Bath
SHARK ATTACK? SALE SHARKS v BATH
Stuart: return?
By PG Tips
September 14 2021
Bath could get a sharp shark shock at Sale on Saturday evening. Last season’s semi- finalists have reinforced their forwards and by all reports been through a hardening and bonding pre-season. They won their sole warmup, against Jersey, without conceding a point. By contrast Bath’s pre-season friendlies were disrupted by Covid and some familiar weaknesses were still apparent in last week’s defeat at Cardiff Blues. There could hardly be a more daunting start to the season.
DOR Alex Sanderson has gone for squad stability, introducing only 3 new players – an entire front row in McIntyre and Taylor from Wasps, plus Schonert, formerly of Worcester. All three seem sensible additions to an already tough pack which aims to squeeze and dominate opponents. There are rumours from Manchester that centres Tuilagi and Van Rensburg are both in prime condition, having slimmed down in preparatory training. They will aim to provide the midfield punch for Wings Solomona, Yarde or McGuigan and a predatory back row to exploit. When halfbacks Cliff and Du Plessis are on form, the Mancunians relentless driving and direct style asks searching questions of their visitors defences. Bath could be staring into the jaws of defeat.
Questions of their own centre on Sale’s South African contingent. How much will they miss Springboks De Jager, Dan Du Preez and De Klerk in early season? Also, will one warmup- against a Championship side- be sufficient? There were rumours of a fixture against Benetton last Friday but I can find no reference either to a result or cancellation – which may explain the absence of Tuilagi, Yarde and Solomona, among others, from the squad which played Jersey. Will they be match sharp?
Bath fans too will have questions. Why were Boyce, Stuart, W Spencer, Bayliss, Muir and McConnochie missing from the Cardiff squad and will any be available for this week? Can Joe Cokanasiga recover in time from what looked a worrying knee injury? Who will form the centre pairing and will it have the muscle to withstand a potential battering from Van Rensburg and Tuilagi?
In defeat by 25 points to 14 last Friday, Bath showcased some of the promised changes in approach- to mixed effect. The first half defence was impressive; in line speed, aggressive intent and turnover. Several times defensive lineouts close to the line were snatched from Cardiff’s’ grasp and a couple of breakouts from defence transition threatened before dying from a wayward pass. There were some positive attacking signs too. Slicker, swifter passing and a willingness to counter from deep promised much, but again foundered on sloppy passes out wide. “Brave new World” it was not – but with refinement should find and exploit gaps. A more direct physical threat in midfield, plus a more pragmatic use of attacking kicks could sharpen the threat. Against Sale, the greater physicality of Will Butt may bring more reward than the guile of Ojomoh. Longer touch clearances from penalty kicks would help turn the screw too- hopefully the return of Ben Spencer will help in that.
While defensive aggression was much improved, it was sorely needed as the scrum was under constant pressure, even in the first half with the stronger of two packs on the field. This highlights the desperate need for a strong scrummaging lock. Hopefully Will Spencer will be available to add ballast and Will Stuart also to shore up the tight head side.
The second string fifteen of the second half were too easily exposed out wide, conceding two tries when outflanked- essentially the difference between the teams. This shows that the narrow defensive set of the past season has still not been completely corrected.
There have been rumours of a new Bath Captain this season, but the job seemed to be firmly in Charlie Ewels’ hands last Friday- at least in the first half. This with leading rivals Tom Dunn and Sam Underhill also on the pitch. Others in contention could be Ben Spencer and Josh McNally, who did not feature (McNally believed to be a match or two away from return). It will be interesting to see if the rumours are true, or Ewels continues to have the coaches’ trust, despite a poor disciplinary record last season.
If all six named above are fit and available, Bath should be capable of a stronger showing. They will need it. Sale away is never easy, especially a late kick -off in a season starter. Bath should though take hope from their last four encounters: three wins from four, the sole defeat in round 19 last season in controversial circumstances. Bath will want to set the record straight. Can they?
Possible Teams:
Bath: Obano, Dunn, Stuart, Ewels, W Spencer, Reid, Underhill. Coetzee. Spencer, Cipriani. Rokodoguni, Butt, Joseph, Muir. De Glanville.
Replacements: Boyce, Du Toit, Jonker, Ellis, Bayliss. Fox, Bailey, McConnochie.
Sale Sharks: Rodd, v d Merwe, Schonert, Weise, JP Du Preez, Neild, B Curry, Ross. Quirke, R Du Preez. Solomona, V Rensburg, Tuilagi, Yarde. Hammersley.
Replacements: Harrison, Langdon, Ford, Postlethwaite, Phillips. Cliff, Wilkinson, McGuigan.
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StumbleuponSHARK ATTACK? SALE SHARKS v BATH. Team's Up!
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 14/09/2021 11:01
14/09/2021 11:01
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:21:09:47:46 by P G Tips.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:21:09:47:46 by P G Tips.
Agreed. I guess that the full game should be on Premiership rugby TV the day after (like the old days).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
"There were rumours of a fixture against Benetton last Friday but I can find no reference either to a result or cancellation"
Have now discovered via Sale SN site they won 19-28.
Tuilagi, Solomona, Yarde did play.
PG
Have now discovered via Sale SN site they won 19-28.
Tuilagi, Solomona, Yarde did play.
PG
Quote:woodpecker
Id really like to watch this quite annoying its not on TV.
Is it not an option to travel up there to see the game? It’s not as if Sale home games ever sell out.
PG- Cliff in Sale team and on the bench… Raffi Quirke may start for them at 9?
I’d be surprised if Roko is straight back in the team, would be brilliant if he has got his attacking form back (defence was still good) though.
Are there any betting websites showing games does anybody know?
I’d be surprised if Roko is straight back in the team, would be brilliant if he has got his attacking form back (defence was still good) though.
Are there any betting websites showing games does anybody know?
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:woodpecker
Id really like to watch this quite annoying its not on TV.
Is it not an option to travel up there to see the game? It’s not as if Sale home games ever sell out.
Hmm it is an option, but not for a 5pm KO (I have a job and i have had too many holidays) and to be honest the main reason I gave up my ST was too many Friday night games and Bath's about an hour away for me Sale would be more like 3.
Quote:
Thanks, obviously if you want to be considered as a starter you need to at least add a 'y' to either your 1st or 2nd name and ideally have a separate nickname such as TdG (Deeg).
Quote:Shadders
PG- Cliff in Sale team and on the bench… Raffi Quirke may start for them at 9?
I’d be surprised if Roko is straight back in the team, would be brilliant if he has got his attacking form back (defence was still good) though.
Are there any betting websites showing games does anybody know?
Thanks Shadders. Corrected now.
As for Roko, he looked good to me on Friday -elusive and hard to bring down, if not as fast as before. I am not sure if both Muir and McConnochie are fit (although both were at the game as spectators and apparently OK), so hedging bets a bit. If Ruaridh is fit I guess he starts.
PG
JoCo out, knee in brace, awaiting scan results. McC and Muir. Both illness (Covid?) and injury, back in training, maybe too early. Ben Spencer likely to play. Stuart there or thereabouts to play.
Quote:Jon Chess
We could get slaughtered, our team just looks so average.
Didn't realise the team for Saturday had been published yet.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Jon Chess
We could get slaughtered, our team just looks so average.
Didn't realise the team for Saturday had been published yet.
I assumed that this was tongue in cheek?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Rawce
JoCo out, knee in brace, awaiting scan results. McC and Muir. Both illness (Covid?) and injury, back in training, maybe too early. Ben Spencer likely to play. Stuart there or thereabouts to play.
I saw McConnochie, Muir and Stuart at The Arms Park, both before and during the game (they were seated not far from me). All were moving freely and looked fine, so I assumed illness/return from isolation as reason for their absence.
I did not see Will Spencer, which is a concern- I believe we need him to counter Sale's bulk and lineout.
PG
Quote:P G Tips
I did not see Will Spencer, which is a concern- I believe we need him to counter Sale's bulk and lineout.
PG
I'm actually not as concerned as I would normally be about that, neither lock is hugely tall with the Springboks out and the back row isn't massive either. Rodd is still only academy, if Stuart is playing he should fancy that.
Should be just about matched I think, with the team that comes out of the new season blocks the sharpest taking the match (which is my concern given Bath's covid disruptions).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Jon Chess
We could get slaughtered, our team just looks so average.
We won OK up there last time.
JP du Preez is variously quoted as 610' or 6'11' Matt!
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Quote:Good news then as they wouldn’t have travelled if they were down with the sickness (oooh wah ah ah ah). My main worry, apart from our scrum struggling against Cardiff is how we play Tuilagi and RJvR in the centres, try and stop them or try and get them on the back foot and either go round them or get in behind them? Maybe a lot of Cips’ chip kicks, or JJ to attempt the same.P G Tips
I saw McConnochie, Muir and Stuart at The Arms Park, both before and during the game (they were seated not far from me). All were moving freely and looked fine, so I assumed illness/return from isolation as reason for their absence.
