can do.
I don’t care how we score. I just want us to win. We also score tries every week like the first yesterday, and our phase attack in the middle third is up with the best in the league. It’s just in our third (exit) and in theirs (power) we have a process, which pays huge dividends.
I think the Santi and Arundell signings are a bit of a red herring. We’re not tearing up what won 3 trophies because they’re here. They’re here to add to that gameplan, but most of that won’t be within 10m of the oppo line and TDT may well score more than Arundell (if Rose lets him). And I’m absolutely fine with that if we’re winning games.
I think this would be fair… if we weren’t winning with BPs (last week aside). This is the JvG way. We aim to be as effective as possible in the red zone, and we do that is via our power game. Bristol manned up well on the line but our subs, especially for the JCok try and in the defensive sets prior to Arundell’s intercept, showed what 65mins of softening up can do.
I don’t care how we score. I just want us to win. We also score tries every week like the first yesterday, and our phase attack in the middle third is up with the best in the league. It’s just in our third (exit) and in theirs (power) we have a process, which pays huge dividends.
I think the Santi and Arundell signings are a bit of a red herring. We’re not tearing up what won 3 trophies because they’re here. They’re here to add to that gameplan, but most of that won’t be within 10m of the oppo line and TDT may well score more than Arundell (if Rose lets him). And I’m absolutely fine with that if we’re winning games.
Quote:BathRob
That’s an excellent point, Bristol get themselves “psyched up” for Bath games, more than we tend to (perhaps we save that for Glaws or Tigers).
I also think that our structured approach suffers against “chaos rugby”, especially the type that Bristol play. Glaws do the same but don’t quite have the forward power so we can dominate, but Bristol always cause us so many problems.
Given the last 5 years though, I’d probably prefer to be a Bath fan. I’ll take winning the league over some pretty tries every now and again!
Bath scored more tries than Bristol last season (and conceded a LOT less).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
It's really important to bear in mind that as champions Bath play with a target on their backs – there's extra motivation for teams to raise their game. That's especially the case when the rivalry stretches way back, as it does with both Leicester and Bristol, and I don't think it's any coincidence that we have been rattled by two sides who feel they have unfinished business with us after the play-off and final last year.
I think it'll be different when we go head-to-head with Saints and Sarries – I would expect them to focus on executing on their core game plan and not adjusting their tactics to try and disrupt us. I suspect those games will suit us a lot more and it's now clear that those are going to be the clinch games this season.
I think it'll be different when we go head-to-head with Saints and Sarries – I would expect them to focus on executing on their core game plan and not adjusting their tactics to try and disrupt us. I suspect those games will suit us a lot more and it's now clear that those are going to be the clinch games this season.
For all those suggesting we are not meeting last year's standards what were the games from last year where we did put in a complete performance in your opinion? I personally remember Northampton and Sale at home being very good but otherwise I think there is always ebbs and flows to every game. Even Newcastle at home we were losing 2 minutes into the 2nd half.
This season I rate our performance against Sale as pretty perfect giving the conditions. I should also point out after 5 games we have 21 points, last year it was 19. We've also only conceded 1 try bonus points, last year it was 2 try bonus points and a losing bonus point at this stage.
It does seem a bit frustrating how long we keep going with the pick and go tactics and perhaps teams are better at defending it this season.
In my opinion our defence has been immense so far. The attack will improve as the season goes on.
This season I rate our performance against Sale as pretty perfect giving the conditions. I should also point out after 5 games we have 21 points, last year it was 19. We've also only conceded 1 try bonus points, last year it was 2 try bonus points and a losing bonus point at this stage.
It does seem a bit frustrating how long we keep going with the pick and go tactics and perhaps teams are better at defending it this season.
In my opinion our defence has been immense so far. The attack will improve as the season goes on.
Quote:dr.bath1865
I thought similar watching on TV and Ashton (who I like) was commenting how odd it is that we don’t use their backs more 5m out and only go wide when on penalty advantage.
For me this is pretty important, pick and go wasn't working so what is the process!
Continue till we or they drop, let the players play what's in front of them, let the skipper decide the practice etc. All down to the 9 isn't it?
There is nothing wrong in admitting we got it all wrong or that Ben Spencer was off form. He just looked mechanical.
I sort of think that the effort of winning 3 trophies and two finals in a row together with international commitments and Lions tour can't be underestimated. I'd rather a sticky patch now rather than later.
I think the point there is “wasn’t working” cos the scoreboard shows that over 80 minutes whatever we did, however we did it, it did work.
I don’t think you can underestimate how energy sapping it is to defend your line phase after phase. As manful as Bristol were, when our bench came on, we pulled away. Our power told. Because we stuck to the plan.
Having said that, I like the variation we’ve added of having Lawrence run a line off the 9. He scored yesterday and v Glos in that fashion and I think is a nice variation.
