Bath
SAINTS, OR MAYBE SINNERS
By Bath Supporter Jack
October 6 2026
After the first two rounds of the Premiership it looks like the current season is going to be, firstly very, very competitive and secondly very high scoring. In the first round of the five matches four were away wins and in the second round this reduced to the more normal two away wins. The total points scored in the first round exceeded the previous record even though there were fewer matches.
Also, I cannot remember when, if ever, the local teams, Bath, Gloucester and Bristol occupied the first three places in the league as they do today. Gloucester has, with a Welsh infusion and the development of some of their younger players, made real strides forward. Bristol with a marginally more pragmatic approach coupled with their undoubted attacking flair maybe getting the winning balance.
Bath against Harlequins who seem to be the team that appear to be struggling the most in these early encounters, had a solid away win. The same could be said about the home match against Exeter. Solid but unspectacular, apart of course for Santi’s try against Harlequins!! In fact, when Rob Baxter was spoken to during the second half, he felt Exeter were very much in it still because Bath’s tries were from an interception and a “lucky” bouncing ball. However, there was a famous golfer once who said, “the more I practice the luckier I get”!! Undoubtedly Bath are doing……OK, without setting the world alight! However, as we know it is a very long season and no one wins anything in October!
I watched the Ben Youngs/Dan Cole “For the love of Rugby” podcast reviewing the coming season and they had Newcastle and Harlequins as the bottom two, which I have to say surprised me and which is where they are today and had Northampton and Bath as the top 2. Well not quite at this stage as Bath are third and Saints fourth.
Saints match against Bristol last week was in fact very close until the last 15 minutes when Saints had a try disallowed and Bristol went down the other end and were awarded a penalty try…..a 14-point shift.
Saints with Mitchell, Smith, Dingwell, Hendy and Freeman are a fantastically talented team….no wonder the braided Pollock wanted to stay and renew his contract.
A win this week for Bath would be outstanding and would round off this parcel of Premiership games in style. However, 2 points would be a good return taking our points to 12 out of the first 15 with two away games. All the top 3 are away with Gloucester away at Leicester and Bristol away at Saracens so it would be extraordinary if the Top 3 all remained unbeaten after this weekend.
Slight tweaks with the selection to bring Bayliss back into the team and of course I don’t believe we know Cam Redpath’s fitness given his knock to the face last week.
Possible Team
15 Santi Carreras
14 Joe Cokanasiga
13 Max Ojomoh
12 Ollie Lawrence
11 Tom de Glanville
10 Finn Russell
9 Bernard Van Der Linde
8 Dan Du Preez
7 Guy Pepper
6 Josh Bayliss
5 Charlie Ewels
4 Quin Roux
3 Will Stuart
2 Tom Dunn
1 Beno Obano
16 Dan Frost
17 Scott Kirk
18 Archie Griffin
19 Ted Hill
20 Ewan Richards
21 Tom Carr Smith
22 Cam Redpath
23 Jaco Coetzee
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StumbleuponSAINTS, OR MAYBE SINNERS. TEAM UP
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 06/10/2026 15:28
06/10/2026 15:28
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:09:12:46:24 by P G Tips.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:09:12:46:24 by P G Tips.
Nice write up BSJ-thanks.
Do you think JvG will use so many from last week -or rotate a little more?
If he does choose your selection, I think he would swap Ojomoh & Lawrence around- as per debate in "Ollie Lawrence" thread.
PG
Do you think JvG will use so many from last week -or rotate a little more?
If he does choose your selection, I think he would swap Ojomoh & Lawrence around- as per debate in "Ollie Lawrence" thread.
PG
Thanks BSJ
I'm fully expected rotation this week myself. Four games left until the end of this block, two of which are home and will be 'first choice' (whatever that means in a given week) so expect the major shuffling in either this one or Glos away in a couple of weeks and the Northampton trip seems the more obvious candidate to me with 10 points banked and a Euro game coming next.
Sounds like van der Linde and de Glanville both picked up knocks on Friday night so we may be a bit bare bones at 1 and 9 this week (Obano has to rest at some point you'd think).
Rotated squad pushed Saints to the limit last season so no reason that couldn't happen again. Hopefully good minutes coming for Jeanes, Green, Opuku-Gyamfi and one or two of our back three prospects if so.
Bayliss to captain as he sat out last week maybe?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:06:15:41:23 by theredseat.
I'm fully expected rotation this week myself. Four games left until the end of this block, two of which are home and will be 'first choice' (whatever that means in a given week) so expect the major shuffling in either this one or Glos away in a couple of weeks and the Northampton trip seems the more obvious candidate to me with 10 points banked and a Euro game coming next.
Sounds like van der Linde and de Glanville both picked up knocks on Friday night so we may be a bit bare bones at 1 and 9 this week (Obano has to rest at some point you'd think).
Rotated squad pushed Saints to the limit last season so no reason that couldn't happen again. Hopefully good minutes coming for Jeanes, Green, Opuku-Gyamfi and one or two of our back three prospects if so.
Bayliss to captain as he sat out last week maybe?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:06:15:41:23 by theredseat.
The Saints away fixture has become a heavy rotation game in reason seasons. I expect we will do that again this weekend.
Rest a lot of the first team before the Montpellier match and the final two Prem games before the International break.
Rest a lot of the first team before the Montpellier match and the final two Prem games before the International break.
If we're serious about Europe then hopefully we'll send a largely second string team to save players for the Montpellier fixture.
My thinking on making few changes was that we are not firing on all cylinders and consequently another game of playing together might get a bit more cohesion.....
Based on the injury update a stab at selection. Plenty of margin for error here I think:
Kirk, Kepu, Griffin, Jeanes, Molony, Richards, Bayliss, Green, TCS, Donoghue, Offiah, Ojomoh, Hennessy, Griffin, Carreras
Frost, Wheeler, Verden, Bennett, Reid, Davies, Emens, Opoku-Gyamfi
Centres look short if Hennessy not ready. Emanuel hasn’t played for Cardiff yet this season so possible he’s brought back for the week? Would be nice to see Treacey senior involved but not sure if he’s fit
Kirk, Kepu, Griffin, Jeanes, Molony, Richards, Bayliss, Green, TCS, Donoghue, Offiah, Ojomoh, Hennessy, Griffin, Carreras
Frost, Wheeler, Verden, Bennett, Reid, Davies, Emens, Opoku-Gyamfi
Centres look short if Hennessy not ready. Emanuel hasn’t played for Cardiff yet this season so possible he’s brought back for the week? Would be nice to see Treacey senior involved but not sure if he’s fit
A lot of injuries in the backs, perhaps we might see Griffin given a chance on the wing.
Shepherding Freeman is a tough assignment for anyone, but looking at our wing stocks, there might not be another option!
Quote:exbathballboy
A lot of injuries in the backs, perhaps we might see Griffin given a chance on the wing.
I mean, Archie's a good player and everything, but that seems a bit of a stretch - especially if he's up against Freeman.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:06:23:19:03 by joethefanatic.
Quote:joethefanaticQuote:exbathballboy
A lot of injuries in the backs, perhaps we might see Griffin given a chance on the wing.
I mean, Archie's a good player and everything, but that seems a bit of a stretch - especially if he's up against Freeman.
Nope ...... Charlie
Thanks for the write up BSJ – that looks like a pretty good team to me although I'd be tempted to play Kepu instead of Frost. Bayliss's pace is definitely needed to counter Saints' fast-flowing style.
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:joethefanaticQuote:exbathballboy
A lot of injuries in the backs, perhaps we might see Griffin given a chance on the wing.
I mean, Archie's a good player and everything, but that seems a bit of a stretch - especially if he's up against Freeman.
Nope ...... Charlie
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:joethefanaticQuote:shipwreckedQuote:joethefanaticQuote:exbathballboy
A lot of injuries in the backs, perhaps we might see Griffin given a chance on the wing.
I mean, Archie's a good player and everything, but that seems a bit of a stretch - especially if he's up against Freeman.
