The road to recovery can begin in unexpected places and Friday’s Harlequins match could be one for Bath. Not for a European recovery – the match is a dead rubber as neither side can qualify from the group- but hopefully the recovery of a try scoring habit. Only one other Premiership club has scored fewer tries than Bath this season, a failing needing urgent correction ahead of key Premiership clashes against Tigers, Warriors and Quins themselves. Friday’s match up is a chance to do just that.
Bath’s inability to score from 70% possession in the first half at Kingsholm last Saturday paved the way for the collapse of the second half. Indeed it was attacking ball lost deep in Gloucester territory that gifted the first two tries. Pressure, possession, territorial dominance and sequenced patterns of play are only a means to an end and must result in precise finishing.
Both clubs, with eyes on the mid table Premiership scrap will want to make changes – to rest some key players, bring others back into the fold and reward squad men pushing for a starting place. It is anybody’s guess who Harlequins will select but they can call on a good mix of experience and youthful promise. If, for instance they choose to rest Danny Care, Landajo can fit smoothly into his position. Chisholm has deputised ably for Brown and Kyle Sinckler will want to prove his fitness ahead of the 6 Nations. Possibly the most exciting mix of old hand and young tyro could be a power and pace contrast on the wings in Goneva and Ibitoye.
Stuart Hooper has spoken of ringing the changes for this match. “There will be some people playing who have not had as much rugby as they would have liked so it is an opportunity for them to play”, an opportunity for us to develop and push on with the areas of our game we feel need a bit of work.”
Jack Walker’s struggles at the lineout in the second half suggest a return for Ross Batty, Jamie Roberts could do with a break and Levi Douglas’ excellent form for United deserves reward. This could be just the match too for Ruaridh McConnochie to show that his elevation to the World Cup squad was not an aberration. If fit he could stand in for Tom Homer who is undergoing HIA protocols. A repeat of last Saturday’s back row is possible also, to help them gel as a trio for the Leicester and Worcester matches to come.
There were encouraging developments in Bath’s festive victories over London Irish and Sale but Gloucester exposed faults that could undermine confidence if not rectified quickly. They unpicked the previously reliable lineout and exposed their visitors at ruck and on the counter. Most disturbing though was the lack of cutting edge close to the opposition line. Bath do have it in them to score tries, as shown at London Irish and against top teams like Exeter and Northampton. Hamer-Webb’s effort against Ulster was a beauty, but all too rare for Bath in this competition. With both Leicester and Wasps rediscovering their mojo and the whitewash last weekend, Bath seem late to the party. Any later and they risk being dragged into a relegation dogfight.
Two weeks ago the Rec crowd was a raucous and potent sixteenth man for Bath in a gutsy win over Sale. The same crowd can equally be silent and cynical, as frustrated as a bench player awaiting a call that never comes. This Friday the crowd need to get involved. The players need to throw off the shackles, give it a lash and invite their supporters to believe in them. Tries should be the aim, tries the focus, tries the outcome.
Bath vs Harlequins at Recreation Ground, Bath
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)
Assistant referees: Maxime Chalon (France), Julien Dufort (France)
Television match official: Éric Gauzins (France)
Timekeeper: Paul Box (England)
Citing commissioner: John Montgomery (Scotland)
I see the weather forecast for Saturday is for strong wind and rain. Can I respectfully suggest that the ball does not go beyond 10? Running the ball is all very well but there are certain eternal verities in rugby...
joethefanatic I see the weather forecast for Saturday is for strong wind and rain. Can I respectfully suggest that the ball does not go beyond 10? Running the ball is all very well but there are certain eternal verities in rugby...
Hopefully it’s better Friday night when the games on !
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
McNally, Louw, Underhill or Faletau will not be playing IMO. It will be Bayliss, Davies and Williams, with Garvey in the 2nd row I think. I also wonder if Roko will play, suspect it maybe Levi Davis?
Agree Bath Matt. I enjoy watching these sort of games with pressure off and some of the less established players but I pity that Quins fan with three tickets to offload!
I really want to see Ollie Fox play and hope he is selected to start with FB outside, quick ball is essential to score tries out wide...
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
Expect both sides to go for it and treat it a bit like a friendly. Something very wrong with the attack coaching if we can’t get the ball to our wingers in space on Friday.
I don't think there is a United game this weekend gaz?
I was saying that this game is essentially going to be the 'United' game. Neither team will be risking key players. It's actually a bit of a shame that we can't register TdG for example. Would be a great hit-out for him and a couple of others.
I agree it would be great to see TdG get a run out. Unfortunately he is not registered for ECC, nor-unless there has been a late and unannounced update is Levi Davis. G Hamer-Webb is expected to be required by England U20.
Harlequins game is completley meaningless so will probably escape any scrutiny in terms of which teams either side put out, but there's plenty for Ulster/Clermont still to play for, so we and Quins might be obliged to treat those more competitively. I'd be inclined to give Faletau the game time this week and next, but otherwise wrap up the important players, and then play the Ulster game as a proper warm-up for Tigers.
Good to see Willison and Green back. Good to see TdG working his way towards the senior team. All considered, we really should have as close as you'll ever get to a full-strength squad for the Tigers game.
Nice to see Max Green back. Interesting selection. Looks much more like their first choice XV than ours but I look forward to seeing if Burns and Willison can give Watson some good ball.
bo- Because he's our 3rd/4th choice loosehead and Obano deserves a week off? Who else do you recommend in his place?
