Remember who you play for

By PG Tips
February 25 2014

David Flatman opined a few weeks ago that “Bath do not need to catch the top 2 sides, they just need to keep beating the teams below them”. It may not be wise to argue with “Flats” but many will take issue with his view.

For a start, there is the emotional importance of the match. Bath’s coaches have admitted getting it wrong at Allianz Park in September and of course Saracens handed Bath their heaviest home defeat last season. Payback will be in many minds, even if it does not affect playoff or European competition places.

So that’s the heart, what of the head? While it will be a tough ask for Bath to close the 10 or 9 point gap on the top 2, the pursuit behind Bath is led by Leicester and Quins, respectively only 5 & 8 points adrift. As these 2 clubs face the bottom pair this week, a home defeat would probably see the Blue, Black & White in a 3 way dogfight for 3rd place.

Recent form and strength in depth will be much in the thoughts of both coaching teams as they prepare for Friday. McCall, managing his respurces carefully, kept Stevens, Borthwick and Burger out of his starting line up last Saturday in an attmpt to keep them fresh for the short turnaround this week. He was still able to field 4 internationals up front and six in the backs. Reputation meant nothing to Exeter though, who led for most of the first half and Saracens only looked safe in the final quarter. Their defence, one lapse apart, was the difference, denying Exeter momentum and forcing turnovers to turn the tide. Bath enjoyed a win against a Wasps team showing much more vitality than of late. Victory was secured with some fine tries, but defence and concentration seemed inconsistent, so Mike Ford will be looking for a much improved showing this week.

Selection will depend on injuries and on whether Stuart Lancaster decides to keep the England players in camp in preparation for the Wales match. Bath fans will hope that he returns Attwood and Ford to the home fold and for positive news on the injured Anthony Watson. Saracens, who admit to being below par in recent weeks, are apprehensive about the growing threat from Bath in midfield, so Ford pulling the strings could make the difference. Expect Saracens to want to deny Bath at source, play percentages and territory and rely on a game of kick and maul before releasing their backs down the blindside.

This one is a close call, but I back Bath to hold on to the home record – just. A single score win will do.

Possible Teams:

Bath: James, Batty, Orlandi, Hooper, Attwood, Garvey, Louw, Houston Young, Ford, Rokodoguni, Devoto, Eastmond, Agulla, Abendanon, Replacements: Catt, Guinazu , Perenise, Day , Faosiliva, Stringer, Henson, Watson

Saracens: Vunipola, Brits, Stevens; Kruis, Borthwick; Burger Brown, Joubert. de Kock, Hodgson, Wyles, Barritt, Taylor, Ashton, Goode Replacements: Barrington, George, Johnston, Hankin, Wray, Wigglesworth, Bosch, Tomkins 

Match preview: Bath need crusader spirit against Saracens

Discussion started by PG Tips (IP Logged), 25/02/2014 21:05

PG Tips
25/02/2014 21:05

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Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:04:21:35:19 by TCM2007.

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johnnyf
26/02/2014 16:59

Very good assessment PGT.
Just about absolutely right on all fronts.

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Bri
26/02/2014 17:43

There is no way they will start with Orlandi against one of the best packs in the league I'd put my shirt on that and why wouldn't they start with Watson?

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P G Tips
27/02/2014 08:09

Bri

My view is that Wilson may be kept by Lancaster. Watson may well start-if not injured. Both points are made in the review.

PG

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Bri
27/02/2014 11:22

Wilson won't play,it will be James Batty Antony

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Mr Frivolous
27/02/2014 11:51

Great warm up PG, interestingly our colleagues on the Sarries board agree with your summation fearing our midfield and hoping they will be able to stifle us. They also think that there recent performances if carried into this gamne will been a Bath win...

I'll be surprised if its not a nail biter!

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beshocked
28/02/2014 10:31

To be honest I think you've got it a bit wrong about your assessment of the Saracens-Exeter game.

The difference was not the defence, it was the forward's overall dominance after the 20 minute mark.

Only need to look at the two tries, Johnston powering over from close range and a maul carrying Brits over.

Expect Saracens to use similar tactics as those vs Exeter though hopefully this time the backs will be more accurate.

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Innings
28/02/2014 12:09

Sarries supporter - as I read the Chiefs game, the Chiefs put so much into their first 20 minutes that they were more or less shot after that and eventually ran out of puff. It seems to be a Chiefs habit. Tonight will have a major influence on home advantage in the playoffs, and you'll talk to few Sarries supporters who think it's by any means a done deal that they'll be watching them at home.

Innings

Points win matches: tries win hearts and minds.

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Widcombe boy
28/02/2014 12:41

Another intuitive Preview

Thanks PG Tips

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