Bath
TO KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING, KNOW WHERE YOU HAVE COME FROM
Blackett: missed
By Bath Supporter Roy
January 6 2026
The 20-minute bonus point against the Chiefs can either be seen as a flying retaliation to the tortuous loss against Saints, or as a period that flattered to deceive - chiefly enabled by a 20-minute red card in a key defensive position. Bath’s attack after that 20th minute mark was only a few flashes brighter than the Saints game, aided by Muir’s return, Redpath’s lithe energy, Alfie’s “Oomph”, and the real Mr. Russell turning up from his Xmas pudding. In those last 4 minutes, the forwards-only 41 phase drive up the field was a team simply relying on its super-strength (and a healthy dose of recent winner’s belief).
Yes - it was a monument to composure, fitness, and strategy, but it also belies an emerging doubt... We’ve been steadily becoming more and more reliant on that extra forward muscle; this may work in the Prem against teams with thinner squads than ours. But that muscle will be more than balanced out by French packs at home (or the Irish squad in Dublin). The variations and artistry that we were spoiled by in Lee Blackett’s old attacking patterns will need to return in Gleeson’s guise for us to beat the biggest boys in the big boys’ cup.
Assuming our aim this season was to take our winning experience and gun for a run at the Champions Cup, this match in Castres ought to test our success-tempered mettle and simply see if we have the quality, steel, and edge it takes in this competition. The results of the first litmus test in Toulon were inconclusive. All that said, the statistic that will have the most decisive say is discipline. The relative penalty (and card) count between the two sides will determine if we witness a close epic going either way, or a 7 point + defeat. Missing a full quarter of our tackles and long chains of penalties is what really cost us the Saints game (14 Bath pens vs Saints’ 12) and what almost cost us last week (11 - 7). Concede fewer penalties than Castres and we’ll at least have a chance with 5 minutes to go.
Where we are going: Castres - “A Fortified Place”
Castres, translates suitably as a “fortified place”, a town strengthened by its local granite production - hard stone and hard players. A successful siege of the Stade Pierre-Fabre would defy both the town’s name and its fortress-like record. Castres are proudly one of only three sides to have avoided relegation since 1989 (also Toulouse and Clermont) and have the finest of academy alumni: “La Martian” - Antoine Dupont.
French club sides are often ‘company’ sides: Toulouse = Airbus, Clermont = Michelin, Montpellier = Altrad, Pau.= Total. Castres has one of the richest stories with its own Pierre-Fabre.
A local boy bought a central town pharmacy aged 25 in 1951, a varicose vein cream powered by a local herb made the first millions, which grew into the sprawling €3 Billion Pharmacy empire with 90% of production still in the Tarn region - as insisted by the founder Pierre-Fabre. He bought the failing club in 1988, restored the playing glory ending a title drought of 43 years. Most magnificently, in 2008, he ‘immortalized’ the club’s funding by bequeathing his 86% holding of the pharma company to a Foundation that must allocate 4% of its dividends to the rugby club in perpetuity. He died in 2013, months after the club won the second title of his ownership, the stadium was then rightly re-named in his honour. Certainly a legacy for Bruce (& Mr Dyson “- Stadium at the Rec”) to aspire to!
Playing-wise Castres are typified as highly physical arm-wrestlers and grinders of oppositions, aggressive defence, slow rucks, and long kicks. The All Blacks “no D*ckheads” philosophy is strong here, the squad relying on resilience and work-rate more than the galactico squads seen elsewhere in the Top 14. Their budget is reportedly half that of nearby Toulouse, but loyalty has been generated through both the respectful local fanaticism and regular lifetime salaries 'in the pharmacy' post-playing days.
Turning our attention to recent results. Champions cup front-runners Bordeaux-Begles did steal a 28-26 win as recently as the 1st of November. Across their last 30 home games, they have lost just four times and only in the Top 14. Champions Cup sides have visited and left not just without any pool points, but without any points on the pitch at all: 33-0 was humbling for a good Edinburgh side last month. According to my AI assistants, they’ve not lost a Champions Cup home match since at least 2017, and likely longer. Daunting certainly.
There have been only two prior meetings of Bath and Castres, both in the 2000-2001 Heineken Cup, the most recent being the most relevant. On the 13th of January 2001 (exactly 25 years + 4 days ago), Bath played away at Castres. Tries were scored by Tom Voyce, Gareth Cooper, Martin Haag, with Mike Catt bagging a brace playing at 10 (hero!), and Matt Perry with the conversions. For Castres, the current coach Jeremy Davidson scored a try, with penalties converted by a certain Gregor Townsend.
The result… 32-19 to the… VISITORS.
May history repeat itself, let’s raid this “fortified place”..!
Suggested Team
Philosophy of as heavy and as experienced as possible initially to stay in gritty contention, then some more pace and width, to gamble on a breakout try or two in the last 10 against a tiring mammoth pack. 6-2 a must.
1. Obano. 2. Dunn. 3. Du Toit 4. Quin Roux 5. Molony 6. Reid 7. Underhill 8. Barbeary
9. Spencer 10. Mr. Russell 11. Muir 12. Redpath 13. Lawrence 14. Arundell 15. Carreras
16. Frost 17. Van Wyk 18. Griffin 19. Richards 20. Hill 21. Carr-Smith 22. Ojomoh 23. Bayliss
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Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 06/01/2026 07:42
06/01/2026 07:42
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:13:14:58:41 by hasta.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:13:14:58:41 by hasta.
Excellent report....
Its going to be very tough.....and that's just the weekend before the rugby!
Its going to be very tough.....and that's just the weekend before the rugby!
Great write up, have to say this would have been a fun away trip to do, sadly the kickoff time put me off in the end.
Also agree with the majority of the suggested selection, not sure if Richards will be fit, if he is still recovering then Pepper could come in.
Like you said I don't think this is the game for the full fat bomb squad, the big hitters should start from the getgo and hopefully get us some early dominance to quieten down the crowd, without wishing to get into stereotypes I do think that if we can "break" them mentally then they could start to crumble, especially if their fans start getting on their back.
Also agree with the majority of the suggested selection, not sure if Richards will be fit, if he is still recovering then Pepper could come in.
Like you said I don't think this is the game for the full fat bomb squad, the big hitters should start from the getgo and hopefully get us some early dominance to quieten down the crowd, without wishing to get into stereotypes I do think that if we can "break" them mentally then they could start to crumble, especially if their fans start getting on their back.
Thank you Bath Supporter Roy
I do hope Richards will be available. Our lineout has struggled in the absence of he & Ewels.
I think against a monster pack we may opt for more bulk on the bench-possibly Arthur Green, although Bayliss' pace would be useful too.
I woner what has happened to Butt? Not seen for a while now.
PG
I do hope Richards will be available. Our lineout has struggled in the absence of he & Ewels.
I think against a monster pack we may opt for more bulk on the bench-possibly Arthur Green, although Bayliss' pace would be useful too.
I woner what has happened to Butt? Not seen for a while now.
PG
Quote:P G Tips
Thank you Bath Supporter Roy
I do hope Richards will be available. Our lineout has struggled in the absence of he & Ewels.
