By Bath Rhino
August 7 2012

The first fifteen a side game of the season looms, a friendly against controversial Premiership new boys London Welsh

The new season is upon us and for once I am not suffering from a bout of cold turkey after the indeterminable lay off between old and new seasons. This would usually afflict me right now especially after the Sevens which sits firmly in the British Rail sandwich class of rugby for me. Borne from desperation seemed like a good idea at the time but ultimately leaves you with a chronic indigestion which can only be allayed by a captains run with fellow COML poster PG Tips at the Gym (Sam Wellers) and a good session on the weights (a pint of Timothy Tailors). 

But not this time thanks to Lord Seb and the mighty crew of Team GB I have barely noticed the onset of the first friendly but now its here already. 

Congratulations to new boys and Saturdays opposition London Welsh on negotiating the tricky path of promotion play offs and the minefield of meeting criteria for joining the premiership which has resulted in them moving to Oxford from Old Deere Park, joining the other enforced exodus of (Not) London Wasps and (Not) London (Not) Irish in playing away from the capital. Does this make them the Half Ways? 

How will they fair? I haven’t got a clue but let’s hope its more Exeter and less West Hartlepool. Sure they will find it hard but a sprinkling of new players and a great attitude can take your far. Most notable signings include Tom Arscott at full back from Wuss, the Orange One at Centre from Cardiff/Strictly Sonny Parker at Wing from Ospreys and our own Matt Keyte at Scrum half so judging from this they must think their pack is up to it it so what about the opposition? 

Most pundits have Bath as 6th placers (Thanks Lewis!) so lets hope the new coaching team have other ideas, I suspect they will be treating this friendly (is there such a thing) with more gravitas than the usual revolving door of sixty players at twenty minutes each . With a team bolstered by a few signings in the pack, look out for some of the younger guys trying to grab a slot a la Ollie Woodburn. 

Not much of a preview but what do you expect with no pre season training, see you there and as always Come On My Lovers!

Preview: New, Really New and Almost New

Discussion started by Bath Rhino (IP Logged), 07/08/2012 09:57

Bath Rhino
07/08/2012 09:57

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Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2012:08:31:09:58:28 by TCM2007.

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P G Tips
08/08/2012 20:19

Interesting review Rhino.
As always I think interest centres on pointers to the new season. Game Plan, Captain & selection will be pored over on Sat eve by the COML faithful.

What kind of rugby do the new regime favour? Will it be winning? Is Hooper to hold off the Flouw challenge as skipper or will a dark horse be entrusted? What will be the chosen mix at backrow & centre?

I will stck my neck out. Bath to win, Banners revitalised, a strong forward performance and direct running will bring tries. Bath by 15.

Now, who's for another pint?

PG

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