Nope ...... Charlie
Yep, thats fair, but with Van De Linde, Spencer, Arundell, Muir, De Glanville and with Big Joe and Hennessy potentially missing the game, thats almost a whole backline.
To be fair Donohgue could play on the wing but we need to develop our own players, thats why we have a large squad. It would be nice to see Griffin or Winters make the bench.
Enoch, CTreacey, Winters and Woods all in the Uni squad this week. No sign of Offiah which suggests he might be off to Northampton
Was going to say same thing TRS tho connor only on bench.
Imagine offiah and /or c griffin may get a go on Saturday.
Imagine offiah and /or c griffin may get a go on Saturday.
I wonder if it will be something like:
Santi
Big joe
Lawrence
Mojo
Offiah
Donoghue
Tcs
Kirk
Dunn
Griffin
Roux
Malony
Richards
Reid
Green
Bench: kepu, beno, stuart, hill, bayliss, bvdl, hennessey, jaco23
Some serious bang off the bench if we are still hunting match points/ a win
Santi
Big joe
Lawrence
Mojo
Offiah
Donoghue
Tcs
Kirk
Dunn
Griffin
Roux
Malony
Richards
Reid
Green
Bench: kepu, beno, stuart, hill, bayliss, bvdl, hennessey, jaco23
Some serious bang off the bench if we are still hunting match points/ a win
Don’t think I’d risk Stewart, he’s just played 2 games after a very serious injury and could probably benefit from a rest.
SO hard to know what to do, and it's why JvG is DoR and I'm not. I'm completely torn between sending the 1st XV to (try) to get a statement win and rotation. Guessing JvG will go for the latter.
This was the squad last season that ALMOST picked up a famous win:
De Glanville; Hennessey, Harris, Butt, Muir; Donoghue, Van der Linde; Kirk, Frost, Verden; Richards, Molony, Bayliss, Reid (capt), Green
Tuipulotu, Van Wyk, Griffin, Opoku-Gyamfu, Hill, Carr-Smith, Winters, Underhill
I'd imagine that is pretty close to the starting pack again, possibly with Coetzee at 8. A lot more change in the back line but I'd imagine we'll see TCS and Don at half back, Mojo and Hennessy (fingers crossed he's match fit) in the midfield, with Offiah, JCok and maybe Santi in the back 3.
Santi, JCok, Hennessy, Mojo, Offiah, Donoghue, TCS, Coetzee, Reid, Bayliss, Maloney, Richards, Griffin/Verden, Frost/Kepu, Kirk
Frost/Kepu, Beno, Griffin/Verden, Ewels, Hill, BVDL, Redpath, Green
Wonder if Spencer might make an appearance?
This was the squad last season that ALMOST picked up a famous win:
De Glanville; Hennessey, Harris, Butt, Muir; Donoghue, Van der Linde; Kirk, Frost, Verden; Richards, Molony, Bayliss, Reid (capt), Green
Tuipulotu, Van Wyk, Griffin, Opoku-Gyamfu, Hill, Carr-Smith, Winters, Underhill
I'd imagine that is pretty close to the starting pack again, possibly with Coetzee at 8. A lot more change in the back line but I'd imagine we'll see TCS and Don at half back, Mojo and Hennessy (fingers crossed he's match fit) in the midfield, with Offiah, JCok and maybe Santi in the back 3.
Santi, JCok, Hennessy, Mojo, Offiah, Donoghue, TCS, Coetzee, Reid, Bayliss, Maloney, Richards, Griffin/Verden, Frost/Kepu, Kirk
Frost/Kepu, Beno, Griffin/Verden, Ewels, Hill, BVDL, Redpath, Green
Wonder if Spencer might make an appearance?
Great write up! Can't wait for the match on Saturday.
I do think we will send a rotated team as is becoming customary for us in the league nowadays. I don't mind the tactic in truth especially as we have a tough test against Montpellier the following week. I would love to see a strong-ish team sent with some youth sprinkled in
My team below:
1. Kirk
2. Dunn
3. Griffin
4. Roux
5. Ewels
6. Hill
7. Bayliss
8. Du Preez
9. Carr-Smith
10. Donoghue
11. Griffin
12. Ojomoh
13. Lawrence
14. Cokanasiga
15. Carreras
16. Tuipulotu
17. Obano
18. Stuart
19. Opoku-Gyamfi
20. Pepper
21. BVdL
22. Hennessey
23. Reid
I do think we will send a rotated team as is becoming customary for us in the league nowadays. I don't mind the tactic in truth especially as we have a tough test against Montpellier the following week. I would love to see a strong-ish team sent with some youth sprinkled in
My team below:
1. Kirk
2. Dunn
3. Griffin
4. Roux
5. Ewels
6. Hill
7. Bayliss
8. Du Preez
9. Carr-Smith
10. Donoghue
11. Griffin
12. Ojomoh
13. Lawrence
14. Cokanasiga
15. Carreras
16. Tuipulotu
17. Obano
18. Stuart
19. Opoku-Gyamfi
20. Pepper
21. BVdL
22. Hennessey
23. Reid
Montpellier have an away fixture this weekend, they will no doubt rest most of their 1st team as is the French way for away fixtures.
Referee: Matthew Carley
ARs: Sara Cox and Veryan Boscawen
TMO: Andrew Jackson
ARs: Sara Cox and Veryan Boscawen
TMO: Andrew Jackson
Quote:theredseat
Enoch, CTreacey, Winters and Woods all in the Uni squad this week. No sign of Offiah which suggests he might be off to Northampton
Tyler Offiah is at Ampthill. Alongside Raff Weston who is there as a fly half and an ex stalwart of Bath Uni.
Quote:Shipwrecked
Alongside Raff Weston who is there as a fly half and an ex stalwart of Bath Uni.
As is Will Roue, who played at fly half for them last Friday, scoring a try and 4 conversions.
Quote:FiveSticksQuote:Shipwrecked
Alongside Raff Weston who is there as a fly half and an ex stalwart of Bath Uni.
As is Will Roue, who played at fly half for them last Friday, scoring a try and 4 conversions.
Thanks for that info, have to say its difficult to follow Bath players out on loan without going through Amphill, Bedford, Hartpury, Warriors etc team sheets, I must flag that for the next PG chat with the club.
Raff is getting involved in some coaching at Ampthill I think and is obviously under Dave Ward who has lots of links to Bath Rugby.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53
Raff is getting involved in some coaching at Ampthill I think and is obviously under Dave Ward who has lots of links to Bath Rugby.
Any idea how long he stayed at Bristol Matt?
1 season and a lot of that he was dual registered at Dings. He was picked up after one of those Bristol open trials days ('Talent ID Day') but was let go at the end of last season after 2 appearances for Bristol.
[www.bristolpost.co.uk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[www.bristolpost.co.uk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
TEAM UP
Bath Rugby: 1 Scott Kirk, 2 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Will Jeanes, 5 Ross Molony, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Miles Reid (c) (150), 8 Arthur Green, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Charlie Griffin, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Max Ojomoh, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Santi Carreras
Replacements: 16 Tom Dunn, 17 Beno Obano, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Ieuan Davies, 22 Ollie Lawrence, 23 Jaco Coetzee
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:09:12:23:56 by bathwickboy.
Bath Rugby: 1 Scott Kirk, 2 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Will Jeanes, 5 Ross Molony, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Miles Reid (c) (150), 8 Arthur Green, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Charlie Griffin, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Max Ojomoh, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Santi Carreras
Replacements: 16 Tom Dunn, 17 Beno Obano, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Ieuan Davies, 22 Ollie Lawrence, 23 Jaco Coetzee
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:09:12:23:56 by bathwickboy.
Team of the future? Good to see Ieuan Davies, Will Jeanes and Charlie Griffin getting a start.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
So not too heavily rotated. Certainly did not expect to see Mr Russell's name on the team sheet.
Guessing the hope is that the young tight 5 (bar Molony) can hold their own for 50+ mins before the cavalry arrives.
