Bath
EARN THE STRIPES. BATH V LEICESTER
Faletau: back and fit.
By PG Tips
February 16 2022
Bath’s youthful squad must earn their stripes against Leicester Tigers in their Premiership clash this Saturday. The two old rivals meet with their fortunes in greater contrast than at any time for twenty years. In 2002, Tigers took the title, while Bath finished 11th, squeezing Leeds Tykes into relegation by a single game. This season Bath will be spared relegation, but to salvage pride from this season, and to prepare for next under a new regime, they must play as if there is, scrapping for every point.
There is a German proverb that “There is no off switch on a tiger” and this year’s version from Welford Road seem determined to live up to that maxim. They have found the habit of winning tight matches they look like losing, their energy seemingly undimmed for the whole 80 minutes. Under Steve Borthwick they have reverted to tradition and built a simple winning formula based on confrontation, cohesion and continuity. Physical frontal assault from a brutal pack and robust centres puts them on the front foot and the rest follows through sharp application of the basics – crisp passing, quick recycling, astute tactical kicking and hard running support lines.
It seems unlikely that any players will be released this weekend from Eddie Jones’ revised England squad of 25. Leicester stand to lose more than Bath, with 5 absentees. After the way they dispatched derby rivals Northampton last Friday, I expect Borthwick will be happy to stick with the same starting XV and a few tweaks to his bench. Forwards Montoya, Cole, Wells and Liebenberg especially carry sufficient firepower to give them the upper hand. Behind them Wigglesworth belies his years, calmly directing matters and passing with a snap that helps Freddie Burns show better form than he ever did for Bath. Nadolo will often pop up in midfield to exploit holes punched by forward drives. He and Kelly will run through brick walls, let alone any mistimed tackles, while against Saints, Hegarty got in the act for the final try. Tigers could aim to be in a commanding lead before emptying a bench sprinkled with international experience.
Bath will have no such luxury. Resources still stretched by injury, they would probably want to start Stuart and Ewels if available and must keep fingers crossed for clean bills of health throughout the squad. After shoring up the front row with loan signing Tongan international Ma’afu Fia on Tuesday as cover for the injured Johannes Jonker, there is a hint that he may be involved this weekend. Semesa Rokodoguni is likely to be side-lined for a month by his red card and with McConnochie, Watson, Cokanasiga and Cipriani all hors de combat, the backline selection is close to Hobson’s choice. The picture in the back row is almost as bad, Underhill, Bayliss and Reid all out with injury and question marks over Williams. At least Taulupe Faletau is fit and back in harness. He, Hughes and Coetzee should form the starting loose forward trio to reinforce Bath’s competitiveness at the breakdown and in the carry.
If the forwards can gain parity of possession, supporter hopes will rest on Bath’s promising young midfield. A bright spot this week has been the news that Orlando Bailey and Max Ojomoh have signed contract extensions. They, along with Cameron Redpath, are surely the future of Bath’s attack and will carry heavy expectation on young shoulders. These three have been among the few bright sparks for Bath this season. They show, along with Ben Spencer, Muir and De Glanville when fit, that the club can build a backline to rival those from happier seasons. With Redpath and Ojomoh both in form, Neal Hatley must juggle them with Jonathan Joseph in his selection- perhaps moving Joseph to the wing?
At Wasps Bath were well in contention, indeed possible winners with a full complement. It all unravelled when they were reduced to thirteen. Performances seem to be improving gradually though results remain mostly elusive. To stand a chance they must hold their own up front, defend together and tenaciously, win turnover ball and counterattack: that might just catch the Tigers by surprise. But I would not bet on it.
Possible Teams:
Bath:, Morozov, Du Toit, Rae, Richards, McNally (Capt.), Faletau, Coetzee, Hughes. B Spencer, Bailey. Muir, Ojomoh, Redpath, Joseph. De Glanville.
Replacements: Dunn, Cordwell, Fia, Dingley, De Carpentier. Simpson, Clark, Prydie.
Leicester Tigers: Whitcombe, Montoya, Cole, Wells, Green, Liebenberg (Capt.), Reffell, Wiese. Wigglesworth, Burns. Nadolo, Kelly, Porter, Potter. Hegarty.
Replacements: Dolly, Van Wyk, Heyes, Martin, Van Staden. Van Poortvliet, Scott, Ashton.
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StumbleuponEARN THE STRIPES. BATH V LEICESTER. Team's Up!
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 16/02/2022 09:39
16/02/2022 09:39
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:22:12:00:54 by P G Tips.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:22:12:00:54 by P G Tips.
Quote:TomReagan
Do you think Tigers might let us play that 16 to make a game of it?!
One way of getting all 3 centres in....
Didn’t I read recently that Freddie Burns had found a solution to his cramps?
As an ex player they always come back to bite you but I’m hoping he will get the run around from our backs inducing a relapse. He looked decidedly decent last game for Tigers.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
As an ex player they always come back to bite you but I’m hoping he will get the run around from our backs inducing a relapse. He looked decidedly decent last game for Tigers.
The Nic Dolly narrative arc that so delighted the media seems to be heading for a full parabola.
Keeping 15 players on the pitch would be a good start for Bath this weekend. Looks like it will be gusty and slippery for much of the weekend so not expecting too much of a classic. Tigers very clear favourites for obvious reasons (i.e. they are top of the league and Bath are bottom, they remain in good form and Bath don't).
I am just hoping that a miricle occurs and Bath can sneak a win - barring that, not getting humiliated would be good!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I am just hoping that a miricle occurs and Bath can sneak a win - barring that, not getting humiliated would be good!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Is he an outside centre then Opti? If not perhaps you could fill in some detail.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Form, home advantage, weather and bench really should make this a comfortable win for Tigers. It will take some serious out of skin performances to overcome those odds
That predicted team doesn't look a million miles away, though Borthwick has shown a liking for rotation in the side for away matches.
officials are
Referee: Karl Dickson (56th Premiership game).
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce & Gareth Holsgrove. TMO: Stuart Terheege.
officials are
Referee: Karl Dickson (56th Premiership game).
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce & Gareth Holsgrove. TMO: Stuart Terheege.
Quote:gaz59
Form, home advantage, weather and bench really should make this a comfortable win for Tigers. It will take some serious out of skin performances to overcome those odds
gaz
I know our pitch can get boggy in the winter- like the Welford of old- but can the Rec really be described as "home advantage" for Tigers?
If so, I suggest some Bath fans up their game!
PG
Quote:shipwrecked
Is he an outside centre then Opti? If not perhaps you could fill in some detail.
Much was made of his meteoric rise from Championship to England starter. Now Montoya seems to be the flavour of the month.
Oh I see, Montoya does seem on fire at the moment though, Dolly seems more suited to an open game so perhaps oddly the weather is a selection factor?
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Quote:tigerburnie
Referee: Karl Dickson (56th Premiership game).
Eek.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:tigerburnie
Referee: Karl Dickson (56th Premiership game).
Eek.
Eek x 2 and more.
Quote:P G TipsQuote:gaz59
Form, home advantage, weather and bench really should make this a comfortable win for Tigers. It will take some serious out of skin performances to overcome those odds
gaz
I know our pitch can get boggy in the winter- like the Welford of old- but can the Rec really be described as "home advantage" for Tigers?
If so, I suggest some Bath fans up their game!
PG
Ooops, fair cop PG
Dunno why I assumed it was at Welford, guess it was just the default pessimist in me
Quote:I'll have a word with him when I go for tea on Friday................................................Ali1969Quote:BathMatt53Quote:tigerburnie
Referee: Karl Dickson (56th Premiership game).
Eek.
Eek x 2 and more.
Quote:tigerburnie
officials are
Referee: Karl Dickson (56th Premiership game).
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce & Gareth Holsgrove. TMO: Stuart Terheege.
Simply the worst referee around.
Quote:Dorset BoyQuote:tigerburnie
officials are
Referee: Karl Dickson (56th Premiership game).
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce & Gareth Holsgrove. TMO: Stuart Terheege.
Simply the worst referee around.
The scoreline is likely to be so large that he won't have any great impact on the reason for our loss.
Personally not that bothered he is the ref for Saturday.
Luke Pearce will hopefully pick up anything that Dickson misses. As its also on TV that normally keeps them honest especially is it will now be on the (new) screen in high definition...assuming it hasnn't blown away of course.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Tigers fan in peace. Don’t quite get the comments about Montoya as he is one of the few players in our squad that is truly world class. Good around the pitch as well as top thrower in/scrummager.
Quote:A2O
Tigers fan in peace. Don’t quite get the comments about Montoya as he is one of the few players in our squad that is truly world class. Good around the pitch as well as top thrower in/scrummager.
No-one is denying that, just that Dolly had a run of form and now seemingly superseded. You are welcome to add your views on that as you probably know more as to the reasons why.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:17:11:26:37 by shipwrecked.
Montoya picked up an injury earlier in the season and our other hooker Claire was also injured hence Dolly starting. Against bigger scrummaging sides Montoya is the obvious choice due to his extra bulk/ability whereas Dolly is more mobile especially on dry firm pitches.
