It will be a case of “sale or return” in the festive encounter at the Rec on Saturday. Sale knocked Northampton off the Premierships top spot at the weekend, while Bath racked up 6 tries in walloping London Irish. Both wins have been described as their sides “most complete performance of the season”, so an exciting tussle is in prospect. Sale are fourth favourites to win the Premiership, so will they run out winners, or will Bath continue their return to winning ways?
Sale’s triumph over Saints was built on their South African contingent, in the dominant form of a steely pack, in press defence and attack. Up front they won the physical contest at the breakdown and disrupted the Northampton lineout. Their aggressive defence forced an interception try for Ashton while aggressive mauling brought its reward for hooker Van der Merwe. These scores coming either side of a barnstorming effort from centre Janse Van Rensburg. Apart from these three, danger men include the Du Preez brothers, who direct much of their play, from No8 and fly half respectively and, of course, the mercurial De Klerk who tormented England in last month’s World Cup final. The Manchester outfit’s squad and their supporters will be confident of cashing in on Bath’s inconsistency and like sharp elbowed customers at January sales, ruthless in pursuit of a win.
Good news has been at a premium for Bath recently, but Sunday’s win will have sent them into the Christmas break in much better heart. They will not be in a mood for seasonal giveaways and seeking their own festive bargain. Against Irish Bath set their stall out early, taking little more than 20 minutes to seize the bonus point. Their style of play, five first half tries showing off a wide range of wares will have supporters hoping that this is the new Bath brand: a mix of winning product and attractive proposition.
With Saturday expected to be bright and sunny the Rec could be a sell-out.
Fans will hope for good news on the injury front: will Louw have passed his HIA protocols and Stooke, Ellis, Roberts, Watson and Homer recovered from Sunday’s knocks? They will hope too for a repeat of the sharp form shown by Joseph, Rokodoguni and, particularly, Watson to form a high priced attack and that the defence will be steely in closing down Sale to give them no change at all.
Sale’s threat must not be discounted, but with the Rec crowd behind them, newfound confidence and the bounce of Christmas spirit, Bath may have enough to send Sale home empty handed. Let them return their supporters’ faith. Bring it on!
Sale: Oosthuizen, Van Der Merwe, Cooper-Woolley, Evans, Phillips, Ross (Capt.), T Curry, D Du Preez. De Klerk, R Du Preez. McGuigan, Janse van Rensburg, James, Ashton. Hammersley.
Replacements: Harrison, Langdon, John, Postlethwaite, B Curry. Cliff, MacGinty, Solomona.
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
We won't be able to bully Sale up front like we did Irish but we are at home. Two Currys will mean we get very little fast ball at the breakdown. An arm wrestle for the purists, I think, so kick the points and the corners and try not to play any rugby at all in our own half.
joethefanatic We won't be able to bully Sale up front like we did Irish but we are at home. Two Currys will mean we get very little fast ball at the breakdown. An arm wrestle for the purists, I think, so kick the points and the corners and try not to play any rugby at all in our own half.
Bath by 3 but not said with much conviction.
Certainly going to need a strong ref at the breakdown and at scrum time !
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
joethefanatic We won't be able to bully Sale up front like we did Irish but we are at home. Two Currys will mean we get very little fast ball at the breakdown. An arm wrestle for the purists, I think, so kick the points and the corners and try not to play any rugby at all in our own half.
Bath by 3 but not said with much conviction.
Certainly going to need a strong ref at the breakdown and at scrum time !
Craig Maxwell-Keys ???? 68th Prem game.
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
Why have a long term plan, abandon it and sack the man you've made D of R with a 3-4 win/ loss record in the Prem? I'm not saying the coaching structure is right, but you don't achieve much by putting that sort of pressure on anyone. 'Lose a game and you're sacked'... not how I'd want the club to run things and hardly constructive IMHO.
TomReagan Why have a long term plan, abandon it and sack the man you've made D of R with a 3-4 win/ loss record in the Prem? I'm not saying the coaching structure is right, but you don't achieve much by putting that sort of pressure on anyone. 'Lose a game and you're sacked'... not how I'd want the club to run things and hardly constructive IMHO.
OutsideBath The win last weekend has bought Hooper a little time, but BC surely still has Hooper’s taxi on standby so another must win game for him.
Another home defeat would be disastrous.
If I recall correctly OB you have been critical of everyone managing and owning the club for a while but we aren't in that 'taxi' situation as it stands today.
