Bath will need to circle the wagons for the onslaught of Exeter Chiefs at the Rec on Friday. Last week’s record derby defeat to Bristol will have all Premiership rivals eager to add to Bath’s pain. There was little to cheer in the score line or manner of defeat, while Mercer and Clark are likely additions to the growing injury list. This seems a bad time to be hosting last season’s top try scorers, who are ruthless in finding and exploiting weakness. The Rec must expect a brutal siege.
Exeter have overshadowed Bath in recent years. Four Premiership finals and four top two league places in four seasons, coming from a clear playing style, united squad culture and hunger for improvement. Their claim to be “The West Country’s Premier Rugby Club” first made after their 2017 triumph, can no longer be dismissed as an idle boast, or even premature. It is demonstrably true.
Six leading lights of Sandy Park graced the World Cup, of whom only White and Hogg are now available, fatigue and jet lag allowing. The Chiefs are also without quality players like Skinner, Armand and Devoto through injury. These absences may explain their toils against Harlequins last Saturday, when they struggled to impose at the scrum and lacked guile in midfield. However, they enjoy strength in depth that most other clubs would envy and will be desperate to prove last week a blip. Chiefs will sense weakness that they will want to exploit as mercilessly as a Comanche war party surprising unarmed settlers.
The rout at Ashton Gate gave little cause for optimism and few clues to Bath’s likely approach to this tie. The front five did well in set piece for most of the match but the whole pack was outplayed in the loose. Poor discipline and defensive errors wrecked any chance of a second half surge, the visitors looking increasingly ragged for the last fifteen minutes. So, what should Stuart Hooper do? Speedier, more assured decision making from halfback would help, so would midfield penetration and crisper, more accurate, passing out wide. Above all, ball won must be protected, the game varied and tempo managed to outwit the opposition defence.
The key question is, would different personnel produce better results? Should changes be made in search of improvement or a settled squad be tasked with redeeming themselves? Whatever the selection, whatever the game plan, a siege mentality and desperate defiance will be needed. Personally I hope that Hooper and the team adopt the stance of Marechal Foch:
“My centre is giving way, my right is in retreat. Situation excellent. I shall attack!”
The Rec can be very quiet when the team performs poorly but will get behind a resolute effort. Win, lose or draw, this needs to be a performance to rediscover pride. If not, this could be a long, sad season.
Having seen the Chiefs game against Quins, they carry far too much power up front and when they play their fast attacking, support running game from the whole 15, we will be far too stretched to compete. Quins lived off scraps from their pack but certainly tackled very well across the park and attacked with speed and menace, going wide at every opportunity. Smith kick passed a number of times and it caused the Chiefs big problems out wide.
With our depleted dispirited bunch of individuals, with no A plan of attack, slow ball easily spilt or given up, weak tackling, and even slower indecisive half backs, we are likely in for a pasting of enormous proportions. I have never been so not looking forward to a home game ever.
Look out for Sam Simmons who runs like a big centre and O Doughty who is fast and difficult to bring down.
Exeter by at least 20-25 and could be more I regret to say.
Adopted player 2020/21 Beno 'the Transformer' Obano
Adopted player 2019/20 Jonathan 'JJ' Joseph.The Jink Joseph.
Adopted player 2018/19 Adopted player 2018/19 Semesa 'The Rock' Rokoduguni
Bathovalballer Having seen the Chiefs game against Quins, they carry far too much power up front and when they play their fast attacking, support running game from the whole 15, we will be far too stretched to compete. Quins lived off scraps from their pack but certainly tackled very well across the park and attacked with speed and menace, going wide at every opportunity. Smith kick passed a number of times and it caused the Chiefs big problems out wide.
With our depleted dispirited bunch of individuals, with no A plan of attack, slow ball easily spilt or given up, weak tackling, and even slower indecisive half backs, we are likely in for a pasting of enormous proportions. I have never been so not looking forward to a home game ever.
Look out for Sam Simmons who runs like a big centre and O Doughty who is fast and difficult to bring down.
Exeter by at least 20-25 and could be more I regret to say.
Doomed we are all doomed - seriously why do some posters even bother getting on line if the scenario is always but always that bad.
The usual ignorant hysterics from Bathovalballer aside, I'm sure Bath will put in an improved performance, that usually happens with any side after a terrible game the previous week. Won't really matter though.
Bath Hammer but did the pack show up against Bristol???
First half sure, Mercers injury cost us 2 tries, we were ripped apart by Piatau back from the RWC and Hughes.
Let's be honest Bristols backs were already on top before the yellow issue then they ran away with it.
Bristol are effectively at full strength at the moment, we are miles away from that. If this current team start to improve then the 'missimg' will make a massive difference.
The problem remains the half backs!
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Last week was exactly that Last Week - We have a chance to put a few things right. Whether we have the belief and game plan to do it is questionable. Personally, what I want to see is a real reaction, a real passion and fight to show what the shirt and club means to them and us all. What I am concerned about is from what I have seen this season is the lack of game plan or attack and our defence is akin to "Tracing Paper" unless we sort this out we will continue to have real issues.