14 changes as expected. Strong Quins team so looking forward to the youngster and fringe guys showing that they are up to playing at this level. Surely 1st senior competitive appearance for 18 year old Nahum Merigan - congratulations to him!
P G Tips Except England guys Opti- Eddie has called a Pre 6N camp for that weekend. See MtT's Chron thread.
PG
Oh. From a result point of view that probably hinders them more than us. From a season-ticket holder/paying public point of view that is absolute garbage.
Our front row will struggle all night [sighs], and their back row looks a more balanced/better selection too. It's therefore a big game for our locks, we need good first phase possession and the line out looks like the best place to secure it. The back line looks "stitched together" so I'm not expecting too much from them re planned moves but hope for more wit and imagination from FB et al when we counter attack...
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
dr.bath1865
bo- Because he's our 3rd/4th choice loosehead and Obano deserves a week off? Who else do you recommend in his place?
Vaughan. Bath born and bred, wants to play for the club and isn't one of the worst signings we've made in a decade, with one of the costliest contracts?
dr.bath1865 Agree but I thought he picked up a knock in the last Utd game at Irish.
I had no idea Noguera was on such a big contract. Sounds like he should free up a bit of cap!
He had 40 front row Argentina caps before he joined Bath at the age of 24, I would have thought that he would have (quite rightly) commended a very decent salary at the time. He always looked a bit lightweight for Premiership rugby whenever I have seen him play. Lovely guy though.
Anyway, scrum will be under pressure, we'll be starved of possession, our already non-existent team cohesion will be made even worse by 14 changes. When we finally get some ball to play with, Freddie will kick it away instantly, badly, probably costing us a try at the other end shortly after, as usual. Hey ho. We'll score a few individual tries though, surely, so that'll be something to cheer.
ballsout Lovely guy, total waste of time to play him.
Anyway, scrum will be under pressure, we'll be starved of possession, our already non-existent team cohesion will be made even worse by 14 changes. When we finally get some ball to play with, Freddie will kick it away instantly, badly, probably costing us a try at the other end shortly after, as usual. Hey ho. We'll score a few individual tries though, surely, so that'll be something to cheer.
Happy New Year, bo! Good to see some things never change.
I thought Green was out for a large chunk of the season, so very good to see him back. A bit baffled by the strength of the Quins team tbh. We will certainly struggle at scrum time. Hopefully the rest we will have a bit more parity.
That Quins side makes me think and our thrown together, no regular recent match time squad are going to have their hands very full and it could get very embarrassing on the scoreboard.
Great to see Max Green back.
I like BO wonder why we keep Noguerra who has achieved absolutely nothing with us after coming here with an excellent international track record. Much rather we gave the experience and game time to Vaughan if fit.
Similarly Garvey is going to have to step up, and again I would have played Douglas in his place.
Quins by a lot.
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
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:01:09:13:54:08 by Bathovalballer.
3. ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS
3.1 Each club must nominate a squad of up to 41 players. A minimum of 10 of the players nominated by the club must be capable of playing in front row forward positions. All such players must, on registration, be fully and properly registered with their club and Union.
3.2 A club must nominate a squad of between 19 and 23 players for each match.
3.3 A minimum of six front row players must be included in each match squad such that on the first occasion that a replacement is required in each position, a replacement can be made. Where uncontested scrums are ordered due to the departure of a front row player and there is no suitable replacement, the player whose departure caused the uncontested scrums may not be replaced (i.e. the club will be required to play with 14 players).
3.4 In order to reduce the possibility of uncontested scrums, each club may also nominate further front row players, referred to as Emergency Front Row players, who may be registered with EPCR on a match-by-match basis provided that all necessary details of the players have been submitted before 12 noon (GMT) on 24 October 2019. The provision for the nomination of Emergency Front Row players is not intended to allow clubs to improve the quality of their squads, and is designed to cater for illness and/or injury in the relevant positions. The players added to squads will typically come from a club’s academy or similar.
3.5 To provide flexibility for clubs in light of Rugby World Cup 2019 and to cater for the possibility of long-term injuries sustained by players after the First Registration deadline but before Round 1, clubs may register up to five Swap Players on or before Wednesday 13 November 2019 to replace players previously registered by the club.
3.6 The registration of incoming Swap Players can be reversed before the deadline of midday (GMT) on Thursday 26 March 2020. Each player can only replace the player who was initially nominated as his Swap Player.
3.7 Each club may register up to five Additional Players during the pool stage, but none during the knockout stage, each to replace a player previously registered. A minimum of three Additional Players must be front row players, one Additional Player can be from any position and one Additional Player must be a medical replacement. Additional Players must have a three-month contract with the club and must not have played for another club in the tournament. Additional Player registrations must be submitted by 12 noon (GMT) on the Wednesday before the match. De-registered players may be re-registered (in place of the relevant Additional Players) during the pool stage.
3.8 For Second Registration, clubs can add up to three players to supplement their squads and one of the players must be a front row player. Such registrations must be submitted by 12 noon (GMT) on 26 March 2020.
3.9 Each club is permitted a maximum of two ‘non-European players’ in each match squad and for the 2019/20 season at least, a player who is a UK citizen will be regarded as a European player.
bizarre team from quins. looks full strength except for a couple of positions. given they have a worse injury list than we do and given the game is meaningless i would have thought they would have picked a weaker side, knowing also that we would be fielding a second team (don't the coaches contact each other about these kind of things?). the fans want to see a competitive game. quins' selection appears to be way over the top.