Myself, I agree with Hooper as DoR but feel we would benefit from a HC. If I was Bruce I would have contemplated my end of term thoughts over a mince pie and realised there is no clear evidence for rash decisions.
Half the teams are played 6, won 3 and we are still very early in the league season. There is evidence of progress and you have to go with that. Although LI were not the strongest on the day the away win still came after a run of defeats which is very encouraging.
The jury are still out and won't be returning for a few games yet IMO.
That is pretty much the squad i would go for. Maybe bayliss on the bench to cover 8 if flo fit.
Jamie roberts looked in a lot of pain and only a 6 day turnaround. If he is unavailable i would be tempted to play de glanville personally but sure they would pick wright. That sale midfield is experienced and v good
OutsideBath The win last weekend has bought Hooper a little time, but BC surely still has Hooper’s taxi on standby so another must win game for him.
Another home defeat would be disastrous.
If I recall correctly OB you have been critical of everyone managing and owning the club for a while but we aren't in that 'taxi' situation as it stands today.
Myself, I agree with Hooper as DoR but feel we would benefit from a HC. If I was Bruce I would have contemplated my end of term thoughts over a mince pie and realised there is no clear evidence for rash decisions.
Half the teams are played 6, won 3 and we are still very early in the league season. There is evidence of progress and you have to go with that. Although LI were not the strongest on the day the away win still came after a run of defeats which is very encouraging.
The jury are still out and won't be returning for a few games yet IMO.
I have certainly been critical of Hooper’s appointment and have seen nothing to change my mind. Believe I have also not been a particular fan of Tarquin, but don’t recall criticising BC because we need his money.
As for the taxi waiting I certainly hope BC has it on standby if things don’t improve dramatically.
Hooper may well turn out to be a top DOR in 5-10 years, but I don’t want to wait that long to see Bath compete at the top again.
charlieboa That is pretty much the squad i would go for. Maybe bayliss on the bench to cover 8 if flo fit.
Jamie roberts looked in a lot of pain and only a 6 day turnaround. If he is unavailable i would be tempted to play de glanville personally but sure they would pick wright. That sale midfield is experienced and v good
TdG against Rohan Janse Van Rensburg?! It needs a physical centre to combat that beast - TdG would get broken pretty quickly IMO.
charlieboa That is pretty much the squad i would go for. Maybe bayliss on the bench to cover 8 if flo fit.
Jamie roberts looked in a lot of pain and only a 6 day turnaround. If he is unavailable i would be tempted to play de glanville personally but sure they would pick wright. That sale midfield is experienced and v good
TdG against Rohan Janse Van Rensburg?! It needs a physical centre to combat that beast - TdG would get broken pretty quickly IMO.
Yep he is a handful hence why i think they will go with wright if roberts is out. Wright got steam rollered himself against clermont though so not sure that solves that one.
Need to give tdg a go at some point though and i like him as a centre. Not many small midfields out there and many ways you can counter size mismatches. Do agree though dont think it will be this weekend, i just have a bee in my bonnet about them trying to turn him into a 15 when we have obvious midfield issues tbh.
Yes, potentially in a bit of a 12 pickle. Could do with getting a new 12 in on loan from somewhere with a view to signing him permanently next season if he performs well. There must be a few around who want a game?
BathMatt53 Yes, potentially in a bit of a 12 pickle. Could do with getting a new 12 in on loan from somewhere with a view to signing him permanently next season if he performs well. There must be a few around who want a game?
Good idea, pickles and chutney on Boxing Day, mmmmmm.
‘bought Hooper time’ no I don’t think so, I think BC has been persuaded that he cant keep parachuting in head coaches on big salaries. He knows he needs to build solid coaching and player development foundations and has shown belief in a guy who has a deep passion for the club to deliver this as opposed to someone who probably didn’t know where the City of Bath is on the map. Hooper will be given plenty of time and I think it will work. We just need fit players..
Sale Sharks: 15. Chris Ashton, 14. Denny Solomona, 13. Sam James, 12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11. Byron McGuigan, 10. Robert du Preez, 9. Faf De Klerk; 1. Coenie Oosthuizen, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Will-Griff John, 4. Bryn Evans, 5. James Phillips, 6. Jono Ross (Capt.) 7. Tom Curry, 8. Daniel du Preez
Replacements: 16. Rob Webber, 17. Ross Harrison, 18. Jake Cooper-Woolley, 19. Jean-Luc du Preez, 20. Ben Curry, 21. Will Cliff, 22. AJ MacGinty, 23. Marland Yarde.