Montoya is a great player IMO. Dolly seemed to me to be decent Premiership standard when I saw him play.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
If Borthwicks plan goes the way I expect it to go, players like Montoya may well leave at the end of their contract and the younger players like Dolly, who has been mentored by Montoya will get their shot, makes perfect sense to me to get some one to one coaching from possibly the best hooker in the game at the moment.
Quote:BathMatt53
Dolly seemed to me to be decent Premiership standard when I saw him play.
Dolly is the classic Eddie Jones story. Gets picked because Eddie just loves to conjure up someone who hasn't been talked up by journalists/pundits in order to display his genius. Then gets quietly shelved when it turns out that, in this instance, they're not actually better than Jamie George.
Jamie George will be 32 later this year so I think its pretty sensible for Eddie to have a look at the next generation. I don't think that anyone has really put their hand up yet (LCD aside).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Don't go spoiling a good old Eddie whinge with sensible, rational thinking BM.
Quote:Optimist
Don't go spoiling a good old Eddie whinge with sensible, rational thinking BM.
Sorry Opti, I wasn't myself for a minute. Daaaaamn you Eddie! Whyyyyyyyy?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Optimist
Don't go spoiling a good old Eddie whinge with sensible, rational thinking BM.
Sorry Opti, I wasn't myself for a minute. Daaaaamn you Eddie! Whyyyyyyyy?
Save if for next week's team announcement both when you will be saying "Whyyyyyyyy?" for real!
Would love to come to the game as I love Bath as a city and one of my very favourite steak restaurants which I think is called Hurd.
However on my last 3 visits with my wife who is a season ticket holder at the Tigers, we have paid something like £60 per ticket and have been shoved in the corner behind the posts. On the last occasion we hen had a brass band playing about 20 yards away for most of the game..
Anyway hope it’s a good game that is not decided by poor refereeing decisions.
However on my last 3 visits with my wife who is a season ticket holder at the Tigers, we have paid something like £60 per ticket and have been shoved in the corner behind the posts. On the last occasion we hen had a brass band playing about 20 yards away for most of the game..
Anyway hope it’s a good game that is not decided by poor refereeing decisions.
On Montoya vs Dolly, near in mind that Montoya was away at internationals at the start of the season. Dolly had been signed probably as fourth choice behind Montoya, Youngs and Clare. Youngs also became unavailable for well publicised reasons, so Dolly got more game time and went past Clare in the pecking order to No. 1 in Montoya's absence. Even with that Tom Cowan-Dickie was brought in short term and all three got game time due to Borthwick's rotation policy.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Dolly involved this week for those reasons and because he's probably only behind Montoya in the pecking order. It might even be Dolly and Clare (although unlikely) knowing Borthwick.
TBF watching Montoya is a pleasure - not too many hookers in the World are better right now. Being behind him in selection is no shame.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Dolly involved this week for those reasons and because he's probably only behind Montoya in the pecking order. It might even be Dolly and Clare (although unlikely) knowing Borthwick.
TBF watching Montoya is a pleasure - not too many hookers in the World are better right now. Being behind him in selection is no shame.
Sounds like this game may be a week too early for the likes of underhill, reid and coko based on the press conf. Any idea if bayliss could be in the mix?
Hats said williams and spencer injuries are only niggles.
Faletau fine to go the 80. His ability to return from long absences on form is impressive tho wish it wasn't necessary. Class act.
Think pgt squad selection will be pretty close, maybe bayliss on bench for dingley if available. Not great vote of confidence in verden if he is bumped for the new chap.
Don't like this match up at all. Can see us conceding about 5 rolling maul tries and getting yellow cards from those and the scrum
Hats said williams and spencer injuries are only niggles.
Faletau fine to go the 80. His ability to return from long absences on form is impressive tho wish it wasn't necessary. Class act.
Think pgt squad selection will be pretty close, maybe bayliss on bench for dingley if available. Not great vote of confidence in verden if he is bumped for the new chap.
Don't like this match up at all. Can see us conceding about 5 rolling maul tries and getting yellow cards from those and the scrum
Yes at 23/24 I fear that the time of Verden and Vaughan at Bath could be running out. I know that porps develop later but they don't seem to ever get any opportunities, even when the squad is down to bare bones.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
If today's storm is as forecast I guess there is a chance of damage to the ground or impact training/prep.
I wonder if Tigers are travelling down today or in the morning?
I wonder if Tigers are travelling down today or in the morning?
Quote:B4thB4ck
If today's storm is as forecast I guess there is a chance of damage to the ground or impact training/prep.
I wonder if Tigers are travelling down today or in the morning?
That was kind of what i was wondering when i did a little overview of our prop stable on the 'squad' thread. If their knowledge, based on training with the senior squad for several years, doesn't overcome the differential in quality with a loan signing, then you would have to assume that differential is big... which really doesn't bode well, especially when the nature of a loan-player is that they aren't of any meaningful value to their current employer.
Quote:BathMatt53
Yes at 23/24 I fear that the time of Verden and Vaughan at Bath could be running out. I know that porps develop later but they don't seem to ever get any opportunities, even when the squad is down to bare bones.
Bringing fia in when I assume verden / griffin are fit and available I'd interesting call.
As you say matt certainly vaughan and verden running out of time...
Hope you are all ok in this storm, I will be surprised if the game goes ahead.
Quote:charlieboaQuote:BathMatt53
Yes at 23/24 I fear that the time of Verden and Vaughan at Bath could be running out. I know that porps develop later but they don't seem to ever get any opportunities, even when the squad is down to bare bones.
Bringing fia in when I assume verden / griffin are fit and available I'd interesting call.
As you say matt certainly vaughan and verden running out of time...
Tricky this, it seems hard to be deciding players fate when we know that our coaching is amiss, would they have been prime front rowers when we were ripping teams apart with our foe awards a couple of seasons ago or was that a false 'covid' dawn?
I think we probably will have bigger churn after a season of JvG when he know what he has to play with.
A20- even recognising the arguments of supply and demand and the parlous state of rugby finances I do think the tickets are overpriced, albeit not a great weekend to come over. As to position, I assume you get your tickets from Bath as clubs always give the poorest ones to the visiting club! Pretty sure the game will be good to go tigerburnie. Just windy here but not raining. Chucking it down all day tomorrow mind.
We have snow drifts up here in Scotland, roads closed and a bit chaotic
Strong gusty unpredictable winds, no rain - think it will blow through by this evening.
The Rec is in a comparatively sheltered area but imagine it will be challenging up at Farleigh! LOL!
The Rec is in a comparatively sheltered area but imagine it will be challenging up at Farleigh! LOL!
Team Up. TdG starts.
Bath Rugby side to play Leicester Tigers
15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Will Butt, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Will Muir, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Valeriy Morozov, 2 Jacques du Toit, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 4 Josh McNally ©, 5 Ewan Richards, 6 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Jaco Coetzee, 8 Nathan Hughes
Replacements
16 Tom Doughty, 17 Arthur Cordwell, 18 Kieran Verden, 19 Richard de Carpentier, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Joe Simpson, 22 Danny Cipriani, 23 Max Clark
Unavailable due to injury: Lewis Boyce, Joe Cokanasiga, Tom Dunn, Tom Ellis, Johannes Jonker, Ruaridh McConnochie, Beno Obano, Miles Reid, Tian Schoeman, Juan Schoeman, Sam Underhill, Anthony Watson and Mike Williams, Will Spencer, Ethan Staddon.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Bath Rugby side to play Leicester Tigers
15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Will Butt, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Will Muir, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Valeriy Morozov, 2 Jacques du Toit, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 4 Josh McNally ©, 5 Ewan Richards, 6 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Jaco Coetzee, 8 Nathan Hughes
Replacements
16 Tom Doughty, 17 Arthur Cordwell, 18 Kieran Verden, 19 Richard de Carpentier, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Joe Simpson, 22 Danny Cipriani, 23 Max Clark
Unavailable due to injury: Lewis Boyce, Joe Cokanasiga, Tom Dunn, Tom Ellis, Johannes Jonker, Ruaridh McConnochie, Beno Obano, Miles Reid, Tian Schoeman, Juan Schoeman, Sam Underhill, Anthony Watson and Mike Williams, Will Spencer, Ethan Staddon.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Tigers
15 Bryce Hegarty [9]
14 Harry Potter [29]
13 Guy Porter [33]
12 Dan Kelly [36]
11 Nemani Nadolo [26]
10 Freddie Burns [89]
9 Richard Wigglesworth (c) [27]
1 Francois van Wyk [9]
2 Julián Montoya (vc) [18]
3 Joe Heyes [88]
4 Harry Wells [143]
5 Eli Snyman [11]
6 George Martin [31]
7 Tommy Reffell [65]
8 Jasper Wiese [31]
REPLACEMENTS
16 Charlie Clare [41]
17 James Whitcombe [14]
18 Will Hurd [4]
19 Calum Green [78]
20 Hanro Liebenberg [46]
21 Jack van Poortvliet [37]
22 Matt Scott [39]
23 Chris Ashton [1]
15 Bryce Hegarty [9]
14 Harry Potter [29]
13 Guy Porter [33]
12 Dan Kelly [36]
11 Nemani Nadolo [26]
10 Freddie Burns [89]
9 Richard Wigglesworth (c) [27]
1 Francois van Wyk [9]
2 Julián Montoya (vc) [18]
3 Joe Heyes [88]
4 Harry Wells [143]
5 Eli Snyman [11]
6 George Martin [31]
7 Tommy Reffell [65]
8 Jasper Wiese [31]
REPLACEMENTS
16 Charlie Clare [41]
17 James Whitcombe [14]
18 Will Hurd [4]
19 Calum Green [78]
20 Hanro Liebenberg [46]
21 Jack van Poortvliet [37]
22 Matt Scott [39]
23 Chris Ashton [1]
Good to see Cips available again. Slightly surprised that JJ and Butt aren't the other way around
Only 15 out. Happy days, must be least for months! Sounds like a good few of those 15 due back in next few weeks as well.