They are home to Saracens after Clermont - but given Eddie will take Sinckler and Marler away from that match, they probably feel they might as well use them as not. Who else is critical for them for the Sarries game? Robshaw, Dombrandt, Care, Goneva, Lasike? Probably planning to rest them against Clermont.
Just been embarrassed by Sale with Sarries and Clermont to follow. Gustard angry after Friday's loss and two games on horizon where they face a beating, so they want to win Friday. We had 5 very predictable losses on the bounce. Just as predictably, we were termed a club in crisis. We won two consecutive games and suddenly we were 'resurgent'. This is the sort of hyperbole surrounding sport. Gustard wants a morale booster and one that relieves pressure, and understandably so. From a fan's point of view it would be great if the rival coaches had a friendly chat, but they have their own priorities and agendas. I'm still looking forward to the game and think it will be close (ish)!
Boyce has something to prove against his old club - he was pinged off the park in the last game against Quins and the commentary team suggested that Adam Jones knew all of his weaknesses in the scrum and so got the TH (not Sinkler) to target them. Will be a long evening if he hasn’t sorted that.
I think that they will be going backwards at a rate of knots - any quality attacking moves will be tough. We also won’t be able to judge some of the individuals for the same reason (like the kids) tbh. As said above, as long as there are no injuries then the experience will be valuable for them. Having said that, COYB!!
If they had beno in squad and he got injured i am sure you would have some things to say. Assume you would rather see vaughan on the bench? I wouldnt argue with that. Assume nogeura is off and better to invest playing time in a young guy who will be around next season?
BathMatt53 Boyce has something to prove against his old club - he was pinged off the park in the last game against Quins and the commentary team suggested that Adam Jones knew all of his weaknesses in the scrum and so got the TH (not Sinkler) to target them. Will be a long evening if he hasn’t sorted that.
Agree he has lots to prove. So far has looked weak at set piece and a liability in terms of discipline. Tbf is stil young and looks a handful when carrying. Hopefully hatley has something to work with....
Why on earth have Quins picked such a strong side?
A. Finally got round to watching GP highlights last night, gawd Quins looked desperate!
So guess this is their way of trying to get a bit of confidence back.
Come on you Bath Boys, time to give em a good smacking. Bath by 12.
Can't help feeling this is going to be one of those games that gets decided in the front row. A few penalties, some territory, some momentum changes. The experience of Care and Robshaw to capitalise on key moments. Would love it if Burns and Willison can conjure up some decent width, but imagine they will be on the back foot most of the evening.
Surprised to see the bookies have the game fairly even with a very slight advantage to Quins. Am I being particularly pessimistic about Bath's chances in thinking they are being generous in those odds to Quins?
warrenball Surprised to see the bookies have the game fairly even with a very slight advantage to Quins. Am I being particularly pessimistic about Bath's chances in thinking they are being generous in those odds to Quins?
They have multiple seasoned internationals including world cup finalists. I saw the 1 point swing and thought it unusual too, even with my rosiest of tinted glasses on.
My joint starting XV has 8 x Quins, 7 x Bath, and i'm going to say we shade the bench, mainly because I haven't heard of most of their players so I haven't got a clue. But it's Marler, Sinckler, Robshaw, Dombrandt and then Care who have the potential to dictate the course of the match.
Marler
Walker
Sinckler
[2nd row - absolutely no idea - assume 1 each]
Robshaw
Dombrandt
Ellis
Care
Burns
Lasike
Willison
Goneva
Brew
Watson
Ibitoye is class IMO. Would probably be above Goneva or Brew for me. He can do things that other wingers can only dream of, like Wade could. Age seems to have caught up with Goneva a bit from what I have seen of him this season - missing opportunities and tackles too.
Good first half, only 1 scrum in first 28mins, front row boys doing a good job thereafter, lineout working v well, FB kicking mixed but probably just in credit and back line trying to play. 68% possession v 32% in 1st half but twice as many handling errors as quins. Cut that out plse...
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
Poor game. We were poor for the most part. Line out was terrible in that second half, Fred couldn't hit touch, a ton of missed tackles. Never looked like scoring a try in the second half either. Got what we deserved in all honesty. I guess it was good experience for some of the young players though.
Lineout cost us. Can’t argue with the difference between Priestland’s line-kicking and Burns’ - but midfield with Willison in it looks a bit more likely to crack a defence. We remain absolutely clueless with turnover ball though, however much Bayliss wins for us.
A v inaccurate last 10-15mins cost us a win sadly...
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
All in all I'm not too disappointed. Quins had a strong team out and we put up a better showing than expected. But for a lack of accuracy from Fred's touch kicking and batty's throwing we could have snuck that. We probably gave some soft tries there and could have won which is better than I expected upon seeing the team sheets.
Some real bonuses though - Willison looked sharp and some smart plays. Thought Green started really well, real shame he had to go off and hope he's back soon but then Fox looked good too. Some nice touched from TDG too and Hamer-Webb took his try well. Only blot (other than the loss of course) was Watson going off injured - early hoping it's nothing serious - did any see what happened?
Batty couldn't hit a barn door and Burns can't kick to touch. Utter@#$%&i think thats 6 concecutive Euro defeats on the bounce. Fed up of the lame excuses.
Agree BHF. Real positives were Jackson Willison’s return, and a great show from Fox and Gabe. Nixon was solid when he came on and the best I have seen the Boyce Judge combo.