If we can match them up front and somehow slow their game down we may have a shot but it's the toughest game of the season for sure. Spencer's kicking will be sorely missed in this one.
Guessing the hope is that the young tight 5 (bar Molony) can hold their own for 50+ mins before the cavalry arrives.
If we can match them up front and somehow slow their game down we may have a shot but it's the toughest game of the season for sure. Spencer's kicking will be sorely missed in this one.
Really interesting mix and match line up there. If we can stay in touch for 50-55 mins that's a huge amount of power to be brining off the bench....
Really surprised JvG is risking Finn, Santi, Will, Beno and Jaco for this game.
I think we are still a bit rusty and not quite gelling together......playing a bit every week could/should fix that.
It won't be fixed by not playing!
It won't be fixed by not playing!
Yeh I like the fact we've kept most of the backline together. They need time on the field to work out the new Prendergast way, so hopefully this is the week it really clicks.
Big game for Jeanes. He's starting to push into 1st XXIII conversations, and I'm always impressed when he's played, so hope he has a busy afternoon, especially versus the big South African lad. And the best of the luck to Charlie Griffin. What a seemingly rapid rise, leap frogging Emens and Offiah. He'll have his hands full tomorrow v Freeman but no Hendy for them is only good news for us!
If we can get parity up front in the first 40, and stay in touch on the scoreboard, we could do something special. Away at Saints always has me watching from behind the sofa- one where we could be 19-0 down in 15 minutes. But I'd love for Finn to shape the game and keep us cool under pressure, and for the bench to make a game of it in the last quarter. Weather looks lovely too. Could be fun!
Big game for Jeanes. He's starting to push into 1st XXIII conversations, and I'm always impressed when he's played, so hope he has a busy afternoon, especially versus the big South African lad. And the best of the luck to Charlie Griffin. What a seemingly rapid rise, leap frogging Emens and Offiah. He'll have his hands full tomorrow v Freeman but no Hendy for them is only good news for us!
If we can get parity up front in the first 40, and stay in touch on the scoreboard, we could do something special. Away at Saints always has me watching from behind the sofa- one where we could be 19-0 down in 15 minutes. But I'd love for Finn to shape the game and keep us cool under pressure, and for the bench to make a game of it in the last quarter. Weather looks lovely too. Could be fun!
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
I think we are still a bit rusty and not quite gelling together......playing a bit every week could/should fix that.
It won't be fixed by not playing!
Would have preferred a more pragmatic approach to an away game that we're unlikely to get much from. Finn can't play every game so why not rest him for this one, Will Stewart on road back from serious injury so a week off wouldn't have harmed him, Santi wasn't fit last week so would have given him another week off. Even big Joe played last week with a lot of strapping on his knee so could have been rested.
No doubt Bath will entertain and give it a lash, but my main question at the end of the game will be did we pick up any significant injuries.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Bath Supporter Jack
I think we are still a bit rusty and not quite gelling together......playing a bit every week could/should fix that.
It won't be fixed by not playing!
Would have preferred a more pragmatic approach to an away game that we're unlikely to get much from. Finn can't play every game so why not rest him for this one, Will Stewart on road back from serious injury so a week off wouldn't have harmed him, Santi wasn't fit last week so would have given him another week off. Even big Joe played last week with a lot of strapping on his knee so could have been rested.
No doubt Bath will entertain and give it a lash, but my main question at the end of the game will be did we pick up any significant injuries.
But if they win away against a top team that hasn’t started well it would give us a huge boost!
We might just play Saints into form. I guess a down-side of JVG’s forward-planned selection is you can’t be opportunistic about your opposition’s form/injury status.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:09:19:54:08 by Optimist.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:09:19:54:08 by Optimist.
Positives, younger players are being given a chance.
That team won't beat Northampton though. Surprised also that Russell is playing, but Donoghue didnt look confident last week, so we have had to pick Russell.
We are down to our 3/4th pick scrumhalfs, it shows our injuries.
Ojomoh at 12 every day for me, but they might interchange 12 and 13 during game play.
Lawrence defense wasnt great last week, so not totally surprised hes on the bench.
But cant wait to see Jeanes, Griffin, Kirk, and the other young lads having a go.
That team won't beat Northampton though. Surprised also that Russell is playing, but Donoghue didnt look confident last week, so we have had to pick Russell.
We are down to our 3/4th pick scrumhalfs, it shows our injuries.
Ojomoh at 12 every day for me, but they might interchange 12 and 13 during game play.
Lawrence defense wasnt great last week, so not totally surprised hes on the bench.
But cant wait to see Jeanes, Griffin, Kirk, and the other young lads having a go.
IIRC last year away to Saints the forwards had them foxed and we could have won if not for a few mistakes in the backs.
Perhaps JvGs thinking is we can get parity against their pack with rotation, and something approaching first choice backs might give us the win.
Big ask for the second row against two very experienced operators, and their backrow is pretty feisty as well!
Perhaps JvGs thinking is we can get parity against their pack with rotation, and something approaching first choice backs might give us the win.
Big ask for the second row against two very experienced operators, and their backrow is pretty feisty as well!
Quite like that squad- my guess had 9 of same starters and 5 of the same bench so not as bad as my usual attempts!
As others have said try to cling on to their coat tails for 50 , hopefully get the 4 try bp in a fast and loose game, then offload bench to try and sneak more match points.
Jeanes not eog is interesting- switch from last seasons pecking order and maybe a nod to him shifting to backrow.
Griffin impresses wirh every chance he gets- not sure if it means he is ahead of winters, offiah, emens etc or just recognising the need for his aerial ability in this fixture.
Pleasef they are giving sime young guys a go in a relatively experienced 23.
As others have said try to cling on to their coat tails for 50 , hopefully get the 4 try bp in a fast and loose game, then offload bench to try and sneak more match points.
Jeanes not eog is interesting- switch from last seasons pecking order and maybe a nod to him shifting to backrow.
Griffin impresses wirh every chance he gets- not sure if it means he is ahead of winters, offiah, emens etc or just recognising the need for his aerial ability in this fixture.
Pleasef they are giving sime young guys a go in a relatively experienced 23.
From a neutral’s perspective it’s great to see Finn v Fin!
Massive game for Griffin against Tommy Freeman.
Really Interested to see how Ojomoh goes at 13.
Massive game for Griffin against Tommy Freeman.
Really Interested to see how Ojomoh goes at 13.
Quote:tigersimon
From a neutral’s perspective it’s great to see Finn v Fin!
Massive game for Griffin against Tommy Freeman.
Really Interested to see how Ojomoh goes at 13.
Interestingly Griffin probably isn't far off Freeman for size and pace so could be a big battle.
The question for me is whether Finn will get any front foot ball in the first 50 mins. If not then Bath could be 30 points down by the time the subs come on.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:tigersimon
From a neutral’s perspective it’s great to see Finn v Fin!
Massive game for Griffin against Tommy Freeman.
Really Interested to see how Ojomoh goes at 13.
Interestingly Griffin probably isn't far off Freeman for size and pace so could be a big battle.
The question for me is whether Finn will get any front foot ball in the first 50 mins. If not then Bath could be 30 points down by the time the subs come on.
Freeman for a winger does not actually have out and out pace . In a 100m sprint sleightholme for example would wipe the floor with him. Freeman is just world class in everything he does. From a saints view i worry about the scrum when the subs come on and ojomoh is pure filth. That boy should be a regular for england. Just think he is such a classy operator. I want to see a race between kemeny, pollock and bayliss.
Quote:Saint dolph
Freeman is just world class in everything he does.
I agree, he's a brilliant player. I think that he was wasted at 15 last week though, he does so much damage at wing (or 13).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Griffin a massive bloke. 6ft 4/ 6ft 5 i would say so prob edges freeman on height.
The selection makes sense in the absence of muir/ tdg/ arundell but massive test for someone so inexperienced
The selection makes sense in the absence of muir/ tdg/ arundell but massive test for someone so inexperienced
Freeman is world class at wing. I am very unsure about him being world class at 13 or 15.