I think against a monster pack we may opt for more bulk on the bench-possibly Arthur Green, although Bayliss' pace would be useful too.
I woner what has happened to Butt? Not seen for a while now.
PG
Played at Newcastle didn't he so only missed the last two which I presume it just not selected?
Would like to see Richards back involved - JvG said they were 'hoping' he would train at some point towards the end of last week so you'd hope he is at least doing that by now. Probably not much better than 50/50 to go on unless there's a midweek update though.
Castres are a funny old team. Always lower on star power than most French clubs but consistently competitive in the Top 14 while being perhaps the main exponents of the 'French teams don't travel well' theory. Down in 10th in the league but also only 6 points off 3rd.
Expecting quite a similar challenge as we got from Exeter last week in a way
Quote:P G Tips
Thank you Bath Supporter Roy
I do hope Richards will be available. Our lineout has struggled in the absence of he & Ewels.
I think against a monster pack we may opt for more bulk on the bench-possibly Arthur Green, although Bayliss' pace would be useful too.
I woner what has happened to Butt? Not seen for a while now.
PG
He was involved in the warm up last week PG
Iām going so always disappointed when we arenāt at full strength, however I could understand going with a much less than full strength team. Perhaps JvG will rotate this week with an eye on Edinburgh and Gloucester to come.
JvG usually gets it right.
JvG usually gets it right.
Outside
I really think we have to do everything to try and win this game.....not least of all because I am going as well.
However I think it is the next stage of Bath's development....
1. Win home games in the Gallagher Premiership, then win with 5 points
2. Win home games in the European Cup, then with 5 points
3. Win Premiership Cup games home and away with the younger team
3. Win occasional away games in the Gallagher Premiership.....and always picking up points
4. Win away in the European Cup
I really think we have to do everything to try and win this game.....not least of all because I am going as well.
However I think it is the next stage of Bath's development....
1. Win home games in the Gallagher Premiership, then win with 5 points
2. Win home games in the European Cup, then with 5 points
3. Win Premiership Cup games home and away with the younger team
3. Win occasional away games in the Gallagher Premiership.....and always picking up points
4. Win away in the European Cup
Hear what youāre saying BSJ and thinking back to Treviso I was gutted when I saw the team selection. But JvG was proved right as we won the treble.
Iām just thinking he might view Castres away as a step too far this season as their strategy is based entirely on a strong pack. Ours hasnāt had the destructive impact this season that it had last so we might struggle up front.
I also believe this is a good game to give Santi the 10 shirt to see how he manages the game for us.
Iām just thinking he might view Castres away as a step too far this season as their strategy is based entirely on a strong pack. Ours hasnāt had the destructive impact this season that it had last so we might struggle up front.
I also believe this is a good game to give Santi the 10 shirt to see how he manages the game for us.
Iād go big for this game IMO, Edinburgh at home is one we could afford to rest some key players but win away here and weāre probably set for the knock outs.
He says, hopefully!
He says, hopefully!
Great preview BFJ, thanks. The note about the financial history is part of why I love the variety of interests that everyone brings to these write ups. 
Enjoy your time in Castres - let's hope you come home with the points as well as having eaten/sightseen we'll!
Enjoy your time in Castres - let's hope you come home with the points as well as having eaten/sightseen we'll!
Susanne
Whilst I am happy to accept any compliments going I am afraid this was not produced by me but some ersatz copy called Bath Supporter Roy.....when he does well he is related.....when not so well I have no idea who he is!
Whilst I am happy to accept any compliments going I am afraid this was not produced by me but some ersatz copy called Bath Supporter Roy.....when he does well he is related.....when not so well I have no idea who he is!
Ah - should have been paying more attention - but I suspect nurture may have played a part as well as nature! I'm still not used to calling you BSJ anyway!
Thanks to Roy then - very good read!
Thanks to Roy then - very good read!
I would do v strong and try to rest a few like beno/tdt over the Edinburgh and glos games as they have played a fair bit of rugby and tdt never got his week off after autumn ints.
Maybe something like:
Santi
Big joe
Lawrence
Redpath
Muir
Finn
Spencer
Beno
Dunn
Griffin
Roux
Malony
Hill
Pepper
Alfie
Bench: frost, fvw, tdt, reid, underhill, tcs, mojo, arundel
Shame richards is out. With him I would have gone 6:2 Bench but would now have Hill covering lock.
Maybe something like:
Santi
Big joe
Lawrence
Redpath
Muir
Finn
Spencer
Beno
Dunn
Griffin
Roux
Malony
Hill
Pepper
Alfie
Bench: frost, fvw, tdt, reid, underhill, tcs, mojo, arundel
Shame richards is out. With him I would have gone 6:2 Bench but would now have Hill covering lock.
Quote:BathRob
Iād go big for this game IMO, Edinburgh at home is one we could afford to rest some key players but win away here and weāre probably set for the knock outs.
He says, hopefully!
Understandably JvG tends not to rest players for home games. Personally I see Glos as the most important in the next 3 as we canāt afford any more slip ups in the Premiership. On that basis I can see some rotation for Castres to give some players a break.
Players have all been rotated across the last month. Go full on for these three games - although possibly some England players might be rested for Glaws.
Quote:hasta
Players have all been rotated across the last month. Go full on for these three games - although possibly some England players might be rested for Glaws.
Iād be properly miffed if we voluntarily rest England plays for the Glos game, what happens to England just isnāt our problem.
If the feeling is no players need a rest then go full on for all 3 games.
Quote:Charlieboa1
Shame richards is out. With him I would have gone 6:2 Bench but would now have Hill covering lock.[/quote
I'm not sure I like this idea. Asking Hill to start and do all his work he does at 6 and then go and push in scrums and mauls as a lock for the last twenty mins feels like asking too much of him. I think that's why he's been benched a fair bit recentlly so he can cover second row more effectively
Without wishing to oversimplify things, if we don't beat Castres, the Edinburgh game becomes a bit of a moot point, as we'd be relying on Gloucester beating Toulon in the final round to give us any chance of topping the group.
Going through to the knockouts as a runner up just means we'll be put on a punishing path of away games against the likes of Leinster, Bordeaux, Toulouse, etc. At that point I'd much rather we put all our eggs in the Prem.
Going through to the knockouts as a runner up just means we'll be put on a punishing path of away games against the likes of Leinster, Bordeaux, Toulouse, etc. At that point I'd much rather we put all our eggs in the Prem.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:hasta
Players have all been rotated across the last month. Go full on for these three games - although possibly some England players might be rested for Glaws.
Iād be properly miffed if we voluntarily rest England plays for the Glos game, what happens to England just isnāt our problem.
If the feeling is no players need a rest then go full on for all 3 games.
I meant it might be enforced. I agree there's no need for us to rest.
Quote:hastaQuote:OutsideBathQuote:hasta
Players have all been rotated across the last month. Go full on for these three games - although possibly some England players might be rested for Glaws.
Iād be properly miffed if we voluntarily rest England plays for the Glos game, what happens to England just isnāt our problem.
If the feeling is no players need a rest then go full on for all 3 games.