Kidney Stone Agree BHF. Real positives were Jackson Willison’s return, and a great show from Fox and Gabe. Nixon was solid when he came on and the best I have seen the Boyce Judge combo.
Hope Hooper keeps a similar team for next week.
Agreed totally. Willison a breath of fresh air. Decent result that from such a lot of changes. Fun to watch.
ballsout Such a weak club.
We were never in that. Regardless of our fourteen screw ups in the last five minutes.
Yet another team utterly schools us in attack, at home.
Hogwash. We were both winning at half time and also had 68%. To say that we were ‘never in that’ is ridiculous. Also that the team who scored 3 tries ‘schooled’ the one who scored 4, 2 of which were from the backs. Yes they were better and more experienced in the end but it was hardly a hammering.
(Nice and quick on the forum after a loss though, that’s a surprise)
Just logged on ot find out result. Crossing fingers before it came on screen..
So we lost again.
Half time ok and then disintegration.
This has just got to be half-time lack of tearing strips of them, pointing out errors, kicking up backsides etc.
Just like at Glaws. Time for whoever is detailed to stop worrying about what the boss says and get on with it.
ballsout Such a weak club.
We were never in that. Regardless of our fourteen screw ups in the last five minutes.
Yet another team utterly schools us in attack, at home.
Hogwash. We were both winning at half time and also had 68%. To say that we were ‘never in that’ is ridiculous. Also that the team who scored 3 tries ‘schooled’ the one who scored 4, 2 of which were from the backs. Yes they were better and more experienced in the end but it was hardly a hammering.
(Nice and quick on the forum after a loss though, that’s a surprise)
Once again we offered nothing in the second half. It was just blunder after blunder when we had the ball. You’re deluding yourself if you think the sides performed to the same standard.
As for your cheap shot, I didn’t bother posting after another team, this time Gloucester, schooled us 4 tries to zero last week. I won’t post much anymore about this one. I’m past caring tbh. Hopefully more losses will finally pish some long overdue change at this club. Certainly hoping we don’t sneak into the top 6 on the last day of the season and offer f all in the big boys cup the following year.
Fact is, that’s now the worst European run in the club’s history. Great job Bath.
Anyone remember the last time we put a big score on another team and thrashed someone. Or put in an amazing performance to be proud of? Me neither.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:01:10:22:49:26 by ballsout.
Offering little in the second half (I agree btw) is different from never having been in it. Given the gulf in experience I thought that there were some real positives, particularly in terms of individual performances. The kids didn’t look out of place either.
Shame about the injuries - Green looked like ankle / Achilles to me and the poor lad was understandably devastated.
First half thought we played the most enterprising rugby I've seen at the Rec for a while. In the second half mistakes and the line out falling apart stopped us building pressure but still some good stuff from both sides. Pack good in the scrum and back row superb. Love watching Williams tackle. I came away entertained and feeling quite positive. Freddie the usual curate's egg, a mix of excellent and dreadful so I can see why Hooper goes with RP. That was our second team, which says a lot about the depth of the squad. At least they tried offloading and all so much quicker than vs Glos. They need to try and play like that all the time though--such a change from usual style of rugby so no wonder they made mistakes.
Two final positives whilst I'm in Pollyanna mode, echoing other posters. Willison made such a difference to our attacking play and, as Kidney Stone noted (I'm assuming not ironically) the ref was excellent. Fair at allowing a contest at the breakdown, good at reffing offside and actually expected line out throws to be straight.
So, West Ham score a goal in the last seconds to gain an invaluable point but have it ruled out by VAR for an utterly ridiculous hand-ball. On top of that Bath loose - again - & then I hear that our one first team player who turned out tonight limped off & is doubtful for the 6 Nations & more importantly for Bath. On top of that we lose a scrum half who was playing well & could have replaced Cooke going forward. Can things get worse!
Bath Hammer So, West Ham score a goal in the last seconds to gain an invaluable point but have it ruled out by VAR for an utterly ridiculous hand-ball. On top of that Bath loose - again - & then I hear that our one first team player who turned out tonight limped off & is doubtful for the 6 Nations & more importantly for Bath. On top of that we lose a scrum half who was playing well & could have replaced Cooke going forward. Can things get worse!
Ref was top class. Heard Sinckler swear at the touch judge after one skewed throw. Never seen so many not straights. Good at scrum as well where I thought we did well against a bigger and more experienced pack.
Came away feeling good and very hopeful for the future. Many of the youngsters put in a good shift, esp. Bayliss, Fox and Hammer-Webb. Shame our line out fell apart, possibly Batty's throwing, in second half, as we could have nicked it at the death. Mind you if we had kicked all of the penalties instead of hoping to score from a driven line out, we would have won!
Young Max Green looked sharp and was very upset at the end and walking on crutches. Great shame as he had started so well.
Although we lost with a little more accuracy and being able to tackle Dombrant, we could and should have won that. At least we were in the hunt which is not always the case in recent years.
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
bathstigg Batty couldn't hit a barn door and Burns can't kick to touch. Utter@#$%&i think thats 6 concecutive Euro defeats on the bounce. Fed up of the lame excuses.
Bath Hammer... A few chinks of light perhaps. AW tried to play on so wasn't like previous, devastating injuries. Press always hype things up pre-6 Nations. Fox looked good replacing Green, whose injury was clearly quite a bad one. As for the football, a bit trickier to cheer you up. All I can offer is that you'll probably be better off under Moyes than Pelligrini, but then as a Norwich fan I'm a bit short of sympathy!