I did not see Will Spencer, which is a concern- I believe we need him to counter Sale's bulk and lineout.
PG
Quote:P G Tips
JP du Preez is variously quoted as 610' or 6'11' Matt!
Oh I think I'm getting the JP du Preez'ers muddled up (was thinking Jean Luc or Dan I guess).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
If will spencer isn't fit he must be so frustrated. Every time we are crying out for a lock he is unavailable.
Injury record last time round was appalling at bath but at wuss and leic he seemed to average 20+ games a season I think .
Fingers crossed he is OK but doesn't sound like he will be playing at the weekend
Injury record last time round was appalling at bath but at wuss and leic he seemed to average 20+ games a season I think .
Fingers crossed he is OK but doesn't sound like he will be playing at the weekend
TBH this is exactly the sort of game where we could have done with Josh Matavesi at 10. Cips is not going to be able to light up our back line if Manu and Jansie van Rensburg break him into little pieces. Glaws used to hide him on defence and I hope we have the strategic sense to do the same.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:P G TipsQuote:Rawce
JoCo out, knee in brace, awaiting scan results. McC and Muir. Both illness (Covid?) and injury, back in training, maybe too early. Ben Spencer likely to play. Stuart there or thereabouts to play.
I did not see Will Spencer, which is a concern- I believe we need him to counter Sale's bulk and lineout.
PG
Will Spencer played in the 2nd half on Friday night...
Quote:joethefanatic
TBH this is exactly the sort of game where we could have done with Josh Matavesi at 10. Cips is not going to be able to light up our back line if Manu and Jansie van Rensburg break him into little pieces. Glaws used to hide him on defence and I hope we have the strategic sense to do the same.
Love JM but for me he was a defensive liability at 10 just as much as Cips is reported to be, albeit for different reasons. We can't hide Cips away whenever there is a big 12 opposite him as many teams (such as Glos, Quins, Exe for example) have these. Sam U needs to do his bodyguard impression and all will be fine.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Clarkey3k
[
Will Spencer played in the 2nd half on Friday night...
Great! Did you see him Clarkey? Because I did not spot him anywhere and he was not in the announced squad of 36 or the Chronicle report:
"Bath Rugby: 15 Tom de Glanville; 14 Semesa Rokoduguni, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Joe Cokanasiga; 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Ollie Fox; 1 Ben Obana, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Johannes Jonker; 4 Mike Williams, 5 Charlie Ewels (C); 6 Miles Reid, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Jaco Coetzee.
Replacements: 16 Arthur Cordwell, 17 Tom Cowan, 18 Richard de Carpentier, 19 Tom Doughty, Jacques du Toit, Tom Ellis, Mackenzie Graham, Nahum Merigan, D'Arcy Rae, Ewan Richards, Juan Schoeman, Kieran Verden, Darren Atkins, Orlando Bailey, Will Butt, Tom Carr-Smith, Max Clark, Gabe Goss, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Ben Spencer, Max Wright."
PG
Unless my eyes are deceiving me I did see him on the field, he was wearing a blue scrum cap as Zak M used to do for us. I wonder if Bath got the Spencers mixed up on their team sheet? IIRC we started with Ewels and Williams at lock, Miles Reid jumping at #2 on their ball and disrupting well. As the game went on I recognised fewer players tbh but am convinced about Spencer. He is not a man to mistake once one has shared a jacuzzi with him at the Bath Spa hotel swimming pool...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Good.
Not doubting you Clarkey but R de Carpentier was in a blue scrum cap too.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Not doubting you Clarkey but R de Carpentier was in a blue scrum cap too.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
You may be confusing Will Spencer with Richard de Carpentier, who was wearing a blue scrum cap.
I must be mistaken then, thanks for the correction chaps...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:joethefanatic
TBH this is exactly the sort of game where we could have done with Josh Matavesi at 10. Cips is not going to be able to light up our back line if Manu and Jansie van Rensburg break him into little pieces. Glaws used to hide him on defence and I hope we have the strategic sense to do the same.
Love JM but for me he was a defensive liability at 10 just as much as Cips is reported to be, albeit for different reasons. We can't hide Cips away whenever there is a big 12 opposite him as many teams (such as Glos, Quins, Exe for example) have these. Sam U needs to do his bodyguard impression and all will be fine.
We weren't banking on JM being the Messiah. The other teams may have massive 12s but they aren't Manu and the ENYA is no place for frills. Or, probably, thrills.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
For me Cips is exactly the 10 we need to beat Sale. We won't do it simply through dogged defence and playing it down the middle - we need to keep pulling their big units around the park with the threats coming from out wide and Cips has the skillset and know how to do that
This game could go either way and Sale have to be favourites with home advantage and an extra opportunity to play a 2nd warm up match, add to the that the fact we yet again appear to be carrying significant injuries into the season, it would seem common sense that Sale are favourites:
However
I think people need to put Cips and particularly his defence into perspective.
Cips can defend and tackle he is a seasoned international and you simply do not play at that level without a defence. I would liken Cips to Marcus Smith in his defence - no he doesn't put in the Johnny Wilkinson style hits neither does he pick up the injuries those type of players tend to get, but he is a quality rugby player and those comments suggesting he cannot defend or needs to be hidden are absurd IMHO.
However
I think people need to put Cips and particularly his defence into perspective.
Cips can defend and tackle he is a seasoned international and you simply do not play at that level without a defence. I would liken Cips to Marcus Smith in his defence - no he doesn't put in the Johnny Wilkinson style hits neither does he pick up the injuries those type of players tend to get, but he is a quality rugby player and those comments suggesting he cannot defend or needs to be hidden are absurd IMHO.
Fully agree with all of that Ali. In the circumstances a losing bonus point would be a reasonable expectation, a win is a hope but for me this one is all about the performance
I agree with you, gaz. I would like to see an uptick in performance and see some shoots of the style that we're looking to adopt led by Cipriani. I'd also like to see our defence stand up. Not an easy assignment but we've been told we're going to be more aggressive in defence this year and go and get the ball back rather than being passive. Well, let's see it whilst keeping our discipline.
I think it will also come down to the injuries we're (already) carrying. If Sale had everyone available versus our fully fit and available, I'd say we had little chance, especially away. But they're missing key SAs and McGinty (I think) so we have a chance IF the likes of Stuart, W Spencer, Bayliss, B Spencer Muir and McConnochie are in the squad.
We need to go there and give it a crack on our terms. So pick Cip and Mojo and win, as D Williams says, the style game at least.
I think it will also come down to the injuries we're (already) carrying. If Sale had everyone available versus our fully fit and available, I'd say we had little chance, especially away. But they're missing key SAs and McGinty (I think) so we have a chance IF the likes of Stuart, W Spencer, Bayliss, B Spencer Muir and McConnochie are in the squad.
We need to go there and give it a crack on our terms. So pick Cip and Mojo and win, as D Williams says, the style game at least.
It's always interesting when people say, 'I'm not expecting us to win, but I'm hoping to see a good performance', because in reality, when your team loses nobody is ever actually happy with the performance.
I think they can be, Opti. There's a massive difference between a 25-8 loss when all we've done is pick and go and scored a consolation try in the last 5 minutes and a 25-23 defeat when we've played well, fired some shots, been in touch but ultimately been pipped by a better team.
Unlike some, I think I would actually prefer us to lose the style game every time as long as we win on the scoreboard. But, given how we've got a (sort of) new coaching setup, a (kind of) new attacking and defensive philosophy, and high hopes for our mecurial fly half, I can see some satisfaction this weekend in, at least, getting a look at the type of game we're trying to develop and seeing us having a consistent go with our talented backline. A win in addition to that away from home v Sale would be marvellous.
Unlike some, I think I would actually prefer us to lose the style game every time as long as we win on the scoreboard. But, given how we've got a (sort of) new coaching setup, a (kind of) new attacking and defensive philosophy, and high hopes for our mecurial fly half, I can see some satisfaction this weekend in, at least, getting a look at the type of game we're trying to develop and seeing us having a consistent go with our talented backline. A win in addition to that away from home v Sale would be marvellous.
Quote:Optimist
It's always interesting when people say, 'I'm not expecting us to win, but I'm hoping to see a good performance', because in reality, when your team loses nobody is ever actually happy with the performance.