I meant it might be enforced. I agree there's no need for us to rest.
All available and joining camp after that round of games: [www.rugbypass.com]
Quote:theredseatQuote:Charlieboa1
Shame richards is out. With him I would have gone 6:2 Bench but would now have Hill covering lock.[/quote
I'm not sure I like this idea. Asking Hill to start and do all his work he does at 6 and then go and push in scrums and mauls as a lock for the last twenty mins feels like asking too much of him. I think that's why he's been benched a fair bit recentlly so he can cover second row more effectively
Share that concern TRS but I think he is too good to not be on the pitch for 80 mins and would only move up if roux/ malony injured or struggling.
Benching him to cover lock hasn't been ideal either, lose a lot from doing that imho.
As I say ideal would have been richards/ewels being available.
Think gyamfi may remain involved over next few games? Is he registered for Europe?
Player Injuries:- [www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Mojo and TdG recovered from injuries
Mojo and TdG recovered from injuries
Quote:boozeboozebooze
Without wishing to oversimplify things, if we don't beat Castres, the Edinburgh game becomes a bit of a moot point, as we'd be relying on Gloucester beating Toulon in the final round to give us any chance of topping the group.
Going through to the knockouts as a runner up just means we'll be put on a punishing path of away games against the likes of Leinster, Bordeaux, Toulouse, etc. At that point I'd much rather we put all our eggs in the Prem.
Good point well made, boozeboozebooze. If we're serious about winning this tournament we have to top our group and that means going full bore on selection.
The weather forecast is playing into Castres hands as they rely on a dominant forward pack backed up by good place kicking that punishes poor discipline.
If this game turns into an arm wrestle due to the conditions it might be problematic for Bath. No doubt JvG has analysed Castres and has a plan.
If this game turns into an arm wrestle due to the conditions it might be problematic for Bath. No doubt JvG has analysed Castres and has a plan.
Quote:Mini MaximusQuote:boozeboozebooze
Without wishing to oversimplify things, if we don't beat Castres, the Edinburgh game becomes a bit of a moot point, as we'd be relying on Gloucester beating Toulon in the final round to give us any chance of topping the group.
Going through to the knockouts as a runner up just means we'll be put on a punishing path of away games against the likes of Leinster, Bordeaux, Toulouse, etc. At that point I'd much rather we put all our eggs in the Prem.
Good point well made, boozeboozebooze. If we're serious about winning this tournament we have to top our group and that means going full bore on selection.
Totally agree.
If we lose on Fri then we are prob doomed so let's go for it.
We rotate every game in reality and sure that will continue.
Slight challenge is that I am not sure what 'full bore' looks like at mo.
People like sela , kepu, green, hennessey are putting their hands up and have serious motivation to prove themselves. Sure they will play a part in these next 3 fixtures.
āBath Rugby have registered Bernard van der Linde and Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi to be able to play in the Champions Cup.
Long term injured Will Stuart and and Neil le Roux are out of the European squadā
John Evely
Long term injured Will Stuart and and Neil le Roux are out of the European squadā
John Evely
Team is Up:
Bath Rugby: 1. Beno Obano, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Vilikesa Sela, 4. Quinn Roux 5. Ross Molony, 6. Ted Hill, 7. Miles Reid, 8. Alfie Barbeary, 9. Ben Spencer (c), 10. Finn Russell, 11. Will Muir, 12. Cameron Redpath, 13. Max Ojomoh, 14. Henry Arundell, 15. Santi Carreras
Replacements: 16. Kepu Tuipulotu, 17. Francois van Wyk, 18. Thomas du Toit, 19. Josh Bayliss, 20. Guy Pepper, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Will Butt, 23. Joe Cokanasiga
PG
Bath Rugby: 1. Beno Obano, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Vilikesa Sela, 4. Quinn Roux 5. Ross Molony, 6. Ted Hill, 7. Miles Reid, 8. Alfie Barbeary, 9. Ben Spencer (c), 10. Finn Russell, 11. Will Muir, 12. Cameron Redpath, 13. Max Ojomoh, 14. Henry Arundell, 15. Santi Carreras
Replacements: 16. Kepu Tuipulotu, 17. Francois van Wyk, 18. Thomas du Toit, 19. Josh Bayliss, 20. Guy Pepper, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Will Butt, 23. Joe Cokanasiga
PG
Quote:P G Tips
Team is Up:
Bath Rugby: 1. Beno Obano, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Vilikesa Sela, 4. Quinn Roux 5. Ross Molony, 6. Ted Hill, 7. Miles Reid, 8. Alfie Barbeary, 9. Ben Spencer (c), 10. Finn Russell, 11. Will Muir, 12. Cameron Redpath, 13. Max Ojomoh, 14. Henry Arundell, 15. Santi Carreras
Replacements: 16. Kepu Tuipulotu, 17. Francois van Wyk, 18. Thomas du Toit, 19. Josh Bayliss, 20. Guy Pepper, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Will Butt, 23. Joe Cokanasiga
PG
I'd class that as pretty much full strength (perhaps with the exception of no Underhill), so should give us every chance of getting a result.
Interesting that we've gone 5/3 on the bench, maybe Joe is in there as a potential "hybrid" player...
Castres Olympique
15. Theo Chabouni, 14. Christian Ambadiang, 13. Vuate Karawalevu, 12. Jack Goodhue, 11. Nathanael Hulleu, 10. Pierre Popelin, 9. Jeremy Fernandez, 1. Quentin Walcker, 2. Teddy Durand-Pradere, 3. Will Collier, 4. Guillaume Ducat, 5. Florent Vanverberghe, 6. Baptiste Delaporte (c), 7. Baptiste Cope, 8. Tyler Ardron
Replacements: 16. Loris Zarantonello, 17. Atunaisa Sokobale, 18. Nicolas Corato, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Simon Meka, 21. Gauthier Doubrere, 22. Enzo Herve, 23. Geoffrey Palis
Any Top14 fans able to discern if our opposition are at full strength?
15. Theo Chabouni, 14. Christian Ambadiang, 13. Vuate Karawalevu, 12. Jack Goodhue, 11. Nathanael Hulleu, 10. Pierre Popelin, 9. Jeremy Fernandez, 1. Quentin Walcker, 2. Teddy Durand-Pradere, 3. Will Collier, 4. Guillaume Ducat, 5. Florent Vanverberghe, 6. Baptiste Delaporte (c), 7. Baptiste Cope, 8. Tyler Ardron
Replacements: 16. Loris Zarantonello, 17. Atunaisa Sokobale, 18. Nicolas Corato, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Simon Meka, 21. Gauthier Doubrere, 22. Enzo Herve, 23. Geoffrey Palis
Any Top14 fans able to discern if our opposition are at full strength?
Quote:boozeboozeboozeQuote:P G Tips
Team is Up:
Bath Rugby: 1. Beno Obano, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Vilikesa Sela, 4. Quinn Roux 5. Ross Molony, 6. Ted Hill, 7. Miles Reid, 8. Alfie Barbeary, 9. Ben Spencer (c), 10. Finn Russell, 11. Will Muir, 12. Cameron Redpath, 13. Max Ojomoh, 14. Henry Arundell, 15. Santi Carreras
Replacements: 16. Kepu Tuipulotu, 17. Francois van Wyk, 18. Thomas du Toit, 19. Josh Bayliss, 20. Guy Pepper, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Will Butt, 23. Joe Cokanasiga
PG
I'd class that as pretty much full strength (perhaps with the exception of no Underhill), so should give us every chance of getting a result.