As a neutral, I'd be far more upset if I was a Quins fan. That was a international front row which only achieved parity with a second choice Bath one. To me, Quins look like all is not well. They could well be in trouble come the end of the season.
I also couldn't decide if the ref was excellent or terrible, it was such a shock to see lineout throws pinged so often ( correctly) that it just confused me !
Also , how frustrating is Freddie Burns? Moments of class followed by really silly errors.
Big Chief Little Chief As a neutral, I'd be far more upset if I was a Quins fan. That was a international front row which only achieved parity with a second choice Bath one. To me, Quins look like all is not well. They could well be in trouble come the end of the season.
We’ve lost to them twice so far therefore we are just as likely to be in trouble I fear.
I also couldn't decide if the ref was excellent or terrible, it was such a shock to see lineout throws pinged so often ( correctly) that it just confused me !
Also , how frustrating is Freddie Burns? Moments of class followed by really silly errors
Just so. Surely he wasn’t as erratic at Gloucester & Leicester? He offers something in attack but is too unreliable otherwise..
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2020:01:11:01:17:27 by Bath Hammer.
A second team against a first team but just so frustrating. We stress the oppo defence and exactly when need to go quickly, we slow it all down and let them realign.
I liked the look of TDG very much. I'd start him at 10 against Ulster. The idea of Fred there fills me with dread and playing him won't tell us anything we don't already know.
Hope Ant's OK.
And a recurring observation. The TV commentary team were an absolute disgrace. You'd never have known there was another team on the pitch other than Quins. It's high time we stopped ex-players commentating on their old teams. It brings nothing but bias.
I also find it odd JTF that Lol always gets picked for Wasps, Kay for Tigers etc. I means, those guys are actually Directors! Having said that I think that Kay (and evening Healey) are less one eyed than before. Lol and Ugo are the worst at that IMO.
The ground had the atmosphere of a friendly and on the pitch the intensity just wasn’t there from either side. Thought the forwards went well again, Hatley has done an excellent job. Hoping Batty was just rusty as his line out throwing was awful.
Yet again the attack was toothless, slow and lacking any form of coordination. The players looked utterly confused when the got the ball so just ran into the nearest defender.
When is Dempsey going to add any sort of value to the coaching setup? Our wingers must be bored rigid.
Willison gotta be straight in to the first choice 23. Thought Mike Williams was great tonight and the front row held their own against international competition. Burns is bonkers - all the talent but as reliable as a clapped out ford Escort. Disappointing result but individual positives.
Nice to see them throwing it about, but that is exactly what they are doing, using one or two runners before going to ground, we are lacking any attacking unity with runners offering several options for the player with the ball. We are also exposed against a fast moving defence (offside or not) as the fly half drops back and we seem to go easily on to the back foot, we have got to get flatter ball or use the chip more rather than trying to batter their way through.
Willison looked good and it will be nice to see him in the first team but I expect Hooper to revert to Priestland and keeping things tight for the rest of the season, unfortunately.
I think Priestland, Willison and JJ (when available) would do fine tbh.
Kay made exactly the same point that we have been screaming about. In matches teams will get Half-break opportunities. Where Sarries, Saints etc will make the most of the defensive chaos and keep it loose (and capitalise as often as not) Bath often - in fact nearly always - panic, take it to ground, ruck etc which allows the defence to get back into shape. I don’t have the stats but we must be one of the teams who create fewest offloads in the prem? Look how well if worked in the first 40 against LI and how it just didn’t happen in the first 40 against glos, despite all the possession. Willison used to be known as the offload king, put him at 12 and let him get back to that.
Green has some lovely touches in this short time on the pitch IMO - breaks and cute (and quick) handling.
For a meaningless game in terms of result and with a second fifteen against the strongest team Harlequins could put I thought it was an enjoyable game with some good performances and good showing from the youngsters. It is very evident that some posters are going to use any negative aspects and result to add to past failings to write off the club management. I'm afraid it has to be realised we are at the start of a long process of development( yes again !!) with a coaching/management team put together by the man who pays for this club to still exist. There won't be a game when suddenly a switch is flicked and we become consistent world beaters. Why not enjoy the game for what it was with positives and negatives. A fit Willison makes a huge difference! I expect now to be admonished for not wailing and tearing my clothes asunder at the result with the rest of those who truly see and know.
My frustration is it's another game (particularly in Europe) that we *should* have won. And we didn't win any of them. Which becomes a pattern. If we can start actually winning these games, I'm sure it will become a habit.
Our lineout falling apart was very frustrating.
What I'm very happy with is that our second choice front row who got bullied earlier in the season were extremely solid against an international front row and that our back row in Ellis, Bayliss and Williams were seriously competitive against Robshaw, Chisolm and Dombrandt. But.... we still desperately lack the ball-carriers to go with the attacking gameplan we apparently have.
Very pleased with Willison, Fox, TdG, gutted for Green. I assume Ant was taken off as a precaution. But our attack pattern must be adjusted and our defence isn't what it needs to be either.
hasta My frustration is it's another game (particularly in Europe) that we *should* have won. And we didn't win any of them. Which becomes a pattern. If we can start actually winning these games, I'm sure it will become a habit.
Our lineout falling apart was very frustrating.