I know what you mean Opti but for this one, especially with a new Skills/Attack coach in place, I actually would be satisfied with a loss if the performance generally was a massive improvement in a) aggressive defence and b) inventive, attacking ideas along with a general impression that overall skills in the basic areas is on the up
I could accept that as a reasonable first game of the season away at a tough, top 4 side
My criteria for being happy from next week's game is far different as it would be for the return match against Sale being at home and later into the season
Quote:Optimist
It's always interesting when people say, 'I'm not expecting us to win, but I'm hoping to see a good performance', because in reality, when your team loses nobody is ever actually happy with the performance.
I also disagree with that. Toulouse away (narrow loss) is one example where I thought we played a good game but were ultimately pipped by the better team. I did have a few before and during the game mind you and it was a great weekend so maybe that's clouding my memory!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Ali1969
Cips can defend and tackle he is a seasoned international and you simply do not play at that level without a defence. I would liken Cips to Marcus Smith in his defence
Cipriani is significantly better than the defender who used to go awol on a regular basis especially at Sale but I think he's more Ford than Smith. Smith defends his channel, doesn't need to be rotated out and commits to the tackle. Cipriani/Ford are often rotated out of defence and whilst neither are poor tacklers neither tackle with conviction or are likely to stop even backs opposition in their tracks. That's not necessarily a bad thing as there's a good case to be made that you don't want you 10 injured (or carded/banned!) putting in defensive shots.
Like Ford he'll be targeted because of perceptions about his defence but tbh targeting the 10 in attack is pretty standard whoever it is although the few times Naholo played 10 for Fiji no one seemed to keen!!
I think Ford is a good tackler tbf, he just doesn't have the bulk to bring people down. He usually slows them enough for someone else to do it though. Agree that this is probably the reason why he is so rarely injured.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I agree to the general opinion above, I will add I will also be happy if we dont concede brainless penalties week after week.
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.
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.
A Bath performance with no yellow/red cards, better defending, denying Sharks a TBP and coming home with a LBP wouldn't be a bad return from this match.
I'd be happy to see Baylis Reid and Coetzee doing the smashing, fly halves are to valuable at Bath to risk injuring themselves. All a 10 needs to do is interfere, (not sexually of course) with the ball carrier and wait for help. Thats what Ford does after all, back row should never be far away when playing that position.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Quote:BathMatt53
I think Ford is a good tackler tbf, he just doesn't have the bulk to bring people down. He usually slows them enough for someone else to do it though. Agree that this is probably the reason why he is so rarely injured.
Smith seems to be a much better defender than Ford - he actually makes classic rugby tackles, goes in low and brings the player down. He's not, or is really physically possible for him to be, destructive, but, by getting the player on the floor, he gives the second-person in a target for a jackal. Whereas Ford just grabs a shirt, and slows them up enough for someone bigger to come and finish the job, which generally means the player goes to ground on their own terms.
True Opti - Smith usually carries the proof on his face after a match.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Smith is VERY aggressive in defense. It must make his coaches wince every time he does it.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Checking the table to see the 13 teams listed I see we are top, playing the team in 10th so I am optimistic....
Quote:Unhappy with the performance? happiness with the performance tempered by unhappiness with the result - especially in the heat of the moment? or happy with the performance and shouted down by the unhappy posters with much more to say?Optimist
It's always interesting when people say, 'I'm not expecting us to win, but I'm hoping to see a good performance', because in reality, when your team loses nobody is ever actually happy with the performance.
Because you're actual assertion as it stands is simply not true - as demonstrated by several people (including myself, who have been happy enough after a loss (even if it takes a couple of days), due to the performance.
As for the discussion of Ford's defence - have you guys actually seen him play? He very rarely misses a tackle, and is hardly ever hidden in defence. It's almost like you've been reading the criticisms of him by people who note that he's small, and then make assumptions without ever actually watching him. He's got one of the best defensive records around for any FH in terms of tackle completion, without dropping down on tackles attempted.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:16:20:03:25 by Which Tyler.
Quote:B4thB4ck
Checking the table to see the 13 teams listed I see we are top, playing the team in 10th so I am optimistic....
Good point BB, in fact its a clean sweep for the West Country for the top 4!
Is this taken in the context of David Williams' comments on style and Hoopers interview? I'm prepared to go along with this. As long as we are delivering the required style as being coached then the results will come so the results for the first 5 or 6 games is actually less important than the win.
Josh Bayliss' comment in the podcast posted a week ago were also quite poignant, he talked about "breaking the shackles" and how he and the other players were determined to keep fighting irrespective of results to make the club successful.
There has been in the past much talk about how low morale is in the club. That doesn't come over in the series of pre-season videos that have been put up.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Josh Bayliss' comment in the podcast posted a week ago were also quite poignant, he talked about "breaking the shackles" and how he and the other players were determined to keep fighting irrespective of results to make the club successful.
There has been in the past much talk about how low morale is in the club. That doesn't come over in the series of pre-season videos that have been put up.
Ford’s defence has always been underplayed. He makes tackles that holds players up to allow the cavalry arrive. Out of him, Smith, Cips and Farrell, I’d put Farrell last - he’s either barn door or cheap shot.
Will Spencer is still in recovery from last season's injury. He was described as "close" by Hoops in last night's Member's Virtual Event.
Josh McNally won't play this weekend, but is "not far away." Similarly Ruaridh McConnochie.
So- we can expect the same lock pairing -Ewels and Williams, unless Ewen Richards can break in.
PG
Josh McNally won't play this weekend, but is "not far away." Similarly Ruaridh McConnochie.
So- we can expect the same lock pairing -Ewels and Williams, unless Ewen Richards can break in.
PG
Quote:Which Tyler
As for the discussion of Ford's defence - have you guys actually seen him play? He very rarely misses a tackle, and is hardly ever hidden in defence. It's almost like you've been reading the criticisms of him by people who note that he's small, and then make assumptions without ever actually watching him. He's got one of the best defensive records around for any FH in terms of tackle completion, without dropping down on tackles attempted.
That's not fair WT, everybody on this board has said that he grabs his man but just doesn't smash into him, don't think anyone has said that he misses tackles?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Which Tyler
As for the discussion of Ford's defence - have you guys actually seen him play? He very rarely misses a tackle, and is hardly ever hidden in defence. It's almost like you've been reading the criticisms of him by people who note that he's small, and then make assumptions without ever actually watching him. He's got one of the best defensive records around for any FH in terms of tackle completion, without dropping down on tackles attempted.
You seem to be guilty of what you're suggesting other are doing. He is regularly rotated out of the defensive line for England. If you watch you'll find him rotated into the backfield.
He has one of the best tackle completion rates possibly but if you talk to any defence coach at any club they'll tell you that isn't even close to half the story. BathMatt, shipwrecked and Optimist have all picked up on his tackling technique. He doesn't "hit" but he engages in the tackle and (normally) gives ground whilst waiting for the second tackler to arrive. That means you're unlikely to get line breaks where he's targeted but neither are you likely to stop the attacker on the gain line. My only real issue with that as a technique is he often pulls out of the tackle before it's competed by the second defender meaning a loss of further ground.
Depending on the defensive system continuous resets by losing the gainline can be just as, sometimes more, damaging than the odd linebreak or missed tackle. He also very rarely does anything but tackle upright which further reduces his chances of taking down a bigger player.
What he is very good at is ripping the ball which he gets fairly regular joy from.
At the end of the day his defence is a compromise as with any player and successive coaches have rightly decided that what he brings in attack is worth his neutral or negative value in defence.
As far as I can see, several have said that Ford just slows the man, and needs someone else to complete the tackle (and you repeat that above) - which isn't true.
Smith has then been praised for getting his man to the ground, even if losing a metre or two of territory - which is exactly what Ford does.
England rotate Ford out of the defensive kinenwhen they're expecting a kick, so it's better to have your best kicker from hand back there to field and return it - which is not what anyone meant when saying that he gets hidden in defence.
Ford plays more rugby for Leicester though, ive also not noticed him being hidden in defence.
I do apologize for the tone of my post though, frustration and helplessness from my personal life bubbling through.
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Smith has then been praised for getting his man to the ground, even if losing a metre or two of territory - which is exactly what Ford does.
England rotate Ford out of the defensive kinenwhen they're expecting a kick, so it's better to have your best kicker from hand back there to field and return it - which is not what anyone meant when saying that he gets hidden in defence.
Ford plays more rugby for Leicester though, ive also not noticed him being hidden in defence.
I do apologize for the tone of my post though, frustration and helplessness from my personal life bubbling through.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Hope all okay WT - come here for the comradeship and shared aspirations. Hopefully, a good performance - and even better, a performance plus a win - will give us all a bit of relief from a generally miserable 18 months. Yours in BBW!
That is a concerning re Will Spencer and seriously depletes our scrum, as I said earlier Mike Williams and the like are not locks, they are superb stand in/emergency locks if injury/suspension forces during a game but not starting IMHO and that will seriously affect our front row particularly against a powerful unit such as Sharks.