Interesting that we've gone 5/3 on the bench, maybe Joe is in there as a potential "hybrid" player...
I think Butt will be the hybrid player as he's packed down in backrow on occasions when required. Wonder if its whose available or based on opposition and style that we choose whether 5:3 or 6:2 split bench. After last week I thought we would have included Green again for ball carrying back row from bench but then almost all 3 starting backrows are.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:tigersimon
Underhill & Lawrence injured.
Or rested?
Listed as picking up knocks against Cheifs on the club website
Quote:boozeboozebooze
Castres Olympique
15. Theo Chabouni, 14. Christian Ambadiang, 13. Vuate Karawalevu, 12. Jack Goodhue, 11. Nathanael Hulleu, 10. Pierre Popelin, 9. Jeremy Fernandez, 1. Quentin Walcker, 2. Teddy Durand-Pradere, 3. Will Collier, 4. Guillaume Ducat, 5. Florent Vanverberghe, 6. Baptiste Delaporte (c), 7. Baptiste Cope, 8. Tyler Ardron
Replacements: 16. Loris Zarantonello, 17. Atunaisa Sokobale, 18. Nicolas Corato, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Simon Meka, 21. Gauthier Doubrere, 22. Enzo Herve, 23. Geoffrey Palis
Any Top14 fans able to discern if our opposition are at full strength?
From what Iāve seen that is pretty much full strength Castres.
Very powerful pack.
Feels a surprising / mildly concerning game not to be running the 6/2 bench. As Iāve said above I think itās asking a lot of Ted Hill and it would negate Castresā power game somewhat.
Interesting how much time du Toit is spending on the bench at the moment. Seems a combination of giving Sela in particular more experience and also trying to keep his powder dry for the run in given the absence of Stuart
Interesting how much time du Toit is spending on the bench at the moment. Seems a combination of giving Sela in particular more experience and also trying to keep his powder dry for the run in given the absence of Stuart
Quote:theredseat
Feels a surprising / mildly concerning game not to be running the 6/2 bench.
Not ideal, sure - but a case of 'needs must' I would assume given that there aren't any other fit and experienced locks?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:theredseat
Feels a surprising / mildly concerning game not to be running the 6/2 bench. As Iāve said above I think itās asking a lot of Ted Hill and it would negate Castresā power game somewhat.
I get what you mean, but at the same time 2 of our replacement backs are 6ft3 and 105kg+, so they should still bring some physicality in the 2nd half. Maybe this bench should be categorised as a 5.5/2.5 split?
Quote:theredseat
Interesting how much time du Toit is spending on the bench at the moment. Seems a combination of giving Sela in particular more experience and also trying to keep his powder dry for the run in given the absence of Stuart
I guess the argument for having Sela start is that if he holds his own (or gets the nudge on) you can keep him on for 50+ minutes then have TdT completely empty the tank when he comes on. On the flipside if Sela struggles then you have the option of subbing him early in the game.
If TdT started then it would be pretty tempting to keep him on the field as long as possible (particularly if it's a close game) even if he's getting fatigued.
This game is absolutely critical to our chances in Europe this year. Win it, we get home R16 & maybe QF. Lose it we go away against a big boy and can probably write off any chance of making the SF.
So JvG is absolutely right to go as strong as possible. Lose and we prioritise the PREM from here on in. Win and the juggling act continues. Either way, we can afford to the usual rotation for Edinburgh and Glaws.
Ewels is probably the biggest miss.
Ewels and Richards out probably decided the 5/3 split.
Possibly an unfair judgement but the 5/3 split didn't work out well against Saints!
Ojomoh filling in for Lawrence hardly weakens the back line. Hopefully we will see more from them this week.
Interesting that Sela is getting the nod over Griffin and Kepu over Frost, unless there's an injury we don't know about. It's putting a big strain on Dunn though starting 80% of the time.
With TdT off next season we really need to keep both Griffin & Sela.
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
So JvG is absolutely right to go as strong as possible. Lose and we prioritise the PREM from here on in. Win and the juggling act continues. Either way, we can afford to the usual rotation for Edinburgh and Glaws.
Ewels is probably the biggest miss.
Ewels and Richards out probably decided the 5/3 split.
Possibly an unfair judgement but the 5/3 split didn't work out well against Saints!
Ojomoh filling in for Lawrence hardly weakens the back line. Hopefully we will see more from them this week.
Interesting that Sela is getting the nod over Griffin and Kepu over Frost, unless there's an injury we don't know about. It's putting a big strain on Dunn though starting 80% of the time.
With TdT off next season we really need to keep both Griffin & Sela.
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
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:theredseat
Feels a surprising / mildly concerning game not to be running the 6/2 bench.
Not ideal, sure - but a case of 'needs must' I would assume given that there aren't any other fit and experienced locks?
Yeah I guess but would still have preferred EOG (if he's recovered from limping off last week), Staddon or Green on the bench over Butt or even shuffle Hill to to the bench which I know isn't ideal. Just seems a game where that extra option in the pack might be needed
Quote:boozeboozebooze
I guess the argument for having Sela start is that if he holds his own (or gets the nudge on) you can keep him on for 50+ minutes then have TdT completely empty the tank when he comes on. On the flipside if Sela struggles then you have the option of subbing him early in the game.
That was exactly the argument made last week in the Sale game vs Quins - they played Carpenter from the start and subbed him at 37 mins. As he had just come back from injury the argument was that it gave them more control than if he had started sub (i.e. he may have been needed for 79 mins if there was an injury).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I think the reason TdT is not starting at the moment is down to Will Stuart's injury - the coaching team now need to get Sela or/and Griffin up to speed with the run-in just round the corner now is the time to prep players who are going to be fully involved, whilst giving TdT some much needed rest and obviously impact.
Our bench is not containing the power it normally does - Pepper has filled in at 2nd Row last season - albeit I would imagine the plan is Ted Hill will drop in.
TdT and Kepu will be the power runners - one thing the bench does have is incredible pace - Josh B, Guy P, Will B and Joe C are all big boys who can shift at eye watering pace and put the fear of god into most tiring defences.
COME ON BATH.
Our bench is not containing the power it normally does - Pepper has filled in at 2nd Row last season - albeit I would imagine the plan is Ted Hill will drop in.
TdT and Kepu will be the power runners - one thing the bench does have is incredible pace - Josh B, Guy P, Will B and Joe C are all big boys who can shift at eye watering pace and put the fear of god into most tiring defences.
COME ON BATH.
I like Ali's line of thinking. Bringing on boys who can shift in the hope we can punch a few holes in a tiring defence.
If we can stay in the fight until the hour mark we may have a chance. Going to be a bruising encounter though by all accounts.
If we can stay in the fight until the hour mark we may have a chance. Going to be a bruising encounter though by all accounts.
