Northampton Saints
Premiership Final Saints v Bath 8th June 2024 - Teams Up
By Saint Ted
June 7 2024
This is the matchday thread for the premiership final Northampton Saints v Bath rugby
Who: Northampton Saints v Bath Rugby
Where: Twickenham Stadium
When: Saturday 8th June 2024; 15:00
How do I watch: TNT 1/TNT Ultimate/Discovery +/ITV1
Tickets: Looks like it's sold out, try the Saints and Sinners Ticket exchange, found 'ere
Match day info: Guide to the final
Saints take: Saints O'ffy
Baths Take: Bath O'ffy
Officials:
Referee: Christophe Ridley
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce & Anthony Woodthorpe
TMO: Tom Foley
Teams:
| Northampton Saints | Bath Rugby | |
| George Furbank | 15 | Matt Gallagher |
| Tommy Freeman | 14 | Joe Cokanasiga |
| Burger Odendaal | 13 | Ollie Lawrence |
| Fraser Dingwall | 12 | Cameron Redpath |
| Ollie Sleightholme | 11 | Will Muir |
| Fin Smith | 10 | Finn Russell |
| Alex Mitchell | 9 | Ben Spencer |
| Alex Waller | 1 | Beno Obano |
| Curtis Langdon | 2 | Tom Dunn |
| Trevor Davison | 3 | Thomas du Toit |
| Alex Moon | 4 | Quinn Roux |
| Alex Coles | 5 | Charlie Ewels |
| Courtney Lawes (c) | 6 | Ted Hill |
| Tom Pearson | 7 | Sam Underhill |
| Juarno Augustus | 8 | Alfie Barbeary |
| Replacements: | ||
| Sam Matavesi | 16 | Niall Annett |
| Emmanuel Iyogun | 17 | Juan Schoeman |
| Elliot Millar Mills | 18 | Will Stuart |
| Temo Mayanavanua | 19 | Elliott Stooke |
| Sam Graham | 20 | Josh Bayliss |
| Lewis Ludlam | 21 | Louis Schreuder |
| Tom James | 22 | Orlando Bailey |
| George Hendy | 23 | Miles Reid |
Not available for selection:
Callum Braley.
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StumbleuponPremiership Final Saints v Bath 8th June 2024 - Teams Up
Discussion started by Marching On , 07/06/2024 08:57
Marching On
07/06/2024 08:57
07/06/2024 08:57
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:14:08:13:53 by Saint Ted.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:14:08:13:53 by Saint Ted.
Quote:Rutland Saint
Do Saints get to wear home kit as we finished top?
Reported yesterday that both teams will be in their home kits
25 to go…
My guess:
A Waller Langdon Big Trev
Coles Moon
Lawes Augustus Ludlam
Mitchell Smith
Dingwall Burger
Ollie Furbank Freeman
My guess:
A Waller Langdon Big Trev
Coles Moon
Lawes Augustus Ludlam
Mitchell Smith
Dingwall Burger
Ollie Furbank Freeman
Two very strong 15s, but feels like we have the stronger bench to bring on?
That's also an identical Bath 23 to the one we lost to in May, but with Barbeary and Bayliss switching round who starts.
COYS
That's also an identical Bath 23 to the one we lost to in May, but with Barbeary and Bayliss switching round who starts.
COYS
Our forwards need to keep the lid on Barbeary otherwise he can wreak havoc at the breakdown.
That aside, great Saints line up!
COYS!!
That aside, great Saints line up!
COYS!!
two strong line ups...
I think it will come down to who can impose their game onto the pitch best...
We have given ourselves every opportunity, last weekend was intense and physical for us, but sale were no push over for them....
really could go either way, hopefully the lads have learnt a lot and quickly from the Leinster game and we have the top 2" to go all the way
I think it will come down to who can impose their game onto the pitch best...
We have given ourselves every opportunity, last weekend was intense and physical for us, but sale were no push over for them....
really could go either way, hopefully the lads have learnt a lot and quickly from the Leinster game and we have the top 2" to go all the way
I think last week was perfect for us and can see is improving this week. Bear in mind the first team had the run out against Glos then two weeks off. Tough match will have sharpened us up hopefully with plenty in the tank.
Saints are favourites with the bookies both Betfair and Paddy Power Saints odds are 4-7 and Bath are 6-4. All the Telegraph writers went for a Saints win.
Personally I think it will be close. Bath are a well-coached side with a clear game plan and some real quality players across the park. Hats off to some great recruitment. They feel like a team with oodles of potential but perhaps a little untested but players who will get only better with more experience and big game exposure. Their lack of big match experience is partially countered by experienced quality half backs in Russell and Spencer.
A lot of teams that win finals have lost finals previously. But neither side have been recent finalists. Who copes with the pressure best will probably win IMHO. Saints have made the Premiership semi finals 4 of the last 6 years and the European semi final so are probably more used to knock out pressures. Whereas Bath haven’t done anything in the Champions Cup and have made only one Premiership semi-final in the same period which is probably why the bookies and most pundits have us as favourites.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:07:13:05:58 by Saint Maul.