As for 10's and defence time will tell, personally I would be happy if Sharks were naive enough to try and crash down Cips door all day and ignore the talent outside, at the end of the day it goes back to basic coaching I can still hear those words "Doesn't matter how big they are, they can't run without their legs!"
As for 10's and defence time will tell, personally I would be happy if Sharks were naive enough to try and crash down Cips door all day and ignore the talent outside, at the end of the day it goes back to basic coaching I can still hear those words "Doesn't matter how big they are, they can't run without their legs!"
Yes, typical that the one position where we are possibly weakest is where we have McNally and Spencer missing. I note that a couple of teams (Saints and Wasps) are the same. I guess that's all part of a salary cap - an opportunity for others to step in and show they can do it.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53
Yes, typical that the one position where we are possibly weakest is where we have McNally and Spencer missing. I note that a couple of teams (Saints and Wasps) are the same. I guess that's all part of a salary cap - an opportunity for others to step in and show they can do it.
Sod law as you say.
Leaves us v lightweight at lock but good news that both aren't miles off.
Sure the front row will be pleased to see them back!
We may be best off tomorrow trying to give sale the runaround. Have played a fair bit of rugby both times we have beaten them up there recently.
On the ruby podcast last night the new laws were discussed. I've yet to see it in action but the 50:22 was seen as a way to get up the field when attacks come to nothing. (Kicking from 12?)
Also mentioned that the goal line drop out will lead to long kicking over the try line forcing defences to run it rather than dot down.
But the one thing that struck me that might have the biggest influence was 'no latching on'. Does this mean that the power game 5 yards out will decline. I just wonder if we will use any of those against Sale?
Be interesting to see how Lam and McCall approach this tonight in Bristol v Sarries!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Also mentioned that the goal line drop out will lead to long kicking over the try line forcing defences to run it rather than dot down.
But the one thing that struck me that might have the biggest influence was 'no latching on'. Does this mean that the power game 5 yards out will decline. I just wonder if we will use any of those against Sale?
Be interesting to see how Lam and McCall approach this tonight in Bristol v Sarries!
Doing away with latching on and drop out if held up should improve spectacle a lot. May not help us hugely but big issue for likes of Exeter I guess
Not Sale the CB?
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Agree that we're light in the second row, although given how quite a few teams seem to be adapting to the salary cap by using hybrid second row/back row-ers is interesting.
I suppose the thinking is that the game is going to be faster, with fewer collisions and the pick and drive is being de-powered, so it's better to have 4s and 5s who are more dynamic and aerobically fitter. Interesting theory – suppose it just depends on whether you can get, at least, parity in the set piece and the close exchanges, which will, obviously, still matter for a large portion of the game.
Also, it might just be me, but this shift seems to be reflected by the size of the tightheads we've brought in. Is there a trend in the game towards smaller, more mobile THs? The two guys we've got don't seem "Ben Tameifuna" monsters to me, so assuming we expect them to do ok in the tight and then do more in the loose (assuming our recruitment is that forward-thinking!).
I don't mind Williams as a second row, as long as a) he's learned to keep his tackle height low and b) we have Will Stuart scrummaging ahead of him.
I suppose the thinking is that the game is going to be faster, with fewer collisions and the pick and drive is being de-powered, so it's better to have 4s and 5s who are more dynamic and aerobically fitter. Interesting theory – suppose it just depends on whether you can get, at least, parity in the set piece and the close exchanges, which will, obviously, still matter for a large portion of the game.
Also, it might just be me, but this shift seems to be reflected by the size of the tightheads we've brought in. Is there a trend in the game towards smaller, more mobile THs? The two guys we've got don't seem "Ben Tameifuna" monsters to me, so assuming we expect them to do ok in the tight and then do more in the loose (assuming our recruitment is that forward-thinking!).
I don't mind Williams as a second row, as long as a) he's learned to keep his tackle height low and b) we have Will Stuart scrummaging ahead of him.
Quote:dr.bath1865
I suppose the thinking is that the game is going to be faster, with fewer collisions and the pick and drive is being de-powered, so it's better to have 4s and 5s who are more dynamic and aerobically fitter. Interesting theory – suppose it just depends on whether you can get, at least, parity in the set piece and the close exchanges, which will, obviously, still matter for a large portion of the game.
If thats the case then in Ewan Richards we have one of the fastest around, bearing in mind Bayliss has played lock you could find the second row getting to the breakdown before the back row!
Which Tyler we could argue/discuss this round in circles, I'm happy with agree to disagree and discussion is the lifeblood of all forums.
I'm sorry things aren't great for you. I hope they improve and Bath can put a hitch in your step this weekend
I'm sorry things aren't great for you. I hope they improve and Bath can put a hitch in your step this weekend
Indeed shipwrecked. It looks like we're placing our salary cap chips on the expected outcome that the game will no longer be (inevitably) won by Exeter and South Africa. I suppose Quins (and Australia) have shown that it's possible.
It will be fascinating to see how Cipriani and his attacking mindset/preferred structure fits with this. Despite his attacking intentions, he's not actually a fly half who plays coast-to-coast. Rather, he likes to stack his big carriers on his shoulder and he picks the best option for a couple of phases before he moves it wide. Interesting to see how his view of the game marries up with what feels like a lighter, lither, faster pack of forwards.
Guess we'll find out tomorrow...
It will be fascinating to see how Cipriani and his attacking mindset/preferred structure fits with this. Despite his attacking intentions, he's not actually a fly half who plays coast-to-coast. Rather, he likes to stack his big carriers on his shoulder and he picks the best option for a couple of phases before he moves it wide. Interesting to see how his view of the game marries up with what feels like a lighter, lither, faster pack of forwards.
Guess we'll find out tomorrow...
Quote:Optimist
Gonna be pretty funny if Bailey is named to start at 10!
Indeed, my personal view was that OB had a better game in Cardiff than DC. I strongly suspect that DC will look completely different on the end of Ben Spencer's pass though.
Quote:shipwrecked
On the ruby podcast last night the new laws were discussed. I've yet to see it in action but the 50:22 was seen as a way to get up the field when attacks come to nothing. (Kicking from 12?)
Also mentioned that the goal line drop out will lead to long kicking over the try line forcing defences to run it rather than dot down.
David Williams discusses the 50:22 and goal line drop out in new video
Team's Up. Cipriani & Jonker debuts.
Bath Rugby Team to face Sale Sharks
15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Semesa Rokoduguni, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Will Muir, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Johannes Jonker, 4, Mike Williams, 5 Charlie Ewels ©, 6 Miles Reid, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Josh Bayliss
Replacements
16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 D’Arcy Rae, 19 Tom Ellis, 20 Jaco Coetzee, 21 Ollie Fox, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Max Clark
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Bath Rugby Team to face Sale Sharks
15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Semesa Rokoduguni, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Will Muir, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Johannes Jonker, 4, Mike Williams, 5 Charlie Ewels ©, 6 Miles Reid, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Josh Bayliss
Replacements
16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 D’Arcy Rae, 19 Tom Ellis, 20 Jaco Coetzee, 21 Ollie Fox, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Max Clark
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Only a matter of time until Bayliss steps in to cover the front row as well. Looks like we want to play light and agile and hopefully to our newly focused strengths. Hopefully a clash of styles will pay off for us.
And Sale's 23:
Rodd, v d Merwe, Schonert, Weise, JP Du Preez, Neild, B Curry, Ross. Quirke. R du Preez. Yarde, Tuilagi, James, McGuigan. Hammersley.
Replacements: Taylor, Harrison, Ford, Birch, Dugdale. Cliff, Wilkinson, J v Rensburg
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Rodd, v d Merwe, Schonert, Weise, JP Du Preez, Neild, B Curry, Ross. Quirke. R du Preez. Yarde, Tuilagi, James, McGuigan. Hammersley.
Replacements: Taylor, Harrison, Ford, Birch, Dugdale. Cliff, Wilkinson, J v Rensburg
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
As always, great looking team - fantastic back row; as good a pair of half-backs as you could wish for; hopefully rejuvenated Roko and JJ, more of the same from Muir, and two wonderful young talents in TdG and Ojo. Can't wait.
Will be interesting to see how our pack fares in the set piece. Sale look the stronger scrummagers on paper & JP du Preez is a lighthouse.
However, Sale fans complain that their lineout underperformed at Treviso and ours did well poaching opposition ball at Cardfiff - in both halves.
PG
However, Sale fans complain that their lineout underperformed at Treviso and ours did well poaching opposition ball at Cardfiff - in both halves.
PG
Rob du Preez and no AJ is a good result. Tuilagi/James looks like a nicely balanced midfield though.
