By Mr Frivilous
September 16 2020
By several quirks of fate, its just over two years since our friends from Gloucester last came to visit us at the Rec
A thrilling 31-31 draw with Bath old boy Matt Banahan scoring in the dying minutes to deny Bath a stunning comeback win from a 7-21 deficit at half time. It’s sad but necessary that this fixture will be played behind closed doors.
There has been a lot of water under the Castle Grim drawbridge since then with changes in leadership, patchy form since the restart, out of the race for the top four and a particularly poor result against Quins last weekend. There’s not much motivation left for climbing the table as the last golden ticket to the Heineken Cup seems virtually assured for Gloucester in eighth place, nine points clear of Worcester with two games to go. Quite the reverse for Bath, a lofty third in the table, a stunning win at Sale last time out and needing a bonus point win to keep in the race for the top four should be enough incentive for Bath.
Both teams not competing in European fixtures this weekend means plenty of rest until Tuesday’s clash, welcome relief after a hectic schedule and time for the coaches and the sports psychologists to do their stuff and ponder over team selections.
For Bath it will be the strongest team possible with perhaps the conundrum of who to starts at half backs, Ben Spencer has been playing like a man possessed and Rhys Powlesland increasingly effective. It’s tempting to start Will Chudley and Josh Matavesi with Ben and Rhys on the bench to keep the half back options fresh for Saracens. One’s thing for sure If Danny Cipriani is playing at 10 facing Josh expect plenty of passing and kicking rather than running down Josh’s channel.
For Gloucester who knows? A potentially easier fixture next up after Bath, at home to Northampton for that last point to secure eighth so it could be the second string, given ninth placed Worcester face Saracens and Sale they are highly unlikely to score the ten points they need to climb into eighth assuming Gloucester remain pointless. Or maybe spoiling Bath’s party will be enough incentive to field the first choice?
This could be a close-run thing if Gloucester select a motivated first XV but hopefully the Hats and Hoops masterplan produces a Bath five pointer, not just for bragging rights but dare we dream for a place in the semi-finals?
PS for those of you who are missing the inimitable style of COML’s very own Indiana Jones PG “Cerveza” Tips, he’s on a charity walk across northern Spain so if you are up for a donation please visit the sticky on this forum.
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Quote:hasta
Quick note, the game against Sarries isn't until 4th October! No reason not to go fully loaded for both games.
Quote:dannyf2
Gloucester were shocking in the week... But this makes me more nervous...
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Pick the best team and then worry about the next match after this one
Quote:Mr Frivolous
Yeah im wrong again! Club announced pilot scheme for a 1000 supporters to attend
Quote:Never In Doubt
Bayliss or Ellis is a tricky one. Really like Ellis's attitude and he brings good physicality which could be important against Polledri but with the new rules then I think you need 2 mobile flankers like Bayliss and Underhill to prevent turnovers and penalties.
Quote:Rawce
Not sure whether to go all dynamic and fast in the back row and back line to counter their running threat or to stick to our strengths of a mostly beef based approach.
Quote:charlieboa
[Sometimes need to be pragmatic and consider the opposition but personally prefer when squads are selected on own terms
Quote:Never In Doubt
Good call Clarkey. I forget what the return to play protocols are but given our back row options are: Faletau, Mercer, Underhill, Ellis, Reid and Williams then it seems foolish to rush him back if unsure.
Quote:Rawce
Not sure whether to go all dynamic and fast in the back row and back line to counter their running threat or to stick to our strengths of a mostly beef based approach.
Quote:gaz59
By the way, that is such a great picture at the top of page. Would love to know, in the words of TV game, what happened next
a) receiver went into contact and we lost ball in turnover
b) receiver not expecting pass and dropped ball
or
c) receiver glides through gap
or none above!