Think we all agree Freeman is in his own stratosphere at 14. Wasted at 15, and Prem level at 13 but playing for England it didn’t quite click. Almost certainly not his fault in that system though!
Quote:Charlieboa1
Griffin a massive bloke. 6ft 4/ 6ft 5 i would say so prob edges freeman on height.
The selection makes sense in the absence of muir/ tdg/ arundell but massive test for someone so inexperienced
As with Declan Treacey I think that size compensates a little for experience, JvG likes physicality. I don't think CG will let him down.
Quote:Saint dolphQuote:BathMatt53Quote:tigersimon
From a neutral’s perspective it’s great to see Finn v Fin!
Massive game for Griffin against Tommy Freeman.
Really Interested to see how Ojomoh goes at 13.
Interestingly Griffin probably isn't far off Freeman for size and pace so could be a big battle.
The question for me is whether Finn will get any front foot ball in the first 50 mins. If not then Bath could be 30 points down by the time the subs come on.
Freeman for a winger does not actually have out and out pace . In a 100m sprint sleightholme for example would wipe the floor with him. Freeman is just world class in everything he does. From a saints view i worry about the scrum when the subs come on and ojomoh is pure filth. That boy should be a regular for england. Just think he is such a classy operator. I want to see a race between kemeny, pollock and bayliss.
Could throw Ted Hill's hat in the ring too
Again we are missing bread and butter first up tackles - look good in so many facets but counts for nothing if they can simply make an easy 20 yards
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
A decision not to take 3points leads to a lineout cock up, lost possession, a yellow card and a try. What are we doing away from home? Terrible game management 😕
What’s happening - this is a seriously high quality game
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
TCS has got to move that ball more quickly
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:Mike the Taxi
Well!
26 v 29 at HT
Who'd a thought it?
Not me but I'm glad we took the 3 points 😀💙🖤🤍
Cracking first half. We've rediscovered some sharpness in attack and Kepu is playing really well. Midfield defence is still not great.
Some serious quality- and Santi looks so much happier this season, I wonder if the approach of Prendergast suits him more
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Tremendous game, best we've played this season. Things starting to click. Charlie Griffin not looking out of place at all. How good was Kepu's step and pass...!
Top quality half of rugby from both sides.
Saints backs just play so fast and are do good at creating an extra man (or two) and exploit any holes.
Our young guns are doing really well.
Saints backs just play so fast and are do good at creating an extra man (or two) and exploit any holes.
Our young guns are doing really well.
Quote:hasta
Cracking first half. We've rediscovered some sharpness in attack and Kepu is playing really well. Midfield defence is still not great.
Yep but AH is right to say both sides have stepped up massively from the first 2 games
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
At least 3 of their tries have come from our errors - annoying to say the least
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Production is actually getting worse - I don’t actually need 5 minutes looking at coaches when they speak
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Where on earth was TCS then?
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Falling off tackles AGAIN…this is now a serious issue for us and needs sorting urgently
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:10:16:25:46 by Toast and Marmite.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:10:16:25:46 by Toast and Marmite.
Fallen apart in the last 7 or 8 minutes.
Can't lay a hand on Sleightholme
Can't lay a hand on Sleightholme
Our 1 v 1 and first up tackling is so poor at the moment. Cant be that hard to fix
I hate to pick on him but again a terrible clearance from TCS leads to unnecessary pressure
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Ollie Lawrence has definitively lost a step or two. Can't see us extending his contract. Annoying Last ten minutes. TCS has also had a poor game, we miss spencer so much when he's not there.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:10:16:31:31 by Florida97.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:10:16:31:31 by Florida97.
Must be worth a pint on Davies, TCS just not able to play at this pace
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
I am probably gong to be shot down here, but I am finding this game exceedingly boring to watch. It is like watching an NBA game, you have it and score, we have it and score. Sorry but I will leave it there.
Gone completely off the boil last quarter
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Score line pretty much confirms what I thought, we are now a really entertaining team to watch and as fans we’re going to have a lot of fun this season. However we’re not close enough to challenge Saints for the title and maybe not as difficult to beat as JvG wants.
Frustrating second half. Couple of Bath errors handed tries to Saints that took the game away and then Saints fully exploited us being under extra pressure
Disappointing last 20-30. Sad to see but i think OL and TCS it's time to get off the train.
Quote:OutsideBath
Score line pretty much confirms what I thought, we are now a really entertaining team to watch and as fans we’re going to have a lot of fun this season. However we’re not close enough to challenge Saints for the title and maybe not as difficult to beat as JvG wants.
We’re transitioning to a more open style and we’re behind Saints on that curve. That said, we have made big strides in just a handful of games.
I do think Lawrence could well be a busted flush unfortunately
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Silly by Beno, he was never going to get that down.
Second highest scoring Prem game ever.
8 tries away from home and still a bit of a thumping.
Second highest scoring Prem game ever.
8 tries away from home and still a bit of a thumping.
Quote:hasta
Disappointing last 20-30. Sad to see but i think OL and TCS it's time to get off the train.
I think we definitely get closer if Spencer had been playing
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
So obvious that drive would be held up at the end. Pull it back and recycle, they were close to another penalty.
Quote:nick holder
I am probably gong to be shot down here, but I am finding this game exceedingly boring to watch. It is like watching an NBA game, you have it and score, we have it and score. Sorry but I will leave it there.
I’m with you to be honest. Despite the PR from the commentators and how good Saints attack is defence has to get better across the league. Scoring with every attack isn’t really the one
Quote:Yep, this.Dorset Boy
Frustrating second half. Couple of Bath errors handed tries to Saints that took the game away and then Saints fully exploited us being under extra pressure
I can't recall a name check for Redpath in the game, mojo got go forward mentions but little in defence. The young guns in the pack were fabulous today, the bench failed to do their job. Overall v disappointed with defence, game management and the result. We are not going to win the Prem, top 4 maybe, we must be focussing on the big cup 😕
On the more positive side I thought Griffin was superb. Not sure he put a foot wrong and he at least matched Freeman down that flank while he was on the field
Unless there was an injury that wasn’t apparent from the coverage taking him off so Carr-Smith could finish the game out of position on the wing was a dreadful call
Unless there was an injury that wasn’t apparent from the coverage taking him off so Carr-Smith could finish the game out of position on the wing was a dreadful call
Much as I’m pretty relaxed about Bath this season, shipping 71pts is quite a humiliation.
Quote:Treble
We are not going to win the Prem, top 4 maybe, we must be focussing on the big cup 😕
Its Ganeweek 3 with a rotated side.
There were positives but in the complete absence of any defence its hard to really enjoy them. Scoring 7 points to watch the other team score 7 points at a faster rate is not as fun as it sounds.
Quote:RawceQuote:Yep, this.Dorset Boy
Frustrating second half. Couple of Bath errors handed tries to Saints that took the game away and then Saints fully exploited us being under extra pressure
We were leading at h/time and got completely blown away in the 2nd half. It wasn't down to a couple of errors...
Quote:Bath Blues
I really dislike Saints
Why? They are the best team in England by a country mile as well as entertaining to watch.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Bath Blues
I really dislike Saints
Why? They are the best team in England by a country mile as well as entertaining to watch.
They weren’t against Bristol!
Quote:Rawce
Bayliss has had more yellow cards than Grewcock!?
Well at least they didn’t mention reds !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
As others have said a very poor 2nd half with poor tackling and game management and was Charlie Griffin injured ?
Disappointing not to get 2 points , plenty to work . Saints back line just too good today
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Disappointing not to get 2 points , plenty to work . Saints back line just too good today
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Some very promising performances from Kirk, Tuipulotu, A. Griffin, Green, Jeanes, Bayliss, C. Griffin, Ojomoh and briefly Coetzee. But Saints were on fire today. Coles, Kemeny, Smith, Sleighthome, Pater, Freeman all outstanding.