Interesting that we have gone Max and JJ when Tuilagi and James were to be expected, especially when we have Will Butt available.
On the attacking side of things Spencer, Cipriani, Mojo and JJ looks tantalising!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
On the attacking side of things Spencer, Cipriani, Mojo and JJ looks tantalising!
Look like a very mobile pack but have to wait to see how it performs at the set pieces. Plenty of talent in the backs and really pleasing to see Roko back if he has rediscovered his former magic. Win or lose, the whole season will not revolve around the Sale game so living in hope for a successful season.
Good looking team. Shame no Stuart, as I feel he's perhaps the over/under for us getting on the front foot up front. But they're missing a few and hopefully we can get parity in the tight and have some fun with our pacey back row. I also like Ellis and Coetzee (v surprised he's not starting) on the bench.
In truth, I don't know what to expect. Hard to know if Williams has been able to have an impact, given one off season and one pre season match. The team looks like it's going to be playing wide-wide so I'd expect/fear we might be on the wrong end of a high scoring match. All I hope to see is good discipline, tight/aggressive defence, and something that looks like a new, structured attacking game, with some nice touches from DC and Mojo.
In truth, I don't know what to expect. Hard to know if Williams has been able to have an impact, given one off season and one pre season match. The team looks like it's going to be playing wide-wide so I'd expect/fear we might be on the wrong end of a high scoring match. All I hope to see is good discipline, tight/aggressive defence, and something that looks like a new, structured attacking game, with some nice touches from DC and Mojo.
Really like the look of our team and excited about the prospect of a new ‘back to the future’ era of aggressive and attacking rugby. Hope I’m equally excited by 7pm tomorrow…
A quick question –
Do we think the game streaming on BetUK? And, if so, if I open an account and deposit the minimum (£5?) on BetUK, will I be able to watch it?
Thank you.
Do we think the game streaming on BetUK? And, if so, if I open an account and deposit the minimum (£5?) on BetUK, will I be able to watch it?
Thank you.
Other than Simmonds, Bayliss has to be one of the quickest back-rowers since the likes of Croft and Forrester. SU and Reid are really very similar, so it will be interesting to see how that back-row balances out.
I see they have Harrison Ford on the bench. Glad Chewbacca isn’t available.
7/15 starters from our academy (+2 who got their first professional XVs contact with us)
another 4 on the bench.
Out of interest, when I compare the starting XV to our pecking order, I make it a 1.6th choice starting XV:
9 first choice starters
3 second choice starters
3 third choice starters
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
another 4 on the bench.
Out of interest, when I compare the starting XV to our pecking order, I make it a 1.6th choice starting XV:
9 first choice starters
3 second choice starters
3 third choice starters
RAEBURN SHIELD
Quote:guernseyfan
I see they have Harrison Ford on the bench. Glad Chewbacca isn’t available.
They do - they shaved him and put him in the second row. It's wise not to upset a wookie.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:dr.bath1865
Shame no Stuart, as I feel he's perhaps the over/under for us getting on the front foot up front.
Very much agreed.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Jonker reputed as being a very strong scrummager so let's hope for some channel 1 ball and Cips to leave Du Preez and Manu flat footed.
I can only think that the plan is to run the Sharks big pack ragged and then throw on Jaco and Ellis to cause havoc in a tiring defence. Anyway I hope that is the plan.
In any case we have probably the most mobile team in many a year I just hope we use it and most importantly of all give us a building block to build on for the rest of the season.
Come on Bath.
I can only think that the plan is to run the Sharks big pack ragged and then throw on Jaco and Ellis to cause havoc in a tiring defence. Anyway I hope that is the plan.
In any case we have probably the most mobile team in many a year I just hope we use it and most importantly of all give us a building block to build on for the rest of the season.
Come on Bath.
Manu v Mojo on their ball worries me, on ours am pretty sure DC will throw cut out passes or move it behind Mojo as the dummy runner. I hope our midfield can handle it tomorrow...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Quote:Clarkey3k
Manu v Mojo on their ball worries me
That's Sam and Miles' job to worry about. But Manu is going to bust the line a few times. If he's fit, he just will - whether he's opposite Ojomoh or pretty much anyone in the world.
Quote:This, we've got probably the best defensive flanker in rugby at 7, and probably the best defensive centre in rugby at 13.OptimistQuote:Clarkey3k
Manu v Mojo on their ball worries me
That's Sam and Miles' job to worry about. But Manu is going to bust the line a few times. If he's fit, he just will - whether he's opposite Ojomoh or pretty much anyone in the world.
Manu is good enough to blast through them on occassion; but Mojo couldn't really ask for better protection.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Oddschecker had Sale 1/3 and Bath 3/1 earlier today. This surprised me given the line ups...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Quote:I think I read you don’t need to have money in the wallet, an active bet or even an account. I’ve signed up just in case and will try it with tonight’s game to see if I do need to stump up. I’ll probably do my usual anti-investment of a fiver on Bath to win the Prem and a fiver on the HC out of ritual sacrifice alone.dr.bath1865
A quick question –
Do we think the game streaming on BetUK? And, if so, if I open an account and deposit the minimum (£5?) on BetUK, will I be able to watch it?
Thank you.
Quote:Which TylerQuote:This, we've got probably the best defensive flanker in rugby at 7, and probably the best defensive centre in rugby at 13.OptimistQuote:Clarkey3k
Manu v Mojo on their ball worries me
That's Sam and Miles' job to worry about. But Manu is going to bust the line a few times. If he's fit, he just will - whether he's opposite Ojomoh or pretty much anyone in the world.
Manu is good enough to blast through them on occassion; but Mojo couldn't really ask for better protection.
Agreed. Manu could cause damage against anyone but wouldn't expect mojo to be the one primarily dealing with him.
Tbf mojo is 21 now and a decent sized unit so wouldn't expect to have many more problems than anyone else physically.
Does Manu do line breaks any more or does he just look to cross the gain line? Mojo should be more than capable of blocking his path even if he concedes a yard or two. He was an Eddie Jones pick to go up against other international centres after all .......... oh hang on, he picked Daly didn't he. Nah I'm sure Mojo will be fine.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I'll be seeing for myself at the AJB tomorrow, just settling down with BT Sport for Bears v Sarries. A new season begins as does a new era for Bath. Here we go...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Ah, BetUK say their coverage doesn’t kick in until our game vs Exeter on 25th October - [www.betuk.com]
Quote:Previously, but that I mean pre pandemic, you didn’t need to put a bet on or even have an account to watch the live stream. It’s not clear if this will still be the case as the only bit of their website that mentions streaming rugby is several seasons old hence the mention of the first match being Bath v Exeter on the 25th Oct (2019!)RawceQuote:I think I read you don’t need to have money in the wallet, an active bet or even an account. I’ve signed up just in case and will try it with tonight’s game to see if I do need to stump up. I’ll probably do my usual anti-investment of a fiver on Bath to win the Prem and a fiver on the HC out of ritual sacrifice alone.dr.bath1865
A quick question –
Do we think the game streaming on BetUK? And, if so, if I open an account and deposit the minimum (£5?) on BetUK, will I be able to watch it?
Thank you.
Quote:Ali1969
Jonker reputed as being a very strong scrummager .
I really hope this is true. Will have his work cut out with 2 relatively lightweight locks.
People rightly wax lyrical about the style and nature of quins title win last season but behind Smith i would personally say marler and louw were the biggest keys to that. Available all the time, playing a lot of minutes and absolutely rock solid in set piece (often dominant).
Think we played them around march/April at the stoop. Genuinely think if we had swapped props we would have won.
Safe travels to all heading up to Sale to cheer on our boys. Pray it is a better game than last night - waited with great excitement for the Bears and Sarries and was absolutely bored stupid with the lack of skill, attack or basic skills. Bears scrum stuffed out of sight yet Attwood
renowned for his scrummaging left on bench. Bears were unrecognisable from last year. Credit to Sarries but they came to Ashton Gate and had no intention of playing any rugby though - great advert for the new season.
renowned for his scrummaging left on bench. Bears were unrecognisable from last year. Credit to Sarries but they came to Ashton Gate and had no intention of playing any rugby though - great advert for the new season.
Nothing to lose
No relegation
No expectations
Everything to play for
Let's go Bath - we could be this season's surprise package
COYB!
No relegation
No expectations
Everything to play for
Let's go Bath - we could be this season's surprise package
COYB!
Quote:charlieboa
Will have his work cut out with 2 relatively lightweight locks.
