Match Preview - A Starter For Ten


By Ed Scott
April 6 2011

After a promising start to the year, Saracens handed Bath a confidence shattering third consecutive Premiership defeat last weekend, leaving us languishing seventh in the table. This weekend we host Exeter in our re-organised Boxing day derby, a game that I think now falls into the 'must win' category for the first time in a while.

Much of the talk during January and February was about winning being a habit. Well, losing is also a habit (a nasty one at that), one which Bath seem to have picked up to great effect of late. We seem bereft of ideas in attack and our water-tight defence (one of the more consistent elements of our play this season) seems to have sprung some leaks.
 
The Mathematicians will tell you that Bath can still make the play-offs, whilst the realists know that a spot in Europe is the true goal we should have on our agenda. With Gloucester winning the LV Cup, sixth position and above will gain entrance to the Heineken Cup. The top four teams have pretty much stretched away now, so we are in a race for the two remaining slots.
 
That battle consists of London Irish (48 points), Harlequins (45 points), Bath (40 points), Wasps (38 points) and Exeter (37 points). Yes, Bath have two games in hand, but that does not necessarily mean eight points in the bag. The key element is that our remaining five games are against the teams around or below us. As a result, our destiny for a top six spot is in our own hands. Bottom line, we need to win all five to guarantee that. Three are at home with another at Twickenham, and are not against form teams (Quins aside perhaps - but that is still a home game).
 
The problem is that Bath are not playing well. Yes, the recent losses have been to the top three teams in the league, but we have looked lacklustre, rudderless and uninspired. This weekend is a home game against (supposedly) weaker opposition, but as we saw earlier on in the year, Exeter have a strong pack and a real will to win games. Their tenacity and streetwise nature has taken many teams by surprise this season, so we should expect nothing but a hugely physical game. If Bath don't take it to them, we could get bogged down in a grapple which we may not win.
 
The debate this week again rages on in relation to who to pick. One man in particular is currently under the microscope, Butch James. The argument is that Vesty hasn't proven himself and that Butch is a world class match winner, but I just don't see how that makes sense. It means we're playing someone on reputation rather than form, something most supporters (of any sports team) are strongly against. I sadly can't remember the last time that Butch really had a superb game, and for me that says it all. If he doesn't want to give 100% in the shirt, don't let him wear it. I am a massive fan, but something isn't right. When it effects the team like it does, then we must have the courage to make a change.
 
This week we will hopefully be buoyed by the return of Lewis Moody, but I fear that our signing of the season, Simon Taylor, may not be fit to join him in what would be a rare outing for our first choice back row. If that is the case I would love to see Mercer at 7 and Moody 6, but I'm sure Skirving will retain his spot.
 
We need heart, structure, discipline and accuracy this weekend. Anything less and the season drifts, once more, from one of promise, to that of huge disappointment and underachievement. A good win on Saturday could easily put us right back on track, a loss means we slip further behind and perhaps don't actually deserve that European spot. Let's hope the only history to repeat itself is the open running and end of season form from last year.

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Match Preview - A Starter For Ten
Discussion started by BathRugbyEre.co.uk , 06/04/2011 18:01
BathRugbyEre.co.uk
06/04/2011 18:01
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:04:09:18:47:48 by Susanne.

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CoochieCoo
06/04/2011 18:58
Apparently Moodos not quite ready and Taylor is out.

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nick holder
07/04/2011 12:54
is the game on espn ?

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Bathbadger
07/04/2011 14:41
No all Heineken Cup (remember that?) and Amlin Cup this weekend on Sky, ESPN no rugby this weekend.

Cheers,

Rich

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Bathovalballer
07/04/2011 20:59
I am somewhat pessimistic over this game and hope against hope we can find some desire, effort, skill and bloodymindedness to just win the game.

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boston chief
08/04/2011 08:45
Hi guys, hope you don't mind me posting here. For what it's worth we're just excited about coming to play at the rec and having a great day (and night) out! Neither of our teams are firing on many cylinders so I think it may come down to pure desire and the will to win on the day. It seems the elements will be in favour of a good running game and on that front I think you may have the edge. But, if we can control the scrum and line out then we may sneak a few quick breaks from it. Either way, it's going to be a great day and I can't wait. The iron horse is primed to arrive at around 11:30 and we'll head for the nearest saloon which allows us injuns to partake of firewater! Most of us have taken language courses so our command of english has improved somewhat. So, say hello, have a beer and lets all have a good day out.

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abendanon-anon-anon
08/04/2011 10:01
Boston Chief - and you're more than welcome at Bath - might be a nervy game to start with both on the pitch and on the terraces, but has the makings of a hard fought game - it'll be close I reckon

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marshie10
08/04/2011 14:47
It's people like Boston Chief that make rugby the game it is for supporters. Imagine Liverpool FC fan saying that to a Man United fan! Boston Chief, I hope you thoroughly enjoy tomorrow and that it's a closely fought open game.

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