I don’t think you can underestimate how energy sapping it is to defend your line phase after phase. As manful as Bristol were, when our bench came on, we pulled away. Our power told. Because we stuck to the plan.
Having said that, I like the variation we’ve added of having Lawrence run a line off the 9. He scored yesterday and v Glos in that fashion and I think is a nice variation.
I get your point by Dr B but we did that for nearly 15 minutes, that's immensely sapping for us. Going wider could have given us 2 or 3 tries. If the process is batter the door down then in my view it's the wrong process. Points on the board and save energy for Saints and Sarries games seems a better plan.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Quote:BathRob
That’s an excellent point, Bristol get themselves “psyched up” for Bath games, more than we tend to (perhaps we save that for Glaws or Tigers).
I do wonder whether this has actually become a bit of a problem for Bristol, rather than benefitting them.
I get the "we're the underdogs, Ellis grew up on the streets not the mansions of Bath etc" is intended to give them a bit of motivation but I think last time we played them Genge got a pen reversed because he blew up, and this time the niggle really took away from what they were trying to do. It seems it's gone from a motivating factor to spoiling for an actual fight at the drop of a hat.
If you can rely on them histrionically flouncing after every breakdown it's easy to manipulate which does them no favours at all.
Ellis Genge and Ben Spencer were seen chatting at some length at half time and post match. I wonder what the content was?
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Quote:I think having reflected over night, this is spot ontheredseat
Having watched the game back I wonder if a (minor) downside to JvG’s approach comes out in games like this
He’s very big picture focussed and ‘never too high, never too low’ goes hand in hand with that. It does seem like this approach where we go through our process can make it harder at times when a team like Bristol are primed to play right on their emotional edge. It seems that’s not what JvG wants from his teams and you can’t argue with overall results and it does mean we avoid some of the daft situations Bristol find themselves in during a season.
I guess at times never too high means you might meet a team who has gone “too high” and it pays off for them albeit it’s very hard to sustain for 80 mins against the squad we have
I know JvG is far too sensible to ever have an idea in his mind what we should have done to Bristol - he rightly knows that's not how it works
I also trust Ben and Finn to make the right calls in the moment when it comes to when to spread it
Quote:shipwrecked
I get your point by Dr B but we did that for nearly 15 minutes, that's immensely sapping for us. Going wider could have given us 2 or 3 tries. If the process is batter the door down then in my view it's the wrong process. Points on the board and save energy for Saints and Sarries games seems a better plan.
Maybe we judged it was best to keep it tight to nullify Bristol’s offside defence?
The classic way to keep teams honest on the offside line used to be to ruck your way forward. Now that rucks are no longer dynamic the forward drive is a reliable way to keep them back- pedalling. Until the referee penalises offside it is risky to pass wide and invite interception.
PG
Bristol certainly got the tactics at restart correct, kick to Finn chase hard and attempt charge down. It really seemed to unsettle us.
PG, I think you’re right. Bristol thrive on chaotic rugby and that needs open play. It wasn’t pretty yesterday but we declined to do that and imposed a forward oriented gameplan that put them under huge pressure - as evidenced by the penalty count. And I agree; their line speed looked suspiciously fast to be legal at times.
Incidentally I’m slightly saddened that a player of Ellis Genge’s ability feels it necessary to keep going on about this game being “class war” as far as he’s concerned. Maybe I’m just out of touch but I don’t think the game as a whole needs that.
Incidentally I’m slightly saddened that a player of Ellis Genge’s ability feels it necessary to keep going on about this game being “class war” as far as he’s concerned. Maybe I’m just out of touch but I don’t think the game as a whole needs that.
Spot on DL. It doesn’t. And it’s BS anyway - a myth perpetuated to stoke up artificial enmity.
Mr Genge should come to a match and listen to the range of accents in the stands!
PG
Mr Genge should come to a match and listen to the range of accents in the stands!
PG
Comment on BBC from JvG about lack of yellow cards for multiple infringements by Bristol was absolutely spot on.
Very poor ref.
Very poor ref.
Was it just me but it seemed that Spencer was 'at war' with the ref for a lot of the game. He certainly hacked Tempest off early in the game. Once you have lost a ref how easy is it to get them back. Pity we can't hire Sam Warburton as a coach on Ref Handling!
Quote:hemington
Was it just me but it seemed that Spencer was 'at war' with the ref for a lot of the game. He certainly hacked Tempest off early in the game. Once you have lost a ref how easy is it to get them back. Pity we can't hire Sam Warburton as a coach on Ref Handling!
Tempest told him very early that if he appealed / shouted at him again he would reverse his decisions.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I thought it would be useful to compare the 5 matches played this season with the corresponding games last year.