Quote:tigersimon
āBath Rugby have registered Bernard van der Linde and Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi to be able to play in the Champions Cup.
Long term injured Will Stuart and and Neil le Roux are out of the European squadā
John Evely
I couldn't find squad changes on Championship Cup's website but now on Rugbypass. [www.rugbypass.com]
Did like how they have Bernard replacing Stuart and state that Will is understood to be managing an ongoing injury issue, ruling him out of selection. Just a little Achilles injury
I cannot help but feel a bit disappointed for Tom de Glanville, he has been playing very well and has looked solid all season. I accept that he does not have the x factor of Santi Carreras but Carreras looked far from steady last weekend. I fully accept that he is still settling in at Bath and would NOT judge his abilities based on that performance, but personally I would have had T de G at full back with Santi on the bench to come on for Finn if required. I hope we have finally given up the idea of using T de G as a winger, he just does not have the pace there.
I suspect TdG is being given a bit more time to get over his knock from the Saints game.
PG
PG
Quote:A fair point, and I suspect that you are correctP G Tips
I suspect TdG is being given a bit more time to get over his knock from the Saints game.
PG
Managing a players return from injury is totally different to managing the game time of a relatively inexperienced TH and a World Class TH and the judgement of when to send on the Cavalry!
Feels like a logical selection for me, even if I am surprised about the 5:3 bench like some others.
Sela has really impressed so far this season and clearly has the talent, so it makes total sense to get him the experience with Stuart out for the foreseeable.
Three backs on the bench is presumably to cover Horse, so he can continue easing back in without needing to go the full 80.
Consensus seems to be that Castres have a monstrous pack, so playing a high tempo game and moving the ball wide may well be the path to victory. Every possibility that we might yield some penalties upfront, though, so we need to cut out all the soft infringements to win.
Come on you Bath!
Sela has really impressed so far this season and clearly has the talent, so it makes total sense to get him the experience with Stuart out for the foreseeable.
Three backs on the bench is presumably to cover Horse, so he can continue easing back in without needing to go the full 80.
Consensus seems to be that Castres have a monstrous pack, so playing a high tempo game and moving the ball wide may well be the path to victory. Every possibility that we might yield some penalties upfront, though, so we need to cut out all the soft infringements to win.
Come on you Bath!
My only concern is the backs have a lot of ballers and not as many direct runners, while they might be our best players I'm not sure it's the best balance.
Quote:hasta
My only concern is the backs have a lot of ballers and not as many direct runners, while they might be our best players I'm not sure it's the best balance.
There was a point last season when Will Butt was absolutely on fire playing that role
I guess as others have said no reason why we can't up the power game via backs off the bench not just forwards.
We usually keep spencer on all/ nearly all game so keep tcs in reserve so allows early deployment of butt/ coko if we are lacking some direct running.
Tbf think I would have played butt last week and this week. When a team is a bit out of nick having some consistent go forward massively helps.
We usually keep spencer on all/ nearly all game so keep tcs in reserve so allows early deployment of butt/ coko if we are lacking some direct running.
Tbf think I would have played butt last week and this week. When a team is a bit out of nick having some consistent go forward massively helps.
Presumably the bench is that way as Cam/Ojo move to fly half in event of injury to Finn so we need a hybrid centre to come on for them. Then Big Joe to cover wing if Carreras gets injured with Henry moving to 15.
Really up for this, got the chicken wings marinating and the beer chilling already.
Realistically weāll need to win in France at some point in the competition to progress, so letās get an early psychological advantage.
Really up for this, got the chicken wings marinating and the beer chilling already.
Realistically weāll need to win in France at some point in the competition to progress, so letās get an early psychological advantage.
Will be interesting how they deploy Cokanasiga from the bench - hopefully there's a plan in place, and it's not just injury cover.
If youāre a tiring forward, with 65 minutes in your legs and body, Iād wager Coka is one of the last people youād wanted to see running down your channel.
If has the same spirit as La Rochelle last year where he smashed everyone in his path then it would be most appreciated!
If has the same spirit as La Rochelle last year where he smashed everyone in his path then it would be most appreciated!
Quote:BathRob
If youāre a tiring forward, with 65 minutes in your legs and body, Iād wager Coka is one of the last people youād wanted to see running down your channel.
If I was a tiring forward I would rather that than an Arundell zipping on my outside
Quote:gaz59Quote:BathRob
If youāre a tiring forward, with 65 minutes in your legs and body, Iād wager Coka is one of the last people youād wanted to see running down your channel.
If I was a tiring forward I would rather that than an Arundell zipping on my outside
Like Sophieās Choice šš
Quote:BathRob
Like Sophieās Choice šš
Happier ending hopefully.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Charlieboa1
I guess as others have said no reason why we can't up the power game via backs off the bench not just forwards.
We usually keep spencer on all/ nearly all game so keep tcs in reserve so allows early deployment of butt/ coko if we are lacking some direct running.
Tbf think I would have played butt last week and this week. When a team is a bit out of nick having some consistent go forward massively helps.
Donāt think weāll be using our back much tonight as itās raining here and itās forecast to continue raining with strengthening wind.
This match is going to be won by the forwards.
Quote:OutsideBath
This match is going to be won by the forwards.
That could be a concern based on what has been said by those who know the oppo better than I do (i.e. that they have a big knarly pack?)
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Just seen Tom de G at our lunch venue.....looked relaxed. Probably glad not to be playing in the rain and cold!
Quote:OutsideBath
Donāt think weāll be using our back much tonight as itās raining here and itās forecast to continue raining with strengthening wind.
This match is going to be won by the forwards.
Or are they perfect conditions for this Bath team? Look at what we did against Sale and Munster already this season.
16. Kepu Tuipulotu, 17. Francois van Wyk, 18. Thomas du Toit, 19. Josh Bayliss, 20. Guy Pepper
Thatās some Bomb squad to deploy on a wet and windy evening at the Rec.
Thatās some Bomb squad to deploy on a wet and windy evening at the Rec.
Quote:tigersimon
16. Kepu Tuipulotu, 17. Francois van Wyk, 18. Thomas du Toit, 19. Josh Bayliss, 20. Guy Pepper
Thatās some Bomb squad to deploy on a wet and windy evening at the Rec.
In Castres tonight!
Hasta,
Of course it is - Dāoh!
It was the description
ā as itās raining here and itās forecast to continue raining with strengthening wind.ā - that immediately had me at the Rec š¤£š¤£
Of course it is - Dāoh!
It was the description
ā as itās raining here and itās forecast to continue raining with strengthening wind.ā - that immediately had me at the Rec š¤£š¤£
Where as you will know well tigersimon, Bath play sublime rugby in the sunshine!
š
PG
š
PG
Quote:tigersimon
Hasta,
Of course it is - Dāoh!
It was the description
ā as itās raining here and itās forecast to continue raining with strengthening wind.ā - that immediately had me at the Rec š¤£š¤£
It's Bath, not Leicester
Great. Another soft penalty undoes us early on
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Quick response from Bath sees Redpath crashing over.
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
That is a ridiculous call from the ref.