What I'm very happy with is that our second choice front row who got bullied earlier in the season were extremely solid against an international front row and that our back row in Ellis, Bayliss and Williams were seriously competitive against Robshaw, Chisolm and Dombrandt. But.... we still desperately lack the ball-carriers to go with the attacking gameplan we apparently have.
Very pleased with Willison, Fox, TdG, gutted for Green. I assume Ant was taken off as a precaution. But our attack pattern must be adjusted and our defence isn't what it needs to be either.
Yes I agree Hasta it is important to string results together as confidence plays a huge part in a successful team but of course other aspects effect the putting out of your strongest team every time. I gather Watson is now a doubt for the start of the six nations!
But we don't have the power runners they have. That back row guy who came on for Robshaw... huge and very fast, and a couple of their backs had the physiques of a Jamie Roberts but were very quick and offloaded. Our backline last night looked very small in comparison.
We were done by their power runners Cavubati and Dombrandt I know they are huge guys but we just fell off them in the tackle repeatedly, Underhill?
I am beginning to think that our midfield problem is partly down to pace, TdG and Willison seemed to have zip that JR and RP lack. Freddie did at least run it back at them but did have a few horror moments, the long pass to Watson was painful to watch, and painful for Watson too.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Long Term I'm afraid it has to be realised we are at the start of a long process of development( yes again !!).
You are absolutely right, we have clearly gone back to square one. However with the correct coaching/management team in place it doesn’t have to be a long process, Northampton have demonstrated that this season.
Sadly we have chosen the unqualified novice route which is likely to take at least 5 years before we start challenging again, if it actually works at all.
Looking at the 2 teams before hand I thought Quinn’s should have won easily especially given our poor scrummaging form against them previously. But was pleasantly surprised by the first half we definitely more than held our own. And there was some offloading and quick ball!!
The ref was a bit of a curates egg pulled up some off sides but missed a load of infringements at the breakdown. As a friendly it was quite enjoyable several youngsters had a run out end of move on.
I am not nearly disheartened as some on this board. I thought that our youngsters put up a very promising show against a team that was far more experienced and had a lot of international caps amongst them. I think Paul Gustard has more to worry about as some of his players looked as though they didn't want to be playing. I may be totally wrong but I have never seen Sinckler less fired up and Marler was very well behaved (for him!), even Danny Care was less mouthy than usual. Am not saying they weren't trying, but not fired up.
It was good to see Willison playing so well and he must be a better bet than Jamie Roberts for actually creating something in midfield. Roberts is/was a great player but he is very one dimensional and now lacking in pace of any sort. If you just want a bashing tackling centre , then fine, but I hope we are looking for something else.
Hooper takes a lot of unnecessary flak on this board. What is he supposed to say infront of the cameras each game. He has to defend the players that he coaches, he cannot stop dropped passes and crooked throws on the field when no doubt all week in training everything is fine. Just what is he supposed to say. I am sure that as a manager some blunt words are spoken behind closed doors and that is the way it should be.
Most of us want success for the club (perhaps one or two exceptions who would have nothing to moan about) and it is clear the players believe that they are a strong group of players who are moving in the right direction. They know that they are able to play better and are usually the first to accept their mistakes but give them more of a chance to get things right including Hoops.
It was frustrating to watch - the poor kicks to corner and worse line out execution at the end in particular - but it was a very young Bath team against Quins best available. I was surprised we were so close to nicking it.
Europe was effectively over the moment Stockdale intercepted Zach's pass to Roko in Game 1. Certainly by the mud wrestling at The Stoop in Game 2. This was about experience and developing squad both short term and longer. We won't see Anthony again until post 6N, just hope the knock isnt serious for his sake.
Long Term I'm afraid it has to be realised we are at the start of a long process of development( yes again !!).
You are absolutely right, we have clearly gone back to square one. However with the correct coaching/management team in place it doesn’t have to be a long process, Northampton have demonstrated that this season.
Sadly we have chosen the unqualified novice route which is likely to take at least 5 years before we start challenging again, if it actually works at all.
We have tried the overseas coach with a reputation without success, I think we are looking to Exeter as the model to follow , Baxter wasn't an overnight success, throwing money at it leads to a Saracen's situation, no particular coach is guaranteed success(please tell me of one who was available that we didn't consider if you know one) any coaching team has to work with variables that differ from club to club, working with Bruce Craig being a big factor at Bath. I just don't think it's as simple as Hooper bad, so and so guaranteed better.
Optimist My joint starting XV has 8 x Quins, 7 x Bath, and i'm going to say we shade the bench, mainly because I haven't heard of most of their players so I haven't got a clue. But it's Marler, Sinckler, Robshaw, Dombrandt and then Care who have the potential to dictate the course of the match.
Marler
Walker
Sinckler
[2nd row - absolutely no idea - assume 1 each]
Robshaw
Dombrandt
Ellis
Care
Burns
Lasike
Willison
Goneva
Brew
Watson
Well on last night's performances I would have just 3 Bath in a joint team with Watson, Hamer-Webb and Willison. Possible case for Walker I guess but that is it
And most disappointing for me was to see Freddie do exactly what he needed to do to not get a contract renewal
I thought Green looked better than Care when they were both on the field. Care seems to spend more time appealing to the ref than actually getting the ball out to his players these days? Luckily the ref wasn’t having any of it. Care also has to be up there with Faf for the slowest caterpillar kickers? Seems a long way from the sharp Danny Care of old IMO, was a bit sad to see as he used to be one of my favourite players.