Carr-Smith still looks too slow, Lawrence and even Joe C seem off the pace, Malony and Ewels look ponderous. Scrum half, second row and wing are positions of concern.
Plenty to learn from here for the season.
Disappointed but I'm not too despondent.
Truly amazed that some found that boring.
Carr-Smith still looks too slow, Lawrence and even Joe C seem off the pace, Malony and Ewels look ponderous. Scrum half, second row and wing are positions of concern.
Plenty to learn from here for the season.
Disappointed but I'm not too despondent.
Truly amazed that some found that boring.
Quote:The BearQuote:Treble
We are not going to win the Prem, top 4 maybe, we must be focussing on the big cup 😕
Its Game week 3 with a rotated side.
There were positives but in the complete absence of any defence its hard to really enjoy them. Scoring 7 points to watch the other team score 7 points at a faster rate is not as fun as it sounds.
The rotated pack were excellent in the first half, the young guns and older heads had their measure, young Griffin also had an excellent first half. The rest of our team were proper first picks and they failed to do their jobs. Redpath/Ojomo/Lawrence needed to do much better in defence and the bench failed to make their usual impact. A disappointing end to the first block of Prem games but title winners we are not. Never too high/low doesn't cut it tonight, I'm just low...
Was the coach trying to be a little too clever by loading the bench……..it certainly didn’t work !
There was a lot to be frustrated about in that performance and also a lot to learn.
Mainly though, about style of play and tactical approach than individual error.
Sure, there were individual errors and there were many missed tackles but, as the commentators noted, Saints passing intent was to beat the tackle before it was attempted/made.
Their speed of ruck ball, speed and slickness of passing and speed of thought were Bath's undoing today.
TCS is getting a lot of flak and sure, he was slow to pass and clear at times and yes, he dropped a pass on the wing. In the first half though his quick thinking and some good lines brought us two tries, contributing to a half time lead.
He could also be heard challenging Carley over his interpretation of Northampton's legality at the ruck and there I think he has a point. Other refs may interpret Saints' actions (sealing off, offside entry, clearouts beyond the ruck preventing opponents joining the ruck - all specifically referenced in the laws as infringements) differently which would cost them much of their possession.
As The Bear notes, week 3 with a rotated side.
Positives are that we scored 8 tries at Franklin's Gardens, young guns like Green, Tuipulotu and C Griffin performed highly and our attacking game was much more varied than the previous two rounds.
Yes- a huge amount to work on, but too early to dismiss chances of winning the Prem.
PG
Mainly though, about style of play and tactical approach than individual error.
Sure, there were individual errors and there were many missed tackles but, as the commentators noted, Saints passing intent was to beat the tackle before it was attempted/made.
Their speed of ruck ball, speed and slickness of passing and speed of thought were Bath's undoing today.
TCS is getting a lot of flak and sure, he was slow to pass and clear at times and yes, he dropped a pass on the wing. In the first half though his quick thinking and some good lines brought us two tries, contributing to a half time lead.
He could also be heard challenging Carley over his interpretation of Northampton's legality at the ruck and there I think he has a point. Other refs may interpret Saints' actions (sealing off, offside entry, clearouts beyond the ruck preventing opponents joining the ruck - all specifically referenced in the laws as infringements) differently which would cost them much of their possession.
As The Bear notes, week 3 with a rotated side.
Positives are that we scored 8 tries at Franklin's Gardens, young guns like Green, Tuipulotu and C Griffin performed highly and our attacking game was much more varied than the previous two rounds.
Yes- a huge amount to work on, but too early to dismiss chances of winning the Prem.
PG
Silly game. Very silly game.
The young players all stood up fantastically well. Griffin, Jeanes, and Green all looked Prem level.
both defence coaches will be fuming come Monday morning!
Can’t believe we went to the home of the champions, scored 50 odd points, and lost! Time in the Prem have changed, I think they’ll push law changes next year to tighten it back up because this is fun but we can’t play basketball every week
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:10:17:51:28 by BathRob.
The young players all stood up fantastically well. Griffin, Jeanes, and Green all looked Prem level.
both defence coaches will be fuming come Monday morning!
Can’t believe we went to the home of the champions, scored 50 odd points, and lost! Time in the Prem have changed, I think they’ll push law changes next year to tighten it back up because this is fun but we can’t play basketball every week
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:10:17:51:28 by BathRob.
Quote:P G Tips
Sure, there were individual errors and there were many missed tackles but, as the commentators noted, Saints passing intent was to beat the tackle before it was attempted/made.
Y
PG
I think there’s two different things happening there. Not making the tackle because the attacker gets the ball away quickly is generally hard to complain about and you can’t expect a tackler to take man and ball every time.
The amount of one up tackles we slip off or miss when a player is running isn’t excusable though. You might get stepped, fended etc sometimes but we’re consistently missing clean shots
Proud of the team in the first half and the start of the second. The "youngsters" played very well and didn't look out of place in the Prem.
However the bomb squad turned out to be a dud.
However the bomb squad turned out to be a dud.
Not seen the match, but the scoreline doesn't surprise me in a way. If anyone's going to run a score up, its Saints.
Hopefully it invokes a bit of a response next week, but I think the fundamental reality when it comes to the PREM in this era, is that Saints are on an astral plane, and competing with them is going to be very difficult again this season
Hopefully it invokes a bit of a response next week, but I think the fundamental reality when it comes to the PREM in this era, is that Saints are on an astral plane, and competing with them is going to be very difficult again this season
So TRS
The amount of one up tackles missed or muffed- is that individual error- or a coaching issue?
Seems to me a technique challenge, something for the skills and defence coaches.
PG
The amount of one up tackles missed or muffed- is that individual error- or a coaching issue?
Seems to me a technique challenge, something for the skills and defence coaches.
PG
One of the stand out issues for me was the 14 and 15 defence. Santi waved through at least two of the tries and Joe C appeared to be a revolving door as well. I think our rush defence (or whatever it’s called) leaves too much for the last defenders to do ATM.
Quote:P G Tips
So TRS
The amount of one up tackles missed or muffed- is that individual error- or a coaching issue?
Seems to me a technique challenge, something for the skills and defence coaches.
PG
If it’s technique I don’t know what they’re being coached to do in some of these situations. Lack of reps? Attitude? General view that this stuff doesn’t matter much because we’ll probably score soon anyway?
Bath aren’t the only ones guilty of it but I don’t think any of it makes for the amazing product TNT are trying to sell us on when so many games turn into you score we score
Quote:Yep, that’s pretty much my take on it too!brands
Proud of the team in the first half and the start of the second. The "youngsters" played very well and didn't look out of place in the Prem.
However the bomb squad turned out to be a dud.
Quote:theredseatQuote:P G Tips
So TRS
The amount of one up tackles missed or muffed- is that individual error- or a coaching issue?
Seems to me a technique challenge, something for the skills and defence coaches.
PG
If it’s technique I don’t know what they’re being coached to do in some of these situations. Lack of reps? Attitude? General view that this stuff doesn’t matter much because we’ll probably score soon anyway?
Bath aren’t the only ones guilty of it but I don’t think any of it makes for the amazing product TNT are trying to sell us on when so many games turn into you score we score
Well feast yourself on the Sarries vs Bears game!
2 tries in 47 minutes.......
55 minutes we were in the lead......
Perhaps JVG should have left things as they were!!
Perhaps JVG should have left things as they were!!
Have to admit; my overall feeling afterwards was...meh. Saints play some great rugby and we did too at times but those games are becoming a more frequent occurence.
It's not a great look for the game and the NBA analogy certainly fits. You can't build a brand on gladitorial-style rugby when defences are so clearly second best.
It's not a great look for the game and the NBA analogy certainly fits. You can't build a brand on gladitorial-style rugby when defences are so clearly second best.
Hacked off. 71 points conceded. We led near the end of the 3rd quarter. Our younger lads did well- but we weren’t hard to beat and we were ultimately humiliated on the scoreboard.
