By Bonso
September 13 2012

Northampton Saints made it two wins out two on Sunday when they overcame Exeter Chiefs at a sun-drenched Franklin's Gardens. This week sees the Black, Gold and Green travel westward to face Bath Rugby in a Friday night fixture. Regular COYSDC contributor, Bonso, takes a look ahead to the game...

BATH RUGBY vs. NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

AP: Friday, 14th September 2012 - 7.45pm (ESPN)

RECREATION GROUND, BATH

MATCH PREVIEW

Bath versus Saints used to be one of the games we used to measure Saints aspirations and progress, but of late this  fixture has fallen somewhat off its Perch for various reasons. There have been times where fixtures have been re-arranged for the weather resulting in mid week fixtures and incomplete selection due to injury and fatigue, and of course the call of the international has effected this fixture of late as well. Bearing this in mind it is nice that we get to play our old foes from the Romano Jane Austin Themepark with nearly a full hand for both sides to pick from.

Bath are clearly in a bit of a rebuild under new guy Gary Gold and there is one thing that we can probably rely on in that Gold does not have disorganised teams under his aegis. Early season form suggests that this is so, and was certainly underlined with their victory over the Wycombe Globetrotters. Baths pack seems to be ok with a good mix of youthfull  talent and wise old heads. Certainly they should be not taken lightly in the loose. However I feel that they will not have the beating of a very interchangeable and solid Saints set piece. At the point of writing I can only speculate on the mind of Jim as concerns the Saints back 5 given the correct citing and suspension of Van Velze. The nice thing I feel over previous seasons is that I don’t feel overly worried on who we select. Of course ‘Sir’ can have a bearing on this.

Here we go then the half-back question, well it seems generally we have the Mylerist’s and the Lambist’s if you read the message boards. However I believe there is a silent majority that appreciate the qualities of both and gives voice to support whoever is in the 10 shirt. Far be it for me to try and predict selection, but if it was me Friday would be a day for Myler and territory, and not the trickery runnery of Lamb. Bath will be efficient and dangerous at half-back with probably Claasens and Barclay.

Sadly it looks as if the Nimitz Class aircraft carrier the good ship Banahan will not be playing centre so Baths selection in the centres will be interesting and potentionally could be a good area for Saints to get the nudge in irrespective of whether George Pisi is fit or not. I think Saints will go with Waldouk and Burrell and not push Pisi afterall there is a long way to go yet. If Saints get good ball Hipkiss and Williams or whoever is selected could have a long hard day.

No other way to put it both back three’s are tasty and like to run and it will be a major factor in deciding the match in the quality of the kicking game employed on both sides. It might well be that if Bath achieve some parity upfront that this might come into play.

There is one thing for sure that will be learned on Friday night. Each team has won their opening matches and I feel is a little unsure as to their true form. The next 80 minutes at the Rec will answer many questions on where Bath and Saints are on their relative journeys this season. As a footnote it will also see how Mr Small is dealing with the new Laws having seen J.P. Doyles and Barnes et al. over the opening weeks.

Saints to win of course and safe trip to all travelling down.

News: AP: Bath Rugby vs Northampton Saints - Match Preview

Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 13/09/2012 11:36

ComeOnYouSaints.com
13/09/2012 11:36

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Phil.
13/09/2012 13:40

Sorry, bons, I did my usual trick of publishing the article and then not taking the time to thank you for an interesting read. Particularly enjoyed, "Romano Jane Austin Themepark"!

Cheers fella!

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Saint Tim
13/09/2012 13:50

Thanks Bonso. Good stuff. I hope you are right.



“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”

Benjamin Franklin

Tetleys Block F E143

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Bob Stainsby
13/09/2012 15:27

Beware of Jane austin lookalikes with parasols parding in Bath declaring themseklves to be Layydees..Nice one Bonso and TBH a tad relieved Bannaman is absent though best wishes to him for speedy recovery .....after we have left the Wreck with the 5 points of course

Top of the League 2014-2015 Season

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Howlin
13/09/2012 16:02

Nice preview mate , and good prediction skills ! Thanks.

I do think we also need to see how Small deals with the new Lawes too. (see what I did there)

Saint til I die

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Tricky=Legend
13/09/2012 16:22

Enjoyed that, thanks.

Here is our (my) effort:

[www.rugbynetwork.net]

Hopefully it'll be a good game.

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StBleach
13/09/2012 17:54

Nice preview Mr Bonso and at short notice...

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