Spot on CBoA, Bath have gone for a very athletic pack but it is relatively lightweight as a whole - won't make their jobs any easier in the scrum. Based on the new game plan, parity will be fine.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Thought they may be tempted to play ellis at 6 to bulk things up a bit but as you say anything like parityup front and trying to play a bit of rugby would be a good result
Quote:charlieboa
Thought they may be tempted to play ellis at 6 to bulk things up a bit but as you say anything like parityup front and trying to play a bit of rugby would be a good result
I wonder if Sale v Bath is comparable to Australia v S Africa if so I'm hopeful.
Quote:OldMarovian
Is this on radio anywhere? BBC? etc. Can't find it.
Go online to BBC Rugby radio online the select the game you want.
Quote:Unfortunately it appears the BetUK no longer have streaming rights. So radio it is.dcshQuote:Previously, but that I mean pre pandemic, you didn’t need to put a bet on or even have an account to watch the live stream. It’s not clear if this will still be the case as the only bit of their website that mentions streaming rugby is several seasons old hence the mention of the first match being Bath v Exeter on the 25th Oct (2019!)RawceQuote:I think I read you don’t need to have money in the wallet, an active bet or even an account. I’ve signed up just in case and will try it with tonight’s game to see if I do need to stump up. I’ll probably do my usual anti-investment of a fiver on Bath to win the Prem and a fiver on the HC out of ritual sacrifice alone.dr.bath1865
A quick question –
Do we think the game streaming on BetUK? And, if so, if I open an account and deposit the minimum (£5?) on BetUK, will I be able to watch it?
Thank you.
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:OldMarovian
Is this on radio anywhere? BBC? etc. Can't find it.
Go online to BBC Rugby radio online the select the game you want.
Thanks shipwrecked. Didn't see it after the Donny game when I looked earlier. Good luck.
I am not getting any sound on BBC stream is it working for others?
Desperate affairs require desperate measures.
Horatio Nelson
Horatio Nelson
Nothing here, either. It's like the old days of watching for score updates on Teletext.
Edit: thanks Liquid Monkey - that link's working for me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:18:17:18:18 by Barnoid.
Edit: thanks Liquid Monkey - that link's working for me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:18:17:18:18 by Barnoid.
Quote:CoochieCoo
Olly Fox replacing Ben Spencer!
Oh dear. Let's hope Fox does the job and its not too serious for Spencer.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Bath under siege in their half during first 20mins, a couple of passing moves into their half but undone by poor control. Now 3-0. V physical effort but too many penalties against us...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Quote:CoochieCoo
Olly Fox replacing Ben Spencer!
Any idea what the injury is?
Try Sale 8-0 Drive over from line out
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:18:17:35:13 by CoochieCoo.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:18:17:35:13 by CoochieCoo.
Carrying over from last season …….Too many penalties !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Hammersley in the bin, Bath penalty 17-3. V frustrating half...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Rubbish for 37 minutes. Looked completely undercooked and far too many penalties.
But then 3 minutes of really good attacking play. Harum scarum all court approach. We’re not afraid to try an offload!
If we can get the next score whilst they’re down the 14 then who knows how it’ll end. But odds are on a 34-10 defeat.
But then 3 minutes of really good attacking play. Harum scarum all court approach. We’re not afraid to try an offload!
If we can get the next score whilst they’re down the 14 then who knows how it’ll end. But odds are on a 34-10 defeat.
Ben Spencer using crutches to walk around at the moment sadly. Sale v physical but Bath working really hard to contain them. Penalty count, v our forwards mostly, has killed our first half effort. Can see a new attacking game emerging with Cipriani on field and Williams off the field. A LBP looks beyond us at the moment. More patience and better decision making with ball in hand needed in 2nd half...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Spencer on crutches is depressing as we are so reliant on him and no backup near his level.
Yes. Despite the scoreline not looking great, I don't think we've been too bad. We'd be right in it, penalties aside – which you obviously can't put aside!
Spencer injured is the biggest blow. Looked like a hamstring to me. The type of one where the player limps off looking gutted as they know it's a bad one.
Spencer injured is the biggest blow. Looked like a hamstring to me. The type of one where the player limps off looking gutted as they know it's a bad one.
Quote:OutsideBath
Spencer on crutches is depressing as we are so reliant on him and no backup near his level.
Exactly, this was mentioned by several posters last season as to what would happen if he picked up a long term injury, going to be a big loss , hope it’s not too serious.
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Cips off for HIA after big hit from Van Rensburg !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Bath win a scrum penalty, attacking lineout, nearly a try, ref checking...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Quote:Clarkey3k
Bath win a scrum penalty, attacking lineout, nearly a try, ref checking...
Given. Ellis on too, conversion by OB. 17-13...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
OB to kick for 17-16, Bath on top at the moment. Done...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
The work from our 22 to get the field position to kick that penalty was outstanding. Defending hard now...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Sale penalty in front of the posts...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Close but no cigar?!
Clearly a much better second half.
No away wins today.
Clearly a much better second half.
No away wins today.
Still a remarkable performance from Bath in the 2nd half. Far fewer penalties, more focussed. LBP
Not a bad result given how the first half went. A losing bonus point and on to Newcastle at home.
To come back from 17-0 down to lose 20-19 suggests some ring rustiness has been shaken off.
All credit to the two young half backs who got a run out much earlier than expected. Also Mojo who continued the young theme.
Shame we didn’t have that other pre season friendly!
We were brilliant in the second half both in attack and defence. Could easily have won it and, probably, just about deserved to.
Penalty at the end was about 40m and on the toughest angle. Bailey himself said “shot” when Ridley gave us the penalty so fair play to him. He didn’t quite have the distance. In hindsight, possibly should’ve gone down the touch line? Hey ho. Hell of an effort.
All in all a mixed bag but, in the end, far more good than bad. If we’d woken up sooner, we’d have won. Our attach looks very encouraging. Considering we ended with young Fox and Bailey at 9 and 10, we really did incredibly well against a quality team. Onwards!
We were brilliant in the second half both in attack and defence. Could easily have won it and, probably, just about deserved to.
Penalty at the end was about 40m and on the toughest angle. Bailey himself said “shot” when Ridley gave us the penalty so fair play to him. He didn’t quite have the distance. In hindsight, possibly should’ve gone down the touch line? Hey ho. Hell of an effort.
All in all a mixed bag but, in the end, far more good than bad. If we’d woken up sooner, we’d have won. Our attach looks very encouraging. Considering we ended with young Fox and Bailey at 9 and 10, we really did incredibly well against a quality team. Onwards!
Good result given that Sale are top 4 contenders.
LBP, no yellow cards, no TBP for Sale is all we could have expected.
LBP, no yellow cards, no TBP for Sale is all we could have expected.
Sale board happy with the result, but critical of the second half performance.
Will be interesting to see if we can build on the comeback for a decent performance & result next week.
PG
Will be interesting to see if we can build on the comeback for a decent performance & result next week.
PG
Caught most of it on radio and that sounded like a very good first game especially considering you "lost" both experienced 9 and 10 so early/ It also sounds like a club game in which Underhill showed that he's International class. Good stuff.
Found somewhere to watch the second half and we were much the better team. Hopefully green shoots of our new playing style and hopefully that’s the last of the terrible discipline. Upwards, onwards and hopefully Spencer isn’t in too bad a way.
Just watched the game. Good and bad as you'd expect in the first game of the season but, to be disappointed to have lost given how poor we were in the first half, is a big step forward. Some very nice touches in open play and, with a little more composure on the last pass, we could have won comfortably. But we were also a touch fortunate - I thought Mojo's "interception" was a yellow all day, I thought Rob du Preez regained control for his disallowed try and I did not think our try was correctly grounded. But a LBP in the Enya is a point gained, especially as we lost both starting halfbacks early on.
My MotM - Ollie Fox, Orlando Bailey, Mojo and TdG. Welcome to the future everyone.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:19:05:01:51 by joethefanatic.
My MotM - Ollie Fox, Orlando Bailey, Mojo and TdG. Welcome to the future everyone.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:19:05:01:51 by joethefanatic.
Glass half full view- good point won, encouraging resilience to come back and deal with half back injuries. First half maybe down to being undercooked as a result of munster cancelled game.
Glass half empty- sale were missing loads of their better players so a big missed opp, esp having won there on last few trips.
I'f we bear newc which we really should if any designs to achieve anything this season then 5/6 points from 2 games is a solid start.
Hope our injuries aren't too serious and hopefully feed stuart/mcnally/spencer/faletau/rmc into the mix in the next few weeks.
Glass half empty- sale were missing loads of their better players so a big missed opp, esp having won there on last few trips.
I'f we bear newc which we really should if any designs to achieve anything this season then 5/6 points from 2 games is a solid start.
Hope our injuries aren't too serious and hopefully feed stuart/mcnally/spencer/faletau/rmc into the mix in the next few weeks.