Personally I think it will be close. Bath are a well-coached side with a clear game plan and some real quality players across the park. Hats off to some great recruitment. They feel like a team with oodles of potential but perhaps a little untested but players who will get only better with more experience and big game exposure. Their lack of big match experience is partially countered by experienced quality half backs in Russell and Spencer.
A lot of teams that win finals have lost finals previously. But neither side have been recent finalists. Who copes with the pressure best will probably win IMHO. Saints have made the Premiership semi finals 4 of the last 6 years and the European semi final so are probably more used to knock out pressures. Whereas Bath haven’t done anything in the Champions Cup and have made only one Premiership semi-final in the same period which is probably why the bookies and most pundits have us as favourites.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:07:13:05:58 by Saint Maul.
Two great teams for what should be a cracking final.
Like last week looking at a, best of, team I've many more Saints than Bath players with some of the tougher calls between quality players who suit their teams excellently but might not suit the oppositions. Too many Bath players have the potential to be the better choice but haven't shown it over a season.
That said IF those players turn up they have a quality side. My feeling is we haven't seen a defining performance from them all season but maybe this will be their moment.
I hope Saints win. Without any card nonsense both head and heart say Saints.
Like last week looking at a, best of, team I've many more Saints than Bath players with some of the tougher calls between quality players who suit their teams excellently but might not suit the oppositions. Too many Bath players have the potential to be the better choice but haven't shown it over a season.
That said IF those players turn up they have a quality side. My feeling is we haven't seen a defining performance from them all season but maybe this will be their moment.
I hope Saints win. Without any card nonsense both head and heart say Saints.
I’m off to a D-Day event at Southwick house near Portsmouth. Will be recording and watching after the event as if Live all being well. Will be avoiding all social media and news. Great looking team and I feel the Saints can do this.
You feel that Bath starting with Underhill and Barberry will be looking to mess up the breakdown and stop any speed on the ball to get our backs firing.
If we can stop that and get fast ball we will win.
If we can stop that and get fast ball we will win.
Reckon the only “certs” in a combined team are Furbank, Freeman, Lawrence, Lawes, Du Toit and Langdon, but even for some of them there’s at least an argument that could be made for their opposite number. From a Bath point of view it feels like this is a year too early for us and we’re almost here by accident. I think it should be close, the only league games we’ve lost by more than a score were due to us sending a C team to Leicester and a Hail Mary moment of Finnsanity in the last minute at Bristol that gifted them another 7. You’re definitely favourites and I travel in hope more than expectation, but you never know in a final - may the best team win
A very good episode of The G, B & R talking mainly about the finals.
Starts with 5 minutes of train chat but then moves onto Saints, enjoy
[youtu.be]
Starts with 5 minutes of train chat but then moves onto Saints, enjoy
[youtu.be]
After all the discussion about whether players should rested in previous rounds, credit has to go to the coaching/conditioning staff to be able to put out an unchanged, fully fit, first choice 23 that should not be leggy. They should be neither under or overcooked.
Lawrence is the only player I would swap. And even then, Burger had an injury hit start to the season and since getting fully fit had got better and better. All the other possibles would be too tight to make the swap (although that may show some front row ignorance from me).
Lawrence is the only player I would swap. And even then, Burger had an injury hit start to the season and since getting fully fit had got better and better. All the other possibles would be too tight to make the swap (although that may show some front row ignorance from me).
Lots of good omens. The weather is predicted dry and 18 degrees which suits our game. We’ve won 4 of our 5 previous games against Bath. We have been able to choose our very best 23 with no injuries. Bookies and pundits alike predict a Saints win. We are better-rested than Bath. We should have more Saints fans there than Bath fans due to our semi finishing earlier. Bath are very inexperienced in knockout rugby.
Yet they are still a very good side and I’m nervous as hell. COYS!!!!
Yet they are still a very good side and I’m nervous as hell. COYS!!!!
The weird thing I find about our team/squad is I don't feel we're anywhere near our peak. We have lots of areas that could improve and will only get better with time and player development.
And then you compare the 2014 team to now, there's lots of players from that squad that I would love right now. I mean, come on, Samu, Dylan, Kahn, Corbs, North (others may disagree but his stats and international pedigree speaks for itself) ... lots of players at the top of their game. But our coaching group have got this pretty young squad singing on the same hymn sheet and lighting things up. We're not overly reliant on our scrum, maul or a James Downey/Luther crash ball like we were in those days.
What I did find with Jim's squad, from what I remember, is that we saved some of our best performance and moves for the big games. I do hope - as well as having some left in the tank from the recent rests, while I don't think Bath have done the same - we have left a few surprises for our opposition. We can't just keep going wide - see the Spencer intercept a few weeks ago. It's easy to read. People know how we want to play. Austin analyses how to defend us each time he commentates.