Quite an enjoyable match, although the last 10 minutes were so frustrating. I thought we were very good in the first half. Willison and Greene adding something in the backs and Williams and Garvey did well up front. Bayliss was good, as ever. Fox was really impressive, given what he was thrown into.
Our problem was that Burns had a bit of shocker, for me. He looks short of confidence and game time... because he is short of both. He did 3 brilliant things (the banana kick!) but about 10 very strange things too and I didn’t like his game management. It’s perhaps the fault of the boys outside him, but the number of times he is forced/tries to go on his own and gets turned/chips the ball away is maddening. I get it that he’s frustrated, but for an international 10, I thought he gave us little structure and leadership. Hope I’m not being harsh!
The pitch, the pitch... yes it’s the same for both sides but you just see the likes of Watson and Willison struggling to keep their feet in attack, even in the supposedly good parts of grass. It makes our home matches tough spectacles, IMHO.
Still, it didn’t rain. Some young lads stuck their hand up. Marler proved he’s bit of a fool. And the French ref was excellent. So a mixed bag!
Kay made exactly the same point that we have been screaming about. In matches teams will get Half-break opportunities. Where Sarries, Saints etc will make the most of the defensive chaos and keep it loose (and capitalise as often as not) Bath often - in fact nearly always - panic, take it to ground, ruck etc which allows the defence to get back into shape.
There is a pattern of us starting games well and finishing badly when the game is open. It does make me think that the coaching for structured play is working well but as in any match the last 20 mins can be a different game.
It is almost as though we need to practice our play when tired and players are out of position. In training, take the players on a 5k run, then go onto the pitch with everyone out of position or even maybe the back rows removed from play and just chuck the ball at someone to start the game. They would learn to adapt to the lack of structure with unexpected possession and play to the situation. Maybe they do this already?
Clearly the result was not ideal and Watson's knock a concern, but did any who criticised our selection really expect an LBP from the game -or that we would match Quins try for try?
There were some encouraging individual performances and eve, in the first half, signs of cohesion. What was galling was how that cohesion collapsed with lost line outs.
As in other disappointing losses this season, no lack of spirit or effort, but sloppy execution. Fixable, but needing some additional specialist advice perhaps - maybe from a former player or two in a consultancy role?
Long Term I think we are looking to Exeter as the model to follow.
Agree with you again, we do seem to by trying to copy Exeter. We are certainly as boring to watch as Exeter were a few seasons back.
It did take Baxter time, but he learned his trade in the championship and I think got coaching qualifications. Hooper is winging it in the PL and not bothering with coaching badges.
I might have a little more time for the setup if Hooper admitted he needs an experienced HC to guide him.
At the end of the day my opinion is irrelevant as Hooper is here for the duration, but I believe he will fail and we’ll be back to square one again in 3 years time.
If Hooper recognises the need for a HC (and I suspect he does) do you think there's anything to be gained by saying so publicly? I can only think of negatives. If your coaching/management structure isn't what you want you can do things to resolve that without highlighting the fact. I agree we are far too conservative in our game plan, but we're not as dull as Exeter, in part because they know exactly how to score inside the opposition 22, whereas we're nothing like as clinical as them. Credit where it's due, yesterday we tried to play entertaining rugby and often did so. I only hope we don't revert to the slow rubbish we have often offered of late.
Yes but the Heinz pass and the handling for Zamit's brilliant try was way above anything we've shown this season
And Scot Heron showed Freddie precisely how to get a backline moving forward fast and into space for their second try last night
What disappoints me so much is that we are not even showing glimpses of this kind of play. I can take losing but when have we scored a try that really got you excited
I thought Jonathan Josephs try v Sale was pretty good. From broken play as well (or maybe thats the issue). But then I liked Obanos score from a week or two ago - so maybe I'm not the best judge!
I do think that GD is either struggling to get a pattern or struggling to get the players who can play to a pattern (or struggling to get any kind of pattern on the rec in the state that its currently in only to have to switch styles to play on a dry/plastic pitch in the next week).
Clearly, a good coach would develop a pattern for the players available rather than the other way round. So, I think that he is going to struggle to remain at the club unless he can develop the squad available.
I reckon that next season Hatley will be promoted to Head Coach and GD will either move on, or get some new players to mould into an attacking force.
I think it will be the latter OBinF. Hooper boosted the forwards this season as there were a few out of contract and will boost the backs next season for the same reason. Hoping for similar success by the scouting crews...
OutsideBath Are there really any 9 or 10’s of the quality we want available?
A decent coach should be able to make something of what we have even if they aren’t PL winning quality.
OB you are massively over reaching with this coaching argument. You know full well you either are a scrumhalf, or a flyhalf or you are not!
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
OutsideBath Are there really any 9 or 10’s of the quality we want available?
A decent coach should be able to make something of what we have even if they aren’t PL winning quality.
OB you are massively over reaching with this coaching argument. You know full well you either are a scrumhalf, or a flyhalf or you are not!
You’ve lost me with that. Chudley/Cook are scrumhalf’s, FB/RP are flyhalf’s and I’m saying they are good enough to deliver more with better coaching strategies.
OutsideBath Are there really any 9 or 10’s of the quality we want available?
A decent coach should be able to make something of what we have even if they aren’t PL winning quality.
OB you are massively over reaching with this coaching argument. You know full well you either are a scrumhalf, or a flyhalf or you are not!