It seems that there has been some noticeable progress in playing style which is welcome. We do have to bear in mind that Sale were somewhat depleted, we had the rub of the green by all accounts & we still let in 2 tries & only scored one. It will be interesting to see how we progress, with or without Spencer. This start provides some cautious cause for hope.
Quote:Bath Hammer
It seems that there has been some noticeable progress in playing style which is welcome. We do have to bear in mind that Sale were somewhat depleted, we had the rub of the green by all accounts & we still let in 2 tries & only scored one. It will be interesting to see how we progress, with or without Spencer. This start provides some cautious cause for hope.
Well summed up.
I sometimes worry we are too happy to pat ourselves on the back, focus only on players we are missing, our injuries in the game etc.
Sale were missing loads of class guys and lost a 9 who seemed to be causing us all sorts of problems.
As you say cautious cause for hope but we should be demanding of ourselves to win those games, take those chances otherwise uts mid table mediocrity again
Quote:charlieboaQuote:Bath Hammer
It seems that there has been some noticeable progress in playing style which is welcome. We do have to bear in mind that Sale were somewhat depleted, we had the rub of the green by all accounts & we still let in 2 tries & only scored one. It will be interesting to see how we progress, with or without Spencer. This start provides some cautious cause for hope.
Well summed up.
I sometimes worry we are too happy to pat ourselves on the back, focus only on players we are missing, our injuries in the game etc.
Sale were missing loads of class guys and lost a 9 who seemed to be causing us all sorts of problems.
As you say cautious cause for hope but we should be demanding of ourselves to win those games, take those chances otherwise uts mid table mediocrity again
There were loads of class players missing in both teams. Yes you are right they were unlucky to lose their scrum half but that does not mean we were also unlucky to lose not one half back but two! Surely one can pay tribute to the youngsters who battled it out to turn a deficit of 17 to a deficit of 1!
A weekend of strange and unexpected scores and losses offers a hint that it may be an interesting
and competitive season ahead. Its only the first round of course, and any assessment of Bath's game, style and prospects will only begin to shape after a few games. But under the cobwebs the foundations seem to have been dug in the grounds of optimism rather than the abjection of last season. Where there is hope there is, er, hope.
and competitive season ahead. Its only the first round of course, and any assessment of Bath's game, style and prospects will only begin to shape after a few games. But under the cobwebs the foundations seem to have been dug in the grounds of optimism rather than the abjection of last season. Where there is hope there is, er, hope.
Take the point. Lots to be positive about. Sad about Spencer - hope it's not too bad, but knowing our luck it'll be 6 months
Positives as I say coochie from that game and think we have loads of very promising youngsters. Merely saying that if we lose games against very weakened teams we are in competition with the top 4 then we probably won't make the top 4.
I think sale fans would argue that missing oosthuizen, de jager , jl du preez, curry, Dan du preez, faf, maginty and prob others was more disruptive than the players we were missing.
I think it's reasonable to look for positives, celebrate the good elements of which there were plenty whilst hoping the coaches and players are viewing it as disappointing and a missed opportunity to get a win against someone whose place in the top 4 we covet. Pretty sure we had beaten them on our last 2 visits with v v good performances.
I think sale fans would argue that missing oosthuizen, de jager , jl du preez, curry, Dan du preez, faf, maginty and prob others was more disruptive than the players we were missing.
I think it's reasonable to look for positives, celebrate the good elements of which there were plenty whilst hoping the coaches and players are viewing it as disappointing and a missed opportunity to get a win against someone whose place in the top 4 we covet. Pretty sure we had beaten them on our last 2 visits with v v good performances.
We need to be realistic about where Bath are as a team otherwise it’s going to be a tough season for supporters.
We are not going anywhere near top 4 and I’d expect a lower half of the table finish. On that basis a LBP away to Sale regardless of their missing players is an excellent result.
We are not going anywhere near top 4 and I’d expect a lower half of the table finish. On that basis a LBP away to Sale regardless of their missing players is an excellent result.
Main general positive for me is we are building depth via the academy route.
I have no qualms seeing the likes of richards, staddon, fox, bailey, mojo, tdg, gh-w in matchday 23s and fully expect them to do a good job which is a great credit to all involved.
I have no qualms seeing the likes of richards, staddon, fox, bailey, mojo, tdg, gh-w in matchday 23s and fully expect them to do a good job which is a great credit to all involved.
Agree, a mixed bag and very far from all good, especially in the first 40. No ones getting overexcited.
Big positive for me was that I could see, whoever was on the field, be it our 19yo 10 or a debutant prop, that we had a clear shape and idea of how to attack and it caused them problems. Ok, it didn’t bring the win but it was entertaining. I liked us with ball in hand and I was excited to see how we’d use the ball. I haven’t felt that since the Ford(s) era. One swallow does not a summer make, but it gives me hope and a want to watch the team next week, which wasn’t the case after some of the performances last season!
As an aside, Coetzee was monstrous when he came on. Huge number of effective involvements. Looked like he tired or was carrying an injury near the end but he was huge for half an hour and his carrying sucked in a tonne of defenders, giving us space to work the ball and run. Looked a clever move to bring him off the bench, too.
Big positive for me was that I could see, whoever was on the field, be it our 19yo 10 or a debutant prop, that we had a clear shape and idea of how to attack and it caused them problems. Ok, it didn’t bring the win but it was entertaining. I liked us with ball in hand and I was excited to see how we’d use the ball. I haven’t felt that since the Ford(s) era. One swallow does not a summer make, but it gives me hope and a want to watch the team next week, which wasn’t the case after some of the performances last season!
As an aside, Coetzee was monstrous when he came on. Huge number of effective involvements. Looked like he tired or was carrying an injury near the end but he was huge for half an hour and his carrying sucked in a tonne of defenders, giving us space to work the ball and run. Looked a clever move to bring him off the bench, too.
Stuart, Watson, Falatau, McNally , Coko, McConnachie, Redpath, Will Spencer - I think we have a lot of 'good' players missing that might 'disrupt us. We lost our Scrum half early too. All teams have good players missing all the time. That is when the others take the slack. It is the squad that counts. Sale knew they'd be missing all their Saffer Internationals from time to time when they signed them. They will have them when other teams lose theirs to 6 Nations etc. Can't make excuses for Sale being a weakened team - sorry. I'm glad our team appeared to do well despite all the absences
Not making excuses for sale having a weakened team. They won despite that- good on them. They will be disrupted more by the rugby championship than the 6 nations so expect they will see wins like yest as pretty huge and a bit of a bonus. I view it as a missed opportunity. As you say we of course were missing some good players as we will every game.
In reality little point in reading too much into the first game, esp after 1 warm up.....just would have been nice to sneak a win. My point is many people only focus on the adversity bath face, not the opposition and use it as an excuse to justify losses. Tbf it doesn't matter as sure the players and coaches don't.
I am happy to hold off any meaningful judgement til after 5 or 6 games. Take the second half performance into next week then continue to build and happy days. Sounds like some of the guys listed will come into the selection mix over the next few weeks.
In reality little point in reading too much into the first game, esp after 1 warm up.....just would have been nice to sneak a win. My point is many people only focus on the adversity bath face, not the opposition and use it as an excuse to justify losses. Tbf it doesn't matter as sure the players and coaches don't.
I am happy to hold off any meaningful judgement til after 5 or 6 games. Take the second half performance into next week then continue to build and happy days. Sounds like some of the guys listed will come into the selection mix over the next few weeks.
I have only watched the highlights but I can see now why there were hindsight comments about the last penalty kick. Conditions were good, but that far and wide out the chances were heavily in favour of a miss IMO, unless OB has a boot like an Elliot Daly. A line out with drive infield and a drop goal might have been a better % bet but I don't know how secure the line out was so may be talking rubbish.
Rome wasn't built in a day. The 2nd half play was encouraging IMO. Could be a good opportunity for Fox and Green to fight for a regular 9 place and good to see that Bailey remains a solid 10 option despite his age and lack of top level experience (as does Max O).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:dcsh
Full match and highlights now available on [www.premiershiprugby.com]
Camera and editing of the highlights version are rubbish
Pretty happy to see the majority of that second half fightback featuring Fox, Bailey, Mojo, TdG prominently in the backline.
Quote:gaz59Quote:dcsh
Full match and highlights now available on [www.premiershiprugby.com]
Camera and editing of the highlights version are rubbish
Indeed! No coverage of why the penalties were given but video of the kickers running back to their half. I learnt nothing so need to watch the full re run.
Looks like the Channel 5 Monday highlights have fallen by the wayside, as well.
Good point about the penalties, interested in the final killer blow ! Was it deserved and straightforward?