2024-25
Played 5, won 4; points: for 20, conceded 8; tries: for 23, against 15; scores: for 154 against 114
2025-26
Played 5, won 4; points: for 21, conceded 5; tries: for 25, against 13; scores: for 173 against 101
With the exception of wins, we have improved on every single metric over the corresponding matches from last season.
2024-25
Played 5, won 4; points: for 20, conceded 8; tries: for 23, against 15; scores: for 154 against 114
2025-26
Played 5, won 4; points: for 21, conceded 5; tries: for 25, against 13; scores: for 173 against 101
With the exception of wins, we have improved on every single metric over the corresponding matches from last season.
According to the Bristol board, we were the guilty party for instigating any niggle during the game.
Genge's class war stuff is utterly pathetic. His paymaster is a billionnaire.
Genge's class war stuff is utterly pathetic. His paymaster is a billionnaire.
It seemed that last week and this week, Ben Spencer allowed himself to become really frustrated early on with the reffing, and then his interactions with the ref are not done in a way to win back the ref. That's really not helping his own game or the team.
Quote:Devonport Lad
Incidentally I’m slightly saddened that a player of Ellis Genge’s ability feels it necessary to keep going on about this game being “class war” as far as he’s concerned. Maybe I’m just out of touch but I don’t think the game as a whole needs that.
Agreed. It's garbage anyway - look at the Bristol squad list and look at the schools that lots of them attended, mainly very expensive private ones (Millfield, BGS, The Kings Gloucester, Wellington College).
It's very divisive - but I do of course agree with him on the general point that rugby union is underrepresented and under resourced at most state schools, not that this is down to Bath Rugby. The Bristol age grade school rugby scene is a dominated by public schools as all the others, which is why the ACE tie-ups are good (they must be with state schools).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Strange game - I see Bristol fans accusing us of being Smug and starting all the agro - I find that an unbelievable suggestion - when both fans and players from Bristol such as Genge started last year publicly stating how they ‘hate us’ it was a clear tactic yesterday as previously to try and get under our skin - lying offside, holding players in the floor - taking Ben Spencer out off the ball - it was Oghre who as usual started the first bust up.
I could not believe it took so long for a yellow card. TNT confirmed Bristol’s second try should not have stood on two counts.
I find the comments on Bris site really disingenuous and so one eyed, normally you get some more intelligent and moderate comments but as they say “It is the hope that kills you”.
Excellent 5 points boys against a very dangerous opposition, we still need to improve but enjoy the break.
I could not believe it took so long for a yellow card. TNT confirmed Bristol’s second try should not have stood on two counts.
I find the comments on Bris site really disingenuous and so one eyed, normally you get some more intelligent and moderate comments but as they say “It is the hope that kills you”.
Excellent 5 points boys against a very dangerous opposition, we still need to improve but enjoy the break.
I think we should cut him some slack in our comments about Ellis Genge. After all he came back from a troubled time at Bristol and managing dyspraxia to become captain at Leicester and represent England. Bath, not solely in sport, is seen as a upper class city in comparison with many other communities so we shouldn't take his pre-match comment about class too seriously. Live questions designed to stir things up result in this type of reaction. I blame TNT.
Reflecting further, I think there's some cause concern, but it's really only about precision in attack in the opposition 22. For all of Bristol's 'chaos rugby' disrupting us, they scored one try first minute and one other after 22 (that should have been chalked off). Our defence was excellent, our set piece was excellent and in the second half Bristol never looked like scoring a point.
Our midfield attack is still great, we caused multiple line-breaks and easily entered the 22, so I don't think this is an issue with Blackett leaving (yet). Our problems came with:
1. Execution of offloads and passes after a break
2. Knock-ons in the ruck
3. Close-carrying impact
I would expect the sharpness to improve on all of these through the season. I am a _little_ concerned with maybe our pack is not making the metre/half-a-metre in the tight as easily as it was last season. I also think Spencer is 5% off his usual high, I wonder if he could do with a proper rest (I have no idea when he would get one).
The impact of our bench yesterday makes me think it's gonna be a loooooong time before we see a 5-3 split again. I also suspect it's gonna be a rare prem/euro game without Cokanasiga starting. He's not my absolute fave, but he brings a power balance that all our other wing options lack. Equally if Lawrence is with England/rested, I do think we might see Butt playing more rather than a Redpath/Mojo midfield.
Chris Harris to play the McConnochie role in Ethan Staddon's barmy army?
Our midfield attack is still great, we caused multiple line-breaks and easily entered the 22, so I don't think this is an issue with Blackett leaving (yet). Our problems came with:
1. Execution of offloads and passes after a break
2. Knock-ons in the ruck
3. Close-carrying impact
I would expect the sharpness to improve on all of these through the season. I am a _little_ concerned with maybe our pack is not making the metre/half-a-metre in the tight as easily as it was last season. I also think Spencer is 5% off his usual high, I wonder if he could do with a proper rest (I have no idea when he would get one).