Assume bayliss covering second row?
Front row bench doesn't fill me with confidence but they need to learn (the hard way).
Redpath not in 23 is weird!? Seems odd as not listed as injured.
Assume bayliss covering second row?
Front row bench doesn't fill me with confidence but they need to learn (the hard way).
Redpath not in 23 is weird!? Seems odd as not listed as injured.
Will Butt on the wing, is he quick enough? Is GHW not available? Gone for ball carrying I assume, Danny Cipriani and Max Clark on the bench.
Bit worried if I'm honest.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Bit worried if I'm honest.
Quote:P G Tips
Team Up. TdG starts.
Bath Rugby side to play Leicester Tigers
15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Will Butt, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Will Muir, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Valeriy Morozov, 2 Jacques du Toit, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 4 Josh McNally ©, 5 Ewan Richards, 6 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Jaco Coetzee, 8 Nathan Hughes
Replacements
16 Tom Doughty, 17 Arthur Cordwell, 18 Kieran Verden, 19 Richard de Carpentier, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Joe Simpson, 22 Danny Cipriani, 23 Max Clark
Unavailable due to injury: Lewis Boyce, Joe Cokanasiga, Tom Dunn, Tom Ellis, Johannes Jonker, Ruaridh McConnochie, Beno Obano, Miles Reid, Tian Schoeman, Juan Schoeman, Sam Underhill, Anthony Watson and Mike Williams, Will Spencer, Ethan Staddon.
Will Butt is 100% not a winger, no idea why they keep putting him there - GHW not on the unavailable list. Is it because he is big...if so he isn't bigger than Nadolo. Darren Atkins still doesn't get a sniff I see. Otherwise just about as expected?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Dan Cole gets a rest, otherwise pretty good Tigers squad, our bench looks good, two good starting XV's, if it's a wrestle in the mud I think we might have the edge after last weeks rehearsal at Welford Road lol.
Butt over ghw does seem odd. A few puzzlers in there but broadly as expected.
Butt played a few times on the wing for Coventry on loan last year.
Don’t know about Redoath has he been training with Scotland and missed prep week?
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Don’t know about Redoath has he been training with Scotland and missed prep week?
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Quote:P G Tips
Butt played a few times on the wing for Coventry on loan last year.
I think that this may be a bit different PGT, coming up against Nadolo vs afw runs out in the Championship. For me he get his positioning wrong and gets caught way too narrow far too often. Personally I would have had him at 13 and JJ on the wing if those were the only two options, not that JJ is a winger either. It also doesn't say that Prydie is unavailable and he is pretty big and also an actual winger.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I would too Matt, but I guess Hats has his reasons - possibly Butt's past experience there is one of them (right or wrong).
Equally puzzled re Prydie, especially if mix-and-match is necessary.
PG
Equally puzzled re Prydie, especially if mix-and-match is necessary.
PG
Kind of glad that Butt is establishing himself as a pick, as he’s got the physique to be a decent gainline buster. But if he’s picked there ahead of specialist wings just because he’s nearest in size to Nadolo it seems like a bit of a simplistic way of setting up a rugby team.
Unbelievable amount not available. In fact add in those rested and it would be a strong team alone!
Great to see Baylis and Cipriani on the bench on their way back.
Great to see Baylis and Cipriani on the bench on their way back.
Quote:Optimist
Kind of glad that Butt is establishing himself as a pick, as he’s got the physique to be a decent gainline buster. But if he’s picked there ahead of specialist wings just because he’s nearest in size to Nadolo it seems like a bit of a simplistic way of setting up a rugby team.
It could be that he is nearest in size once all of the other wingers are ruled out. For example is Goss is back from the 7s he is a winger but I wouldn't have him vs Nadolo for his first prem start, he is about half his weight. Or just that Butt is the only one left with even an ounce of wing experience as PG noted.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:P G Tips
I would too Matt, but I guess Hats has his reasons - possibly Butt's past experience there is one of them (right or wrong).
Equally puzzled re Prydie, especially if mix-and-match is necessary.
PG
Well I'm only going on limited evidence from TV but much as I want the club to develop Butt he sure didn't look like a winger to me
Quote:gaz59Quote:P G Tips
I would too Matt, but I guess Hats has his reasons - possibly Butt's past experience there is one of them (right or wrong).
Equally puzzled re Prydie, especially if mix-and-match is necessary.
PG
Well I'm only going on limited evidence from TV but much as I want the club to develop Butt he sure didn't look like a winger to me
I think that true but when Butt plays on the wing he defends like a centre, having JJ inside him will make his defence at centre improve greatly, feels like its just part of his development. This game feels to me like we are just going through the motions though nothing rests on it.
They can of course stand where they like when the game starts, regardless of shirt number.....
Quote:B4thB4ck
They can of course stand where they like when the game starts, regardless of shirt number.....
Of course - but there's no-one else in the side who is a natural winger either for Butt to interchange with. JJ's one of the great defenders in the outside centre channel, so you wouldn't want to weaken the defence by pushing him out to wing. You can look to use Faletau, but does that bend you out of shape in other ways.
Goss (also GHW/Atkins) - from my understanding - is extremely rapid. Speed can be used to combat size in defence. Plus, it then actually poses a problem to Nadolo when we have the ball. By putting Butt up against him, we're just saying - 'here's our big bloke. He's not as big as your big bloke, but he's the biggest we've got'. It's basically just damage limitation.
Quote:B4thB4ck
They can of course stand where they like when the game starts, regardless of shirt number.....
The backs will line up in their positions, particularly when defending. If not, then no wonder their defence has been so leaky with them all running around not really sure of where they should be standing.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Sorry, I was implying that Butt might play at centre and JJ on the wing with the team sheet throwing Borthers a little lie. Maybe I was being too subtle!
Quote:Seems ridiculousBathMatt53
Will Butt is 100% not a winger, no idea why they keep putting him there - GHW not on the unavailable list. Is it because he is big...if so he isn't bigger than Nadolo. Darren Atkins still doesn't get a sniff I see. Otherwise just about as expected?
Let's face it, this game, in these conditions, is t going to be decided by the wingers.
Besides that, picking someone who's spent plenty of time on the wing, on the wing, shouldn't be all that contraversial, even if some opine that he's 100% not a wing, contrary to age grade coaches and senior coaches at 2 clubs.
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Besides that, picking someone who's spent plenty of time on the wing, on the wing, shouldn't be all that contraversial, even if some opine that he's 100% not a wing, contrary to age grade coaches and senior coaches at 2 clubs.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Nadolo has not been limiting his impacts to the wing for Tigs. Whoever is defending him will need to be prepared to travel!
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:Which Tyler
Besides that, picking someone who's spent plenty of time on the wing, on the wing, shouldn't be all that contraversial, even if some opine that he's 100% not a wing, contrary to age grade coaches and senior coaches at 2 clubs.
I've seen him on the wing but it seems to me that although he has had some games there all through his age grade and now pro career he is very much regarded as a centre (by age grade and senior coaches) except when a wing has been injured and he has to cover that position, or they really have nobody else viable. Notwithstanding semantics I would very much like to see him get some game time in the centres to see what he can do in his favoured position, I am quite excited to see what he can do there as a speedy 105kg point of difference to the other options.
As for tomorrow well I hope he has an absolute cracker on the wing and proves me totally wrong.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Which Tyler
Besides that, picking someone who's spent plenty of time on the wing, on the wing, shouldn't be all that contraversial, even if some opine that he's 100% not a wing, contrary to age grade coaches and senior coaches at 2 clubs.
I've seen him on the wing but it seems to me that although he has had some games there all through his age grade and now pro career he is very much regarded as a centre (by age grade and senior coaches) except when a wing has been injured and he has to cover that position, or they really have nobody else viable. Notwithstanding semantics I would very much like to see him get some game time in the centres to see what he can do in his favoured position, I am quite excited to see what he can do there as a speedy 105kg point of difference to the other options.
As for tomorrow well I hope he has an absolute cracker on the wing and proves me totally wrong.
Given our widely quoted lack in the position (with apologies to Cam) I do wonder why are we not trying him more as a carrying 12?