I hope we back our maul a bit more at times - to think last season, I swear our maul couldn't get a nudge forward at all, but now it can and it can be potent. Also, pick and drive around the fringes, if we need to. We have the players to do it. Let's show what we can do.
When I hear of this year being a year ahead of expected progress for Bath, why? They've splashed the cash for years, have hoovered (sorry, Dysoned) up loads of well-known talent, why shouldn't it be now?
And then you compare the 2014 team to now, there's lots of players from that squad that I would love right now. I mean, come on, Samu, Dylan, Kahn, Corbs, North (others may disagree but his stats and international pedigree speaks for itself) ... lots of players at the top of their game. But our coaching group have got this pretty young squad singing on the same hymn sheet and lighting things up. We're not overly reliant on our scrum, maul or a James Downey/Luther crash ball like we were in those days.
What I did find with Jim's squad, from what I remember, is that we saved some of our best performance and moves for the big games. I do hope - as well as having some left in the tank from the recent rests, while I don't think Bath have done the same - we have left a few surprises for our opposition. We can't just keep going wide - see the Spencer intercept a few weeks ago. It's easy to read. People know how we want to play. Austin analyses how to defend us each time he commentates.
I hope we back our maul a bit more at times - to think last season, I swear our maul couldn't get a nudge forward at all, but now it can and it can be potent. Also, pick and drive around the fringes, if we need to. We have the players to do it. Let's show what we can do.
When I hear of this year being a year ahead of expected progress for Bath, why? They've splashed the cash for years, have hoovered (sorry, Dysoned) up loads of well-known talent, why shouldn't it be now?
Two well matched teams.
If someone told me two yeats ago that we would take on Leinster and nearly beat them in Dubliin and that we would be bookmaker favourites for the Premiership final, I would have laughed.
Great progress, now lets win it !
COYS
If someone told me two yeats ago that we would take on Leinster and nearly beat them in Dubliin and that we would be bookmaker favourites for the Premiership final, I would have laughed.
Great progress, now lets win it !
COYS
Quote:Toulousian Firefighter
The weird thing I find about our team/squad is I don't feel we're anywhere near our peak. We have lots of areas that could improve and will only get better with time and player development.
And then you compare the 2014 team to now, there's lots of players from that squad that I would love right now. I mean, come on, Samu, Dylan, Kahn, Corbs, North (others may disagree but his stats and international pedigree speaks for itself) ... lots of players at the top of their game. But our coaching group have got this pretty young squad singing on the same hymn sheet and lighting things up. We're not overly reliant on our scrum, maul or a James Downey/Luther crash ball like we were in those days.
What I did find with Jim's squad, from what I remember, is that we saved some of our best performance and moves for the big games. I do hope - as well as having some left in the tank from the recent rests, while I don't think Bath have done the same - we have left a few surprises for our opposition. We can't just keep going wide - see the Spencer intercept a few weeks ago. It's easy to read. People know how we want to play. Austin analyses how to defend us each time he commentates.
I hope we back our maul a bit more at times - to think last season, I swear our maul couldn't get a nudge forward at all, but now it can and it can be potent. Also, pick and drive around the fringes, if we need to. We have the players to do it. Let's show what we can do.
When I hear of this year being a year ahead of expected progress for Bath, why? They've splashed the cash for years, have hoovered (sorry, Dysoned) up loads of well-known talent, why shouldn't it be now?
Because as Bath fans know only too well it takes more than cash to build a cohesive squad…we’ve had our big money 10, attack coach, forwards coach and scrum coach here for a season and it still feels like it’s never fully clicked (despite what some people from TNT might say). Unlike some teams we’re also not losing any major players, the most disappointing is probably our second choice LHP. Also as others have said teams that win finals tend to have lost one first, so this final will be the exception with no team with recent experience. JvG was very clear from his first interview of this being a 3 year plan, so I dont think any Bath fans will be too upset or surprised if you guys win (hopefully the players will though!)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:07:18:26:33 by rugbyfan11.
All the best of luck of to you tomorrow in the final from a Bears fan, you’ll have thousands of Bristolians cheering you on too!
I wonder how long it will take TNT to find Messrs Craig and Dyson in the expensive seats ?
It would be good to see some of our 2014 team in the crowd as they were in the semi-final.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:07:21:13:06 by NGSB.
It would be good to see some of our 2014 team in the crowd as they were in the semi-final.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:07:21:13:06 by NGSB.
Quote:NGSB
....I wonder how long it will take TNT to find Messrs Craig and Dyson in the expensive seats ?....
I hope Craig has found a shirt that actually fits him this week .
The big day is here!
Safe travels to those coming to the cabbage patch and good luck for the result 👍
Safe travels to those coming to the cabbage patch and good luck for the result 👍
Safe travels all. On the train down now packed with Saints fans. Weather is good. I saw James Grayson at the kennels when I dropped the dog off this morning. Omens are good!