We need to change our mentality - I know the following has been bounded about enough but it is true - winning is a habit as is losing...small margins define both....
We need the Rec to be rocking and I mean properly rocking - something I have not witnessed for a long time - The players must play their part with passion, accuracy and belief and the supporters will cheer the team home....too often the Rec starts noisy then within 20 minutes it is so quiet you could hear a pin drop, completely negating home field advantage. Not to mention the sub-conscious effect this has on the referee.. How often have we come away from venues where we have moaned about a team getting the rub of the green in terms of decisions? Think what effect the home crowd had on some of those decisions and the players.
On another note I take it TF and Roko still not being considered or fit?? and Jackson Willison does concern me on a health note - As I understand it he unavailable again due to a head injury and given last years head injuries/concussion issues you would think he must be close to that stark consultants meeting where your long term health becomes rightly so more important than sport. I hope not as he is another player we have not seen the best of but health is so more important.
The people who watch it are hardly passionate shouters are they? Mumbling about some controversial advice in Gardeners' Question Time about the most animated they get. Should get a few drunk stags walking up and down the rows to get their 15th beer which usually livens things up though...
Friday nights are generally a lot rowdier than Saturdays. However, I can almost hear the collective groan now when a promising 5-phase move is ended by a knock-on. Cut out the errors and the crowd will, equally, build a bit of momentum.
BathMatt53 The people who watch it are hardly passionate shouters are they? Mumbling about some controversial advice in Gardeners' Question Time about the most animated they get. Should get a few drunk stags walking up and down the rows to get their 15th beer which usually livens things up though...
They actually get quite animated if heaven forbid someone actually stands up to applaud a Bath try, although admittedly this doesn't happen too often.
Optimist Friday nights are generally a lot rowdier than Saturdays. However, I can almost hear the collective groan now when a promising 5-phase move is ended by a knock-on. Cut out the errors and the crowd will, equally, build a bit of momentum.
Can't remember there being any lack of enthusiasm or noise at the Rec when we beat Tigers 45-0 a few seasons ago (was it really 5 years?). You cannot generate enthusiasm that is not really there, otherwise you sound like the crowd imported on some gameshow.
Injury updates - Catt likely out for the entire season due to leg surgery over the summer, no further details. Deliberately no updates given on Max Clarke and Zach Mercer. Faletau nearing the end of rehab. Roko close to return, maybe in the mix for Chiefs. Gutted for Catty.
"For me to excel as a rugby player I believe I've picked for the correct place," he said after a training session at Sandy Park which saw him score a blistering try from distance." Oh dear. I hoped Stuart Hogg would be rested this weekend, but looks as if he will certainly play some of the game.
Lets just hope our wagons are very tightly circled and there are no gaps for the odd opponent to run through!
Adopted player 2020/21 Beno 'the Transformer' Obano
Adopted player 2019/20 Jonathan 'JJ' Joseph.The Jink Joseph.
Adopted player 2018/19 Adopted player 2018/19 Semesa 'The Rock' Rokoduguni
"Odd, Nathan Catt was helping with the uni anniversary game and seemed to be walking fine with water bottles etc. Gutted for him if true"
My lad said he's been helping them out/involved with coaching for few weeks.The uni team scrum and driving maul has definitely improved in the last couple of games ....maybe a correlation...
Gotta love someone who complains about the lack of support at the Rec and then says 'it's going to be wet and I think we're going to lose, so I'm not going"
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2019:10:24:11:42:59 by Trawling.
It’s amazing how many “supporters” don’t go to games and then proceed to make detailed comments on how bad Bath were by reading an article in the paper or watching 3 minute highlights. I know some can’t get to games or watch on ppv telly but to pass unqualified opinion as fact is really not on.
15. Tom Homer
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Max Wright
12. Jamie Roberts
11. Aled Brew
10. Rhys Priestland
9. Will Chudley
1. Beno Obano
2. Tom Dunn
3. Will Stuart
4. Josh McNally
5. Charlie Ewels (c)
6. Mike Williams
7. Tom Ellis
8. Zach Mercer
Replacements
16. Jack Walker
17. Lewis Boyce
18. Christian Judge
19. Elliott Stooke
20. Josh Bayliss
21. Chris Cook
22. Freddie Burns
23. Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Rhys Priestland and Will Chudley again. They will be shaking in their boots.
Elliott Stooke on the bench again is a crime against rugby IMO!
CHIEFS SIDE TO FACE BATH
15 Stuart Hogg
14 Tom O’Flaherty
13 Ian Whitten
12 Sam Hill
11 Alex Cuthbert
10 Joe Simmonds
9 Jack Maunder
1 Ben Moon
2 Jack Yeandle (capt)
3 Harry Williams
4 Dave Dennis
5 Jonny Hill
6 Dave Ewers
7 Jacques Vermeulen
8 Sam Simmonds
16 Elvis Taione
17 Alec Hepburn
18 Marcus Street
19 Jannes Kirsten
20 Matt Kvesic
21 Stu Townsend
22 Gareth Steenson
23 Tom Hendrickson
Don't recognise their 15 - is he new? He can't be that good or he would be in Japan...