Kirk, Kepu, Jeanes, Green, Griffin were great. But we had way too many first teamers in the squad to make conceding +50 let alone 71 acceptable. They’re a good side, especially at home in the sun, but it’s a tight league with no team looking world beating so for our defence to crumble like that is pretty worrying.
Massive Friday night v Glos at Kingsholm next up in the league.
Kirk, Kepu, Jeanes, Green, Griffin were great. But we had way too many first teamers in the squad to make conceding +50 let alone 71 acceptable. They’re a good side, especially at home in the sun, but it’s a tight league with no team looking world beating so for our defence to crumble like that is pretty worrying.
Massive Friday night v Glos at Kingsholm next up in the league.
Glaws showed the way by slowing down Saints' ruck speed. We never managed that. And to be honest after the Mitchell try we started playing on tilt and trying (and failing) to match their game.
Quote:Barfboy
Have to admit; my overall feeling afterwards was...meh. Saints play some great rugby and we did too at times but those games are becoming a more frequent occurence.
It's not a great look for the game and the NBA analogy certainly fits. You can't build a brand on gladitorial-style rugby when defences are so clearly second best.
The metaphor that came to me when thinking about the current style of Prem rugby is its akin to eating nothing but cake. Seems great at first but you soon get tired of it
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Just watched the game back, knowing the score but missing it live...
I think sometimes you have to say 'fair play' to the other side. Saints were phenomenal and their error rate was very low.
However, I agree with those who have said it is not acceptable to concede 70, regardless of how well the other side plays. Yes, the style of rugby has completely changed, but you won't win anything unless you can find a way to shut down the opposition.
There was a moment when the entire pack, including players who had only just come on, was just jogging while Saints were creating mayhem on the other side of the pitch. I doubt they would have stopped the attack if they were sprinting, but that's hardly the point – it's the attitude that irks me.
Tactically I think we have to play differently against Saints going forward. We need to employ a drift defence and we need to keep it tight when we gain the upper hand, rather than be drawn into a running rugby fest. I also think the bomb squad approach doesn't work because you drop too many players in at the same time who have to immediately get into top gear.
Looking at the positives, I thought Kepu laid a strong claim to be first choice hooker, Arthur Green and Charlie Griffin were impressive and our back line is looking a lot sharper. Let's hope we get a big response next week in the big cup.
I think sometimes you have to say 'fair play' to the other side. Saints were phenomenal and their error rate was very low.
However, I agree with those who have said it is not acceptable to concede 70, regardless of how well the other side plays. Yes, the style of rugby has completely changed, but you won't win anything unless you can find a way to shut down the opposition.
There was a moment when the entire pack, including players who had only just come on, was just jogging while Saints were creating mayhem on the other side of the pitch. I doubt they would have stopped the attack if they were sprinting, but that's hardly the point – it's the attitude that irks me.
Tactically I think we have to play differently against Saints going forward. We need to employ a drift defence and we need to keep it tight when we gain the upper hand, rather than be drawn into a running rugby fest. I also think the bomb squad approach doesn't work because you drop too many players in at the same time who have to immediately get into top gear.
Looking at the positives, I thought Kepu laid a strong claim to be first choice hooker, Arthur Green and Charlie Griffin were impressive and our back line is looking a lot sharper. Let's hope we get a big response next week in the big cup.
I thought your youngsters were very good and the 8 and hooker certainly had no issue with physicality and getting over the gainline.
If we are going to get to final against Saints this season then we are going to have get back to being hard to beat. Shipping over 70 pts isn’t the sign of a team that’s hard to beat.
Quote:OutsideBath
If we are going to get to final against Saints this season then we are going to have get back to being hard to beat. Shipping over 70 pts isn’t the sign of a team that’s hard to beat.
I just don’t think we are that team any longer based upon our performances at the end of last season and the beginning of this season. We have lost a couple of players and certain others have declined just a bit. At the same time other clubs have visibly improved their playing strength and their performance levels. Last year was our opportunity to at least get to a final and possibly win it but we shot ourselves in the foot. This year it seems less likely to me that that is going to be the outcome.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:10:21:15:31 by Bath Hammer.
Quote:dr.bath1865
Massive Friday night v Glos at Kingsholm next up in the league.
Currently I can only see one winner & it’s not us!
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:OutsideBath
If we are going to get to final against Saints this season then we are going to have get back to being hard to beat. Shipping over 70 pts isn’t the sign of a team that’s hard to beat.
I just don’t think we are that team any longer based upon our performances at the end of last season and the beginning of this season. We have lost a couple of players and certain others have declined just a bit. At the same time other clubs have visibly improved their playing strength and their performance levels. Last year was our opportunity to at least get to a final and possibly win it but we shot ourselves in the foot. This year it seems less likely to me that that is going to be the outcome.
I do agree with a lot if that but I'm less pessimistic. I think the first 50 minutes we were on top of this see-saw game. I rhink many of the younger guys really looked better suited to this type of game than the experienced heads that came on.
I think the 'bomb squad' is great if youre in an arm wrestle. If the balls zipping from one side of the pitch to the other that strength is negated.
I also get that Saints are good at causing these kind of difficulties but we cannot miss first-up tackles (and barely attempt some) at the rate we do. If you make your tackle and they offload, oh well. But we weren't even making them do that in some cases. Our attack does not look nicer but we cant play like Saints better than Saints...
Spot on The Bear
Saints outhought us at “Bomb Squad” time by moving the ball away from contact so quickly that the squad were barely in the game apart from a carry or two by Beno.
PG
Saints outhought us at “Bomb Squad” time by moving the ball away from contact so quickly that the squad were barely in the game apart from a carry or two by Beno.
PG
Whist I agree that conceding 70 points is a defensive failure I think Saints will be very concerned that they conceded 50 ish to a much rotated side!
We do have to accept that the number of tries scored in the Prem is increasing year by year changing the Laws has made that inevitable.
I have to say that making first up tackles with a 'going low' requirement is very hard to do.
Having said that I haven't seen the game yet.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
We do have to accept that the number of tries scored in the Prem is increasing year by year changing the Laws has made that inevitable.
I have to say that making first up tackles with a 'going low' requirement is very hard to do.
Having said that I haven't seen the game yet.
The year we won the title we had that grity highly professional approach & almost always found a way to win. We are now failing with the basics again such as falling off tackles, failing to gather the ball & conceding penalties in crucial areas. I haven’t heard JvG stating his mantras of never too low, never too high and constant improvement. That is just not happening. We have no effective bomb squad. Also, our centres look less potent & we are now being affected by injuries, multiple factors. Conceding 70 points is almost a return to the Hooper era.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:10:23:30:15 by Bath Hammer.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:10:23:30:15 by Bath Hammer.
Just watched the game. First thing to say is that was a thing of attacking grace and beauty from both sides. The second thing to say is that, if we try to out-Saints Saints, we'll lose. You cannot give them broken field ball and that is what we did in the final quarter, which is where we lost the game. We looked tired in thought and deed leading to isolated individual plays and then losing the ball. If we meet again in the (semi)final we will either have to be fitter or smarter or both. I thought we played well in most facets, even in conceding 70 points, but at no point did I think we were going to win that game. And that is a bit of a worry because "the same, but better" is not really a plan B. Honorable mention for Charlie Griffin but
My MotM - Kepu Tuipolotu. There's been a lot of hype and today we saw a real glimpse of what is to come.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
My MotM - Kepu Tuipolotu. There's been a lot of hype and today we saw a real glimpse of what is to come.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Positives, young players stood up and played well against the champs. And this is how you build a sustainble squad
But I am now starting to think Lee Blackett won us that title 2 years ago...
But the attack was better and hopefully continues when we get our wingers and scrumhalfs back.
Defence is a leaky ship though. We have conceded way too many tries already this season.
But Northampton are so good, I do love the way they play rugby. I have nothing but respect for them, and they produce their own. Quality outfit to lose to.
But I am now starting to think Lee Blackett won us that title 2 years ago...
But the attack was better and hopefully continues when we get our wingers and scrumhalfs back.