That said I'm a wreck!
COYS!
That said I'm a wreck!
COYS!
Quote:NGSB
I wonder how long it will take TNT to find Messrs Craig and Dyson in the expensive seats ?
It would be good to see some of our 2014 team in the crowd as they were in the semi-final.
Do you mean James and Phil
Saints must find a second gear. We're really not looking like taking the impetus here. We look really out of sorts
Mitchell, decision make....not a strong suit today. Why not take the points!
Congrats Saints. Obviously as a Tiger I'm not a great fan 
but I really detest Bath and that Craig bloke. Best team over the season gets its just reward.
but I really detest Bath and that Craig bloke. Best team over the season gets its just reward.
Well done saints. Best team over the course of the season wins. If I was a neutral that was an enthralling final. Huge credit to bath, they tackled hard and fast and for a lot of the game really neutralised our attack
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:08:17:08:57 by andysaint.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:08:17:08:57 by andysaint.
I suppose it is the old adage.
Who cares how badly they play, if they win the Final!
Who cares how badly they play, if they win the Final!
Well done, richly deserved for the way you've played over the season. We'll see you again in the final next year
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
👏 Well done Saints 👏 Best team over the season and just on the day won!
Not your best performance of the season but you found a way!
Enjoy your evening.🍻
Not your best performance of the season but you found a way!
Enjoy your evening.🍻
It’s worth stating that part of the All Blacks success for many years is developing a moment of magic when it really matters. That’s extremely hard to do consistently of course, but we did do it today when it mattered.
Odds on for Bath in the final next year though. Finn Russell take a bow, what a player and a class act at the end of the game.
Odds on for Bath in the final next year though. Finn Russell take a bow, what a player and a class act at the end of the game.
Quote:shiversaint
It’s worth stating that part of the All Blacks success for many years is developing a moment of magic when it really matters. That’s extremely hard to do consistently of course, but we did do it today when it mattered.
Odds on for Bath in the final next year though. Finn Russell take a bow, what a player and a class act at the end of the game.
Agreed, impressed with Bath; Russell, Spencer, Underhill in particular and Obana before his red. Their scrum rattled ours. We were forced into mistakes and indecision by their line speed and dominant tackles.
In my current inebriated state all I can say is this feels really great.
[www.youtube.com]
[www.youtube.com]
I honestly thought we had blown it with ten minutes to go.
Some silly errors and decisions (Mitchell's quick tap) but he made amends with the try. Hope Burger is okay.
Full credit to Bath though for making it a nerve wracking match, I've got no finger nails left and even more grey hairs.
Thank you Saints for a rollercoaster of a season, enjoy the night and thank you from my heart to Courtney, Lewis, Alex W and all the other guys who are leaving us and good luck for the future guys.
Some silly errors and decisions (Mitchell's quick tap) but he made amends with the try. Hope Burger is okay.
Full credit to Bath though for making it a nerve wracking match, I've got no finger nails left and even more grey hairs.
Thank you Saints for a rollercoaster of a season, enjoy the night and thank you from my heart to Courtney, Lewis, Alex W and all the other guys who are leaving us and good luck for the future guys.
This was a proper championship match between the top two teams in the league. Was never going to be overly artful but everyone on the pitch worked like dogs. Really happy for the team and for the city...
Quote:Saint Gordo
This was a proper championship match between the top two teams in the league. Was never going to be overly artful but everyone on the pitch worked like dogs. Really happy for the team and for the city...
City?
Quote:ooops, you are right, of course. I am in New York City right now, so I blame them....Dave JacksonQuote:Saint Gordo
This was a proper championship match between the top two teams in the league. Was never going to be overly artful but everyone on the pitch worked like dogs. Really happy for the team and for the city...
City?
Quote:Saint GordoQuote:ooops, you are right, of course. I am in New York City right now, so I blame them....Dave JacksonQuote:Saint Gordo
This was a proper championship match between the top two teams in the league. Was never going to be overly artful but everyone on the pitch worked like dogs. Really happy for the team and for the city...
City?
Maybe we should get city status now!
Quote:How long have we been asking? Besides we have the number one Rugby team in all England. Is there another, more important, reason to put in our application?Dave JacksonQuote:Saint GordoQuote:ooops, you are right, of course. I am in New York City right now, so I blame them....Dave JacksonQuote:Saint Gordo
This was a proper championship match between the top two teams in the league. Was never going to be overly artful but everyone on the pitch worked like dogs. Really happy for the team and for the city...
City?
Maybe we should get city status now!
Back from a fabulous day in the Portsmouth area. D-Day Operation Neptune Map room, red arrows and the D Day museum. Oh, and Eisenhower‘s granddaughter was at Southwick along with relatives of most of the other top commanders from the campaign Doesn’t get better than that or does it? Coming home without knowing the result and watching the recording as if Live… Nerves are shredded but we got the win well done Saints. And well done for an incredible performance against the odds.