[23/24 adoptee: Will Butt]
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2019:10:24:12:08:02 by BathMatt53.
Maybe there’s no viable alternatives but after last week I’m surprised Homer & Wright are selected. I regrettably have a BO approach to this one but there’s always room for surprises.
Yeah, can't see much more than an Exeter win sadly, especially with their bench. I'll still turn up though and hope we are on top form and they're off colour.
All things considered, it's a better Bath team than I was expecting. Mercer fit (will believe it when he catches the first kick-off) and Roko starting are a nice surprise. I think the bulk of the starting XV deserves a shot at redeeming themselves.
It'll be interesting to see how Levi Davis is managed over the coming weeks, given X-Factor. I'm all for the club supporting extracurricular activities (to a point), but if we get another back 3 injury and England make the final, we'll need a winger. Having said that, we could have JJ and McConnochie back, fit and rested next week. Still, it's slightly odd Levi's been allowed to take up a second career with the season now firmly underway.
I'm usually an optimist, but this feels like we'll put up a feisty, promising open quarter before, inevitably, Exeter grind out a dull win, with a bucket of tries from a yard out in the drizzle. Nothing wrong with that from their perspective, but I'm just preparing myself so as not to be too surprised by the same old feeling of damp disappointment on my walk home.
dr.bath1865 Having said that, we could have JJ and McConnochie back, fit and rested next week.
3rd Place Play Off next Friday if don’t make the final.
Will be giving this a miss. Not sure I can stomach stood in the rain listening to that horrible noise their fans make whilst on the end of another loss. Not normally that person as normally will go whatever but without the World Cup contingent it really does look depressing.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:10:24:12:51:33 by Awp24975.
Is the X Factor stuff live? I'd assumed it was all filmed over the summer and only latter stages (voting/money rinsing) happened later on? You can tell I don't watch it.
It is a slightly better looking line-up than i'd expected, but Roko looked well off the pace last year. He's 32 now so it's hard to imagine he will return as the player we'd love him still to be. Still - with RP/JR as our 'playmakers' - we probably won't get to see anyway. Feeling distincly bob'ish about this one.
I think I am ok with seeing those who might not have played well given another chance. After a stuffing the team talk should have been direct and blunt, no need for an awkward balance between confidence and criticism.
Boldangrey Looking forward to sitting in the rain for 80mins and watching ....................................
Me too !
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
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Its not a bad Bath team, certainly not our first team but how often do you get to field that at Bath regardless of World Cup. This should be a good enough team to give Exeter a tight game and winning must still be the objective. Unfortunately it is the coaching staff that will have more influence on the game than the actual players.
ballsout Discipline needs to be key here. Give away a penalty on half way and it may as well be conceding a try to the bore machine.
This will be key. I just hope we don't start giving away back to back penalties again. Get pinged for holding on attacking in their half, then give away a line out penalty and its backs to the wall time.
What chance the Roko we saw against Sarries two years ago? I'd love to see him tear it up again and am not prepared to believe those days are gone.
Heart says us by 3. Head says them by a good bit more.
Looking at this objectively, the spread betting firms have Exeter with a 6.5 point handicap, I have long ago realised it is not comfortable to go and watch Bath having backed the opposition to win, but are we being collectively too pessimistic about our coaches ability or is this a great bet?
I wonder about the sanity and realism of some of our supporters. beating Exeter at the moment. With no A or B playing plans, no ball retention, little effective tackling and nil ball winning of 50/50 jackles, no kick chase, no driving maul ( I am sure Exeter will school/bully us here), no fight or passion we don't have a prayer. Oh no, I forgot. The returning super man who hasn't played a game for many a month, Roko is going to run through them and win the game on his own. Mind you he will have to win the ball himself as our forwards and half backs, centres etc are incapable on current showing of passing or working him into space with the ball in hand and a clear run at his opponent.
Why is a half fit Mercer named in the team or the slow,very expensive Roberts and the formless Priestland who was dreadful last weekend? Why isn't Stooke starting over the schoolboy Ewels? We need grunt and passion up front not nice vowels.
This going to be awful viewing, which no doubt we will be told after we have learned from, and I wonder how many tries Exeter will score. If you consider last weekend as embarrassing when we were meant to be revved up for a local derby which means so much to the players, what the ... is going to be the fall out on Friday?
Why don't we throw the game and put out our United/ Academy side like we did for Saracens away for the last two seasons and then can blame it on lack of experience and availability? Might even be a good defense.
Adopted player 2020/21 Beno 'the Transformer' Obano
Adopted player 2019/20 Jonathan 'JJ' Joseph.The Jink Joseph.
Adopted player 2018/19 Adopted player 2018/19 Semesa 'The Rock' Rokoduguni
The Chiefs will head into Friday's game knowing they have beaten Bath in their last eight games in all competitions, the most recent of which came in their Premiership Rugby Cup opener last month, when they won 28-14 at Sandy Park.
Says it all really.
Are you sure starting Ewels over Stooke is tripe? Will Ewels bully or put fear into their pack? We shall see what tripe is turned up tomorrow-in spades I fear.