Delighted to see Faletau back. Rather hopeful having seen that team sheet and now even more annoyed I'm not able to attend. The game can't possibly be as miserable to watch as the two Sale fixtures from last season.
Front row battle is going to be one for the purists. Hope the pitch holds up, if not it could be a painful waste of a lot of match time with serial resets
gaz59 Front row battle is going to be one for the purists. Hope the pitch holds up, if not it could be a painful waste of a lot of match time with serial resets
With the amount of rain we've had there's bound to be a game full of scrum resets and penalties, hopefully our front row will get on the right side of the ref.
Thats an interesting point about the wet pitch, just wonder about Ashton and Solomona on a sticky one, Ashton at 15 is not best known for his kicking and defence and DS won't be the same sort of threat as he would be if he had firm footing underneath. Might suit RP.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
World class player or not Hamptonite, like most of the rec crowd tomorrow I will be wincing whenever he goes into contact. I just hope that he has used up all the bad luck and that he can get half a dozen games under his belt without any sort of problem (ready for the 6N!).
I am worried about bringing TF back against Sale of all teams, the medical team must know what they are doing, however it will take him time to gain confidence after being off for so long - playing against Ross and 2 x Curry's will not be the easiest return. At least it is a game worth looking forward to I just hope the referee stays in the background.
BathMatt53 World class player or not Hamptonite, like most of the rec crowd tomorrow I will be wincing whenever he goes into contact. I just hope that he has used up all the bad luck and that he can get half a dozen games under his belt without any sort of problem (ready for the 6N!).
Yep, wont be a relaxing watch. Everything crossed for him. As you say surely due some luck and sounds like they taken thinhs steady with him.
Mixed feelings, he was mom when he came back after months out last season but with loads of back row options available i would have been tempted to give him 30-40mins for united to get some game time in his lungs. Then play him against glos if no issues.
I only get concerned if I get the impression someone is only playing because we are short of options, in tomorrow's case many thought Roberts was badly hurt at LI?
Regarding the pitch, dry today and tomorrow so sticky but not wet. Has anyone ever seen the artificial lighting rigs used at the Rec that Desso pitches normally use to keep the grass growing all year?
B4thB4ck I only get concerned if I get the impression someone is only playing because we are short of options, in tomorrow's case many thought Roberts was badly hurt at LI?
He did look badly injured as he left the field, I am surprised to see him selected given his right [injured] shoulder will get a serious examination tomorrrow. I am really looking fwd to the game and hope we have enough about us to win but there will only be a score in it imho. I hope TF has a stormer tomorrow carrying hard into their defence and perhaps the odd deft offload. We won't bash our way through them so JJ needs to get his hands as well as his feet moving. Watson was also carrying a knock to his [right?] leg at the end of last week's game so I hope he is fully fit too. I think it's going to be a cracker...
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
Regarding the pitch, dry today and tomorrow so sticky but not wet. Has anyone ever seen the artificial lighting rigs used at the Rec that Desso pitches normally use to keep the grass growing all year?
Those Desso pitches that are surrounded by high stands usually need the additional light to encourage growth. I’m not sure that any Desso pitch at the Rec would ever need lighting because the stands (even the projected ones) wouldn’t block out enough of the sun/light.
With current rainfall and pitch condition,I’m not sure what equipment would be required to stop it being ‘heavy’!
Maybe a fast draining pitch elevated higher than the natural land level so the wet has somewhere to drain to?
Failing hat a large tent that gets hauled up before predicted heavy rain - similar to the old centre court rain cover - with decent drains and large fans below circulating air aiding drying?
Or can we accept that it's a winter game and players ought to have skills to cope with wet muddy pitches? After all it's not like they have to wash their own kit.
Outstanding dedication to duty as an Englishman sir .... though the thought of warm methane being used to dry the pitch might well put off some fans (as in spectators). It also works as a double post in that it would sit easily in the 'Climate Change' thread.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I look at those two teams & they match up pretty well. They are both strong throughout but I look at the halfbacks & compare Priestland v Du Preez & Chudley v De Klerk. That match up concerns me in dryish conditions.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:12:28:11:27:50 by Bath Hammer.