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Was it Atkins who had a clear run to the line from his own half v Leinster but was easily caught? That won't have done his chances much good I would think.
Quote:B4thB4ck
Was it Atkins who had a clear run to the line from his own half v Leinster but was easily caught? That won't have done his chances much good I would think.
I'm afraid that his goose was well and truly cooked long before that BB, the lad is 25 now. I wonder if he has lost a year since his ruptured ACL? It put him out for a long long time. Either way its hard to see a future for the kid at Bath, hopefully he can join somewhere and get regular game time (the Championship presumably?).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Looks like he could be a decent championship player to me . Did OK at Jersey last season? Just get the guy somewhere where he plays rugby asap
Quote:BathMatt53
Jamie George will be 32 later this year so I think its pretty sensible for Eddie to have a look at the next generation. I don't think that anyone has really put their hand up yet (LCD aside).
Isn't putting his hand up a weakness in LCD's game 😉
Quote:charlieboa
Looks like he could be a decent championship player to me . Did OK at Jersey last season? Just get the guy somewhere where he plays rugby asap
Must have been a pretty soul-destroying time - really hope he gets a decent contract somewhere else. Look at Ollie Woodburn for inspiration.
Richards out with illness. De Charp starts with Dingley on the bench. Interesting De Charp, not Bayliss.
On a horrid day, with a heavy pitch, against the top pack in the Prem, with lots of first choice front 5 already missing… not ideal!
On a horrid day, with a heavy pitch, against the top pack in the Prem, with lots of first choice front 5 already missing… not ideal!
Quite amazing/unfortunate that Will Spencer is, yet again, on the injury list. We had him, for what, 3 matches? And he’s off again.
Hard to see how his career can continue for much longer if he’s spending this amount of time on the sidelines, poor chap. Exactly the sort of bloke we need this afternoon. Either him or 2 x Josh McNallys.
Hard to see how his career can continue for much longer if he’s spending this amount of time on the sidelines, poor chap. Exactly the sort of bloke we need this afternoon. Either him or 2 x Josh McNallys.
So you can strip the ball after the ref calls tackle can you? Tackle called means tackler releases and can't play it, unless your name is Karl F'wit Dickson.
Felt cautiously optimistic this week with a few players back. Not so much now as our defence and scrum look terrible again.
Aside from everything else, we are the dumbest team in the league.
Carrying the ball in one hand. Kick off out dead. Ridiculously obtuse yellow card.
Face palm face palm face palm.
Carrying the ball in one hand. Kick off out dead. Ridiculously obtuse yellow card.
Face palm face palm face palm.
How many times does Muir have to get carded for taking people out in the air before it dawns on him that its not a good idea? Brainless, he wasn't even making any attempt to take the ball. Back to Bath playing a man down - at least they are used to it by now.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Seems harsh, given that it's his 3rd yellow ever, but is probably the best kick-chasing winger in the prem.BathMatt53
How many times does Muir have to get carded for taking people out in the air before it dawns on him that its not a good idea? Brainless, he wasn't even making any attempt to take the ball. Back to Bath playing a man down - at least they are used to it by now.
He just got beaten by a gust of wind, and bailed out
RAEBURN SHIELD
I like chippy at the line out!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Stick or twist? Take the half-time score and go home, or can we play 40 more minutes like (most) of that?
That was some finish from Baylis, better than most wingers.
Been the better side but not enough of a gap on the scoreboard and we have lottery Dickson to contend with. Beggars belief he's been given the Scotland Fance game next weekend.
Notice how after giving Tigers their second try he's been calling release now everytime he calls tackle, just to highlight how wrong his decision was that gave Tigers the try.
Been the better side but not enough of a gap on the scoreboard and we have lottery Dickson to contend with. Beggars belief he's been given the Scotland Fance game next weekend.
Notice how after giving Tigers their second try he's been calling release now everytime he calls tackle, just to highlight how wrong his decision was that gave Tigers the try.
Quote:take it and go home.Optimist
Stick or twist? Take the half-time score and go home, or can we play 40 more minutes like (most) of that?
Bench doesn't give me any confidence
RAEBURN SHIELD
Quote:Which Tyler
]Seems harsh, given that it's his 3rd yellow ever, but is probably the best kick-chasing winger in the prem. He just got beaten by a gust of wind, and bailed out
Aside from the red card for jumping and poking Josh Van der Flier in the eye in December?
[www.bathrugby.com]
Or the yellow for ' tackling London Irish's Rob Simmons in the air, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.17' in March?
[www.bathrugby.com]
Really good player but after two yellows and a red when contesting high balls my view is that he really needs to control that aspect of his game or else see himself sancitoned again.
Notwithstanding that, great comeback for Bath and fingers crossed they can push on in the second half COYB!!!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
On top of some individual moments of magic, composure from Spencer and Bailey and decent attack, our maul defence has been excellent. It’s stopped Tigers getting their usual momentum at source.
I still have little confidence we’ll win this - as others say, our bench is massively under strength - but the last 20 minutes have been the best of the season by far, imho.
Hope Spencer’s knock before half time is fixable in the changing room. He’s irreplaceable.
I still have little confidence we’ll win this - as others say, our bench is massively under strength - but the last 20 minutes have been the best of the season by far, imho.
Hope Spencer’s knock before half time is fixable in the changing room. He’s irreplaceable.
Even if we lose from here, that's been a good half. Particularly pleased with the maul defence improvement.
Wiese leads with shoulder into Hughes off tghe ball, just a penalty. Yeah right.
Incredibly bad luck to lose McNally.
We’ve done so well, but could be an injury that turns the game against us. Such a shame as Leicester well on top now in the scrums.
We’ve done so well, but could be an injury that turns the game against us. Such a shame as Leicester well on top now in the scrums.
Quote:dr.bath1865
Incredibly bad luck to lose McNally.
We’ve done so well, but could be an injury that turns the game against us. Such a shame as Leicester well on top now in the scrums.
Except it really isn’t bad luck, is it? Injuries happen and we started the season with three locks. One with an injury record as long as his (very long) arms and one who was almost certainly going to be with England.
This was all very predictable. We’ll do well to win this now. Low on confidence, prone to a late collapse, no second rows and now can’t really risk throwing it around as our scrum is a penalty generation machine for Tigers.
We are still in it but we’ll need some magic and the bench to add something special!
So Van Portfliet knocks it on first but we get penalised. Another cracking decision from KD.
Yes, true.
Incredibly bad luck, considering what you rightly say, although having Ewels, Williams, Ellis, Richards, and now McNally unavailable isn’t exactly fortunate.
Incredibly bad luck, considering what you rightly say, although having Ewels, Williams, Ellis, Richards, and now McNally unavailable isn’t exactly fortunate.
Tigers kick away KO advantage but Dickson comes back for their scrum. Seriously?
Unbelievable that you don’t get a YC for ruining our 5-metre attacking lineout - how is that mess bad than a deliberate knock-on anywhere on the pitch?
Tigers power, and some dodgy decisions are squeezing us out here.
And a callow bench as we have 19 missing again this week.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:19:16:44:28 by Dorset Boy.
And a callow bench as we have 19 missing again this week.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:19:16:44:28 by Dorset Boy.
10 points wrongly awarded to Tigers and we lose by 4.
Just not strong enough in that second half and the scrum weakness again cost us.
Maul defence was excellent though.
Disappointing.
Just not strong enough in that second half and the scrum weakness again cost us.
Maul defence was excellent though.
Disappointing.
Cipriani doesn’t seem to be on the same wavelength as the rest of the team at all. I can see why we rolled the dice with him but today but we looked like we had never met after he came on.
Another promising performance and the defence was better. McNally on crutches is a huge worry though.
Another promising performance and the defence was better. McNally on crutches is a huge worry though.
Oh swear word, McNally on crutches. But. Very good effort Bath. Definite improvements.
Can’t fault us at all. For me, McNally’s injury the only reason why we lost to the league leaders.
Very worrying seeing McNally on crutches. Him going off was the point the scrum dominance really started. We were unlcuky then as de Carp had turned over the ball and before we could clear it, KD stopped play for an injury off to the side.
TdG had taken a knock and is only just back, so not surprised he didn't last. But yeesh, Cips looks so far off the pace.
Excellent point, DB. De Carp had won the turnover at the ruck and we could’ve cleared. But McNally injured, game stopped, their scrum dominance, Burns in for a try slapping the Tigers badge (joke, couldn’t care either way), game over.
Hugely frustrating. When the camera shows our injured squad sitting in the stands, you remember the quality we’re missing. A scrum v Tigers of Cordwell Doughty Verden Hughes De Carp Dingley Faletau Bayliss is strange, to say the least.
Hugely frustrating. When the camera shows our injured squad sitting in the stands, you remember the quality we’re missing. A scrum v Tigers of Cordwell Doughty Verden Hughes De Carp Dingley Faletau Bayliss is strange, to say the least.
Chippy might well start at lock next game!
We would have the fastest second rows in the Prem with Richards and Baylis covering as locks.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
We would have the fastest second rows in the Prem with Richards and Baylis covering as locks.