Don't forget it is a local derby which we and especially the hyped up players want to win.
Ha Ha!
Adopted player 2020/21 Beno 'the Transformer' Obano
Adopted player 2019/20 Jonathan 'JJ' Joseph.The Jink Joseph.
Adopted player 2018/19 Adopted player 2018/19 Semesa 'The Rock' Rokoduguni
Thought I had logged in to the Bath supporters page, but obviously I was wrong as there seems little support here only gloom. Come on Bath, you can do this, Bath by 8.
As an Exeter supporter I don't believe this will be as straightforward as some on here think and I am not sure Bathovalballer actually saw our game last week as it must have been a different Exe team than the one I and others on our board saw?!
We will have to play a lot better than last weekend for certain and Quin's stopped our maul at source which blunted most of our attack and our scrum wasn't perfect by any means. Two facets of our game which are vital to us. Win those battles and you can win the war.
You have a decent pack, certainly better than it showed last week and and I will be happy to take a one point win if offered now as if expected it is wet and windy it probably won't be pretty and scoring could be difficult so there won't be much in it.
Right, that BoB post has finally convinced me that the account is actually a massive wind up. Somewhere there is a troll with a massive smile on their face. Or it's a bot with a cut-price algorithm and limited vocabulary.
BathMatt53 I know you hate Ewels with a passion for whatever reason but yes calling an England elite squad player and Bath Captain a ‘schoolboy’ is tripe.
Agreed.
Careful BoB - you are sailing close to the wind on rules!
My concern for the whole season is 9,10,12,. Not one of the players in those positions for this game do I think are good enough for Bath to make it to top 6 let alone top 4.
For this game, I think that 13 is a problem as well, but at least there is a player coming back that will sort that problem out.
I expect us to be beaten heavily tonight, although I do hope to be proved wrong, and if we do lose, I could live with that if I thought that when the world cup is over there was some light at the end of the tunnel. The problem is that in 3 key positions we have nobody who is going to come back in and make a difference.
I really like the look of our pack (despite last week) and our back 3 when everyone is back I think is as strong as anyones, and it is still pretty strong tonight. I'm not sure that will be enough to make up for the shortcomings in midfield though wither tonight or over the season.
Looks like rain and 40mph winds which could keep it tight and even things up a bit? The box kicks will certainly be going anywhere - hopefully more interesting than the draw vs Sale in similar conditions.
The inclement weather likely favours them and their mauling and pick and go game (zzz) ... but, oddly, it probably means we have got a better chance, given our pack is likely better than our current backline.
Either way, it's going to be a damp night on the terrace. All I want is a competitive effort, which shouldn't be too much to ask for a home game at this stage of the season. But that's where we are!
Actually Ewels was decent last week. Certainly got stuck into some tackles anyway.
That aside, I don't believe our rugby team is better than theirs nor the supporting roles.
Still, another opportunity for Hooper to learn something about his role and hopefully, no matter the outcome, that will pay dividends at some point in the future.
Toast and Marmite I know we’re at supposed to admire Exeter, their team spirit etc. But they really are unutterably dull to watch
It’s pouring with rain, blowing a hooley, on a dreadful pitch, oh and I forgot, Bath are playing some fantastic running rugby !!!!!!!!!!
Mate - I am afraid that were it blazing sunshine, Exeter’s pick and go game leaves me cold even though It’s effective.
"No sprinkles. For every sprinkle I find, I shall kill you."
Just an observation and query (I’m not questioning the legality of it and maybe the front rowers amongst us can help). Are the Exe front row, Williams against Obama specifically, going into the crouch phase of the scrum from a higher position than the Bath front row and would this give an advantage?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:10:25:20:57:24 by jras6.
Our forwards are looking as direct, dynamic and powerful as I have seen a Bath pack in a long while.
I’m not convinced we will win this, our discipline is dreadful still, and lord knows what Dempsey does during the week but the pack are looking genuinely impressive.
Dear Santa, for Christmas all rugby fans would like the referees to police the 5 second rule and stop these snooze-inducing 2 minutes to form box kick caterpillars. We’ve been good boys and girls (mostly).
That is a fantastic result, a great performance and brilliant, brilliant decision making and execution at the death. The last particularly is really impressive.
I am at a 50th birthday party keeping an eye on the game. As the final score came up the DJ played the Black Eyed Peas, great memories of past seasons. Great result, thanks team.
We looked like a team tonight and while that shouldn’t feel like a step forward it really is. I was at the Gloucester game and it felt similar. As long as we all agree that the Bristol game was called off then there are some real green shoots.
A superb win. Awesome physical effort and, as hasta says, excellent game management in the last 10 minutes by Priestland, Cook and Ewels. Mercer’s try saver on Cuthbert worth being this wet alone.
Mind, when they bought Street - “an absolute animal at tight head, the match for any in the Prem” (BoB ) - on, I really thought we were toast... that was until Boyce tore him to pieces.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:10:25:22:02:23 by dr.bath1865.
Really good performance from the pack. As and when we get quick ball then we show the potential to be dangerous ..... we just lack strike runners for the time being.