Bath Hammer I look at those two teams & they match up pretty well. They are both strong throughout but I look at the halfbacks & compare Priestland v De Klerk & Chudley v Du Preez. That match up concerns me in dryish conditions.
I've never seen Rhys feed the ball into a scrum so I assume Faf would be better at that, for starters
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
Don't know much about the Sale pack, but are we likely to get the dominant scrum that Hooper has put all his hopes in? If not we are in for a long and depressing afternoon.
Looking forward to seeing if we can back up last week's performance, that was very "Sarries" like built on aggressive defence forcing the errors and then making the opposition pay.
Hopefully Flouw will! Have close tabs on his fellow Springbok budgie smuggling mate.
If we keep true to our game plan if last week is the game plan then we need to be focusing on our performance and not be worried about the opposition, as they say if you get your house in order the rest will look after itself including the officiating - Craig M-Keys has not been good for us at home in the past..
Let's make some serious noise, make the extra player and cheer the team home. Come in Bath.
Think we will need something more than just a repeat of the performance against Irish. Sale will be far more cohesive in defence and offer more threats from around the breakdown area and out wide
There should be a lot of points in this game so we will need to sharpen up the attacking from the backs and more clinical with the tryline pick and drives
Excellent result - that’s the sort of game that Bath would have lost in the last few seasons. Chucked it about a bit too. Great atmosphere at the Rec as well tbh.
Would definitely have taken 9 points from this block of prem games so the Glos game is a freebie IMO.
Harlequins result worked well for us, although Leicester got 2 points it was only because of some quick thinking by Ford. Tigers must be pleased with a draw, how times have changed.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
That was a great effort by the boys. They worked really hard for 80 minutes & kept cool heads after they had regained the lead. That is a very strong Sale side & they put everything into achieving a win but we showed tremendous determination to hold out. This performance reflects well on the coaching team & especially our new DOR.
One thing that I forgot to add..credit where it’s due - Chudley, RP and Cook played well again today. On the basis of those performances the half back worries that those on this board (including me) had don’t look so critical.
BathMatt53 One thing that I forgot to add..credit where it’s due - Chudley, RP and Cook played well again today. On the basis of those performances the half back worries that those on this board (including me) had don’t look so critical.
Mmm... don't get seduced Matt the issue is still there, look around the Prem Max Malins, Jacob, Umaga, Marcus Smith, Manu Vunipola, Joe Simmonds all early 20's RP WC early 30's! Pro 14 Jarrod Evans, Dan Jones even Sam Davies is only 26.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Not saying that RP will be playing for us when he is 45 SW, just that him and the 2 scrum halves have done well last couple of games. Wasn’t too long ago when people on this board were talking about them being of Championship standard.
In relation to Umaga etc, remember we have TdG who is young and talented who should be able to drop in when RP moves on in 18 months or so. I actually rate young Grayson right up there with those others as well tbh.
I'll defer to your judgement on TdG but isn't he more centre material? I forgot about Grayson and there is someone else as well I think.
Cant argue about Cook, CChudley and Priesland but they look OK behind a decent set of forwards but don't all 9s and 10s do that. I get your point though? How far off is Orlando Bailey?
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Bailey is still at school - maybe 17? I would guess he will be ready to rock in the new stadium!
Was the other one Simmons at Exe?
TdG has been played all over but IMO he looks best at 12 maybe 10. Comfortable at 15 but his playmaking a bit wasted (like Malins)? Great problem to have mind you....
A good win with lots of green shoots and a sense of what we are trying to achieve is starting to form. Faletau and Louw made a big difference, adding something extra around the park to add to the muscularity and offloading from the rest of the pack.
Chudley and Priestland controlled things well and our outside backs played really well.
On the downside Roberts’ passing is awful making him easy to defend and not helping the fluidity of our attack. Not convinced WC, RP and JR will ever get the best of our backline.
The best part for me though was how we rallied after letting a 13-0 get overtaken within 10 minutes.
BathMatt53 One thing that I forgot to add..credit where it’s due - Chudley, RP and Cook played well again today. On the basis of those performances the half back worries that those on this board (including me) had don’t look so critical.
Mmm... don't get seduced Matt the issue is still there, look around the Prem Max Malins, Jacob, Umaga, Marcus Smith, Manu Vunipola, Joe Simmonds all early 20's RP WC early 30's! Pro 14 Jarrod Evans, Dan Jones even Sam Davies is only 26.