Was that a pointed ‘credit to Neil Hatley’ by Borthwick when asked about Bath’s performance?
Well done boys. A few daft things like muir yellow but that was a gutsy display, I expected us to get hammered tbh.
Ended up with a front 5 of fifth choice loosehead, third choice hooker, fourth choice tighthead and zero locks....and leic celebrating scraping a win ( 18 year kid in backrow as well)
Having 3 senior locks is absurd as we have said all season but to lose all 3....plus williams, plus richards, plus staddon isn't great luck
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:19:17:30:34 by charlieboa.
Ended up with a front 5 of fifth choice loosehead, third choice hooker, fourth choice tighthead and zero locks....and leic celebrating scraping a win ( 18 year kid in backrow as well)
Having 3 senior locks is absurd as we have said all season but to lose all 3....plus williams, plus richards, plus staddon isn't great luck
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:19:17:30:34 by charlieboa.
Both sets of supporters thought the ref was c*** so sounds like poor decisions both ways.
Quote:Optimist
Was that a pointed ‘credit to Neil Hatley’ by Borthwick when asked about Bath’s performance?
That seemed very pointed to me as well. Not sure if it is just me reading things into it that aren’t there but Hooper seems to be much less visible and this has coincided with an upswing in performance even with most of our big names absent.
Has Hooper been told to keep his hands off the team and stay out of comms or did Borthers just credit the head coach?
Hats and Borthers are good mates from England days. I wouldn't read any more into that.
Quote:A2O
Both sets of supporters thought the ref was c*** so sounds like poor decisions both ways.
I thought he was better than normal (damming his with faith praise tbf)
Quote:A2O
Both sets of supporters thought the ref was c*** so sounds like poor decisions both ways.
By a big distance, he's the worst ref around. Still you benefitted by 17 points from his decisions.
We didn't!
That said, with a very weak scrum we'll always struggle to win games.
Not into Ref bashing but today he fully deserves some heat. Awful calls all round, so inconsistent.
As for the game, There are some signs of improvement and the young guys we have are looking really good, just don't like losing especially to Tigers.
As for the game, There are some signs of improvement and the young guys we have are looking really good, just don't like losing especially to Tigers.
Quote:Think Barnes would have given Tigers a penalty try and Bath another yellow card to be fairDorset BoyQuote:A2O
Both sets of supporters thought the ref was c*** so sounds like poor decisions both ways.
By a big distance, he's the worst ref around. Still you benefitted by 17 points from his decisions.
We didn't!
That said, with a very weak scrum we'll always struggle to win games.
Quote:hasta
Hats and Borthers are good mates from England days. I wouldn't read any more into that.
A fair point. Will probably still adopt my conspiracy theory position in the pub later though.
Quote:A2OQuote:Think Barnes would have given Tigers a penalty try and Bath another yellow card to be fairDorset BoyQuote:A2O
Both sets of supporters thought the ref was c*** so sounds like poor decisions both ways.
By a big distance, he's the worst ref around. Still you benefitted by 17 points from his decisions.
We didn't!
That said, with a very weak scrum we'll always struggle to win games.
So Wayne Barnes would have favoured Tigers significantly on two occasions and Bath not at all? Is that likely?
I thought Dickson was inconsistently bad for both. Most of our conceding came as a result of our mistakes or misfortune though. Straight to touch from Spencer, turned over but McNally's injury causing us to have a weak scrum on our own 5, Orlando knock on, etc.
Much, much, much improved on our own lineout and on maul defence tho.
Much, much, much improved on our own lineout and on maul defence tho.
Watched on tv due to fallen trees
Clear foul by Leicester in build up to first two tries.
No offside penalties apart from a single obvious one all game, really not good enough closed down all the space
Take out on Hughes pretty blatant. Also a clear head on head by tackler not seen by video ref either.That was a red card last week.
He had no idea on the first two or three scrums most were given the wrong way.
Clear foul by Leicester in build up to first two tries.
No offside penalties apart from a single obvious one all game, really not good enough closed down all the space
Take out on Hughes pretty blatant. Also a clear head on head by tackler not seen by video ref either.That was a red card last week.
He had no idea on the first two or three scrums most were given the wrong way.
Quote:hasta
I thought Dickson was inconsistently bad for both. Most of our conceding came as a result of our mistakes or misfortune though. Straight to touch from Spencer, turned over but McNally's injury causing us to have a weak scrum on our own 5, Orlando knock on, etc.
Much, much, much improved on our own lineout and on maul defence tho.
Disagree.
Tigers scored 17 of their 24 points as a result of decisions by Dickson that were wrong.
Allowing a strip after calling tackle = 7 points
Missing van Portfleit's knock on = 3 points
Not allowing us to clear after turning the ball over = 7 points
We may still have lost, but that's pretty influential.
Sure they got through our midfield too easily at times, but we then generally covered their breaks.
Quote:hasta
I thought Dickson was inconsistently bad for both. Most of our conceding came as a result of our mistakes or misfortune though. Straight to touch from Spencer, turned over but McNally's injury causing us to have a weak scrum on our own 5, Orlando knock on, etc.
Much, much, much improved on our own lineout and on maul defence tho.
I am usualltly v one eyed but that is pretty much how I saw it. Some things went against us but think leic could argue some things went against them.
We certainly did a few silly things that heaped pressure on ourselves but as you say lineout and maul defence much better. Plucky effort from some guys seriously down the pecking order.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:19:20:20:56 by charlieboa.
Immature but I can't resist after the badge punching try celebration.....did Freddie place the blame for getting stepped in phone box by a backrower on the bath coaching staff?
Quote:hasta
https://twitter.com/btsportrugby/status/1495079081989361669?t=yVZxWVS__UWZR5EHr2yWqg&s=19
Fair play, I really like Freddie.... just get a bit tired about his carping on re bath
Quote:charlieboa
Immature but I can't resist after the badge punching try celebration.....did Freddie place the blame for getting stepped in phone box by a backrower on the bath coaching staff?
Yeah - I think there’s only one winner there Charlie. He’ll end up making a joke at his own expense on the Bayliss thing and, as usual when it comes to him and Bath he gets the last laugh.
FB is pretty much emblematic of why Tigers are top and we’re in a position no other GP team has ever occupied - not 12th, but 13th.
Quote:OptimistQuote:charlieboa
Immature but I can't resist after the badge punching try celebration.....did Freddie place the blame for getting stepped in phone box by a backrower on the bath coaching staff?
Yeah - I think there’s only one winner there Charlie. He’ll end up making a joke at his own expense on the Bayliss thing and, as usual when it comes to him and Bath he gets the last laugh.
FB is pretty much emblematic of why Tigers are top and we’re in a position no other GP team has ever occupied - not 12th, but 13th.
See above opti. He took it in good spirit as you would expect, I was only playing as he does have an amazing ability to weave not getting a fair chance at bath into the answer to all questions. How was the cuisine in Japan....well I didn't get as much game time at bath as I deserved
Tbf he was handled fairly poorly so have sympathy....though I was a rhys fan.
When McNally went off and we didn't have a big lump specialist replacement the writing was on the wall for me. To be fair the forwards did make a real fight of it but we lost parity in lineouts and the @#$%& in the last 20 mins. It was more damage limitation. A good effort though.
Some very good performances from quite a few players.we do need to learn when to put the boot through the ball and get out of our 22/half.
Was a little disappointed with Coatzee today. All the hype about him being a real ball carrier. I just haven't seen it yet. Hopefully he'll click after a few more games in the Prem.
My biggest gripe . Where is the lock Hooper promised at the start of the season? How has it taken this long? Is it utter incompetence? Or do they think Richards is the answer?!
No idea why Cipriani was brought on. If anything it was a negative impact.... Again. Cheque please!
Some very good performances from quite a few players.we do need to learn when to put the boot through the ball and get out of our 22/half.
Was a little disappointed with Coatzee today. All the hype about him being a real ball carrier. I just haven't seen it yet. Hopefully he'll click after a few more games in the Prem.
My biggest gripe . Where is the lock Hooper promised at the start of the season? How has it taken this long? Is it utter incompetence? Or do they think Richards is the answer?!
No idea why Cipriani was brought on. If anything it was a negative impact.... Again. Cheque please!
Everyone's welcome to their opinion on all matters and watching on TV you get a better view of refereeing decisions but I thought Dickson was OK and prefer not to see him as the reason we lost. At half time I thought we'd do well to win. As always, the opposition just looked more coherent/fluent than we are. Our tries again came from great bits of individual skill rather than cohesive attacking. Defence much better, especially against the driving maul. Commitment great as it usually is. Both teams' line outs seemed pretty faultless. As has been noted, McNally's injury the turning point although we were on the back foot anyway. Nice Tigers fans on terrace, including a woman giving out cake! (In fact aside from one loud bore supporting a team I won't mention the away fans on the terrace near me have all been very amicable this season-perhaps they don't like kicking a team when they're down or I'm getting too mellow?!).
The only thing I really take issue with is the attacking lineout - refs give penalty try + conversion + card for pulling down a maul, but nothing for disrupting the essential stability that precedes it.