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Quote:B4thB4ckQuote:gaz59Quote:dcsh
Full match and highlights now available on [www.premiershiprugby.com]
Camera and editing of the highlights version are rubbish
Indeed! No coverage of why the penalties were given but video of the kickers running back to their half. I learnt nothing so need to watch the full re run.
Agreed can’t believe they showed lengthy close ups of the ball on a kicking tee, the players running back after scoring but no build up to the penalties in many cases. and very little actual rugby!
Add to that the players running out, the crowd and players lining up for the start. I would struggle to classify much of this as highlights.
The penalty was for offside in midfield after the Sale restart when we went ahead 17-19, though when the ref signalled a penalty he was between the 5-15 metre line 25-30yds out. He allowed play to continue as Sale had the ball though they couldn't capitalise. When he blew his whistle and went back to the mark he stopped in midfield which was maddening, the wider kick would have been much more difficult. Fair play to Bath they roared back at Sale at the restart and forced a penalty of their own 35-40 yds out, OB was well short with his wide out attempt.
I was v worried at h/time thinking we were in for a real beating but the whole team played so much better in the 2nd half. If this is what Bath are going to play like in 21/22 none of us are going to die wondering what the playing style might be. V disappointed at the end of the match but also v encouraged by what I saw...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
I was v worried at h/time thinking we were in for a real beating but the whole team played so much better in the 2nd half. If this is what Bath are going to play like in 21/22 none of us are going to die wondering what the playing style might be. V disappointed at the end of the match but also v encouraged by what I saw...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Quote:Mike the Taxi
Looks like the Channel 5 Monday highlights have fallen by the wayside, as well.
This is a major disappointment, can someone with Twitter find out from Flats what's occurring? Don't use it myself...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
[quote BathMatt53]Rome wasn't built in a day[/ quote]
Sure - but, yesterday wasn't exactly day one of the project.
Sure - but, yesterday wasn't exactly day one of the project.
I watched the full match this afternoon and thought it was a pretty decent performance. Yes they went 17-0 down but there were opportunities and intent to play was there. Fox and Bailey did well with extended game time.
[quote Optimist][quote BathMatt53]Rome wasn't built in a day[/ quote]
Sure - but, yesterday wasn't exactly day one of the project.[/quote]
I reckon we will know exactly where we are after the first 6 games. Lose them all and we will need a new builder to build Rome.
Sure - but, yesterday wasn't exactly day one of the project.[/quote]
I reckon we will know exactly where we are after the first 6 games. Lose them all and we will need a new builder to build Rome.
I agree that the loss of the Ch 5 highlights will be a real bummer. That is the go to slot for me & provides excellent & witty analysis. If it’s not on ch 5 it should be somewhere! Incidentally, I also don’t go for the missing player argument. We need to develop a system that works for the entire squad & doesn’t depend on certain big names players who don’t always deliver. There are signs of that with the arrival of the new attack coach & the (very) young players are the future.
[quote Optimist][quote BathMatt53]Rome wasn't built in a day[/ quote]
Sure - but, yesterday wasn't exactly day one of the project.[/quote]
It was the first Premiership outing of the David Williams revolution after basically tearing up the plans from the previous few seasons. Given that, I think that there were a few green shoots in that second half in an away match against a very physical Sale side. Agree with other of course, need to wait until Christmas to see if it really is going to make a difference to results / prospects.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Sure - but, yesterday wasn't exactly day one of the project.[/quote]
It was the first Premiership outing of the David Williams revolution after basically tearing up the plans from the previous few seasons. Given that, I think that there were a few green shoots in that second half in an away match against a very physical Sale side. Agree with other of course, need to wait until Christmas to see if it really is going to make a difference to results / prospects.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Prem Rugby should sort their own highlights package/punditry and push it out through youtube if no one's going to pay the rights for it.
Quote:hasta
Prem Rugby should sort their own highlights package/punditry and push it out through youtube if no one's going to pay the rights for it.
I am guessing that Prime, CH5 and even CH4 could pick up a few in due course?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I get the impression that an alternative solution will be announced in a coupe of games’ time.
Quote:hasta
Prem Rugby should sort their own highlights package/punditry and push it out through youtube if no one's going to pay the rights for it.
Just watched the 'highlights' - would genuinely have got more of a feel for what happened in the game by looking at 3 still photos of the match. Absolutely pitiful.
Watching the full match and overall it looks promising. Second half was very encouraging and even the first half could have been so different. On 32 minutes if Cipriani's dink kick sticks in Mojo's hands it becomes 10 - 7 instead of 17 - 0 just three minutes later
Saw this stat analysis of the game this morning. Looks like we were on top of pretty much everything apart from territory
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
I thought that, gaz. Of course, like the missing player issue, same for both sides but thought we might've taken one more of our chances if we'd had the bounce of the ball.
The penalty right at the end of the half also could've/should've been 7 points rather than 3 and at the end of the second half, before Bailey kicked us into the lead, it should've been a try rather than a penalty. If the ref (who I thought had a good game, actually) had just played a second more advantage, Muir would have run it in, as their centre sliced a woeful kick right into his hands! But same for both sides – du Preez knocking on in the act of scoring wasn't great for them!
Interesting captaincy from Ewels to take the 3 in the two incidents I noted above. Argument to say at the end of the first half, 17-0 down, them down to 14, we should've pushed for a try. But actually I think we got the decisions correct as we kept the scoreboard ticking over and were one kick away from a good away win. Still, I wonder what other teams would've done? Seems our adventure in attack is going to be stymied by a little pragmatism when it comes to penalties.
The penalty right at the end of the half also could've/should've been 7 points rather than 3 and at the end of the second half, before Bailey kicked us into the lead, it should've been a try rather than a penalty. If the ref (who I thought had a good game, actually) had just played a second more advantage, Muir would have run it in, as their centre sliced a woeful kick right into his hands! But same for both sides – du Preez knocking on in the act of scoring wasn't great for them!
Interesting captaincy from Ewels to take the 3 in the two incidents I noted above. Argument to say at the end of the first half, 17-0 down, them down to 14, we should've pushed for a try. But actually I think we got the decisions correct as we kept the scoreboard ticking over and were one kick away from a good away win. Still, I wonder what other teams would've done? Seems our adventure in attack is going to be stymied by a little pragmatism when it comes to penalties.
Here is a report about the loss of the highlights show on C5 
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-10006215/Rugby-Premiership-no-longer-Channel-5-highlights-moving-competitions-website.html
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-10006215/Rugby-Premiership-no-longer-Channel-5-highlights-moving-competitions-website.htmlAdopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
I hope I will be able to find it easily on my smart TV as I have no desire to watch on a computer.
[www.premiershiprugby.com] - Premiership Match Highlights. It says highlights, but the 'program' of Sale v Bath is 1:51 long - yet to watch. I have recently got a 5 metre HDMI cable to connect my laptop with TV, so I'll give it a go. It's not Bill McLaren, but still clear commenting.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:20:13:19:19 by Mike the Taxi.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:20:13:19:19 by Mike the Taxi.
Quote:Bath Hammer
I hope I will be able to find it easily on my smart TV as I have no desire to watch on a computer.
I watched some highlights yesterday on my Samsung Smart TV, no problems at all...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Quote:Clarkey3kQuote:Bath Hammer
I hope I will be able to find it easily on my smart TV as I have no desire to watch on a computer.
I watched some highlights yesterday on my Samsung Smart TV, no problems at all...
I was in France and I wanted to watch the Tigers game, first of all I had to get a VPN to watch BT abroad, but I didnt have an HDMI cable and a few of us wanted to watch. There was a smart TV, but the remote didnt work. I found a button/joystick on the bank (which was rubbish) and managed to find a mirroring function (in French) I then connected the laptop via bluetooth, it worked!
For some reason it dropped out about every 25 minutes and i had to re-establish the connection but I was still pretty pleased with my IT skills.
Would recommend a Chromecast which you can take anywhere, plug into an HDMI socket, connect to the Wifi and then cast from your phone.
Chrome cast, mirroring function, HDMI cable...Dont think I'll be watching any highlights this year!
Quote:hasta
Would recommend a Chromecast which you can take anywhere, plug into an HDMI socket, connect to the Wifi and then cast from your phone.
Hmm I needed a VPN cos BT wouldnt let me watch it, could I do that on my phone ?- I guess not through the app at least. Also Ive had trouble when I tried to set up my chromecast on an additional TV in my house, I ended up buying a second one.
Hmmm, yeah over VPN might be a challenge, because Chromecast takes the load of the connection, it's not BT->Phone->CC
Off topic I know, but just watched the Toulon v Montpellier game with our Zach at number 8. He had a pretty quiet game, not much interaction with other players - still learning the lingo I would imagine - but scored the try on 81st minute that gave Motpellier a 24-24 draw. Nice one.
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