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Quote:Pulteneyfan
Cant complain about the yellow - discipline already a thing tonight
If thatās a croc roll then Iām a rocket scientist
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Its harsh but fair ā¦ croc roll ā¦
āthe action of a player laterally rolling, twisting, or pulling an opponent who is on their feet in the tackle area to the groundā
āthe action of a player laterally rolling, twisting, or pulling an opponent who is on their feet in the tackle area to the groundā
Absolutely moronic from Muir
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Quote:Toast and Marmite
Absolutely moronic from Muir
Most of us are blind here.
Please can you elaborate on what your comments relate to?
Quote:Dorset BoyQuote:Toast and Marmite
Absolutely moronic from Muir
Most of us are blind here.
Please can you elaborate on what your comments relate to?
Kick chase and pointless take out if French winger in the air - we had the penalty advantage so we are down to 14 for another 10 minutes
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:09:20:16:58 by Toast and Marmite.
Canāt get a handle on the ref other than him being hot on anything in the ruck - just let a blatant forward pass go
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
14 men and weāre trying to do risky offloads rather than recycling
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Ironically Castre ill discipline helping us - scrum penalty to us and they have conceded 6 penalties to our 3.
Hill powers over after excellent drives from Barbeary
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Hill powers over after excellent drives from Barbeary
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Quote:hasta
Great run by Alfie there. Managed this period very very well.
Heās been excellent recently
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Classic catch and drive sees Dunn over and a Castre yellow card!!!
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Interesting how ref still penalises even when try scored. Its a good thing.
Quote:Pulteneyfan
Interesting how ref still penalises even when try scored. Its a good thing.
Agreed
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Bath will be happier - feels like if we put them under sustained pressure they will break or give away a penalty. Just need to sort our own discipline
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Weather looks better than expected, so has been quite a good game and weāre just about in control. Their 9 seems a great playerā¦ likely the 19th best in France.
Forwards have been good, back row especially, and Sela looks fine at this level. Spencer (charge down offside?) and Finn have got us down their end. Keep our heads, improve our exits, and we could get a result here.
Ref has been a bit odd- very harsh to both teams but we seem to be just on the right side of him.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:09:20:41:42 by dr.bath1865.
Forwards have been good, back row especially, and Sela looks fine at this level. Spencer (charge down offside?) and Finn have got us down their end. Keep our heads, improve our exits, and we could get a result here.
Ref has been a bit odd- very harsh to both teams but we seem to be just on the right side of him.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:09:20:41:42 by dr.bath1865.
Quick word for Cam and Ojo- no fireworks as such but going about the nuts and bolts really well. Sometimes forget how strong Ojo is given his other skills
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Two teams with poor discipline and a ref that wants to blow for everything is a tough combination.
Our decision making continuing to cost us an easier life as well.
Very much in favour of Bruce or JvG having a quiet word about a relocation with their scrum half
Our decision making continuing to cost us an easier life as well.
Very much in favour of Bruce or JvG having a quiet word about a relocation with their scrum half
Losing mind with our failure to support the ball carrier
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
If anyone can figure out what the ref is wanting at the breakdown let the rest of us know
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Woo hoo Obano crashes over as the away supporters sing his name
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Everyone who criticises Gleeson needs to take a note on how much better our 5m tap attack is.
Forwards really firing this week
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Quote:Toast and Marmite
If anyone can figure out what the ref is wanting at the breakdown let the rest of us know
Ref having a fab game for me, reffing the match rather than coaching the players throughout it. Carry on Sir š
Its interesting how the ref doesnt coach the players at all - just applying the laws and blowing the whistle . Maybe players were expecting it and have had to adapt.
TDT in for Sela who has been great
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Scrum penalty to Castre - no replay so canāt say what precisely for
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Quote:Toast and Marmite
TDT in for Sela who has been great
My worries about losing Will Stuart to injury and TdT going home are diminishing after Billy's performance tonight. Well done that man
Need to get the next score - dies feel like weāre a couple of passes that stick from unpicking them
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Santi looking more secure at FB.
Barbeary practically unplayable atm
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Barbeary practically unplayable atm
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
And as soon as I mention Santi he drops it! First real error tbf š
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Another utterly baffling penalty from us given Castre going nowhere fast - absolutely baffling that we continue to do this every week
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Not much flow in the game atm - Bath keeping Castre at arms length
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Beautiful interplay leads to the killer score for Muir which Finn converts- 20 - 36
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Thatās a sensational team try. Awesome from Barbeary.
I think thereās been the first signs of Gleeson on show tonight. Noticeably weāve put more dummy runners in front of the ball than Iāve seen before.
I think thereās been the first signs of Gleeson on show tonight. Noticeably weāve put more dummy runners in front of the ball than Iāve seen before.
Quote:Mini Maximus
Alfie phenomenal tonight ā fantastic to see him back to his best
MOTM again- and yet some posters think heās a luxury we can loseā¦
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Very pleasing overall with this performance at a place that is incredibly difficult to get any result
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Barbeary also going full 80 with no real dip worth remarking on
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Be a cracking night in Castre for the travelling fans
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Quote:Toast and Marmite
Be a cracking night in Castre for the travelling fans
It'll be even better if they're in Castres!
Why do folks miss off the ;s;?
Really good second half. Looked much more like ourselves. Plenty more of that please.
Barbearyās carrying was top class - barrelling into defenders like theyād insulted his relatives. Scrum was pretty dominant and Sela seemed the biggest factor in that. Hugely impressive to go to France and do that from a 20 year old tighthead. Reid great and Butt had a brilliant cameo.
Barbearyās carrying was top class - barrelling into defenders like theyād insulted his relatives. Scrum was pretty dominant and Sela seemed the biggest factor in that. Hugely impressive to go to France and do that from a 20 year old tighthead. Reid great and Butt had a brilliant cameo.
Will Butt had a great cameo too. I want him to stay please JvG. Wasn't sure about tonight after Saints/Chiefs but that was a statement performance. Very well done everyone šš
Very impressive win, especially in the context of a couple of tricky games.
Still a few things to work on, as there always will be, but our defence was great, the setpiece was excellent after a wobbly start in the lineout and there were positive signs in attack once we'd established a lead and they began to tire.
More of the same next week please!
Still a few things to work on, as there always will be, but our defence was great, the setpiece was excellent after a wobbly start in the lineout and there were positive signs in attack once we'd established a lead and they began to tire.
More of the same next week please!
Impressive result, the bonus point guarantees us top spot after this round of matches. Edinburgh had a close shave against Gloucester but no room for complacency against them next week.
Billy Sela might have earned himself a place in the England camp following that performance. Incredible for a 20year old TH.
Nothing more to add but that is a great statement from Bath to win so handsomely in France.
Tremendous win which has done a good job of resetting things after the blips of recent weeks.
Quote:by
Billy Sela might have earned himself a place in the England camp following that performance. Incredible for a 20year old TH.
Would love to hear a front row experts view on Sela. Heās obviously got plenty of power but he must be technically very strong because he didnāt seem like he was just blasting through his opposite number but the Castres loosehead couldnāt live with him.
Business like win, particularly in the 2nd half.