The impact of our bench yesterday makes me think it's gonna be a loooooong time before we see a 5-3 split again. I also suspect it's gonna be a rare prem/euro game without Cokanasiga starting. He's not my absolute fave, but he brings a power balance that all our other wing options lack. Equally if Lawrence is with England/rested, I do think we might see Butt playing more rather than a Redpath/Mojo midfield.
Chris Harris to play the McConnochie role in Ethan Staddon's barmy army?
Quote:Agree. There's a good clip on YouTube when Genge chats with James Haskell and he's quite balanced. He uses it as motivation and even suggests that it's more a Bristol thing than mutual rivalry . Good that we now have such a productive link with Beechen Cliff but 15 or so years ago it was certainly true that Bath's youth set-up was pretty much a closed shop to state school pupils or they had to be that much better than their private school counterparts. Very different now I hope, at least in terms of more honest judgements being made, but the disparity between state and private schools in terms of money, facilities, time devoted to sport, coaching etc, etc makes it a hard gap to close. People who know Genge generally speak highly of him. A player like Martin Johnson perhaps, who you appreciate if he's one of yours but dislike if he's not.Francis Allen
I think we should cut him some slack in our comments about Ellis Genge. After all he came back from a troubled time at Bristol and managing dyspraxia to become captain at Leicester and represent England. Bath, not solely in sport, is seen as a upper class city in comparison with many other communities so we shouldn't take his pre-match comment about class too seriously. Live questions designed to stir things up result in this type of reaction. I blame TNT.
Quote:theredseat
Having watched the game back I wonder if a (minor) downside to JvG’s approach comes out in games like this
He’s very big picture focussed and ‘never too high, never too low’ goes hand in hand with that. It does seem like this approach where we go through our process can make it harder at times when a team like Bristol are primed to play right on their emotional edge. It seems that’s not what JvG wants from his teams and you can’t argue with overall results and it does mean we avoid some of the daft situations Bristol find themselves in during a season.
I guess at times never too high means you might meet a team who has gone “too high” and it pays off for them albeit it’s very hard to sustain for 80 mins against the squad we have
We've become much better in the second half under JvG and I wonder if this is part of the never too high never too low mentality - everything is quietly realigned at half time. He often says half time was quiet and a discussion - and the players certainly seem to respond well!
Shame 'Spreaders' isn't on this site; he might have an opinion on it.
Tempest kept saying "not in protocol". What does that mean?
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
I think he is referring to the TMO can not adjudicate or rule on this area of the game - as said on TNT it is ridiculous.
For me more concerningly was Ben Spencer raising the issue with Sara Cox I am not sure which AR was on that side but they failed to pick up either the dummy throw or Oghre’s position on the pitch. If it was Sara Cox massive error from six an experienced official.
The was also the dummy jump by Batley ages before the ball actually came in.
For me more concerningly was Ben Spencer raising the issue with Sara Cox I am not sure which AR was on that side but they failed to pick up either the dummy throw or Oghre’s position on the pitch. If it was Sara Cox massive error from six an experienced official.
The was also the dummy jump by Batley ages before the ball actually came in.
Quote:joethefanatic
Tempest kept saying "not in protocol". What does that mean?
World Rugby have a document entitled TMO Protocol. It's worth a read and though it doesn't specifically mention the aforementioned infringement the ambiguity about some of the rules doesn't help, it certainly needs clarifying although it's pretty poor that the touch judge didn't spot it.
Quote:Ali1969
I think he is referring to the TMO can not adjudicate or rule on this area of the game - as said on TNT it is ridiculous.
For me more concerningly was Ben Spencer raising the issue with Sara Cox I am not sure which AR was on that side but they failed to pick up either the dummy throw or Oghre’s position on the pitch. If it was Sara Cox massive error from six an experienced official.
The was also the dummy jump by Batley ages before the ball actually came in.
Doesn’t look like Sara Cox from CC’s photo above !
Quote:Ali1969
I think he is referring to the TMO can not adjudicate or rule on this area of the game - as said on TNT it is ridiculous.
For me more concerningly was Ben Spencer raising the issue with Sara Cox I am not sure which AR was on that side but they failed to pick up either the dummy throw or Oghre’s position on the pitch. If it was Sara Cox massive error from six an experienced official.
The was also the dummy jump by Batley ages before the ball actually came in.
I think she might be a tad upset for being mistaken for a balding man ... Assume he approached her as deemed more approachable/influential. It was a very bad miss for an official less than a yard away. No blame for Tempest who just followed the rules.
Quote:Never In DoubtQuote:Ali1969
I think he is referring to the TMO can not adjudicate or rule on this area of the game - as said on TNT it is ridiculous.