I think your point SW is that there is some incredible talent around at age 18 + all of whom are capable of playing to a standard that is just brilliant and couldn't agree more, absolutely right
What I like most is that these players are bringing speed of foot and thought and skill back to the forefront to win games when bulk and force appeared to be the way to go
I have been critical about JR in attack but van Rensburg has beaten more defs than any other prem player this season and he got no change out of the doc today - that’s definitely where his strength lies.
Full stats here for the nerds amongst us. Just the 18 from Roberts today - in fact he has the same stats as Tom Curry which is impressive. Stooke and Flouw impressive D stats too.
BathMatt53 I have been critical about JR in attack but van Rensburg has beaten more defs than any other prem player this season and he got no change out of the doc today - that’s definitely where his strength lies.
Full stats here for the nerds amongst us. Just the 18 from Roberts today - in fact he has the same stats as Tom Curry which is impressive. Stooke and Flouw impressive D stats too.
In a tight game like today, 18 tackles and only one missed is a very good indicator of essential sound defence in a channel that was always going to be a game definer
Really well done. On top, then down and dogged it out. Shouldn't have been that close and our concentration from 40-60 mins was woeful but nevermind. A bit concerned about us throwing speculative passes when we just needed to hold on to the ball but we've complaining about a lack of ambition for 5 years. Rhys really excellent, Taulupe not broken and Anthony playing beautifully. Happy with that.
What a day what a win, great to hear the noise at the Rec makes all the difference as mentioned by Hoops and Steve Diamond.
Starting to see signs of belief and a team bond, all credit to Hoops who has received criticism and probably justified but along with his coaching team they have stuck at it and the tides of luck are changing Hats is starting to have a huge impact as we knew he would and injuries are returning.
Really chuffed that was a game we would have lost 4 weeks ago without a shadow of doubt.
If I were to strike just one note of caution from yesterday it was we had 60 minutes of dominance and we still seem unable to put a side as dangerous as Sale away, in all truth we should have been 25 points up before they got into the game.
All being said that is the only Yang to my Ying. I really hope we can back this up against Glos... I honestly believe we have nothing to fear from that side, personally I think along with Sarries and Chiefs the Sharks have the most power and danger in the Premiership which puts that win in perspective.
Great win!! Diamond will be fuming that Sale didn’t take the 3 points on offer at 13-14 and went for the corner. Unbelievable decision - especially given their lineout was taken apart??
Haven't seen the game yet but can be upset with the result, or the comeback. As others have said, we'd have lost that probably as little as one season ago.
Also, going for the corner rather than 3 seems very in vogue at the moment and almost robotic in its selection. But like any prescribed strategy, you'll lose the benefit of you don't appraise the situation. Lucky for us, it sounds like Sale did not.
Adopted Player:
[23-24] - Joe Cokanasiga
[22-23] - Mike Williams
[21-22] - Ben Spencer
[20-21] - Will Vaughan
[19-20] -
[18-19] - Taulupe Faletau
Diamond has also questioned the winning penalty given for a no arms tackle by Curry on Dunn. He stated that the ref should have gone to the TMO.
As regards the melee, Andrew Sheridan on Twitter states that Sale staff in bibs got involved and even the AR manhandled a Sale staff member. Reports that Faff took umbrage on Dunn clearing him out legally and allegedly punched Dunn in the face, causing Dunn to hold him down.
Was in front of us. From what I saw: Dunn and Stuart clear out FdC cleanly and dominantly (he gets smashed)... FdC gets up and tries to wrestle Will Stuart (he's got balls to be fair!)... Stuart pins FdC to the floor (no surprise there)... Their 6(?) comes running in from about 20m and shoulder-barges Stuart (rucking style)... Then a group of about 4 of our forwards, led by Stooke, arrive and smash the 6(?)... From then it's a mess, with loads of players flying in (no punches though)... Their water carriers come running in off the bench and start pushing bath players about... The ref marches the biggest orange-bibbed culpret backwards with a finger on his chest... Touch-judge is also involved...
Great atmosphere, you could sense the anticipation before the match and that is something we have not seen at the Rec for a long time. Shows how quickly attitudes can change within a team, we now seem keen to get the ball and positive in our attitude. Well done to all players and coaches, a good win against difficult opponents, but keeping a sense of perspective we are nowhere near Exeter/Saracens and need to improve our attacking backs play if we are going to get above mid table.