It is strange that if last week had not happened then we would be admiring the depth of quality in our forwards. As ever, consistency is our problem possibly because we do not have a dependable source of attacking points.
Really good performance. Thought Dunn, Ewels, Ellis and Mercer stood out in the pack and Cook and Priestland controlled the game very well.
As an aside, the constant Exeter runners taking inside tacklers out of the game needs looking at.
Well done boys. I don't think many or even any of us expected that. He credit for the decision to scrum at the end there - I think 90% of captains would have taken the three points but that was very smart clear thinking in a specific circumstance and I'm delighted it paid off.
jras6 Just an observation and query (I’m not questioning the legality of it and maybe the front rowers amongst us can help). Are the Exe front row, Williams against Obama specifically, going into the crouch phase of the scrum from a higher position than the Bath front row and would this give an advantage?
I know we have celebrity fans but when did we sign Barack?
I can't say enough good about the excellent cool head right decision, confidence and execution from Ewels and the pack at the death. That's a real positive for me.
hasta I can't say enough good about the excellent cool head right decision, confidence and execution from Ewels and the pack at the death. That's a real positive for me.
Agreed Hasta. I am so glad it went his way as I am sure there were people queuing up to give him grief .... I like the way he stood his ground when Priestland politely questioned if he was sure too!
Much like last week wasn't the end of the world as we know it, (despite what I read on 'ere), tonight doesn't suddenly make us world beaters either. However, that was definitely a positive step in the right direction and bodes well. Re-introducing our world cup returnees and hopefully keeping on top of the injuries I hope will see us continue our positive trajectory.
(Oh, and let's all hope BoB feels suitably contrite, offers an appropriate apology, and keeps his bile fuelled, hyperbolic nonsense in check for a bit.)
Congratulations Bath. You deserved that.
Not unexpected to me despite what many thought on your board. You have a decent pack, especially in these conditions.
Whisper it but you even beat us at our own game tonight.
Rob Baxter! Thomas the tank! Stuart Hodge! Dave Ewers! Exeter St Davids! Luke Cowan-Dickie! Bath Oval Baller - can you hear me, BoB! Your boys took one hell of a beating! Your boys took one hell of a beating!'
For home consumption only.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:10:25:23:26:28 by shipwrecked.
Had a fab evening with Lisa Stansfield at the forum and feared the worst seeing soggy, diconsolate bath fans on the bus home as i checked the bbc for the score. WE WON - Hurrah!! That is one against the head and fills me with hope and optimism. A 3pt second half sounds dull bit it must have been nerve shredding. I am chuffed to bits with that result, England now!! Well done Bath!!
Adopted players: 23/24 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
jras6 Just an observation and query (I’m not questioning the legality of it and maybe the front rowers amongst us can help). Are the Exe front row, Williams against Obama specifically, going into the crouch phase of the scrum from a higher position than the Bath front row and would this give an advantage?
I know we have celebrity fans but when did we sign Barack?
Yeah well spotted oh the joys of spellcheck.. my humblest apologies
shipwrecked Rob Baxter! Thomas the tank! Stuart Hodge! Dave Ewers! Exeter St Davids! Luke Cowan-Dickie! Bath Oval Baller - can you hear me, BoB! Your boys took one hell of a beating! Your boys took one hell of a beating!'
For home consumption only.
Superb performance, full of heart and passion and, after many false dawns, a thoroughly professional close out of a tight game. I was dreading going 6 points up and then spending the last 2 mins defending interminable Exe pick and goes on our line. To see us scrummage well and close things out was supremely heartening.
Well done Bath and a special mention to those in the open stand who must have had driving rain into their faces and laps all game.
Oh and commiserations to BOvB. Your team put up a good fight but they were outfought and outmuscled by a stronger Bath side. Better luck next time you miserable so and so.
Have to agree with Matt, the cool unflustered and authoritative way Ewels called for the scrum with 2 minutes to go was a bit like an exorcism! Clearly RP only plays his best rugby in the wing and rain.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Well that was a superb performance and which hopefully we can grow confidence from. Very well done, and the pack at the ending, out exetered Exeter. Truly Remarkable and none of of us saw that coming.
No excuses now Bath.
I thought Obano was great and if we could get him running at the opposition, he could do real damage. Stooke coming on also engendered huge go forward, passion and a never passing me spirit. Saw Roko make 3 tackles one after the other. Truly great spirit.
Cook was excellent in the wet and was the difference belateen the sides as Maunder was totally ineffective with all that ball and protection.
Still wonder what Roberts is all about as I really thought being wet, his crash ball up the middle taking out tackles could have been a weapon. But no.
Hope Chudley OK.
Onwards and upwards.
Adopted player 2020/21 Beno 'the Transformer' Obano
Adopted player 2019/20 Jonathan 'JJ' Joseph.The Jink Joseph.
Adopted player 2018/19 Adopted player 2018/19 Semesa 'The Rock' Rokoduguni
Yay for shipwrecked’s post. Almost as good as the win. Wow, we took them on at their own game and it paid off. To be honest, I felt a bit short changed by JP at scrum time, I thought we had the edge all night. Says a hell of a lot about our pack without our mainstays in Catt and Thomas and with Hatley to return. We will hopefully be turning and burning by February. Lets build on this performance.