For me more concerningly was Ben Spencer raising the issue with Sara Cox I am not sure which AR was on that side but they failed to pick up either the dummy throw or Oghre’s position on the pitch. If it was Sara Cox massive error from six an experienced official.
The was also the dummy jump by Batley ages before the ball actually came in.
I think she might be a tad upset for being mistaken for a balding man ... Assume he approached her as deemed more approachable/influential. It was a very bad miss for an official less than a yard away. No blame for Tempest who just followed the rules.
Just looked at it again on the highlights, he (not Sara Cox) was standing well to the left of Oghre with his eyes transfixed on the lineout. If he has been trained to do that then this infringement should surely become something the TMO could help with. Tempest was stood well back from the end of the lineout and the tv camera from behind Oghre clearly showed his view of Oghre's feet was obscured by the players. Luckily this massive error made little difference to the result.
Lam is a very lucky man ..... quite how he gets away with the under-achievement at Bristol. He has been there for 8 years and threw money around for a while. With signings including Vui, Luatua, George Smith, Piatau x 2, Radradra, Earl and Malins on loan, Sinckler, Ravouvou and Mata.
They have had the players and spent the money ... but like Bath up until JvG they just haven't made the most of it. I know they have cut back on spending now but they could do with throwing less shade and look at their own set-up.
They have had the players and spent the money ... but like Bath up until JvG they just haven't made the most of it. I know they have cut back on spending now but they could do with throwing less shade and look at their own set-up.
Quote:Francis Allen
Just looked at it again on the highlights, he (not Sara Cox) was standing well to the left of Oghre with his eyes transfixed on the lineout. If he has been trained to do that then this infringement should surely become something the TMO could help with. Tempest was stood well back from the end of the lineout and the tv camera from behind Oghre clearly showed his view of Oghre's feet was obscured by the players. Luckily this massive error made little difference to the result.
No ref can see everything, so we’ll just have to write that one off to experience.
One would hope though that refs look out for it in future games and also that our Captain (s) learn how to raise queries about such practices without antagonising the ref.
PG
Throw ins have been a real problem for a long time now, being on the pitch when delivering happens regularly.
The law should require the hooker to behind the line.
It’s only a matter of inches but you’d be surprised at how much harder it makes the throw in! If you don’t believe me try for yourself!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
The law should require the hooker to behind the line.
It’s only a matter of inches but you’d be surprised at how much harder it makes the throw in! If you don’t believe me try for yourself!
Quote:P G TipsQuote:Francis Allen
Just looked at it again on the highlights, he (not Sara Cox) was standing well to the left of Oghre with his eyes transfixed on the lineout. If he has been trained to do that then this infringement should surely become something the TMO could help with. Tempest was stood well back from the end of the lineout and the tv camera from behind Oghre clearly showed his view of Oghre's feet was obscured by the players. Luckily this massive error made little difference to the result.
No ref can see everything, so we’ll just have to write that one off to experience.
One would hope though that refs look out for it in future games and also that our Captain (s) learn how to raise queries about such practices without antagonising the ref.
PG
I mean how hard is it for a touch judge to look at the thrower and then turn their eyes to the line-out. It is normally the referee who calls lineout penalties so you would think a touchie could at least check the thrower is in a legitimate position.
Quote:Well put. It’s all very well Lam playing the poverty card now, but he didn’t make hay when the sun shined and that’s on him.Never In Doubt
Lam is a very lucky man ..... quite how he gets away with the under-achievement at Bristol. He has been there for 8 years and threw money around for a while. With signings including Vui, Luatua, George Smith, Piatau x 2, Radradra, Earl and Malins on loan, Sinckler, Ravouvou and Mata.
They have had the players and spent the money ... but like Bath up until JvG they just haven't made the most of it. I know they have cut back on spending now but they could do with throwing less shade and look at their own set-up.
If the touch judge can’t get involved at that point, then surely the TMO can as it was in the act of scoring? I hope the reason why collectively we carried on after the 80 was because we knew there were points that had gone begging and the score line needed to reflect the dynamics of the game, especially the second half.
A couple of the Bristol visitors ERE could do with looking in the mirror.
Quote:shipwrecked
Throw ins have been a real problem for a long time now, being on the pitch when delivering happens regularly.
The law should require the hooker to behind the line.
It’s only a matter of inches but you’d be surprised at how much harder it makes the throw in! If you don’t believe me try for yourself!
The law *does* require the thrower to be behind the line.
Law 18.22.The player throwing in the ball stands on the mark of touch with both feet outside the field of play. The thrower must not step into the field of play until the ball has been thrown.
Sanction:Option of lineout or scrum.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:Never In Doubt
Lam is a very lucky man ..... quite how he gets away with the under-achievement at Bristol. He has been there for 8 years and threw money around for a while. With signings including Vui, Luatua, George Smith, Piatau x 2, Radradra, Earl and Malins on loan, Sinckler, Ravouvou and Mata.
up.