Defence is a leaky ship though. We have conceded way too many tries already this season.
But Northampton are so good, I do love the way they play rugby. I have nothing but respect for them, and they produce their own. Quality outfit to lose to.
So much raving about Northampton but for a long period we we were ahead or equal until we suffered two yellow cards. The previous week they lost against Bristol. We need to think how we lost that match rather than fawning over them.
Think you really missed Pepper/Underhill (especially with Reid going off early) yesterday no one to slow down Saints ruck ball!
Quote:Bath Hammer
So much raving about Northampton but for a long period we we were ahead or equal until we suffered two yellow cards. The previous week they lost against Bristol. We need to think how we lost that match rather than fawning over them.
It’s not fawning over Saints it’s admitting they are at a much higher level than us. We lost the match because we shipped 11 tries and it’s impossible to win matches with such a poor defence.
When we won the title we were hard to beat, that is no longer the case. Unless that changes we won’t join the conversation for potentially champions.
I was just going to post the same. Miles was the most ‘7’ player we had in the squad yesterday, missed his defense and ruck play. Of all Bayliss’ qualities, don’t think he is as quite effective as Miles/Sam/Pepper at slowing the ball down.
Kirk was excellent in the scrum and tackling yesterday, him stepping up is great news for the squad strength
Kirk was excellent in the scrum and tackling yesterday, him stepping up is great news for the squad strength
Really hated the result yesterday but wouldn’t say we are “no longer” hard to beat. We certainly weren’t yesterday but we were last week and having had a good night’s sleep I’m a little more sanguine today. Saints winning margin was same as Sarries beat Bristol yesterday, and Bristol beat Saints, which reflects the new reality of the PREM.
So it’s going to be one of those seasons! Strap in! All teams will lose- but the worry will be if we or any team loses 3/4 in a row- then you could easily lose touch with the top and the confidence needed to bounce back. Bring on Glos. No better game for us to get back on the horse.
So it’s going to be one of those seasons! Strap in! All teams will lose- but the worry will be if we or any team loses 3/4 in a row- then you could easily lose touch with the top and the confidence needed to bounce back. Bring on Glos. No better game for us to get back on the horse.
Frustrating watch- the young guys were great and as always put their hands up. Tbh just made me annoyed we didnt trust them in may/ june.
Despite that were taken off earlier than changes in the first 2 games- i think jvg is v formulaic and sticks to pre- game plans. We were winning at the time of the changes on 53 mins which we would have all bitten your hand off for.
No argument really about the timing as presume he was trying to be proactive after not being v exeter but not for the first the bomb squad seemed to have a negative impact.
Most annoying bits- awful lost 5m lineout. 2 mins later we down to 14 and have conceded a try. Rubbish, laboured backs move where santi knocks on and just lazily kicks it into a players hands to run in a try, about a million makeable missed tackles, another negative mark in the box for ollie.
Positives- kirk v good, kepu excellent, archie v good, jeanes v busy, green excellent, c griffin great.
I do feel jvg doesnt reward good performance enough sometimes by individuals- i do continuity and the ozzie 90s cricket mantra of being harder to play your way out than in of a 1st pick selection but there nerds to be some consequence to bad performances and some reward for good performances.
I was just left feeling a bit like we hace an identity crisis at the mo and also not really a fan of 100+ point games.
Well done to saints tho, taught us a lesson
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:11:09:33:27 by Charlieboa1.
Despite that were taken off earlier than changes in the first 2 games- i think jvg is v formulaic and sticks to pre- game plans. We were winning at the time of the changes on 53 mins which we would have all bitten your hand off for.
No argument really about the timing as presume he was trying to be proactive after not being v exeter but not for the first the bomb squad seemed to have a negative impact.
Most annoying bits- awful lost 5m lineout. 2 mins later we down to 14 and have conceded a try. Rubbish, laboured backs move where santi knocks on and just lazily kicks it into a players hands to run in a try, about a million makeable missed tackles, another negative mark in the box for ollie.
Positives- kirk v good, kepu excellent, archie v good, jeanes v busy, green excellent, c griffin great.
I do feel jvg doesnt reward good performance enough sometimes by individuals- i do continuity and the ozzie 90s cricket mantra of being harder to play your way out than in of a 1st pick selection but there nerds to be some consequence to bad performances and some reward for good performances.
I was just left feeling a bit like we hace an identity crisis at the mo and also not really a fan of 100+ point games.
Well done to saints tho, taught us a lesson
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:11:09:33:27 by Charlieboa1.
Quote - "I was just left feeling a bit like we have an identity crisis at the mo and also not really a fan of 100+ point games."
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There is a lot of talk about high scoring matches at the moment at all levels.
My junior club game had a combined score of 143 points yesterday, fortunately we were on the winning side.
Crazy score!
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There is a lot of talk about high scoring matches at the moment at all levels.
My junior club game had a combined score of 143 points yesterday, fortunately we were on the winning side.
Crazy score!
Quote:dr.bath1865
Bring on Glos. No better game for us to get back on the horse.
Why? Although they lost yesterday they appear to be an entirely different animal compared to previous seasons. Though, if we lose again our top 4 chances will noticeably diminish.
‘Interesting’ player ratings
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Obviously not impressed with ‘Bomb Squad’
TCS really an 8?
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Obviously not impressed with ‘Bomb Squad’
TCS really an 8?
Quote:tigersimon
‘Interesting’ player ratings
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Obviously not impressed with ‘Bomb Squad’
TCS really an 8?
In today's Sunday Times Stuart Barnes wrote Bath's "bomb squad blew up in their face".
Quote:Charlieboa1
Positives- kirk v good, kepu excellent, archie v good, jeanes v busy, green excellent, c griffin great.
I do feel jvg doesnt reward good performance enough sometimes by individuals- i do continuity and the ozzie 90s cricket mantra of being harder to play your way out than in of a 1st pick selection but there nerds to be some consequence to bad performances and some reward for good performances.
Bit of a litmus test for JvG’s selection approach next week.
TdG has done ok on the wing and unsure about the injury status of him or Arundell but Griffin has come in and looked the part against one of the best wingers around.
DDP has started nicely but can’t offer what Green showed yesterday. Jeanes has yet to take a backward step when called on. Richards has been very good early on this season. Hennessy proved last year what he is capable of
These players need to regularly be key parts of the full noise 23 now. We don’t need to rip everything up but if we don’t evolve with these players as part of the next version of Bath they’ll be off doing it somewhere else before we know it.
Agree with TRS. What sort of message does it send to Arthur Green and co if he's jettisoned from the 23 next weekend after such a standout performance?
All of our youngsters stood up and gave a good account of themselves away at the Champions, in stark contrast to old guard off the bench.
On TDG, I would much rather he was the starting 15. Assured under the high ball and a much better defensive option that Carreras, which I think is what you need to focus on after you've just shipped 70+ points. Griffin and Santi on the wings maybe if Big Joe needs a rest (3 games in)?
All of our youngsters stood up and gave a good account of themselves away at the Champions, in stark contrast to old guard off the bench.
On TDG, I would much rather he was the starting 15. Assured under the high ball and a much better defensive option that Carreras, which I think is what you need to focus on after you've just shipped 70+ points. Griffin and Santi on the wings maybe if Big Joe needs a rest (3 games in)?
Quote:theredseat
DDP has started nicely but can’t offer what Green showed yesterday. Jeanes has yet to take a backward step when called on. Richards has been very good early on this season. Hennessy proved last year what he is capable of
These players need to regularly be key parts of the full noise 23 now. We don’t need to rip everything up but if we don’t evolve with these players as part of the next version of Bath they’ll be off doing it somewhere else before we know it.
Completely agree, said something similar recently, it a consolidation of young talent season for me. I just wonder if both Archie Griifin and Charlie are on the rise too. If you drop in Spencer, Underhill, Pepper and Aundell as senior players that's a stronger looking team. I'd like to see Roue, Offiah, Winters and Woods gets some senior game time as well but they are getting Champ experience so still getting games.