Even the weather got better just before kick off.
Happy days.
Even the weather got better just before kick off.
Happy days.
Quote:Bath Hammer
Tremendous win which has done a good job of resetting things after the blips of recent weeks.
Blips of recent weeks? Only one I think unless you think allowing Exeter getting 2 bonus points a blip! š
Quote:theredseatQuote:by
Billy Sela might have earned himself a place in the England camp following that performance. Incredible for a 20year old TH.
Would love to hear a front row experts view on Sela. Heās obviously got plenty of power but he must be technically very strong because he didnāt seem like he was just blasting through his opposite number but the Castres loosehead couldnāt live with him.
Funnily enough I was impressed with the no of scrum pens we were awarded and when Thomas replaced him there was a scrum pen given to them! He had a great performance.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:09:22:28:34 by CoochieCoo.
Quote:theredseatQuote:by
Billy Sela might have earned himself a place in the England camp following that performance. Incredible for a 20year old TH.
Would love to hear a front row experts view on Sela. Heās obviously got plenty of power but he must be technically very strong because he didnāt seem like he was just blasting through his opposite number but the Castres loosehead couldnāt live with him.
Yes, I was thinking much the same theredseat ā he looks so calm and composed too, fantastic temperament for such a young fellow.
Alfie looks like the guy of a couple of years ago where it was just a matter of time before he made the England 8 shirt his own. Maybe Tom Willis absenting himself has given him a spur.
I'm not quite sure what I mean by this but Will Butt just looks like a rugby player, aesthetically.
I'm not quite sure what I mean by this but Will Butt just looks like a rugby player, aesthetically.
Butt runs so hard, it's such a good facet to have in the team. I've been impressed with Hennessy this season, he looks notably bigger and stronger, but really would be a shame to lose Will. Maybe it's best for him.
Quote:CoochieCooQuote:Bath Hammer
Tremendous win which has done a good job of resetting things after the blips of recent weeks.
Blips of recent weeks? Only one I think unless you think allowing Exeter getting 2 bonus points a blip! š
Well, if the Northampton games wasnāt a blip I donāt know what was, as was the Toulon loss & the 2 points to Exeter. Iām not revisiting all that again as it has a negative slant on an extremely positive night which banished those games from our collective memories.
Big big statement win in France - although Castres arenāt one of the ābigā names that will make the rest of the competition sit up and take notice.
I was a bit worried after 20 minutes, but it was a classic Bath showing of keep grinding and then the bench just carries it over the line and more!
Couple of thoughts in no order:
- Sela looked fantastic, in the tight and loose. Definitely on Englands radar and if he keeps up then Stuart and TdT who? (Tongue firmly in cheek)
- Beno yellow seemed harsh, especially as Roux moved the player as he was rucking him
- Finn ran the show and kept everyone on their toes. He revels in being that guy to get the crowd riled up!
- Butt ran firm and true and straightened the line so many times when he came on. He certainly does look like a rugby player
- Ted, Molony, Dunn all got through the hard grunt work well and always seemed to be involved in the action
- Alfie just superb and fully deserving it MotM, heās really carrying with some force these last few weeks and his clever switch back across the line and pop to Beno for the try was so clever
- My chicken wings were great, although forgot the baking powder so not quite as crispy as Iād normally like
All in all a great night - Back it up against Edinburgh with another five points and people will want to be avoiding us in the knock outs!
I was a bit worried after 20 minutes, but it was a classic Bath showing of keep grinding and then the bench just carries it over the line and more!
Couple of thoughts in no order:
- Sela looked fantastic, in the tight and loose. Definitely on Englands radar and if he keeps up then Stuart and TdT who? (Tongue firmly in cheek)
- Beno yellow seemed harsh, especially as Roux moved the player as he was rucking him
- Finn ran the show and kept everyone on their toes. He revels in being that guy to get the crowd riled up!
- Butt ran firm and true and straightened the line so many times when he came on. He certainly does look like a rugby player
- Ted, Molony, Dunn all got through the hard grunt work well and always seemed to be involved in the action
- Alfie just superb and fully deserving it MotM, heās really carrying with some force these last few weeks and his clever switch back across the line and pop to Beno for the try was so clever
- My chicken wings were great, although forgot the baking powder so not quite as crispy as Iād normally like
All in all a great night - Back it up against Edinburgh with another five points and people will want to be avoiding us in the knock outs!
Just managed to watch the game after a stressful day in which my van's transmission dramatically and terminally expired on a 6 lane freeway. Not fun but no one was harmed. Genuinely, I never at any time thought that we would not win that match - not even when we down to 13. Excellent, controlled, smart rugby. Everything we weren't last week.
Everyone played well but...
My MotM - Alfie. By a country mile his best game for the BBW. More of all of that, please.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:10:07:17:37 by joethefanatic.
Everyone played well but...
My MotM - Alfie. By a country mile his best game for the BBW. More of all of that, please.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:10:07:17:37 by joethefanatic.
Quote:joethefanatic
Just managed to watch the game after a stressful day in which my van's transmission dramatically and terminally expired on a 6 lane freeway. Not fun but no one was harmed. Genuinely, I never at any time thought that we would not win that match - not even when we down to 13. Excellent, controlled, smart rugby. Everything we weren't last week.
Everyone played well but...
My MotM - Alfie. By a country mile his best game for the BBW. More of all of that, please.
+1
(Though a flat tyre on the hire car was as bad as it got for me on the transport front)
From try #2 it was never in doubt. Even when we were numbers down Castres had nothing we couldnāt handle. Great atmos at the ground. The froggies round us were losing their minds over the referee.
Toulon sent what looked like their 7ths against La Rochelle last week, with an unsurprising outcome (66-0) despite a cameo from one Ma Nonu, aged 465 or something. Even by the standards of top 14 sending weakened sides away from home that was a really poor team. Partly that was down to injuries, but also seemed like they were very obviously targeting the Munster game and this comp, and their team for tomorrow seems to confirm that. So, a straight shootout between us and them; our win last night was priceless
Agree with all of the above. Vilikesa Sela, Alfie Barbs, Max O all very good. Various others did fine. Butt looked perfect for this game and those conditions when he came on (IMO he should have started this one at 12). Tough night for the back 3: Arundel is going to be after the person who tied his shoelaces together before his (only?) open play run at the end. Santiago Carreras isn't as good at 15 as TDG at the moment. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of Kepu.
The July 2024 definition of a croc roll means that the Beno decision was correct. Both sets of players got caught out by the 'no warnings' (i.e. hands away) at the breakdown. Castres got away with a load of dirty stuff on and off the ball (childish actions like pushing Peppers face into the dirt after tackling) so glad that Bath rose above it.
All in all, a very pleasing result and their fate is their hands vs Edinburgh. Well done Bath!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:10:08:47:15 by BathMatt53.
The July 2024 definition of a croc roll means that the Beno decision was correct. Both sets of players got caught out by the 'no warnings' (i.e. hands away) at the breakdown. Castres got away with a load of dirty stuff on and off the ball (childish actions like pushing Peppers face into the dirt after tackling) so glad that Bath rose above it.