But, essentially we lost because the scrum became a liability, so we lost fair and square.
Great thing is there’s plenty for JVG to work with and a strong suspicion that part of EG’s plan was to very quietly lower Hooper’s profile around the 1st team.
But, essentially we lost because the scrum became a liability, so we lost fair and square.
Great thing is there’s plenty for JVG to work with and a strong suspicion that part of EG’s plan was to very quietly lower Hooper’s profile around the 1st team.
Just watched the game. A major improvement on what has gone before this season. We could easily have won (but at no point really looked like we would), we played some nice stuff in dodgy conditions and Josh Bayliss' try was beautiful. But the Tigs are not top of the Prem for nothing. If we play like that against the majority of the sides in the Prem, we'll win. When we get some or all of our injuries back, we might even win against any of the sides in the Prem. But that is for next season and the JvG revolution. This was a step forward for the team as a whole and I don't think we should realistically be asking more than that at this stage.
I don't know if anyone has mentioned this but we couldn't half do with some fit props and second rows. Cordwell and Verden are clearly learning fast but its a big ask for young guys and a second row of De Carpentier and Bayliss against the league leaders is never going to be enough.
My MotM - Tom Doughty. Good in the loose and our set-piece suddenly seemed a lot more stable when he came on.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:20:01:50:33 by joethefanatic.
I don't know if anyone has mentioned this but we couldn't half do with some fit props and second rows. Cordwell and Verden are clearly learning fast but its a big ask for young guys and a second row of De Carpentier and Bayliss against the league leaders is never going to be enough.
My MotM - Tom Doughty. Good in the loose and our set-piece suddenly seemed a lot more stable when he came on.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:20:01:50:33 by joethefanatic.
Can’t complain about the level of performance we reached & maintained. It was immense compared to almost everything prior to this match. It’s true the referee made some gaffs but we seemed to get the rub of the green in the first half which hasn’t been the case from previous referees who always favour the team who is on top. Our ability this time to convert in the red zone was impressive but I am tempted to think that was a bit of a one off. It was something of a miracle that Spencer’s kick through for Muir’s try stayed in for instance. I know we suffered in the 2nd row but I was nevertheless impressed with Carpentier& our three young lads are something special. How we need to get some beef into the team going forward though!
Ok its another loss, but the curves of improvement and hope are on the upward trajectory. It might be argued of course that neither had any way else left to go, but glimmers of optimism none the less. Defence has generally improved but we still tend to nod off in mid-field with Ojomoh and Bailey butter to too many knives. Our weak, understrength scrum is a concern but the spirit and energy cannot be faulted. We have strength and flair out wide and plenty of talent to bring back in. It could be a lot worse and at least gives hope for a win or two next season.
Lets not get into this silly nonsense of blaming the ref for another home defeat, Tigers just about worthy of the win although at least we had hope of pinching it in the last 5 mins.
We were however fortunate that they had the ineffective Burns playing instead of Ford.
We were however fortunate that they had the ineffective Burns playing instead of Ford.
Dickson was poor , as usual, but across the board, so not that concerned.
I thought we were great at times with RDC NH MO and OB putting in really solid performances.
2nd half saw TDG getting caught in possession too often, thought he had a poor game.
Are we improving? Possibly, still too predictable.
I thought we were great at times with RDC NH MO and OB putting in really solid performances.
2nd half saw TDG getting caught in possession too often, thought he had a poor game.
Are we improving? Possibly, still too predictable.
The morning after, I feel we did as well as could be expected with the team we had out and showed way more fluency than we have had during large parts of the season. We need a tight 5 and to say farewell to a few players but JVG has something to work with now at least.
It will be interesting to see the selections as players come back from injuries and internationals. All the big names and experienced guys to try and avoid being last or continue with the young pups to see who is up to it for next year?
It will be interesting to see the selections as players come back from injuries and internationals. All the big names and experienced guys to try and avoid being last or continue with the young pups to see who is up to it for next year?
When Josh Bayliss scores he really does it in style doesn't he, also in the build up McNally's speed and handling should be noted, far more accomplished in open field than our club captain I'd suggest remember that sidestep?
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
I am a Leicester fan and I was at the match and subsequently have watched the TV recording. It is clear neither set of fans was happy with the ref, they made that clear before the match, I don't think he was as bad some anticipated, he was not the reason why Bath lost or why Tiger's did not win by more. For me it was a good contest dominated by our forwards and by our stronger bench. I think you have some fine young players in the making and are currently in a false position, you are lucky there is no relegation this season which I think is wrong, but I have to say I would miss you if you were not on our fixture list the history between our clubs makes these games a bit special, we lost Saints for a season which was great for bragging rights but cost us the "The Derby" matches of the year, I would not like to see the same happen with the Bath fixture and with your and our young guys I don't believe it will happen in the near future. Good luck for the rest of the season!
Can't understand all this animosity to Dickson. He may have had a bad game or two in the past and missed some things yesterday but which ref doesn't. It strikes me that once a ref gets a 'bad name' people go out looking for mistakes and suprise, suprise get them. I see he is reffing an international next week ( Scotland v France) so some people (who know something about reffing) think he's OK. I find all this ref bashing very tedious.
Tiggers have a very powerful pack but boy their game plan reflects it and is very tedious to watch. Line out , maul, lineout , maul, scrum, kick, scrum, kick, lineout, maul. Very effective I agree but won't bring a lot of new fans to the game (or backs wanting to come to Leicester). Hopefully Steve Borthwick will develop the backs next summer. Imagine our backs behind that pack of forwards (if they ever released the ball)
Tiggers have a very powerful pack but boy their game plan reflects it and is very tedious to watch. Line out , maul, lineout , maul, scrum, kick, scrum, kick, lineout, maul. Very effective I agree but won't bring a lot of new fans to the game (or backs wanting to come to Leicester). Hopefully Steve Borthwick will develop the backs next summer. Imagine our backs behind that pack of forwards (if they ever released the ball)
I think dickson is like most refs, slowly improving as he gets more experience.
I didn't feel robbed in the way I did in the bris away game (tempest who I usually rate, combined with dickson as assistant)
I didn't feel robbed in the way I did in the bris away game (tempest who I usually rate, combined with dickson as assistant)
You wouldn’t think it tedious if you were top of the table. As regards young backs we have Kelly, potter, Porter, jvp and Steward so not badly off. I find most Bath fans ok but there’s always an exception.
Quote:A2O
You wouldn’t think it tedious if you were top of the table. As regards young backs we have Kelly, potter, Porter, jvp and Steward so not badly off. I find most Bath fans ok but there’s always an exception.
You might be guilty of overconfidence a little! Bath have conceded 478 points and are bottom and you won yesterday by 4.
I also find the ridiculing of Bath supporters suggesting a surge up the table next year as hypocritical when that is precisely what happened to Leicester Tigers.
Of course you have some good young backs no-one has belittled them on here. What are you referring to as tedious by the way?
A20 , I'm sure it isn't as tedious to you when you are winning, but it doesn't deflect from the fact that if all teams played the way Leicester did yesterday the game wouldn't exactly draw new fans. I'm sorry that I'm an exception to Bath fans just because I suggested that your team weren't much fun to watch yesterday.
You won yesterday with a very good pack and congrats to you for that. Yes you have got some very good (and some very promising) backs - I'd just like to them show their stuff a bit more. Sorry if that offends you.
You won yesterday with a very good pack and congrats to you for that. Yes you have got some very good (and some very promising) backs - I'd just like to them show their stuff a bit more. Sorry if that offends you.
Quote:A2O
You wouldn’t think it tedious if you were top of the table. As regards young backs we have Kelly, potter, Porter, jvp and Steward so not badly off. I find most Bath fans ok but there’s always an exception.
I agree, it was a ridiculous comment. I remember people on this board were always commenting in a similar way about Saracens & Exeter so you are in good company. We desperately need more beef & power if we are to get out of this hole!
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:A2O
You wouldn’t think it tedious if you were top of the table. As regards young backs we have Kelly, potter, Porter, jvp and Steward so not badly off. I find most Bath fans ok but there’s always an exception.
I agree, it was a ridiculous comment. I remember people on this board were always commenting in a similar way about Saracens & Exeter so you are in good company. We desperately need more beef & power if we are to get out of this hole!
I think all those teams (sarries, Exeter and now leic) have had decent balance to their games. Just make sure it's built on strong pack with a reliable and often dominant set piece. That's just common sense. People rave about quins being different and they are but their success was still built on rock solid set piece with the likes of marler, baldwin, louw , collier etc
Bath did have a lot of players missing yesterday but no-one mentions that Tigers had 5:players away with the England squad and 4 more of the first choice 23 injured. I think it devalues the game when your internationals are unavailable but that won’t change in the foreseeable future. Anyway good luck for the rest of the season and hope you get some of your squad back so you can beat some other teams near he top lol
Every continuously successful team gets pegged with being 'boring' or 'cheating'. I wouldn't worry about it, take it as a compliment that after a decade of decline Tigers are back to the top table.