It worries me that Northampton are in our heads and we don’t believe we can beat them. What is worse, we’ve let them in as we certainly can.
For me the game turned on thre big things
One being the speed and quality of the saints attack. No questions, that was seriously impressive. It would have stressed the best of defences and on the day we were off the pace of being one of the best defences
Second, a couple of poor yellow cards to give saints even more space to exploit and drain our energy levels
But then some poor decisions. An example being Finn's aimless hoof down field when we had a knock on advantage. Saints scored a critical try straight from it
One being the speed and quality of the saints attack. No questions, that was seriously impressive. It would have stressed the best of defences and on the day we were off the pace of being one of the best defences
Second, a couple of poor yellow cards to give saints even more space to exploit and drain our energy levels
But then some poor decisions. An example being Finn's aimless hoof down field when we had a knock on advantage. Saints scored a critical try straight from it
Yes gaz, a lack of composure, plus a rather flat impact from the bomb squad.
PG
PG
Spent today feeling just annoyed. At the time I thought it was just a bonkers match and all a bit fun. Today I feel like we let them off the hook. At 55ish minutes we should have locked the game down, instead we carried on playing loose fun.
Annoying how many tries we’ve leaked when camped in their 22 as well.
All round just frustrating and I hope we put it right next weekend!
Annoying how many tries we’ve leaked when camped in their 22 as well.
All round just frustrating and I hope we put it right next weekend!
Quote:@Hydor18
It worries me that Northampton are in our heads and we don’t believe we can beat them. What is worse, we’ve let them in as we certainly can.
We put on a great come back to beat them last time we played which doesn’t suggest they’re in our heads or we don’t believe we can beat them. I think they’re just a good team and we had a dreadful last half an hour
Quote:theredseatQuote:@Hydor18
It worries me that Northampton are in our heads and we don’t believe we can beat them. What is worse, we’ve let them in as we certainly can.
We put on a great come back to beat them last time we played which doesn’t suggest they’re in our heads or we don’t believe we can beat them. I think they’re just a good team and we had a dreadful last half an hour
This. We’re just the two top teams in England over the last 3 seasons, natural we’d both want to benchmark against each other.
Quote:theredseatQuote:@Hydor18
It worries me that Northampton are in our heads and we don’t believe we can beat them. What is worse, we’ve let them in as we certainly can.
We put on a great come back to beat them last time we played which doesn’t suggest they’re in our heads or we don’t believe we can beat them. I think they’re just a good team and we had a dreadful last half an hour
Saints forced us to have a dreadful last half hour and that is what we have to fix. But its fixable, so I'm not too worried.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:joethefanaticQuote:theredseatQuote:@Hydor18
It worries me that Northampton are in our heads and we don’t believe we can beat them. What is worse, we’ve let them in as we certainly can.
We put on a great come back to beat them last time we played which doesn’t suggest they’re in our heads or we don’t believe we can beat them. I think they’re just a good team and we had a dreadful last half an hour
Saints forced us to have a dreadful last half hour and that is what we have to fix. But its fixable, so I'm not too worried.
The main concern I have is how poor our defence has become when compared to our title winning season. We have conceded more points than any other team this season, we will continue to be nothing more than a really entertaining team to watch if defence issues aren't resolved quickly.
Yes, that has not been addressed. We are not steadily improving in accordance with JvG’s mantra but let’s get this idea out of our heads that Northampton are a super team as some are saying. I was at the final against Exeter & they won but not like super stars. However, we have to prove that we are still one of the two best teams. I am not sure we are with our porous defence. I’m afraid Ollie should not be a first choice selection currently. JvG has some testing decisions to make. We really need Hennessy back.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:joethefanaticQuote:theredseatQuote:@Hydor18
It worries me that Northampton are in our heads and we don’t believe we can beat them. What is worse, we’ve let them in as we certainly can.
We put on a great come back to beat them last time we played which doesn’t suggest they’re in our heads or we don’t believe we can beat them. I think they’re just a good team and we had a dreadful last half an hour
Saints forced us to have a dreadful last half hour and that is what we have to fix. But its fixable, so I'm not too worried.
The main concern I have is how poor our defence has become when compared to our title winning season. We have conceded more points than any other team this season, we will continue to be nothing more than a really entertaining team to watch if defence issues aren't resolved quickly.
Agree. The number of uncompleted tackles by ordinarily dependable players was startling. OK maybe 25% of those were on JJ van der Mescht, so there's special circumstances there, but the problem remains. Its not like we weren't in position to make the tackles either - they were just incomplete, leaving us short of defenders to cover the broken tackle.
We also had no real 7 on the field, even when Miles was still playing. If anyone, but especially Saints, get fast ruck ball, you are in deep trouble. However, we don't really seem have any specialist 7s anymore. We've bulked Sam and Miles up so much that they're really 6.5s now, Guy and Josh have always been 6s and Ted is an 8 masquerading as a 6. Without the front 5 blasting away the Jackalers, we are very vulnerable to teams that move the ball fast.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Northampton are a quality outfit, deserved champs and best team in the prem.
I dont think they're in our heads though, as we won a world class match against them in the europeans quarters. And we fielded a weekened team and we are adapting to new attack coach.
Watching highlights again, Green looks good and Kepu, what a prospect. Genuinely excited about our young players. But wish we now kept Butt!
Centers is a problem with Redpath and Lawrence just not producing enough right now. Looking forward to a class partnership of Ojomoh and Hennessy!!
I dont think they're in our heads though, as we won a world class match against them in the europeans quarters. And we fielded a weekened team and we are adapting to new attack coach.
Watching highlights again, Green looks good and Kepu, what a prospect. Genuinely excited about our young players. But wish we now kept Butt!
Centers is a problem with Redpath and Lawrence just not producing enough right now. Looking forward to a class partnership of Ojomoh and Hennessy!!
Quote:exbathballboy
Northampton are a quality outfit, deserved champs and best team in the prem.
I dont think they're in our heads though, as we won a world class match against them in the europeans quarters. And we fielded a weekened team and we are adapting to new attack coach.
Watching highlights again, Green looks good and Kepu, what a prospect. Genuinely excited about our young players. But wish we now kept Butt!
Centers is a problem with Redpath and Lawrence just not producing enough right now. Looking forward to a class partnership of Ojomoh and Hennessy!!
I thoight Cam looked like he may have been playing with a leg injury. His pace was just not there.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
I don't think we should be getting too upset about this game. Saints basically had a perfect match and a number of compounding factors led to us unravelling in the last 25 minutes.
If you look at Saturday's team versus the team against Exeter that defended so well, there are some notable absences – Pepper, Roux and Du Preez are all great tacklers with mighty engines and none of them played. And obviously Underhill is injured, as others have pointed out, and Miles Reid came off injured.
I know injuries means hands are often tied, but I think JVG needs to focus on getting the team balance right and I do think there are some signs that our fitness might not be as good as some other sides, and that is a bigger worry to me than our defence on Saturday.
If you look at Saturday's team versus the team against Exeter that defended so well, there are some notable absences – Pepper, Roux and Du Preez are all great tacklers with mighty engines and none of them played. And obviously Underhill is injured, as others have pointed out, and Miles Reid came off injured.
I know injuries means hands are often tied, but I think JVG needs to focus on getting the team balance right and I do think there are some signs that our fitness might not be as good as some other sides, and that is a bigger worry to me than our defence on Saturday.
I mean, if that is so, that is fair, because I think big Joe is also carrying a knock. And does limit you.
We do have a lot of injuries and knocks in the backs. We do ask a lot of them, with only 2 replacements on the bench.
But can't wait to see Richards, Jeanes, Green and co starting more! Up the Bath!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:12:06:05:46 by exbathballboy.
We do have a lot of injuries and knocks in the backs. We do ask a lot of them, with only 2 replacements on the bench.
But can't wait to see Richards, Jeanes, Green and co starting more! Up the Bath!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:12:06:05:46 by exbathballboy.
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