Can I get a mention in for Rhys Priestland, who I thought played brilliantly yesterday. I for one have questioned his ability to find old form, which he has answered defiantly in the last two games. Fair play Rhys, may it continue.
CoochieCoo Diamond has also questioned the winning penalty given for a no arms tackle by Curry on Dunn. He stated that the ref should have gone to the TMO.
Not what I read. Diamond said that Sale should have had a penalty with 6 minutes to go for Dunn no arms tackle on Curry. Not shown on BT highlights. Diamond wasn't referring to earlier Bath penalty kick
dannyf2 Can I get a mention in for Rhys Priestland, who I thought played brilliantly yesterday. I for one have questioned his ability to find old form, which he has answered defiantly in the last two games. Fair play Rhys, may it continue.
CoochieCoo Diamond has also questioned the winning penalty given for a no arms tackle by Curry on Dunn. He stated that the ref should have gone to the TMO.
Not what I read. Diamond said that Sale should have had a penalty with 6 minutes to go for Dunn no arms tackle on Curry. Not shown on BT highlights. Diamond wasn't referring to earlier Bath penalty kick
‘ Sale fought back — snatching a 14-13 lead with nine minutes remaining — but Rhys Priestland kicked the winning points after Tom Curry was penalised for a no-arms tackle on Dunn. Curry pleaded his innocence and Sale coach Steve Diamond was left ruing the decision of referee Craig Maxwell Keys.
‘A crucial decision decided the game,’ said Diamond. ‘Tom Curry’s a world-class player and I need to have a look at that. I believe Tom Curry and everyone else around, who was amazed by it. Why doesn’t he consult his TMO?’’
Had an excellent day out - great result - the first time in god's knows how many years that I've heard the crowd get behind the team so loud and clear (COYB ), and it made a difference - yes RP had a good game, but his platform was made by the forwards who put in a great shift with Beno and Josh deserving of special mentions IMHO - met a few of the players after the game all seemed very upbeat - our 4 hour round trip was held in good spirits not only to the game but also from the game for a change. The positivity remains high!
Brilliant performance, and 5 minutes aside, we looked like the better side, with Chudley and Priestland always in control. Our defence in the first half was fantastic, with Obano, McNa, Ellis and Roberts time and time again knocking men back behind the gain line, allowing Louw to do his thing. Structure, strength and commitment. Hatley’s influence paying off already?
Special mention for Dunn, who gets through so much work with and without the ball. His defence was - as ever - superb, borderline maniacal. 91% lineout too.
Moment of the match was Watson’s unbelievable take from Priestland’s bomb in the second half. Amazing athleticism and skill and then the foresight to grubber through too, leaving them on their own line. Brilliant.
The Rec was the loudest I’ve heard it in years. Great fun. If we can field a similar squad next week, perhaps with the addition of Underhill, we can go to Gloucester and win.
See Diamond makes reference to Baths 16 player - I am hoping he is referring to the crowd, however I expect knowing him he is having one of his sly digs at the referee and to me that is ridiculous in all the matches I have seen over the years C M-K has never done us any favours. Typical Diamond though...Moan after moan.
Away from home you should expect the crowd to be vocal and hopefully sub consciously sway the 50-50 calls that is the idea behind home field advantage, personally until yesterday it is something we have been lacking but it was great to hear the passion and noise from the crowd and yes that may have affected C M-K decisions hey ho.
Yes Ali, his 16th man I think was the ref. The no arms tackle on Dunn is clearer on these longer highlights seems clear that the ref was right to me.
Homer's chip and catch of his own ball set up the try for sure!
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Rec was loud for Saints as well. You could properly hear the 'Come on you Bath!' through the radio with about ten to go, first time u can remember that!
Had ref link on during the game and Sale did come across as very moany for most of their game, particularly the front row, and I thought Maxwell House did a good job keeping his patience with them. Could also hear the ARs who were taking plenty of part and one was responsible for the awarding of the penalty restart.
Steve Diamond is a football manager. Always an excuse, always a whinge. To be fair to him, it wouldn't have been a penalty except that it was late, high and involved no arms. Cheap shot conceded because Curry thought it was out of range. Anyone who thinks he would be an upgrade as DOR needs to have word with themselves.
He made a very odd comment about forward dominance after the game though.
"I don't know where we are going in the league because we have a dominant scrum and South Africa proved in the World Cup final that, if you have a dominant scrum, you win games.