Thanks but not really worried as have got used to Tigers being called all sorts from opposition fans 
Quote:hasta
Every continuously successful team gets pegged with being 'boring' or 'cheating'. I wouldn't worry about it, take it as a compliment that after a decade of decline Tigers are back to the top table.
I agree it does seem to be that way (can include SA there as well). To me it suggests that there is something wrong with the rules that encourages teams to play that way in order to be successful.
Or that trying to find loopholes, wiggle room and pressure points in the laws is an intrinsic part of rugby!
Whisper it quietly but this is clearly, in terms of quality, at least, the worst premiership season for many a year. Leicester have undoubtedly been the best team overall so far, but that's not saying much, and I think they will lose badly against the top teams in Europe in the later stages of the cup. Bath have clearly been by far the worst team in the mediocre bunch. Harlequins were (as so often) overhyped, and the large cracks were obviously evident even when they were getting their last minute wins. Leicester will be pleased with their season because they are top, irrespective of the quality of their rugby. I think the only other team that can be truly pleased is London Irish. Gloucester will be happy, but I think they have weaknesses that will be exposed over time. Every other team is firmly placed in the trough of mediocrity.
Let's face it, the Saracens or Exeter teams of two or three years ago would have destroyed this Leicester side.
That of course doesn't mean there hasn't been the odd "thrilling" (as BT and the BBC would have it) game. Of course there has. There always is.
Let's face it, the Saracens or Exeter teams of two or three years ago would have destroyed this Leicester side.
That of course doesn't mean there hasn't been the odd "thrilling" (as BT and the BBC would have it) game. Of course there has. There always is.
I see Stuart Barnes managed to eke out some praise for the Bath performance but still couldn't resist a final dig regarding the lack of relegation!
Quote:recman
Whisper it quietly but this is clearly, in terms of quality, at least, the worst premiership season for many a year.
It’s an odd season - lack of relegation meaning some odd results and scores. The attrition rate continues to rise too - a match between Bath and Wasps at a certain point of the season would be the equivalent of an A league game.
But I don’t think the quality is particularly down. And I’ve watched very few dull games.
Quote:A2O
Bath did have a lot of players missing yesterday but no-one mentions that Tigers had 5:players away with the England squad and 4 more of the first choice 23 injured. I think it devalues the game when your internationals are unavailable but that won’t change in the foreseeable future. Anyway good luck for the rest of the season and hope you get some of your squad back so you can beat some other teams near he top lol
From memory Bath were missing 19: 15 injured + 1 ill + 3 international call ups ☹️
Quote:hasta
Every continuously successful team gets pegged with being 'boring' or 'cheating'. I wouldn't worry about it, take it as a compliment that after a decade of decline Tigers are back to the top table.
Harsh on Exeter in their first couple of seasons at the top IMHO. In their first final (lost to Saracens 2016 and first win when they beat Wasps in 2017, it was their invention that caught the eye rather than the grinding forward drives they have been known for more recently.
Saracens then beat them the following year in a final of 7 tries - with an all-court game.
Memories are short.
PG
Quote:hasta
I thought Dickson was inconsistently bad for both. Most of our conceding came as a result of our mistakes or misfortune though. Straight to touch from Spencer, turned over but McNally's injury causing us to have a weak scrum on our own 5, Orlando knock on, etc.
Much, much, much improved on our own lineout and on maul defence tho.
Bath lost because Tigers reverted to type and pressured Bath with their power game. Once McNally went off and the starting props were subbed the power advantage swung massively to Leicester.
That said, some of Dixon's decisions were pretty questionable -but I do not believe they were the reason for defeat.
PG
Quote:P G TipsQuote:hasta
Every continuously successful team gets pegged with being 'boring' or 'cheating'. I wouldn't worry about it, take it as a compliment that after a decade of decline Tigers are back to the top table.
Harsh on Exeter in their first couple of seasons at the top IMHO. In their first final (lost to Saracens 2016 and first win when they beat Wasps in 2017, it was their invention that caught the eye rather than the grinding forward drives they have been known for more recently.
Saracens then beat them the following year in a final of 7 tries - with an all-court game.
Memories are short.
PG
Not saying any of it's accurate PG. Just that people tend to label successful teams boring or cheats.
They do - I agree, but as I say, memories are short. Teams get labelled for a certain tyle which may be true today but very different 5 seasons ago.
A similar issue with memories is the way some spectators accept slack refereeing which would have been vilified years ago- simply because they have got used to seeing it.
Dean Richards made a vey valid point after today's Newcastle v Exeter match. Why does a team who throw crooked into the lineout win a penalty when their opponent jumps across? The cheat is double rewarded. This is becoming commonplace and I am glad he has spoken out about it.
PG
A similar issue with memories is the way some spectators accept slack refereeing which would have been vilified years ago- simply because they have got used to seeing it.
Dean Richards made a vey valid point after today's Newcastle v Exeter match. Why does a team who throw crooked into the lineout win a penalty when their opponent jumps across? The cheat is double rewarded. This is becoming commonplace and I am glad he has spoken out about it.
PG
Tedious, and yet Bath kicked more from hand than Leicester. (28 - 25).
I'm sure they were more entertaining kicks.
I'm sure they were more entertaining kicks.
Considering we had 30% territory, I’m not surprised that we decided to kick it a bit.
I should have added that I meant no offence, but it is sometimes useful to suggest that it's easy to buy into a narrative without considering the facts.
Leicester have a tendency to use the skills of the players available. Ford is probably the best kicking fly half in the country, so the game plan tends to involve kicking and the stats reflect it. Burns is a distributor and runner, so that's how he's used. The stats are starkly different depending on the 10 playing.
Hence yesterday fewer kicks than Bath, and tending to be of a different type. I recall a number of Burns trademark chips in the game, for instance.
Anyhow, good luck for the rest of the season.
Leicester have a tendency to use the skills of the players available. Ford is probably the best kicking fly half in the country, so the game plan tends to involve kicking and the stats reflect it. Burns is a distributor and runner, so that's how he's used. The stats are starkly different depending on the 10 playing.
Hence yesterday fewer kicks than Bath, and tending to be of a different type. I recall a number of Burns trademark chips in the game, for instance.
Anyhow, good luck for the rest of the season.
Quote:hastaQuote:P G TipsQuote:hasta
Every continuously successful team gets pegged with being 'boring' or 'cheating'. I wouldn't worry about it, take it as a compliment that after a decade of decline Tigers are back to the top table.
Harsh on Exeter in their first couple of seasons at the top IMHO. In their first final (lost to Saracens 2016 and first win when they beat Wasps in 2017, it was their invention that caught the eye rather than the grinding forward drives they have been known for more recently.
Saracens then beat them the following year in a final of 7 tries - with an all-court game.
Memories are short.
PG
Not saying any of it's accurate PG. Just that people tend to label successful teams boring or cheats.
Mmm might also have an element of truth. Exeter for example and their pick and go and Saracens for their, well you know what I mean.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:20:21:16:21 by shipwrecked.
Quote:IanC
I should have added that I meant no offence, but it is sometimes useful to suggest that it's easy to buy into a narrative without considering the facts.
Leicester have a tendency to use the skills of the players available. Ford is probably the best kicking fly half in the country, so the game plan tends to involve kicking and the stats reflect it. Burns is a distributor and runner, so that's how he's used. The stats are starkly different depending on the 10 playing.
Hence yesterday fewer kicks than Bath, and tending to be of a different type. I recall a number of Burns trademark chips in the game, for instance.
Anyhow, good luck for the rest of the season.
As is frequently observed on your own board IanC, you can't expect to come on the opposition board and find an entirely unbiased analysis of the game. Tigs played worse than usual and won. Bath played much better than normal and got a LBP. I think most of us on 'ere would have settled for that at kickoff.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:20:23:42:17 by joethefanatic.
Quote:joethefanaticQuote:IanC
I should have added that I meant no offence, but it is sometimes useful to suggest that it's easy to buy into a narrative without considering the facts.
Leicester have a tendency to use the skills of the players available. Ford is probably the best kicking fly half in the country, so the game plan tends to involve kicking and the stats reflect it. Burns is a distributor and runner, so that's how he's used. The stats are starkly different depending on the 10 playing.
Hence yesterday fewer kicks than Bath, and tending to be of a different type. I recall a number of Burns trademark chips in the game, for instance.
Anyhow, good luck for the rest of the season.
As is frequently observed on your own board IanC, you can't expect to come on the opposition board and find an entirely unbiased analysis of the game. Tigs played worse than usual and won. Bath played much better than normal and got a LBP. I think most of us on 'ere would have settled for that at kickoff.
Well this season anyway, next season not so much. 🙂
After much of the season getting absolutely blown away, the last four prem games, two wins and two games where we were within 15 mins of winning is a massive improvement. It's not good enough obviously, but it is in the right direction.
Next step: Try bonus point
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:21:00:06:53 by hasta.
Next step: Try bonus point
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:21:00:06:53 by hasta.
Quote:hasta
After much of the season getting absolutely blown away, the last four prem games, two wins and two games where we were within 15 mins of winning is a massive improvement. It's not good enough obviously, but it is in the right direction.