It must’ve been quite something to be in the stadium!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:09:09:44:07 by Buzzer.
It must’ve been quite something to be in the stadium!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:09:09:44:07 by Buzzer.
Rewatched the game when I got home. Far from perfect, but job done. Obviously, congratulations and thanks to the players, coaches, support staff and board (and fellow fans) - but also a word or two of thanks and praise for Chris Boyd, Dan Biggar, Tom Wood, Mikey Haywood and all the others who helped develop the culture that led to that win, even if the journey wasn't smooth. I'm proud and exhausted.
Great day yesterday and to win when not playing well is a good habit. I wonder if one factor might have been Fin Smith’s fitness. Seemed odd that Furbs was doing restarts and Fin seemed to struggle with distance and wonder if was carrying a knock into the game?
Mixture of elation and relief after the stress of yesterday. It’s crucial to cash in when you’re at the peak of a cycle, and I think with the leavers next season (a relatively limited recruitment) I think we may take a bit of time to peak again, especially with the likes of bath growing and the salary cap going up for the benefactor clubs. Slight disappointment we didn’t play better yesterday and it occurred to me that actually our form dipped a bit as the season ended - if you look at peformances against Leinster, Sarries, Quins and Bath x2 (and Glos was a walkover so ignore that). I think it was ultimately amazing defence and nouse / top 2 inches that got us over the line and that’s a great trait to have developed, as many (including me) have commented about our (lack of) big game mentality and leadership over the years. All that matters in the end is who gets the name on the trophy and we did it. COYS!
Cracking to be champions again. Bath were the best team on the day but we were the best over the season. No one can deny that. One thing I've been hearing alot is that this bath team are going to go on and be the dominant force for a while and that saints with Courtney leaving really had to win it this year. For me I think this is the other way . Lawes you can't replace everyone knows that. Iyogun and haffar were already pushing Waller. Pearson starts over ludlam anyway plus we have kemeny and pollock who will be involved more. Moon we will miss but rumour we are signing someone. Whilst I do think bath will rightly be one of the favourites next year take a look at the probable first choice 15 ages. Not much to separate bath from saints apart from both teams most important players.
Furbank 27 de Glanville 24
Hendy 21 Joe c 26
Freeman 23 Lawrence 24
Dingwall 25 redpath 24
Sleightholme 24. Muir 28
Smith 22 Russell 31
Mitchell 27. Spencer 31
Iyogun 23 obano 29
Langdon 26. Dunn 31
Davison 31 du toit 29
Coles 24 ewels 28
Temo 26. Roux 33
Kemeny 25 hill 25
Pearson 24. Underhill 27
Augustus 26 barberry 26
Bath and saints will both be 2 of the favourites next year but I think bath need to win it next year or latest year after or their drought will go on longer. There key players are both 31. Ours are 27 and 22. I think saints could be the ones with a purple patch coming .
Furbank 27 de Glanville 24
Hendy 21 Joe c 26
Freeman 23 Lawrence 24
Dingwall 25 redpath 24
Sleightholme 24. Muir 28
Smith 22 Russell 31
Mitchell 27. Spencer 31
Iyogun 23 obano 29
Langdon 26. Dunn 31
Davison 31 du toit 29
Coles 24 ewels 28
Temo 26. Roux 33
Kemeny 25 hill 25
Pearson 24. Underhill 27
Augustus 26 barberry 26
Bath and saints will both be 2 of the favourites next year but I think bath need to win it next year or latest year after or their drought will go on longer. There key players are both 31. Ours are 27 and 22. I think saints could be the ones with a purple patch coming .
Good to see Rob Horne in the ground just shows he still regards the Saints despite his sad career ending injury
What a day. Both sets of supporters fabulous and set up a brilliant atmosphere.
Felt worried when Bath went down to 14 as in recent years we have to be one of the worst teams around when playing against 14 (and, conversely, one of the best when playing with 14). And lo and behold!
Bath were incredibly impressive - one of those games where surely the man of the match had to go to someone from the losing side? - and managed to shut us down for most of the game and (largely) prevent us from getting our game onto the pitch. That and the unforced knock ons, which were doubly damaging because not only do they kill your attack but generated a scrum in favour of the team with the stronger scrum.... And some of the decision making, where we would run down a blind alley without support and get pinged for holding on. As it was, I think a combination of our defence and being so deadly and scoring in the moments (and they were just moments!) that we were able to get our game going.
When Bath had the 5m lineout near the end I thought we had lost. Surely all they needed to do was set up a 14-man maul and they'd have rumbled over for a try in the corner? When they opened up the play after securing that lineout I felt so much safer.
The coaches have some work to do over the summer - our breakdown really needs fixing and this is only going to get targeted more and more.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:09:10:27:59 by Matthew.
Felt worried when Bath went down to 14 as in recent years we have to be one of the worst teams around when playing against 14 (and, conversely, one of the best when playing with 14). And lo and behold!