I suppose they have been & maybe remain an entertaining side & attract a lot of support.
Exactly that - they’ve spent money and not won, they’ve been frugal and not won, and somehow it’s all Baths fault.
I also don’t buy any of the working class nonsense, plenty of rough areas of Bath and plenty of mansions in Bristol. Genge is a great player, but the need for Bristol to make every game against us this big massive class warfare “we don’t lose to Bath” event is pitiful.
I also don’t buy any of the working class nonsense, plenty of rough areas of Bath and plenty of mansions in Bristol. Genge is a great player, but the need for Bristol to make every game against us this big massive class warfare “we don’t lose to Bath” event is pitiful.
When Bath's dominant period began, in the Rowell era, it ended decades of Bristol regarding Bath somewhat condescendingly as "the country boys next door" - game. but ultimately not quite top drawer.
The teams that won Bath's first few trophies were chock full of state school lads- Chilcott, Dawe, Spurrell, Hall, Simpson,, Hill, Barnes, Guscott, Swift etc. There were also privately educated players like Halliday and Trick. The point though was that talent and attitude was the mix on which "The House that Jack Built" founded it's decade or more of success.
Class, or class attitudes had damn all to do with it.
Now the professional era is a clear leveller. Genge is in the England leadership group with Old Harrovian Itoje.
The "Warfare' thing is a distraction and as Rob says, nonsense.
PG
The teams that won Bath's first few trophies were chock full of state school lads- Chilcott, Dawe, Spurrell, Hall, Simpson,, Hill, Barnes, Guscott, Swift etc. There were also privately educated players like Halliday and Trick. The point though was that talent and attitude was the mix on which "The House that Jack Built" founded it's decade or more of success.
Class, or class attitudes had damn all to do with it.
Now the professional era is a clear leveller. Genge is in the England leadership group with Old Harrovian Itoje.
The "Warfare' thing is a distraction and as Rob says, nonsense.
PG
Well said PG - All this noise is nonsense from Bristol - as mentioned they were the first club to bring in the £Million pound signing in Charles Piutau and spent so much money it was crazy.
They have the richest benefactor of all the clubs - but quickly forget that.
I am all for local rivalry but I draw the line at some of the comments made which are just stupid, inflammatory, unnecessary and wrong - may be OK at football matches but not in our game.
As for the players Bristol have made no secret that in recent years they intend to get under the Bath players skins - Ellis Genge appears to be a top man - he is vocal prior to the match yes but actually on the pitch he is not the main antagonist - that definitely falls to Oghre - whether that is due to gripes when he was at Bath who knows but he is the one always hanging around offside - holding players on the floor and generally "chirping off".
The one thing for me that stood out on Saturday - I think JvG and most knowledgeable rugby fans agree - Bristol should have received probably 3 or 4 yellow cards for cynical infringements in the red zone, however I was shocked at the lack of action when Ben Spencer was taken out by what looked like a head on head shot by one of the Bristol players - that led to an outburst from Ben to the Player responsible which was caught on the ref mic and suggested it was reckless or worse - Not even looked at!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:27:09:23:47 by Ali1969.
They have the richest benefactor of all the clubs - but quickly forget that.
I am all for local rivalry but I draw the line at some of the comments made which are just stupid, inflammatory, unnecessary and wrong - may be OK at football matches but not in our game.
As for the players Bristol have made no secret that in recent years they intend to get under the Bath players skins - Ellis Genge appears to be a top man - he is vocal prior to the match yes but actually on the pitch he is not the main antagonist - that definitely falls to Oghre - whether that is due to gripes when he was at Bath who knows but he is the one always hanging around offside - holding players on the floor and generally "chirping off".
The one thing for me that stood out on Saturday - I think JvG and most knowledgeable rugby fans agree - Bristol should have received probably 3 or 4 yellow cards for cynical infringements in the red zone, however I was shocked at the lack of action when Ben Spencer was taken out by what looked like a head on head shot by one of the Bristol players - that led to an outburst from Ben to the Player responsible which was caught on the ref mic and suggested it was reckless or worse - Not even looked at!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:10:27:09:23:47 by Ali1969.
Yes Ali you’re correct about Oghre. I saw an interview with him last year and he said the Bath game was always a grudge match as several Bristol players Rich Lane and himself had been dropped by the Bath Academy.
On one Genge interview he said it was Bath the club he disliked not the players who he thought were a decent bunch
Widcombe Garçon
On one Genge interview he said it was Bath the club he disliked not the players who he thought were a decent bunch
Widcombe Garçon
Quote:Never In Doubt
Lam is a very lucky man ..... quite how he gets away with the under-achievement at Bristol. He has been there for 8 years and threw money around for a while. With signings including Vui, Luatua, George Smith, Piatau x 2, Radradra, Earl and Malins on loan, Sinckler, Ravouvou and Mata.