Bathovalballer What did Captain Ewells contribute? Why keep Priestland on when he was having a mare?
There is no improvement over the last 3/4 seasons and in fact worse than last season if that is possible.
Just think we have Exeter at home next week! Will we keep the score difference under 30?
Quote:
Bathovalballer Wonder what it would cost to bring in Pat Lam?
As for finishing above Bristol, I honestly wonder on some people's sanity let alone judgement.
Quote:
Bathovalballer So what will the excuses be for the expected and deserved humping this weekend? The wind was blowing in the wrong direction, we lost the toss, the grass was wrong, the lights were in our eyes, and Exeter knew how and truly wanted to win the game.
Quote:
Bathovalballer Exeter by at least 20-25 and could be more I regret to say.
Quote:
Bathovalballer I wonder about the sanity and realism of some of our supporters. beating Exeter at the moment. With no A or B playing plans, no ball retention, little effective tackling and nil ball winning of 50/50 jackles, no kick chase, no driving maul ( I am sure Exeter will school/bully us here), no fight or passion we don't have a prayer.
Quote:
Bathovalballer Are you sure starting Ewels over Stooke is tripe? Will Ewels bully or put fear into their pack? We shall see what tripe is turned up tomorrow-in spades I fear.
Sorry BoB but how much credibility do you think you have posting the above one minute then praising Bath the next. Admit it Ewels had a great leader tonight and put in some serious hits.
Not only that Bath's driving maul was a serious weapon, seems some decent coaching went on there between LC a SH.
Long, long way to go but that's not the only game the pack have looked strong this season. Of course you could always admit you were wrong and even apologise for some unnecessarily worded criticism.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Well done gentlemen on a deserved victory. like us you will get your boys back soon. but today, in the conditions you fought hard and rightly won.
You will beat the new moneybags Bristol on the return match, with a bit of luck so will we against you.
All the bst
East Terrace Central
Our roads are paved with hope, and there are no stop signs.
"COME ON EXE!"
Bath captain Charlie Ewels: "The result looks great but for me it's all about the performance.
"There were a number of things about tonight. Being back in front of our fans. A lot of them would have been over in Bristol last week and we owed it to them.
"This is a very competitive league. If you don't compete and you don't perform, you're not going to win. We owed it to our fans - and we owed it to ourselves. Above everyone else, I owed it to BOB”.
Very well put by young Charlie. Ok I may have added the last bit.
[23/24 adoptee: Will Butt]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:10:26:06:11:04 by BathMatt53.
Excellent performance. Praise to the whole team who played to our strengths and outwitted Exeter. Zac’s tackle on Cuthbert, phenomenal! Everyone worked hard but praise also to the tacticians who worked out how to out Exeter Exeter!
Adopted player 2023/24 Matt Gallagher
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:10:26:13:11:54 by CoochieCoo.
This performance seems to back up Hooper's pre-season remarks about concentrating on our home games. I am happy with a fortress Rec strategy and nicking a few away results. If Irish can beat Wasps at the Ricoh so can we and I would really like to beat Sale away this year! Let's hope other results go our way today...
Adopted players: 23/24 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
Really good defensive display. It wasn't perfect and Exeter weren't their best but it was enough.
2 guys who came on 2nd half I thought were excellent were Cook and Bayliss. I think we really struggled to turn ball over first half and Bayliss can fix that but he also carried well and hard. Cook had great delivery from the base and I'm not a huge fan of box kicking but Cook kicked brilliantly as did Priestland. Think both those guys have to start next week.
I think we still have attacking problems and I don't think even with a good defence like that we can win games scoring 13 points consistently.
But a good win in a game that I expected us to get blown away so that's promising
Bathovalballer Well that was a superb performance and which hopefully we can grow confidence from. Very well done, and the pack at the ending, out exetered Exeter. Truly Remarkable and none of of us saw that coming.
No excuses now Bath.
I thought Obano was great and if we could get him running at the opposition, he could do real damage. Stooke coming on also engendered huge go forward, passion and a never passing me spirit. Saw Roko make 3 tackles one after the other. Truly great spirit.
Cook was excellent in the wet and was the difference belateen the sides as Maunder was totally ineffective with all that ball and protection.
Still wonder what Roberts is all about as I really thought being wet, his crash ball up the middle taking out tackles could have been a weapon. But no.
Hope Chudley OK.
Onwards and upwards.
You are just embarrassing yourself now! As far as I'm concerned you have nothing to say.
Now that was more like it both by the team and the crowd well worth braving the conditions.
Whilst being at risk of being tagged as a 'doom and gloomer' we need to appreciate those conditions completely levelled the playing field.
Last week's debacle was in the dry and we were ripped apart in the wide channels and loose. Rhys was brilliant in the wet but there are still many questions in relation to our attack and defence in the dry.
All that being said what a result and I will take that all day long, hopefully this is will install the belief for the players and the crowd need to push on.
Ali1969 Now that was more like it both by the team and the crowd well worth braving the conditions.