Bath were incredibly impressive - one of those games where surely the man of the match had to go to someone from the losing side? - and managed to shut us down for most of the game and (largely) prevent us from getting our game onto the pitch. That and the unforced knock ons, which were doubly damaging because not only do they kill your attack but generated a scrum in favour of the team with the stronger scrum.... And some of the decision making, where we would run down a blind alley without support and get pinged for holding on. As it was, I think a combination of our defence and being so deadly and scoring in the moments (and they were just moments!) that we were able to get our game going.
When Bath had the 5m lineout near the end I thought we had lost. Surely all they needed to do was set up a 14-man maul and they'd have rumbled over for a try in the corner? When they opened up the play after securing that lineout I felt so much safer.
The coaches have some work to do over the summer - our breakdown really needs fixing and this is only going to get targeted more and more.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:09:10:27:59 by Matthew.
What a fantastic night at the gardens
Lot of players appeared
PD and SV leading the singing
Reminded me of the days when players would appear in the Tetly after home games
Don’t think I’ll move a lot today
Lot of players appeared
PD and SV leading the singing
Reminded me of the days when players would appear in the Tetly after home games
Don’t think I’ll move a lot today
The coaches have some work to do over the summer - our breakdown really needs fixing and this is only going to get targeted more and more.
Pollock?
Pollock?
Quote:Stillgrinning
Does anyone know who was Man of the Match ?
Austin gave it to Hendy!!
Quote:Stillgrinning
Does anyone know who was Man of the Match ?
George Hendy.....and yes, we were all a tad surprised too!
Quote:lilygQuote:Stillgrinning
Does anyone know who was Man of the Match ?
George Hendy.....and yes, we were all a tad surprised too!
I think yesterday’s game was proof that if you are going to continue to have MotM awards, it’s a team game! That there are occasions it goes to the losing side! Underhill or TDT would have been worthy winners IMHO.
This is something TNT definitely does not like doing, I think Flats is the only commentator to do it and not sure if he was on TNT(BT) on that occasion!
Quote:Sir Hector
The coaches have some work to do over the summer - our breakdown really needs fixing and this is only going to get targeted more and more.
Pollock?
Is he a) the solution and b) ready to be the solution, and if so then which of the new Aussie, Pearson, Scott-Young, Graham, or Augustus do you move out of the way to accommodate him as a solution? Needs to be a team thing for me rather than something we hope a single player will solve - just a few percent better would go a long way.
Quote:I bet Hendy was surprised as well! I think he was a compromise choice - no Saint really delivered at a level above the rest which shows the degree to which it is a team game.tigersimonQuote:lilygQuote:Stillgrinning
Does anyone know who was Man of the Match ?
George Hendy.....and yes, we were all a tad surprised too!
I think yesterday’s game was proof that if you are going to continue to have MotM awards, it’s a team game! That there are occasions it goes to the losing side! Underhill or TDT would have been worthy winners IMHO.
This is something TNT definitely does not like doing, I think Flats is the only commentator to do it and not sure if he was on TNT(BT) on that occasion!
Never really cared for individual awards in team sport. But for Rugby we generally don't do a great job highlighting our stars, which helps bring in fans (across the sport, not just England or the Premiership), so for me it falls into a need to do, be rather meaningless in the long run.
I think Hendy was the correct choice based on it being given to a wining team player (otherwise it would have been from Spencer, du Toit and Underhill IMO)
Normally I'd say it was an odd call but, with respect, that was a game you were throwing away and it needed a moment of class to turn things around and then another huge moment to snuff out Baths threat. Given he was involved in both I think it was a fair shout.
As said above the fact that no other Saint really had a great game (maybe Furbank?) probably helped tip it too.
Normally I'd say it was an odd call but, with respect, that was a game you were throwing away and it needed a moment of class to turn things around and then another huge moment to snuff out Baths threat. Given he was involved in both I think it was a fair shout.
As said above the fact that no other Saint really had a great game (maybe Furbank?) probably helped tip it too.
Probably an even stranger choice as the only other real thing of note he did was get in a pretty poor position to defend the kick Bath scored from.
As has been mentioned above Du Toit, Spencer and especially Underhill were all individually better than any Saints player for me. Not sure how you award a MOM for a collective effort.
As has been mentioned above Du Toit, Spencer and especially Underhill were all individually better than any Saints player for me. Not sure how you award a MOM for a collective effort.
Craig Doyle has said this season that they only give it to players from the winning side now - they tend not to get great interviews from players who have just lost.
Regardless of the mistake for the Bath try, Hendy's break was the game winning move so I can see the reasoning. I did like how he finished the interview with Sarra Elgan, "it's been lovely talking to you" or something similar. Very polite.
Regardless of the mistake for the Bath try, Hendy's break was the game winning move so I can see the reasoning. I did like how he finished the interview with Sarra Elgan, "it's been lovely talking to you" or something similar. Very polite.