"But ours isn't getting anything. There is no point in coaching players and getting them to this standard if they are never going to get any ascendancy. That is really disappointing."
Not really sure what he is getting at here?
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I rest my case. Sorry that's the response to Diamond's whinge about how the world is against him. I may be incorrect and retribution may have been dealt out somewhere else...but it would have been.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:12:29:18:32:06 by Trawling.
My impression of the incident was that our player was deliberately applying pressure to Fafs injured knee when they were on the ground after the clear out and that's what kicked him off. Sneaky, underhand, unpleasant. Good, it's what rugby is all about.
Just watched the game
I think it's probably knocked Gavin and Stacey off my top spot for Christmas viewing!
It had everything - some good rugby, some niggle, some handbags and a tight win.
Top entertainment .
If only a reference to a fishing trip had crept into the commentary ...........
I don’t understand how Diamond continues to get away with comments that other DOR’s would avoid in fear of a getting a disrepute charge. He is a dreadful loser & what difference does it make to a decision that Curry is supposedly “world class” ?
B4thB4ck That late hit on Dunn looks fairly innocuous to me but do it right in front of the ref and you are asking for trouble.
I think the offence was no arms tackle not late . On the commentary the ref says no attempt to wrap arms. Either way CMK had the best view.
He asked the 4th official who confirmed it . So it was a 2 man decision.
I have no problem with that- it was potentially a match deciding decision so good to get confirmation. On the whole I thought the ref had a good game, some of the scrum decisions seemed a little harsh but overall nothing to complain about. I think CMK has improved a great deal since his start in the premiership, experience is a wonderful thing.
My error - was definitely Dunny... Him and Stuart have the same haircut these days!
Quote:
dannyf2 Was in front of us. From what I saw: Dunn and Stuart clear out FdC cleanly and dominantly (he gets smashed)... FdC gets up and tries to wrestle Will Stuart (he's got balls to be fair!)... Stuart pins FdC to the floor (no surprise there)... Their 6(?) comes running in from about 20m and shoulder-barges Stuart (rucking style)... Then a group of about 4 of our forwards, led by Stooke, arrive and smash the 6(?)... From then it's a mess, with loads of players flying in (no punches though)... Their water carriers come running in off the bench and start pushing bath players about... The ref marches the biggest orange-bibbed culpret backwards with a finger on his chest... Touch-judge is also involved...
Lovely bit of handbags!
Trawling Steve Diamond is a football manager. Always an excuse, always a whinge. To be fair to him, it wouldn't have been a penalty except that it was late, high and involved no arms. Cheap shot conceded because Curry thought it was out of range. Anyone who thinks he would be an upgrade as DOR needs to have word with themselves.
I've just watched the full match and certainly for the first half it looked to me as if we were well on top. I thought we had loads of possession, variety of attack that posed difficult questions and yet the match stats were pretty much 50 - 50 on all key headlines
How bizarre, how bizarre as the song goes
Anyone else have same impression or was it just one eye me?
I don't think the stats tell you very much about a game, you have to see the ebb and flow and feel the dominance of one team over another at different times of the match. The trick is to hang on in there when the opposition is on top, as Sale were for most of the second half and that is why Diamond was disappointed, he knew that game was theirs with a bit of luck, but Bath to their credit stuck at it, got the vital penalty and held on
May I add my congratulations to the spirited, fighting display by the team last Saturday against a very good, skillful and physical Sale side. They will not lose many games this season and I believe are gaining many LBPs in defeat.
I thought Priestland was outstanding with his heavy duty line kicking, some of the best we have seen at the Rec. I agree I wish he got his line moving better but still a vital part of the win with his penalties. Personally, as good as Francois was and Watson was evasive, my MoTM would be Tom Dunn. His tackling, grafting, sheer bloody minded confrontation was immense and when he is on the field, Bath forwards are competitive. Similarly Stooke is a vital part of our pack and Obano and Stuart continue to improve. As well as Toby F played, it seemed to me in little parts and not as consistent as Dunner.
Still very well done one and all and we can at least travel to Gloucester with a modicum of hope.
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
Having watched the full match there were some interesting moments of adventure, in the 1st half a series of offloading passes deep in our own half off turnover ball.
At the end of the game after the last scrum the loop around by Cook and the floaty pass out to the wing which left the pack some catching up to do to set up some rucks and close the last 60 seconds out.
Nice to see some adventure though not entirely convinced about where and when we do it!
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