They have had the players and spent the money ... but like Bath up until JvG they just haven't made the most of it. I know they have cut back on spending now but they could do with throwing less shade and look at their own set-up.
Bristol and Lam I don't think have ever recovered from Harlequins miracle of Bristanbul in 2021. That was Bristol's year, they finished top of the league and the title was theirs for the taking, they blew it. Totally agree with you, that Bristol should look at themselves and their set up rather and slinging comments around about their rivals
"It's all right, Andy! It's just bolognaise!"
Quote:P G Tips
When Bath's dominant period began, in the Rowell era, it ended decades of Bristol regarding Bath somewhat condescendingly as "the country boys next door" - game. but ultimately not quite top drawer.
The teams that won Bath's first few trophies were chock full of state school lads- Chilcott, Dawe, Spurrell, Hall, Simpson,, Hill, Barnes, Guscott, Swift etc. There were also privately educated players like Halliday and Trick. The point though was that talent and attitude was the mix on which "The House that Jack Built" founded it's decade or more of success.
Class, or class attitudes had damn all to do with it.
Now the professional era is a clear leveller. Genge is in the England leadership group with Old Harrovian Itoje.
The "Warfare' thing is a distraction and as Rob says, nonsense.
PG
One of our legends, Gareth Chilcott came from Totterdown didn't he? Not sure why I think that's relevant. Just does
If it's part of what motivates Genge then it's not nonsense to him if it works.
Players don't have to draw motivation from things that are 'true' for it be useful. All the nonsense we tend to hear about 'well that's the team talk sorted' or 'print this out and put it on the dressing room wall' over various comments that can be read as a some sort of criticism are part of a similar thing.
Big picture it's all a bit meaningless but if it get's someone in the frame of mind they need to perform then let them crack on. Not much different to superstitions over routine or lucky socks and so on really. Whatever floats your boat.
Players don't have to draw motivation from things that are 'true' for it be useful. All the nonsense we tend to hear about 'well that's the team talk sorted' or 'print this out and put it on the dressing room wall' over various comments that can be read as a some sort of criticism are part of a similar thing.
Big picture it's all a bit meaningless but if it get's someone in the frame of mind they need to perform then let them crack on. Not much different to superstitions over routine or lucky socks and so on really. Whatever floats your boat.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:hasta
Awful performance == 25 point win. Catch yerself on.
I guess you have lower standards than I do. We have yet to see a performance matching last season so far.
We will do and I suspect someone is going to be on the wrong end of a big score.
Compared to the same fixture last season, that was a huge improvement!!
BATH supporter since 1975
Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
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Quote:jayeatmanQuote:OutsideBathQuote:hasta
Awful performance == 25 point win. Catch yerself on.
I guess you have lower standards than I do. We have yet to see a performance matching last season so far.
We will do and I suspect someone is going to be on the wrong end of a big score.
Compared to the same fixture last season, that was a huge improvement!!
Apart from one BIG thing
How we dealt with their starting kick off!
Quote:gaz59
Apart from one BIG thing
How we dealt with their starting kick off!
Haha yes.
Chalk that off, the try that should clearly have been disallowed, a perfectly justified shove from Reid and two questionable knock-ons and we'd have won 54-0!
I'm fine with most of the chat pre game, especially as they seem to cope with it less well than we do, and it did add up to an unbelievably intense and absorbing semi final in June, and the atmosphere versus Bristol is now special always.
But I'll just say again that the one thing I can't condone in Genge's comments is his use of the term "hate". The world is full of enough of it. We're watching and they're playing a game of rugby. And lots of young people now watch Genge on social media or whatever, looking to him as a leader (rightly so), and I think the term hate oversteps what for the most part is fine pre match rallying. Fine to want to get one over your local rivals- another matter to verbalise that you hate people from elsewhere.
As we see nowadays for so than ever, words cause actions, so I'd check that if I was him. I'm come out and clarify the comment if I was him. We don't need that in our society, let alone in our sport.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
But I'll just say again that the one thing I can't condone in Genge's comments is his use of the term "hate". The world is full of enough of it. We're watching and they're playing a game of rugby. And lots of young people now watch Genge on social media or whatever, looking to him as a leader (rightly so), and I think the term hate oversteps what for the most part is fine pre match rallying. Fine to want to get one over your local rivals- another matter to verbalise that you hate people from elsewhere.
As we see nowadays for so than ever, words cause actions, so I'd check that if I was him. I'm come out and clarify the comment if I was him. We don't need that in our society, let alone in our sport.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Quote:dr.bath1865
I'm fine with most of the chat pre game, especially as they seem to cope with it less well than we do, and it did add up to an unbelievably intense and absorbing semi final in June, and the atmosphere versus Bristol is now special always.