We didn’t show well today
Even Courtney said it was a poor performance
Was it the occasion
Was it Bath stopping our game
Sure there are other can be thrown into the pot
But we found a way to score more points than Bath
That’s what good teams do
Even though we played poorly we still found a way to win
I still think it was the key players being given two weeks off 😳😂😂
Even Courtney said it was a poor performance
Was it the occasion
Was it Bath stopping our game
Sure there are other can be thrown into the pot
But we found a way to score more points than Bath
That’s what good teams do
Even though we played poorly we still found a way to win
I still think it was the key players being given two weeks off 😳😂😂
Ajack,
Whilst I agree with your view of Hendy's positioning for Baths try, which could have been a defining influential moment in the Game, and the possible MoMs from the Bath side, had they won, I would counter this with the fact that his decisive running which led to Mitchells try was THE defining influential moment of the game and justifies his MoM award.
I should add that I am not sure of MoM awards as, as others have said, it is a team game.
Whilst I agree with your view of Hendy's positioning for Baths try, which could have been a defining influential moment in the Game, and the possible MoMs from the Bath side, had they won, I would counter this with the fact that his decisive running which led to Mitchells try was THE defining influential moment of the game and justifies his MoM award.
I should add that I am not sure of MoM awards as, as others have said, it is a team game.
In truth that was the match winning play. And as soon as he received the pass we could see he double-clutched then decided he could skin the defenders, which he went ahead and did. And, of course fed Mitchell who put himself in perfect position. I suppose given no one else really put their hand up, then Hendy's great play gets him the man of the match.
There aren’t any particular requirements other than being on the winning side it would appear. Austin got to call it and he called George. Good for him and good for George. Take a bow!
Don’t forget that we had two significant injuries that required a change in positions. Burger’s injury mean Tommy to centre and Henry to wing. Then Fin off meant Firbs to 10. Henry to full back and Tom James to wing. Not surprised we didn’t click very well?
Quote:Chris Hoddle
Don’t forget that we had two significant injuries that required a change in positions. Burger’s injury mean Tommy to centre and Henry to wing. Then Fin off meant Firbs to 10. Henry to full back and Tom James to wing. Not surprised we didn’t click very well?
Think both of those forced changes actually helped us, Hendy came on and did what he did and I thought Furbank was really good at 10, we started to put a few phases of width with him there...
Congratulations Saints, you are worthy champions. I am a bit old school in that I believe the team that finishes top of the table at the end of the season is a worthy champion and the winner should not be decided in a one off match, but it is what it is! Thought that you played some great rugby over the course of the season and for you, Saturday was the icing on the cake.
Even though a proud Bath man, I really enjoyed the game on Saturday, have no complaints against the red card, and met up with some great Saints fans who were also enjoying a day out at HQ. I think both these teams are going to be right up there next season challenging for honours. I am really pleased with how Bath have emerged from the doldrums and are right up there with the best.
If I was to have a little (very little) gripe, I did not think Hendy merited MOTM award, thought that Furbank or Sleightholme were more deserving on your side or Du Toit or Underhill for us, but either way, it did not detract from a great final. See you next season!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:10:12:02:01 by bathwickboy.
Even though a proud Bath man, I really enjoyed the game on Saturday, have no complaints against the red card, and met up with some great Saints fans who were also enjoying a day out at HQ. I think both these teams are going to be right up there next season challenging for honours. I am really pleased with how Bath have emerged from the doldrums and are right up there with the best.
If I was to have a little (very little) gripe, I did not think Hendy merited MOTM award, thought that Furbank or Sleightholme were more deserving on your side or Du Toit or Underhill for us, but either way, it did not detract from a great final. See you next season!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:06:10:12:02:01 by bathwickboy.
Just to add to Bathwickboy's post, congratulations to all at Franklin Gardens, it always seems right when the team that comes top finish as champions. Love the way you played this season but very proud of the Bath team and thank you for the reasoned comments about their performance. I think most of the country will be hoping for a re-run of this final next year! It is my opinion that Sleightholme should have won mom, strange and alarming to realise the last time we won the league his Dad was playing for us!
Thank you to all the fans from other clubs, especially Bath, for your gracious comments.
They always give MOM to a player from the winning side, as they give better interviews post match than someone who has just lost (usually)
So its a TV thing..
Agreed it was probably Underhill who deserved it...
So its a TV thing..
Agreed it was probably Underhill who deserved it...
I remember Launchburys embarrassment some seasons ago winning MotM for England in a game we lost.
Having watched the game again a couple of times I'd have either du Toit or Spencer as MotM.
Underhill had a very good game i think the others contributed more effectively.
Spencer helped create both trys and his harrassing of Mitchell was a major reason for Mitchell's poor performance. du Toit part of a scrum that caused Saints issues, made as many tackles and turnovers as Underhill and scored a try.
Having watched the game again a couple of times I'd have either du Toit or Spencer as MotM.
Underhill had a very good game i think the others contributed more effectively.
