By P G Tips
March 15 2016
Newcastle Falcons visit Bath this Friday evening hoping to drag themselves out of the relegation zone. Bath will be equally determined not to let Falcons drag them into it. Newcastle will feel that Bath’s vulnerabilities make this a winnable fixture, while Bath are still searching for the consistency and run of wins which they say is not far off. However, recent fortunes suggest that it is the visitors who have the uphill task. After enjoying a mini revival in rounds ten to thirteen, when they earned 13 of their 21 league points, the Falcons have struggled in the last three rounds – gaining only a single point, while Bath –although losing twice- have found some try scoring form and an attitude to fight to the last whistle. They will feel that home advantage should help them to a win.
Of all the threats that Newcastle can pose, it may be one of Bath’s own failings that should most be feared. The indiscipline that has dogged the season is surely tailor made for Falcons latest hero, Andy Goode. He and Dean Richards seem the perfect partnership: two throwbacks from a bygone era, who know how to play a pragmatic game and scrap out a win. Two of the “old school” who know how to enjoy a third half, whatever the quality of the game that went before: for whom penalties are as beautiful as tries. Goode though is not just a beer belly and a boot who enjoys a bevy. His value is in pulling the strings, getting his team in the right parts of the pitch, playing the percentages and a game of patience to force opposition mistakes. Just the man to have on your side when your opponents are searching for consistency and confidence.
Bath must neutralize Goode and I expect Louw (and probably Mercer from the bench) to be given the task of hunting him mercilessly to limit his influence. That strategy can be risky of course –leaving holes for others to exploit. Here Eastmond and Devoto need to set the tone in leading a secure and claustrophobic defensive line. More than that though, the key to victory lies in Bath’s own personnel and own game. With home advantage, first blood can be telling. They will look for early adventure and early scores, as against London Irish. What they should leave from the Irish game is the sloppy tactical kicking and poor chasing that let the opposition counter attack into the home 22. Bath need to dominate up front and territorially. And above all, keep all fifteen on the pitch.
Charlie Ewels has seen the possibilities that former U20 internationals can aspire to. If he and Hooper can continue to provide the quick lineout ball of recent matches, Bath should be able to let Eastmond and the back three free. Newcastle have a reputation for stifling a game that becomes a wrestling match, but the raptor’s ravage has been less than savage recently. It is time to clip their wings. Bath to win and, if the weather holds, take the bonus point.
Bath:, Lahiff, Webber, Wilson. Hooper (Capt), Ewels, Garvey, Louw, Mafi. Cook, Devoto., Agulla, Eastmond, Banahan, Rokodoguni. Homer.
Replacements: Catt, Frost, Thomas, Day, Mercer. Evans, Clark, Williams.
Rogers, McGuigan, Cusack, Botha, Green, Wilson, Welch, Latu.Takalua, Goode. Venditti, Harris, Pablo Socino, Sinoti. Tait
Replacements: Lawson, Harris, Hatakeyama, Mayhew, Hogg, Young, Delaney, Penny.
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