Next step: Try bonus point
I don't disagree in principle, Hasta, but you have forgotten our trip to Sarries...
Only able to see the highlights last night, I want to mention one of my pet hates which is decoy runners going past the ball to take out defenders.
Look at the Burns try again, Nadolo creates a huge advantage for Burns by running into the Bath defence. Flats hints at it in his round up.
Should have been a pen to Bath IMO, no try. Now some will say it happens all the time, that doesn't make it right.
Was it checked in real time?
Look at the Burns try again, Nadolo creates a huge advantage for Burns by running into the Bath defence. Flats hints at it in his round up.
Should have been a pen to Bath IMO, no try. Now some will say it happens all the time, that doesn't make it right.
Was it checked in real time?
Quote:B4thB4ck
Only able to see the highlights last night, I want to mention one of my pet hates which is decoy runners going past the ball to take out defenders.
Look at the Burns try again, Nadolo creates a huge advantage for Burns by running into the Bath defence. Flats hints at it in his round up.
Should have been a pen to Bath IMO, no try. Now some will say it happens all the time, that doesn't make it right.
Was it checked in real time?
Watching live this was pretty much my biggest bug bear. It seems a Leicester tactic to float about in front of the ball and either block or distract the Bath defence. They got away with that most of the game but fortunately Dickson spotted their other trick which was going off their feet at the breakdown with regularity. As you're asking
, my biggest bugbear was the knock on advantage that Dickson gave Tigers after they's kicked the ball directly into touch. We all know that if the kick was good the advantage would be over. Drives me nuts. Once you have clean ball from a knock on and have either broken the gain line or licked it away it should be advantage over.
Enjoyable game to watch though. Just needed to see Danny Grewcock, Justin Harrison, Belly, and Victor come off the bench and we'd have won that one. In their pomp obviously, not as they are now.
Quote:hasta
After much of the season getting absolutely blown away, the last four prem games, two wins and two games where we were within 15 mins of winning is a massive improvement. It's not good enough obviously, but it is in the right direction.
Next step: Try bonus point
+1.
I thought that the reffing was (surprisingly) OK and that Bath did well in that first half. Shame the bench wasn't strong enough to keep parity and enable them to get points in the second half.
I thought that considering Bath were losing up front and at least matching the Tigers backs the choice of the driving mauls vs a vastly more powerful pack at the end was odd, either poor decision or bravado.
But, some positivity after that one.
As an update on Butt I thought that he did fine, did have to come inside on the couple of times he got the ball as no space to do anything but kept the ball and didn't embarrass himself there. Now, get him in the centres please so we can see what he can really do.
Spoiler: The 14 men of Newcastle looked good yesterday vs Exeter so Bath are going to have to be at their best next weekend.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
No offence taken, Ian. You’re very welcome ere.
If W Spencer replaces McNally, we win. Im convinced of it. Given how I thought before KO, and after 20 minutes, it’d be another +40 point battering, it was a fantastic performance. And fair play to Tigers for grinding it out. Champ winning teams play badly and still win.
Wiese is a brute ain’t he. Would love him on our team but can’t stand playing against him! Few other Tigers in that category through the years too!
If W Spencer replaces McNally, we win. Im convinced of it. Given how I thought before KO, and after 20 minutes, it’d be another +40 point battering, it was a fantastic performance. And fair play to Tigers for grinding it out. Champ winning teams play badly and still win.
Wiese is a brute ain’t he. Would love him on our team but can’t stand playing against him! Few other Tigers in that category through the years too!
Quote:dr.bath1865
Wiese is a brute ain’t he. Would love him on our team but can’t stand playing against him! Few other Tigers in that category through the years too!
Horrible dirty cheap shot merchant, literally my least favourite player in the league and wouldn't want him anywhere near Bath. In fact I wouldn't take him over Hughes.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:B4thB4ck
Only able to see the highlights last night, I want to mention one of my pet hates which is decoy runners going past the ball to take out defenders.
Look at the Burns try again, Nadolo creates a huge advantage for Burns by running into the Bath defence. Flats hints at it in his round up.
Should have been a pen to Bath IMO, no try. Now some will say it happens all the time, that doesn't make it right.
Was it checked in real time?
No it wasn't BB but its all about how close the decoy runners are, I have to agree though it needs urgent consideration. Along with crooked feeds, crooked line-outs, caterpillars and offsides amongst others.
I think you will find he made contact with at least one defender, so for me, worth a check at minimum. Similarly, Wiese's body check on Hughes was dismissed as "two players coming together" (in other words implying that Hughes was equally at fault) and Tigers thus penalised for "crossing" not obstruction.
The confusion in refs minds between "blocking" (i.e. obstruction) and "decoy runner" is in my view a blot on the game.
PG
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:21:11:04:15 by P G Tips.
The confusion in refs minds between "blocking" (i.e. obstruction) and "decoy runner" is in my view a blot on the game.
PG
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:21:11:04:15 by P G Tips.
Quote:P G Tips
I think you will find he made contact with at least one defender, so for me, worth a check at minimum. Similarly, Wiese's body check on Hughes was dismissed as "two players coming together" (in other words implying that Hughes was equally at fault and Tigers thus penalised for "crossing" not obstruction.
The confusion in refs minds between "blocking" (i.e. obstruction) and "decoy runner" is in my view a blot on the game.
PG
I forgot that, Wiese's block was very deliberate in my view. If the TMO disagrees with the ref it's rare that the ref makes a decision even when the ref has viewed the replay on screen.
Quote:RokobillyQuote:hasta
After much of the season getting absolutely blown away, the last four prem games, two wins and two games where we were within 15 mins of winning is a massive improvement. It's not good enough obviously, but it is in the right direction.
Next step: Try bonus point
I don't disagree in principle, Hasta, but you have forgotten our trip to Sarries...
If you think I'm going to thank you for reminding me about that...
Everything's relative - 3-18 at half-time away, vs 0-45 at half-time at home.
Quote:P G Tips
I think you will find he made contact with at least one defender, so for me, worth a check at minimum. Similarly, Wiese's body check on Hughes was dismissed as "two players coming together" (in other words implying that Hughes was equally at fault) and Tigers thus penalised for "crossing" not obstruction.
The confusion in refs minds between "blocking" (i.e. obstruction) and "decoy runner" is in my view a blot on the game.
PG
Again, I only saw basic highlights but I thought Bath could have asked the question about Nadolo, not football style harassment but a couple of waved arms, a skippers polite enquiry, the mic picks that up, slomo replay ensues, TMO gets the hint, etc. Maybe we weren't very smart or streetwise in that respect?
I guess a bit more football-style antics is inevitable. If one of the players that Nadolo 'blocked', were to turn their eyes away from him and then go down like a sack of potatoes, it would take on the look of an offence much more obviously.
Quote:Optimist
I guess a bit more football-style antics is inevitable. If one of the players that Nadolo 'blocked', were to turn their eyes away from him and then go down like a sack of potatoes, it would take on the look of an offence much more obviously.
You forgot holding his head with both hands.
Not sure we want that Opti to be honest.
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:Optimist
I guess a bit more football-style antics is inevitable. If one of the players that Nadolo 'blocked', were to turn their eyes away from him and then go down like a sack of potatoes, it would take on the look of an offence much more obviously.
You forgot holding his head with both hands.
Not sure we want that Opti to be honest.
Is that Hoops after seeing at our injury list?
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:Optimist
I guess a bit more football-style antics is inevitable. If one of the players that Nadolo 'blocked', were to turn their eyes away from him and then go down like a sack of potatoes, it would take on the look of an offence much more obviously.
You forgot holding his head with both hands.
Not sure we want that Opti to be honest.
Totally agree SW, the last thing we need is rugby players play acting and rolling around like a ........... [words not used in case of offending the PC crowd]
Didn't a player for a french side in the HC do pretty much exactly that Ronaldo move against us at the Rec a while ago?
Quote:gaz59
Didn't a player for a french side in the HC do pretty much exactly that Ronaldo move against us at the Rec a while ago?
[www.youtube.com]
Excuse the title (its not mine)!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
It was actually in Toulouse.
He received no more than a warning on the pitch but was formally warned by ECR afterwards: [www.bbc.co.uk]
PG
He received no more than a warning on the pitch but was formally warned by ECR afterwards: [www.bbc.co.uk]
PG
IIRC Eric Miller also threw a dive for Leinster against Bath (going down as if shot) in a HEC game at the Rec.
I think he secured the winning penalty as a result.
PG
I think he secured the winning penalty as a result.
PG
Quote:P G Tips
It was actually in Toulouse
I could have sworn he did that at the Rec.
I reckon if that happened now, Huget would get a YC and Flood is a nailed-on red.
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:gaz59
Didn't a player for a french side in the HC do pretty much exactly that Ronaldo move against us at the Rec a while ago?
[www.youtube.com]
Excuse the title (its not mine)!
That's the one I was thinking of
Yeah that Flood totally unnecessary late hit on Ant would be a red and a 6 week ban now.
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