Spencer helped create both trys and his harrassing of Mitchell was a major reason for Mitchell's poor performance. du Toit part of a scrum that caused Saints issues, made as many tackles and turnovers as Underhill and scored a try.
I don't think any player would have any value on a Motm award in a losing final.
Give credit where it is due, Spencer and Russell are very canny, experienced operators. Add to that a very physical ZA type of approach and you can readily see the difference in style between the two sides. Our three tries were very much in the style of Boyd, Dowson and Vesty - that is why we appeal to neutrals and purists at the moment. My worry for next season would be our relative lack of aggression at the breakdown and vulnerability against the rolling maul which plays into the hands of certain opponents. Dowse will not allow the squad to rest on their laurels but for now, at least, we are indeed Champions by both criteria of regular season and play-offs.
Quote:Well, if we start feeding them all some nails and broken glass that will toughen them up just a tad.NGSB
Give credit where it is due, Spencer and Russell are very canny, experienced operators. Add to that a very physical ZA type of approach and you can readily see the difference in style between the two sides. Our three tries were very much in the style of Boyd, Dowson and Vesty - that is why we appeal to neutrals and purists at the moment. My worry for next season would be our relative lack of aggression at the breakdown and vulnerability against the rolling maul which plays into the hands of certain opponents. Dowse will not allow the squad to rest on their laurels but for now, at least, we are indeed Champions by both criteria of regular season and play-offs.
Quote:Saint GordoQuote:Well, if we start feeding them all some nails and broken glass that will toughen them up just a tad.NGSB
Give credit where it is due, Spencer and Russell are very canny, experienced operators. Add to that a very physical ZA type of approach and you can readily see the difference in style between the two sides. Our three tries were very much in the style of Boyd, Dowson and Vesty - that is why we appeal to neutrals and purists at the moment. My worry for next season would be our relative lack of aggression at the breakdown and vulnerability against the rolling maul which plays into the hands of certain opponents. Dowse will not allow the squad to rest on their laurels but for now, at least, we are indeed Champions by both criteria of regular season and play-offs.
This made me smile.
A cartoon by Harold Gittins of England's game with Wales, published in the Evening News back in 1937 (!) read -
"There was also R J Longland an English forward. The kind of chappie who eats his barbed wire with a knife and stirs his morning cup of lead with a sledge hammer".
THe nutritionists sound like they have a job on their hands!
Obano’s Red Card rightly upheld at Discplinary hearing.
4 week ban reduced by a week if he completes Tackle school.
No details on matches he misses yet.
[www.englandrugby.com]
4 week ban reduced by a week if he completes Tackle school.
No details on matches he misses yet.
[www.englandrugby.com]
Quote:That's awesome mate! I missed your post before and just saw it now.....LongersQuote:Saint GordoQuote:Well, if we start feeding them all some nails and broken glass that will toughen them up just a tad.NGSB
Give credit where it is due, Spencer and Russell are very canny, experienced operators. Add to that a very physical ZA type of approach and you can readily see the difference in style between the two sides. Our three tries were very much in the style of Boyd, Dowson and Vesty - that is why we appeal to neutrals and purists at the moment. My worry for next season would be our relative lack of aggression at the breakdown and vulnerability against the rolling maul which plays into the hands of certain opponents. Dowse will not allow the squad to rest on their laurels but for now, at least, we are indeed Champions by both criteria of regular season and play-offs.
This made me smile.
A cartoon by Harold Gittins of England's game with Wales, published in the Evening News back in 1937 (!) read -
"There was also R J Longland an English forward. The kind of chappie who eats his barbed wire with a knife and stirs his morning cup of lead with a sledge hammer".
THe nutritionists sound like they have a job on their hands!
Quote:Saint GordoQuote:That's awesome mate! I missed your post before and just saw it now.....LongersQuote:Saint GordoQuote:Well, if we start feeding them all some nails and broken glass that will toughen them up just a tad.NGSB
Give credit where it is due, Spencer and Russell are very canny, experienced operators. Add to that a very physical ZA type of approach and you can readily see the difference in style between the two sides. Our three tries were very much in the style of Boyd, Dowson and Vesty - that is why we appeal to neutrals and purists at the moment. My worry for next season would be our relative lack of aggression at the breakdown and vulnerability against the rolling maul which plays into the hands of certain opponents. Dowse will not allow the squad to rest on their laurels but for now, at least, we are indeed Champions by both criteria of regular season and play-offs.
This made me smile.
A cartoon by Harold Gittins of England's game with Wales, published in the Evening News back in 1937 (!) read -
"There was also R J Longland an English forward. The kind of chappie who eats his barbed wire with a knife and stirs his morning cup of lead with a sledge hammer".
THe nutritionists sound like they have a job on their hands!
Congrats on winning the premiership which you fully deserved over the course of the season. It will be interesting to see if you can sustain it next season. I’m hoping that Tigers are in the mix for top four but it’s difficult to call with many sides on a similar level
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