Quote:Mr Frivolous
Yeah im wrong again! Club announced pilot scheme for a 1000 supporters to attend
Quote:Ellis also adds the line out dimension, I sort of get where Opti is coming from though!BathMatt53
I think that Hoops has about 35 players fit who are all pretty interchangeable and that for this game Ellis and TF are the beef to keep control of Polledri and Ackerman. Reid is more versatile than Zach, for me is an 8 pure and simple. Not sure there is anything sinister about it.
In relation to Will Spencer I'm sure he is just off trying to get is nose back into nose shape after the other week.
Quote:woodpecker
Fellow backrow star Zach Mercer, 23, also looks set to extend his time at Bath having originally refused to take a 25 percent pay cut.
The Daily Mail reported some of his team mates turned up at Mercer’s house to convince him to stay at the club long term and have been successful in doing so.
Quote:Optimist
Starting to worry about Zach. By one account he had to be persuaded to stay this season by the other players - is he another 'maverick' player/character who may not fit Hooper's straitlace? Or can someone 'reassure' me that he is injured?
Quote:hasta
Lot of 2+2 = 3.14159265 on 'ere this eve.
Quote:dr.bath1865
How do we know Zach's unhappy?
Quote:shipwrecked
Or for this game Cameron Redpath divided by Sam Underhill.
Quote:9215Quote:shipwrecked
Or for this game Cameron Redpath divided by Sam Underhill.
Best thing I’ve read on the internet today
Quote:shipwrecked
Or for this game Cameron Redpath divided by Sam Underhill.
Quote:Ali1969
On a different note I see the Tigers have signed an Argentine fly half, not even mentioned on our radar which I find strange unless Hoops really has laid specific requirements to suit his game plan.
Quote:Ali1969
On a different note I see the Tigers have signed an Argentine fly half, not even mentioned on our radar which I find strange unless Hoops really has laid specific requirements to suit his game plan.
Quote:OptimistQuote:Ali1969
On a different note I see the Tigers have signed an Argentine fly half, not even mentioned on our radar which I find strange unless Hoops really has laid specific requirements to suit his game plan.
I'd say one of the key requirements for our signing at 10, is that the player is also capable/happy playing at 12 and/or 15 - which makes Willemse and Miotto interesting options.
If Bailey is to develop into our first-choice 10 in 2-3 seasons' time, then our Priestland replacement has to be able to play in the same team as Bailey, rather than being a one or other selection.
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Slightly off thread but I would have thought we want a 25 - 28 year old....................who is mentioned in international selection but never quite gets in the squad who as Opti says above is a bit of a Mike Catt/Alex Goode character, ie can play 10, 15, 12 .
Has Alex Goode been the most unrecognised player of his generation?
Quote:Dorset BoyQuote:Bath Supporter Jack
Slightly off thread but I would have thought we want a 25 - 28 year old....................who is mentioned in international selection but never quite gets in the squad who as Opti says above is a bit of a Mike Catt/Alex Goode character, ie can play 10, 15, 12 .
Has Alex Goode been the most unrecognised player of his generation?
I think Alex Goode is widely recognised as being one of the very best club players since professionalism. However he is one of those who just didn't quite cut it at international level having been given his opportunities, and subsequently discarded.
Quote:Dodgy in defence...Woodpecker
Strangely as cycled down the alley behind my house just now I went past Cips
Quote:P G Tips
Sports bars in Leon all closed so reliant on Whatsapp & COML.
Can somebody tell me what the hell is happening??
PG
Quote:Ali1969
This is truly painful and shows our huge shortcomings, most importantly it reiterates our inability to deal with teams who stop our pack/gameplan A.
The big question is - Is it our players or our coaches?
I'd somehow we can turn this around then it will be one of our greatest get out of jail cadss... Can not see it though players have that aehll shocked look again.
Come on Bath
Quote:BathMatt53
Waiting for BO to comment on how Bath always choke and throw it away...
Quote:sirtidychrisQuote:Wow !!!hasta
60 mins 3-20
80 mins 31-20
!!!!
Quote:Barnoid
Faletau's best game since the restart, I'd say. Lots of quiet grunty donkey work.