Whilst being at risk of being tagged as a 'doom and gloomer' we need to appreciate those conditions completely levelled the playing field.
Last week's debacle was in the dry and we were ripped apart in the wide channels and loose. Rhys was brilliant in the wet but there are still many questions in relation to our attack and defence in the dry.
Appreciate what you say but I thought our defence , discipline and ball skills were good in terrible conditions and we closed the game out with confidence, things that we have been rightly criticised for in the past.
appreciate what you say but I thought our defence and discipline were good and we executed skills in terrible conditions and closed out the game with confidence things that the team have been rightly criticised for in the past.
All that being said what a result and I will take that all day long, hopefully this is will install the belief for the players and the crowd need to push on.
Come on Bath.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:10:26:11:30:47 by Long Term.
Ali whilst I appreciate what you say I thought our defence and discipline were good and we executed our skills well in terrible conditions we also closed out the game with confidence all things we have been rightly criticised for in the past.
Humble pie tastes very good to me. Really happy for cook. Would like to see him start next week. Priestland played the conditions superbly, not sure he is the player for a dry day, but on a night like last night he is very good.
Need to back it up with a performance next week as well.
At the risk of BOBing I thought Rhys got away with a fairly average first half. Will watch it again but I don't think he got us into the right areas of the pitch like he did in the second half
Still a great all round, well disciplined performance and to nil Chiefs for the second half in those conditions is impressive
And let's give Hoops and his coaching team a big up here - they got tactics right [maybe obvious, true but … ] and the players played to it all the way to the final whistle
a confidence-boosting win by bath. there's no reason why they can't take that up to the ricoh next week and pinch a win.
a sour comment from baxter at the end, who put exeter's loss firmly at the door of poor exeter discpline, especially with regard to tackle height. i thought they lost because cook and priestland outplayed maunder and simmonds.
my MOTM was tom ellis, who was everywhere. it was also great seeing roko back and getting stuck in defensively.
bardofavon
a sour comment from baxter at the end, who put exeter's loss firmly at the door of poor exeter discpline, especially with regard to tackle height.
I thought he was quite magnanimous. He started off by saying how good Bath were and they they played the conditions better and made fewer mistakes.
Thought the back row of Mercer, Ellis and Williams + Bayliss were all great last night and ‘throw in’ Underhill, Toby F and Louw when available - we will have considerable strength in depth.
Considering Catt and Thomas are not available also thought the new props Stuart, Judge and Boyce were quite impressive.
I thought Baxter was typically honest and measured. He praised us, said we deserved the win but was fuming at how Exeter kept repeating their mistakes. I'm on holiday so watched on BT and half way through the second half he was tamping at their failure to 'play the ref' and thus give up easy territory. Apparently he ranted at the team afterwards, which isn't his usual style. You suspect Exeter will be very disciplined (and very good) next week!
Baxter was actually quite interesting. His point about high tackles is spot on - the players know the new laws and how strictly they’re being enforced so it must be maddening for a coach (and us supporters) if they don’t give them a very wide berth.
The one where their prop (Holmes I think) gave away a high tackle penalty on our line to let us out of our 22 was case in point. Given the field position and game situation, just go low, hit legs and don’t go anywhere near giving away a penalty.
Baxter wasn’t taking anything away from us. In fact, he made a point to say he wasn’t taking anything away from us. He was just saying how players know the laws and, whether you agree with them or not, it’s dumb to not follow them. I agree. Nothing makes me madder than seeing intelligent rugby players giving away dumb penalties and 3 points or 40 yards.
I agree, but there are some crazy penalties given, saw one, not sure of the game but he dived so low his head couldn't have been more than 2 feet off the ground, arm hit head in attempted tackle, penalty. If that is how its going to be interpreted there could well be some milking going on.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
BTW I want to see a 13 man caterpillar by the end of the Season. One man on the floor, one for the box kick, rest of the team take 15 mins to form up a 50ft train while ref shouts ‘use it’ like Bercow bellows ‘order’. Challenge is whether the box kicker can clear the man on the floor.
I hate it. If I could change 1 thing it would be that.
BathMatt53 BTW I want to see a 13 man caterpillar by the end of the Season. One man on the floor, one for the box kick, rest of the team take 15 mins to form up a 50ft train while ref shouts ‘use it’ like Bercow bellows ‘order’. Challenge is whether the box kicker can clear the man on the floor.
I hate it. If I could change 1 thing it would be that.
That would be great. They could all dance the conga whilst chasing the kick.
It’s not so much the actual caterpillar that annoys me it’s the phenomena of it being a legitimised aspect of the game that the ball can lie on the floor in full view of 30 players, one ref and 14 thousand spectators for half an age and only two people are allowed to touch it. That is a contradiction of the concept of sport. Dull.
There is plenty,I am sure, for the team to analyse and improve upon from this match. But there are two things I'd like the team to store up inside and use again.
1) Exeter's try. That took them forever. Eventually they got the score but that was hard work. On another day maybe the shutout will be complete and we can lift the siege without conceding. Overall it looks like this team could have some cussedness about them. More please!