You’ve lost me with that. Chudley/Cook are scrumhalf’s, FB/RP are flyhalf’s and I’m saying they are good enough to deliver more with better coaching strategies.
Why would you think that, if Priestland were 22-24 coaching might influence his style perhaps the ratio of kick to pass but 10's are mostly instinctive.
Take Cook as another example, did he change under Ford, how could coaching improve his game?
Coaching is more applicable to getting players working together as a team rather than than improving individuals particularly away from formative years. We just have to accept that Priestland, Burns, Cook and Chudley are as good as they are going to be. With the exception of Chudley that is, I'm sorry to say, not good enough for future success.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I agree with you the 9/10’s we have in the squad aren’t good enough to challenge for top 4, but they are good enough to do something in attack with the right coaching. At present our attack is embarrassingly poor.
However let’s just agree to disagree on this point. You are happy with the coaching setup and I’m not and I doubt much will change our views either way.
I have to say I agree with OB on this one, not the overall criticism of management but the idea that anyone can improve at any time.
There are a lot of moving parts as we know and that is what makes it such a fascinating sport for me.
I do think we are improving. Apologies for cliched rugby but it starts up front and with results comes confidence followed by tempo followed by expectations for runners that their timing will be matched by a pass.
At present I think we have the foundations for good possession but the tempo is a bit slow and defences are closing gaps in time.
It feels like a jigsaw with some pieces missing, good in some parts but overall not that effective. I think our squad is good enough and can improve once the different facets of the game are better linked.
I don't care how old a 9 and 10 are, they are entirely capable of learning to pass like a Stringer (without pausing) or stand as flat as a Butch James to suck in defenders.
OutsideBath I agree with you the 9/10’s we have in the squad aren’t good enough to challenge for top 4, but they are good enough to do something in attack with the right coaching. At present our attack is embarrassingly poor.
However let’s just agree to disagree on this point. You are happy with the coaching setup and I’m not and I doubt much will change our views either way.
Hold on there cowboy, I didn't say I'm happy with the coaching set up!
We need a defence coach, a head coach and the attack needs a shake up. HOWEVER lets get the personnel right first.
All the coaching in the world won't stop Freddies wobbles or make RP into a side stepping 10, they are locked into that.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
OBinFiji I
I do think that GD is either struggling to get a pattern or struggling to get the players who can play to a pattern (or struggling to get any kind of pattern on the rec in the state that its currently in only to have to switch styles to play on a dry/plastic pitch in the next week).
Or, in actual fact, the "process" and "systems-based" strategy drawn up by Hooper and Rock they spend so much time talking about have marginalised him to the point where he has no impact.
shipwrecked
Coaching is more applicable to getting players working together as a team rather than than improving individuals particularly away from formative years.
Then our coaching set-up has failed miserably for the past five years, because playing with cohesion and as a team rather than a collection of individuals is pretty much the last thing we've offered in all that time.
But I really hope you don't actually believe what you're saying. How can you say that coaches can't improve players away from their formative years. Come on. It's literally in the name, they're there to coach the players and improve them, years after year, whether they're 18 or 30.
shipwrecked
Coaching is more applicable to getting players working together as a team rather than than improving individuals particularly away from formative years.
Then our coaching set-up has failed miserably for the past five years, because playing with cohesion and as a team rather than a collection of individuals is pretty much the last thing we've offered in all that time.
But I really hope you don't actually believe what you're saying. How can you say that coaches can't improve players away from their formative years. Come on. It's literally in the name, they're there to coach the players and improve them, years after year, whether they're 18 or 30.
You need to read it in context BO, the point was coaching can improve scrum halves and fly halves, specifically, RP, FB, WC and CC.
With the exception of WC I cant see coaching changing these guys, those positions are instinctive, a sports psychologist perhaps. Sorry their boat has sailed, they've plateaued.
Now if you mean props or hooker or back row that's a different matter.
Sam Harris
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Surely the main point of Coaching is to firstly analyse the opposition, and secondly to create a gameplan to counter, or to just go out and win a damn game one of these days. If things are going ok at halftime, don't just go and say - keep going, guys you are doing fine! Or whatever anodyne rubbish is being doled out. The players need to have confidence that what they are practising all week with the drills will work on the day.
Otherwise when things start to go pearshaped……………………………………………………………….
Yours in utter desperation having watched firstly Exeter yesterday and then Saints today.
There are all types of coaches who have all sorts of roles surely? The attack coach looks at plays, shapes and patterns in a wider sense whilst a kicking coach may work with one person on one skill? There are also then the analysts who feed back to the coaches.
Surely the main job of the coach is to set the style of play and practise this so that all players in the squad are on the same wavelength, it should be a given that the players in the 1st 15 can run, pass, catch, kick and are fit.
It is no coincidence that the two best teams in this regard are Exeter and Saracens and it is why they can rotate their squads or lose players to injury without seeming to lose any momentum. Just look at our fly halfs they play completely different styles of rugby.
Bath, for a long time have seemed to rely on the individual brilliance of certain players, it is why our team is less that the sum of the individuals and why we appear so rudderless at times and so adversely affected when top players get injured.
Bath Hammer It seems to be the cohesion & fluency of the backs that is the problem. That rests at the door of Jurgen Dempsey.
...so that the problem all along - I though we had signed the guy from Leinster but got his German cousin instead!! (Reminds me of Ali Dia, best football signing ever).
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