All in all, a very pleasing result and their fate is their hands vs Edinburgh. Well done Bath!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:10:08:47:15 by BathMatt53.
Thatās a huge win against a good Too 14 side. Fantastic performance a word for Moloney, a real strong showing seems to be a leader in the pack and is benefiting from a few starts.
Happy days šŖšŖ
Widcombe GarƧon
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:10:15:09:52 by Widcombe boy.
Happy days šŖšŖ
Widcombe GarƧon
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:10:15:09:52 by Widcombe boy.
As above, disciplined and controlled performance. Love Ojomoh in the 13 shirt. We look so dangerous when he has the ball and his skills to bring others in is excellent. Genuinely feel him and Butt work really well together.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:10:09:37:53 by copester.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:10:09:37:53 by copester.
Quote:Forgive me as I describe last night as a 4th gear kind of performance. A release of the pressure for surejoethefanatic
Just managed to watch the game after a stressful day in which my van's transmission dramatically and terminally expired on a 6 lane freeway.
Sela was ace I have to say and Alfie had a real barnstormer. Butt off the bench was a difference maker - it's a shame he might become surplus to requirements because that turnover penalty was something not all centres can do.
There were messy aspects - it still feels at times Finn and Spencer aren't quite on the same wavelength, or there's bodies in the way when Finn wants to move it. I thought Carreras was pretty good actually and think there's value for building the game time before the 6 Nations break.
A bit like last week, it's hard to look at the Pool and not feel heartened. Beating French opposition away from home is hard to do and we did it pretty comfortably!
Highlight apart from being delighted on the win was the Castres crowd. Absolutely doing their nut for most of the game and gave us a lesson in how to complain about the ref.. Absolutely priceless.. š
Quote:A.M 180
I thought Carreras was pretty good actually and think there's value for building the game time before the 6 Nations break.
You wouldnāt think so if you read some of the player ratings- they seem to be increasingly divorced from reality. Whilst not a night for the back 3, I thought that at no real point were they giving me cause for concern defensively, unlike last week.
āāPaint the whole world with a rainbowā
Quote:Toast and MarmiteQuote:A.M 180
I thought Carreras was pretty good actually and think there's value for building the game time before the 6 Nations break.
You wouldnāt think so if you read some of the player ratings- they seem to be increasingly divorced from reality. Whilst not a night for the back 3, I thought that at no real point were they giving me cause for concern defensively, unlike last week.
Defensively I think he was fine albeit not really stretched by Castres at any point I can recall now.
Carreras is occasionally linking nicely with the attack but my main concern is that his line breaking runs have been almost non existent. Appreciate conditions are a factor but itās more that when he has tried heās not making progress and itās 50/50 whether we even retain possession. Not sure if its bad luck, him trying too hard for a big play or teammates not on the same page and supporting him but itās such a big part of his game that without it heās a really reduced threat
TBH I wonder how knackered (fatigued) Carrerras is?
The Argentinans tend to be on the go 12 months nowadays, I know coaches try to give them a break.
But just wonder how fatigued is his?
If TDG is back fit, might be worth giving him an extra couple of weeks rest?
Because at the moment heās not the player we have seen for Gloucester or Argentina!
The Argentinans tend to be on the go 12 months nowadays, I know coaches try to give them a break.
But just wonder how fatigued is his?
If TDG is back fit, might be worth giving him an extra couple of weeks rest?
Because at the moment heās not the player we have seen for Gloucester or Argentina!
As one who couldn't travel, and who refuses to pay for a 3rd TV subscription for my sport........
Does anyone know if there will be either a match replay, or highlights on YouTube or elsewhere?
If yes, any idea of when?
Many thanks
Does anyone know if there will be either a match replay, or highlights on YouTube or elsewhere?
If yes, any idea of when?
Many thanks
Quote:tigersimon
TBH I wonder how knackered (fatigued) Carrerras is?
The Argentinans tend to be on the go 12 months nowadays, I know coaches try to give them a break.
But just wonder how fatigued is his?
If TDG is back fit, might be worth giving him an extra couple of weeks rest?
Because at the moment heās not the player we have seen for Gloucester or Argentina!
Agree, rugby championship, to bath, to autumn ints, back to us.... assume he will get a good break after the glos game until the prem restarts which I think he will benefit from.
Far too early to judge him imho, clearly a class player and if he sticks it out I am sure he will come good.
Agree with others that on form tdg deserves the shirt currently.
Quote:WasBBWBaaBaa
As one who couldn't travel, and who refuses to pay for a 3rd TV subscription for my sport........
Does anyone know if there will be either a match replay, or highlights on YouTube or elsewhere?
If yes, any idea of when?
Many thanks
Yes, Iāve just watched the highlights on YouTube. Just enter Investec European Championship.
Found it! Cheers
Sadly only the tries and cards, but better than nothing
Sadly only the tries and cards, but better than nothing
Quote:OutsideBath
Highlight apart from being delighted on the win was the Castres crowd. Absolutely doing their nut for most of the game and gave us a lesson in how to complain about the ref.. Absolutely priceless.. š
Any particular bon mots you feel able to share??
Quote:SusanneQuote:OutsideBath
Highlight apart from being delighted on the win was the Castres crowd. Absolutely doing their nut for most of the game and gave us a lesson in how to complain about the ref.. Absolutely priceless.. š
Any particular bon mots you feel able to share??
Iām afraid some of the comments I couldnāt possibly share on such a polite forumā¦ š
2 guys behind us started mildly complaining at the first penalty awarded to Bath, the complaints gradually increased to apoplectic rage in the second half. They lost it so much I was almost crying with laughter and I couldnāt turn round.
Iām good at advising the ref on his mistakes, but by comparison Iām an amateur.
Outside is absolutely right they very quickly became very, very animated against the referee.
The noise was immense whenever a penalty was awarded against them.
When Muir tackled the winger in the air the row behind us exploded with rage, but were then completely disarmed and won over when my son turned round and 100% agreed that it was very dangerous and should definitely be a yellow card....entente cordiale then broke out!!
The noise was immense whenever a penalty was awarded against them.
When Muir tackled the winger in the air the row behind us exploded with rage, but were then completely disarmed and won over when my son turned round and 100% agreed that it was very dangerous and should definitely be a yellow card....entente cordiale then broke out!!
A fabulous weekend at Castres and then Montauban v Georgian Lions. Great stadium and hospitality in the Gary Whetton bar!. Castres fans reaction to ref is absolutely what you see at all French games and is 100% part of the game experience.
I go to 5 or 6 games a year in France and the faux rage is great fun. None of it is serious and rugby in France is so much more community based and affordable than bath. Tickets for 2 European games for less than Ā£50 ...... hard not to love it.
I go to 5 or 6 games a year in France and the faux rage is great fun. None of it is serious and rugby in France is so much more community based and affordable than bath. Tickets for 2 European games for less than Ā£50 ...... hard not to love it.
Quote:WasBBWBaaBaa
Found it! Cheers
Sadly only the tries and cards, but better than nothing
I 'believe' www.rugby24.net shows most complete matches 24 hours after live KO (VPN required) but I obviously have never tried it myself!
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!
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