2) Taking a scrum form that last penalty. Spurning an easy three was not popular around where I was sat. Making that decision, backing the forwards to execute it and then carrying it off was sublime. At the end of a testing match there was still some capacity for smart analysis and thinking on-pitch. (Also, I especially hate tooling around after the gong - unless in an attacking position and either chasing a win in a tight game, or a 4th try. I have been vexed in RWC2019 by the amount of after-the-80 play for no discernible benefit. Get it off the pitch.)
The caterpillar was popular amongst a few sides (notably Saracens) around five or six seasons ago, then it disappeared from the game, I presumed because the laws had changed to disallow it. Given that it’s crept back into the game, have the laws changed again?
True, but he is right about our defence coaching we need to sort out the dog legs, one let Cuthbert get away. When conditions improve we will get done when teams can handle. With 10 man rugby at home in the wet we will knick games but we need win games by defensive organisation rather than scrambled enthusiasm.
Thing is the pack is decent now and that's before Hatley gets here, prospects look good given what he has done for England.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
recman The caterpillar was popular amongst a few sides (notably Saracens) around five or six seasons ago, then it disappeared from the game, I presumed because the laws had changed to disallow it. Given that it’s crept back into the game, have the laws changed again?
The 5 second rule came in, but last season or two the refs seem to be allowing the 9 to to spend an eternity manoeuvring the ball into a convenient position, THEN calling “use it”, and still indulging 5+ secs after that. On the rugby pod recently, Care was pretty candid that the 9s want as much time as poss to compose themselves so no chance of using it until the refs make them. Cmon refs; sort it!!!
Some really good performances especially all of the loosies, who worked their socks off. Super impressed by the work that Mike Williams gets through. Reminds me a little of Andy Beattie.
Rhys again demonstrates why he is rightly first choice, and Cookie was solid too.
Yes Mike Williams has really impressed me - I wasn’t expecting that much tbh but he has proven me (and others I’m sure) wrong on that one. Interested to see who our 1st choice back row would be with everyone fit - some very good players will miss out.
shipwrecked True, but he is right about our defence coaching we need to sort out the dog legs, one let Cuthbert get away. When conditions improve we will get done when teams can handle. With 10 man rugby at home in the wet we will knick games but we need win games by defensive organisation rather than scrambled enthusiasm.
Completely agree but in previous seasons the Cuthbert break would have led to a winning score for Chiefs
Zac positioned himself brilliantly to get to Cuthbert before the corner flag, Wright coming across assisted the tackle into touch
Let's take that and look forward to something even better in organisation once Hats arrives
I spent the first 20 minutes tutting and sighing and assuming the worst, and saying "you'll see, a knock-on is coming up any second now. See, what did I tell you. This is only going one way."
There were a few of those undermining errors (stuffing up the kick-off just after we'd got our first points on the board being a lowlight). In retrospect the error count was entirely acceptable, even in those first 20 minutes, given the conditions. But from the minute Roko gave us those crucial 20 metres in the build-up just before half-time, it was almost as if they eradicated all of our serial failings at a stroke. Great ball-retention. Tick. Sticking to sensible game-plan. Tick. Cool, calm decision-making. Tick. Execution to support the decisions. Tick. 'Wanting it' more than the opposition. Tick. Bench players having a positive impact. Tick.
Now for the big one....... following it up next week. Tick????????? And - can Priestland bring an appropriate game should the weather conditions be different?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:10:28:11:19:40 by Optimist.
Optimist
Now for the big one....... following it up next week. Tick????????? And - can Priestland bring an appropriate game should the weather conditions be different?
Not sure Opti, there are rules about this revival. At the moment it only applies to:
1) Home matches
2) Wet, windy and muddy games
3) Priestland and Cook driving
We may have to wait to see the umbrella extend to away games in the dry!
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Optimist
Now for the big one....... following it up next week. Tick????????? And - can Priestland bring an appropriate game should the weather conditions be different?
Not sure Opti, there are rules about this revival. At the moment it only applies to:
1) Home matches
2) Wet, windy and muddy games
3) Priestland and Cook driving
We may have to wait to see the umbrella extend to away games in the dry!
Rules even slightly dubious ones are made to be broken .
You could have had Friday night wet windy games
Games when there is an r in the month
Games when I stood 2 yards to the left of my normal spot on the terrace
Games when I didn’t wear my lucky boxers ( ok I made that last one up)
I get your point that it’s too soon to tell after 1 good game just as it was too soon to condemn after one bad one.
Agree TGK, have to say the Wasps game is receding from importance with the Rugby World Cup final looming. If England win in the morning I'm not sure I'll be in a fit state to comment on the Bath game having been bantered to death by my majority of Welsh rugby mates over the past few years I intend to deliver some payback.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
shipwrecked Agree TGK, have to say the Wasps game is receding from importance with the Rugby World Cup final looming. If England win in the morning I'm not sure I'll be in a fit state to comment on the Bath game having been bantered to death by my majority of Welsh rugby mates over the past few years I intend to deliver some payback.
Come and share a glass of Wincarnis with Old Prostates, SW, and we can sing 'Bread of Evans' all day long.
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