Quote:Ali1969
I have just picked myself up and have never been so happy to be wrong... Now if this does not breathe self belief into the team then I don't know what would.
What a result, well done boys. Come on BATH
Quote:BathMatt53
Also, how many bonus points is that post lockdown - 5?
Quote:shipwrecked
Spencer is a massive player for us, set up Dunny's first try forcing the forwards forward then letting him slip down the blind side. Love his direction he's a massive leader. Underhill's best game ever I think. Faletau OK but the youngsters were better and Cameron Redpath is deceptively quick.
Fantastic result.
Quote:BathMatt53
If you can stream PG there are 3 radio stations covering it:
- 5 live extra;
- BBC bristol
- BBC gloucestershire
Links here:
[www.bbc.co.uk]
Quote:hemington
I think Hats and the other coaches deserve more praise than they are getting.
Quote:Ali1969
This is truly painful and shows our huge shortcomings, most importantly it reiterates our inability to deal with teams who stop our pack/gameplan A.
The big question is - Is it our players or our coaches?
Quote:copester
proud and happy fan. Even if we come up short against a fully loaded Sarries and dont make top 4, its been a brilliant few weeks. long may it continue.
Quote:shipwrecked
The more you watch that last try the more you have to give credit to Joe C, its his footwork that beats Lloyd Evans then he batts away Singleton to put Spencer in. All after RP went to the wrong side and Watson corrected it.
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
The Gloucester flyhalf was electric and he is number 2 to Cipriani..........
Quote:hasta
Also it's clear from the player interviews that they got an absolute bollocking in the changing room at the half.
Quote:Widcombe Boy
Personally thought we were dead and buried at 3-20 down and Glaws playing well. The Bath 23 thought otherwise, and I was out of my chair a few times and then toasted them with a bourbon.
Quote:From the stats, I think that was our only offload all game!Danchinho
McNally. Great offload. We really to be doing way more of these. Makes a world of difference.
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:Widcombe Boy
Personally thought we were dead and buried at 3-20 down and Glaws playing well. The Bath 23 thought otherwise, and I was out of my chair a few times and then toasted them with a bourbon.
I love a chocolate biscuit as well! Still trying to remove a curry stain from my shirt when Dunny peeled of the back of the maul!
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Not wishing to be a Jonah in any way but for the first 60 minutes I was thinking if RP is here to kick penalties and conversions...............and he doesn't what is he good for.
On the other hand Twelvetrees had a 62% success ratio going into last night and I think made all his kicks.
The Gloucester flyhalf was electric and he is number 2 to Cipriani..........
Quote:I thought that, They will be mindful of injuries but they will want to keep players match fit. Our record on plastic pitches isnt great but hopefully momentum and desire that the boys have shown since lockdown will be enough.shipwrecked
On the Sarries game, we play them on the 4th Oct so why would they play a weakened side when the final is 12 days later on the 16th Oct. Am I missing something?
Quote:copesterQuote:I thought that, They will be mindful of injuries but they will want to keep players match fit. Our record on plastic pitches isnt great but hopefully momentum and desire that the boys have shown since lockdown will be enough.shipwrecked
On the Sarries game, we play them on the 4th Oct so why would they play a weakened side when the final is 12 days later on the 16th Oct. Am I missing something?
Quote:I don't believe people on this board think Rhys walks on water it's more of a case that he is pretty much all that we have at the moment and the coaching team have done well to develop a successful style of play that matches his strengths. I think a lot of criticism of Rhys stems from an unrealistic expectation that we should have got a 'world class' fly-half from somewhere( please provide the name of one who is available that you know the club hasn't approached if you know one).Bath Supporter Jack
Bath Hammer
There are some people on this board who think that RP walks on water...............
He is not a robot and he is fallible............it showed however in the first 60 minutes that we could not get the ball to our strong wingers going forward and he was not getting his kicks - Plan A.
Then when we scored suddenly he could kick everything from everywhere, as compared to the three easy kicks he missed
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Let's just go there and beat them!