But I'll just say again that the one thing I can't condone in Genge's comments is his use of the term "hate". The world is full of enough of it. We're watching and they're playing a game of rugby. And lots of young people now watch Genge on social media or whatever, looking to him as a leader (rightly so), and I think the term hate oversteps what for the most part is fine pre match rallying. Fine to want to get one over your local rivals- another matter to verbalise that you hate people from elsewhere.
As we see nowadays for so than ever, words cause actions, so I'd check that if I was him. I'm come out and clarify the comment if I was him. We don't need that in our society, let alone in our sport.
100% all of this
Just had a chance to look at the highlights, for one of Bristol's tries clear dummy throw by Oghre as well as being well into the field of play when he lets the ball go.
How on earth did the officials not see both infringements?
How on earth did the officials not see both infringements?
Quote:The TMO raised it with the Ref, who dismissed it as ‘outside the protocol’. Very poor show.OutsideBath
Just had a chance to look at the highlights, for one of Bristol's tries clear dummy throw by Oghre as well as being well into the field of play when he lets the ball go.
How on earth did the officials not see both infringements?
Quote:dcshQuote:The TMO raised it with the Ref, who dismissed it as ‘outside the protocol’. Very poor show.OutsideBath
Just had a chance to look at the highlights, for one of Bristol's tries clear dummy throw by Oghre as well as being well into the field of play when he lets the ball go.
How on earth did the officials not see both infringements?
Shouldn’t have needed the TMO to tell him about the blindingly obvious, he really is a poor ref.
Was it a Pre-match on the pitch interview with Ellis or pre-recorded during the week?
Shoving a mic in front of a player warming up for a Derby match and don’t expect the best use of words!
Shoving a mic in front of a player warming up for a Derby match and don’t expect the best use of words!
Quote:tigersimon
Was it a Pre-match on the pitch interview with Ellis or pre-recorded during the week?
Shoving a mic in front of a player warming up for a Derby match and don’t expect the best use of words!
During the week... and he pulled the same stuff before the Semi.
I don't mind it! Derby games should be punchy and fun. I think my only issue is with Bris fans implying that Bath fans and/or this message board are crossing the line when... look at your own board, your star player, your coach.
Firstly Mr CC where did you get the photograph which you have as your signature?
The stats on the game do show our dominance.
The stats on the game do show our dominance.
Shouldn’t have needed the TMO to tell him about the blindingly obvious, he really is a poor ref.[/quote]
It was the linesman fault not the refs.
It was the linesman fault not the refs.
It makes no sense saying 'that's outside protocol' when it's clear and obvious, if you overrule a try when it's not.
I've been away for a few days, missing the game physically and on TV do I watched it with great interest last night having read all of the comments on 'ere first.
My impression from watching is that we completely dominated them......just did not score the four extra tries that were there to be taken.
However 5 points was excellent and intriguing to see that we are marginally ahead of last year....even having more injury problems and player availability issues.
No team is going to beat every other team across the season.....first target is to be in the top 2, second target top four....
My impression from watching is that we completely dominated them......just did not score the four extra tries that were there to be taken.
However 5 points was excellent and intriguing to see that we are marginally ahead of last year....even having more injury problems and player availability issues.
No team is going to beat every other team across the season.....first target is to be in the top 2, second target top four....
Missed the game and have been piecing together the story of the match from this thread, certainly sounds like a strange game, but we'll take the 5 points and move on.
Were there any noticeable injury concerns after the match? Could do without any additions to the rehab list.
Were there any noticeable injury concerns after the match? Could do without any additions to the rehab list.
Quote:boozeboozebooze
Missed the game and have been piecing together the story of the match from this thread, certainly sounds like a strange game, but we'll take the 5 points and move on.
Were there any noticeable injury concerns after the match? Could do without any additions to the rehab list.
I can't remember any concerns around injuries. It was a strange game and it certainly divided opinions on this forum and in the media reports. From my seat at the Rec it seemed a great result and importantly it was a big improvement over the Leicester game. JVG seems happy, the players were "over the moon" with the result. Bath fans at the Rec fully entertained. There will be a lot to review at Farleigh, Finn mildly below par, Ben's frustration and the missed chances from 5 yards out the obvious subjects but so much was positive about the performance.
Quote:Mike the Taxi
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Bath latest threads
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- Injury latest on forgotten Bath Rugby wrecking ball Jaco Coetzee
- OT / Prostate
- OT - Fox wins the Open at Birkdale
- O/T Postcards from the Past No 3 Théoule-sur-Mer – May 2017
- OT/ Site advertising
- Will Roue Signed ahead of the 2026/27 season
- Bath Rugby's confirmed 2026/27 incoming signings and outgoings
- 2026/27 PREM Rugby Cup fixtures confirmed
- O/T Postcards from the Past No2 Cordoba 2015