It does seem to be rather unfortunate, that from memory, our competitors for a top four place played the weakened Saracens team
Quote:Long Term
an unrealistic expectation that we should have got a 'world class' fly-half from somewhere( please provide the name of one who is available that you know the club hasn't approached if you know one).
Quote:OptimistQuote:Long Term
an unrealistic expectation that we should have got a 'world class' fly-half from somewhere( please provide the name of one who is available that you know the club hasn't approached if you know one).
I don't think the concern is whether the Club have identified the need for a world-class fly-half or whether the Club have approached any number of candidates. The concern is (or has been) why none of those candidates seems to be interested in coming to Bath.
With the events/results of the last month, however, I'd be very surprised if we remain an unattractive option. Evidence now favours the theory that Hooper is holding out for the perfect fit.
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Thing is we are not..................or probably should not be looking for a "world class" flyhalf. I would have thought we should be looking just half a notch below that level so there is no risk of them going off and playing international rugby and they would be "content" to be a very, very good squad player who can also help bring OB on.
Quote:#FakeBallsout
Wow, what a performance! The lads staged a magnificent comeback against Gloucs. I couldn't have been more proud with their performances since the restart - top of the league! I'm starting to think that I should have shown a bit more faith / patience , I apologise.
Quote:Bath Hammer
It will be a real test playing against their first team but remember, we have have had very tight games with them before & occasionally beaten them plus they have lost one or two players including the influential Farrell for this match. Also, home advantage is not significant without supporters present. However, if we only get one point we could qualify because it’s not certain that all the other results will go in favour of our 3 rivals. I would be surprised if we were to beat a full strength Exeter in the play offs but these things do happen. A lesser match but I remember when as hot favourites we lost to Hooper’s Leeds Tykes in 2005!
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Let's just go there and beat them!
It does seem to be rather unfortunate, that from memory, our competitors for a top four place played the weakened Saracens team
Quote:hastaQuote:Bath Hammer
It will be a real test playing against their first team but remember, we have have had very tight games with them before & occasionally beaten them plus they have lost one or two players including the influential Farrell for this match. Also, home advantage is not significant without supporters present. However, if we only get one point we could qualify because it’s not certain that all the other results will go in favour of our 3 rivals. I would be surprised if we were to beat a full strength Exeter in the play offs but these things do happen. A lesser match but I remember when as hot favourites we lost to Hooper’s Leeds Tykes in 2005!
God I remember being furious after that Leeds game. Wasn't Balshaw their captain (until he got injured after 20 mins)?
Quote:gaz59
But, if opposition teams have worked out one thing about us, it is don't kick aimlessly back to Watson
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:gaz59
But, if opposition teams have worked out one thing about us, it is don't kick aimlessly back to Watson
Ruck saying that Racing want him for the 2021 / 22 season.
[www.ruck.co.uk]
I can't believe that one of the best paid players wouldn't have extended longer than a season therefore putting 25% of his salary out of the cap?
Quote:gaz59Quote:BathMatt53Quote:gaz59
But, if opposition teams have worked out one thing about us, it is don't kick aimlessly back to Watson
Ruck saying that Racing want him for the 2021 / 22 season.
[www.ruck.co.uk]
I can't believe that one of the best paid players wouldn't have extended longer than a season therefore putting 25% of his salary out of the cap?
Crikey, we have 3 in that 'best out of contract' XV. If true that has to be top priority for the club to get new contracts signed
Quote:Eastbath
Are any English clubs able to make huge offers at the moment? I’d be surprised as they all say they are losing £1m a month. If the French clubs are making huge offers how can they afford it? Are their sugar daddies richer than ours. I’d assume French clubs are losing similar amounts.
Quote:Optimist
It would save the RFU, for example, around £0.5m per match ... money which could be spent on supporting other sectors of the game.
Quote:OBinFiji
Didn't he used to play for Leicester and England?
OBinFiji