Bath
A GRIM DESCENT
van Graan: turnaround?
By theredseat
October 20 2026
LLWLWLWWLL. Ten games from the Bordeaux semi-final in May. Four victories in that time. Seven defeats. It’s not the form of contenders for trophies - it’s not even the form of playoff hopefuls. In recent years a trip up the M5 has provided some measure of relief from tougher challenges on the fixture calendar but Gloucester this season are a team on the up and will head into Friday night as favourites. How much can Bath put right in under a week?
The answer in reality is probably not as much as fans would hope for. Mike Prendergast is still new to the attack coach role and embedding his ideas and patterns is going to be a gradual process not a sudden one. The line out hasn’t been fully trustworthy for a while so the chances of something revelatory happening there in the space of a few days seems slim. Less tangibly, if confidence or morale is low only results and performance will truly resolve that however positive a week the squad have on the paddocks at Farleigh.
On the other hand, getting back to Johann van Graan’s second favourite mantra of being ‘tough to beat’ must be a non-negotiable. Too often over the last ten games Bath have ultimately lost the game with a lack of performance in the last 20-30 minutes which is tough to reconcile with a team who spent a good couple of years deploying its own Bomb Squad to such great effect. The loss of Thomas du Toit is part of that but can’t be the whole story. Where once our dominance at the end of games meant keeping it close for 50 odd minutes would be enough for a win against almost anyone, suddenly it feels like the reverse is true and teams are realising that Bath don’t have a full 80 minutes in them anymore. Even if the result this week goes with the formbook, van Graan and company must still show that we can be tougher to beat than we have been all too often in recent months. Making life hard for our hosts at the breakdown would be a good start.
Speaking of the man in charge, van Graan probably finds himself under more pressure right now than at any other time since joining the club. Credit in the bank means his job isn’t at stake (and nor should it be) but the boss does need to answer a question that hasn’t been asked of him so far in his four years at Bath: can he turn around a team on the slide? He has proven he can rebuild what he labelled ‘a broken club’. He has proven he can maintain strong performances week on week and deliver trophies. This feels like a different type of challenge and one that may need a different type of solution.
Which brings us to selection. We’ve heard often that players know when they will be required and teamsheets for blocks of fixtures are mostly planned out in advance with everyone having clarity on their role. That concept is easy to get on board with in good times when it feels like no matter which combination is sent into action you can be confident of a positive result with the added bonus of keeping players fresh for the business end of the season. What looks like rotating a strong squad for a winning team can easily look like chopping and changing for a losing one. Rewarding good performances and, perhaps more importantly, signalling that next week’s selection is not promised where players are not delivering feels like a more useful approach for the current situation. Several big members of the squad are also off contract in the summer and presumably are playing for their next deal, whether that comes at Bath or elsewhere which should serve as motivation if any were needed.
To come around to something of a positive, Arthur Green has been outstanding this season and with injuries to Miles Reid and Dan du Preez it would be a shock not to see him continue at 8 on Friday. He’s looking like not just Bath’s future in that shirt but potentially England’s as well and someone the club should be looking to empower and build around. Ewan Richards, Will Jeanes, Charlie Griffin and Josh Bayliss can also be given minimal blame for poor results and maybe their comparative youth and athleticism is part of the reason for that as the Prem becomes increasingly end to end and less a showcase for big lads running into each other.
Gloucester probably haven’t quite proven that they’re title contenders yet but there’s every reason to think they will be in the playoff mix based on evidence presented so far. They are also an example of how quickly things can change in this league. Whatever it is that Chris Boyd does with teams appears to work and they’ve added both class and steel to the spine of the team by bringing in Dewi Lake, Jean Kleyn and Jac Morgan over the summer. Perhaps more impressively they have got players like Charlie Atkinson, Will Trenholm and Will Joseph performing at a level that many suspected they were capable of but perhaps took a couple of years longer to reach than anticipated. They proved against the European champions that they can offer a tough test for anyone at the moment and there is no doubt Bath will have to raise their game to come away from Kingsholm with anything to show for their endeavours.
In JvG we still trust. Time to show some signs of life.
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StumbleuponA GRIM DESCENT. TEAM UP!
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 20/10/2026 13:56
20/10/2026 13:56
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:22:12:04:54 by P G Tips.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:22:12:04:54 by P G Tips.
Good preview trs-thanks very much.
This will be a test of character and grit as much as anything else. The weather is likely to be poor-and a leveller, so a slogfest could be on the cards. Tackling, handling, discipline and accuracy will be at a prmium.
PG
This will be a test of character and grit as much as anything else. The weather is likely to be poor-and a leveller, so a slogfest could be on the cards. Tackling, handling, discipline and accuracy will be at a prmium.
PG
4 victories.
We did win the Exeter game.
10 games
LLWLWLWWLL
BATH supporter since 1975
Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart
We did win the Exeter game.
10 games
LLWLWLWWLL
BATH supporter since 1975
Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart
Quote:jayeatman
4 victories.
We did win the Exeter game.
10 games
LLWLWLWWLL
Ah good spot. Semi final trauma rearing up when I went through the scores perhaps
Can't argue with the rest of your article though.
I think those 10 games reveal an issue with our second string half backs.
We're not the same team without Ben and Finn.
You'd have thought with BvdL emerging, Donoghue back from injury, and Santi settled in, we'd be in a better place this season.
Too many of the senior players are underperforming, Obano, Dunn, Stuart, Ewels, Hill, Lawrence, JoeC, Santi, perhaps it's just a slow start but it feels like Lawrence keeps on being selected in the hope he'll play himself back into form. That wouldn't have happened had Hennessy been fit.
Last season our problem was a slow start. Perhaps turning that around explains us tiring more in the second half, plus without TdT & FvW, an effective bomb squad is history. Maybe when Sela & Bhatti are back...
Hoping for, but not expecting, a turnaround on Friday night.
I'll be there, Swissair and the M4/A417 allowing!
BATH supporter since 1975
Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart
I think those 10 games reveal an issue with our second string half backs.
We're not the same team without Ben and Finn.
You'd have thought with BvdL emerging, Donoghue back from injury, and Santi settled in, we'd be in a better place this season.
Too many of the senior players are underperforming, Obano, Dunn, Stuart, Ewels, Hill, Lawrence, JoeC, Santi, perhaps it's just a slow start but it feels like Lawrence keeps on being selected in the hope he'll play himself back into form. That wouldn't have happened had Hennessy been fit.
Last season our problem was a slow start. Perhaps turning that around explains us tiring more in the second half, plus without TdT & FvW, an effective bomb squad is history. Maybe when Sela & Bhatti are back...
Hoping for, but not expecting, a turnaround on Friday night.
I'll be there, Swissair and the M4/A417 allowing!
BATH supporter since 1975
Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart
Some better news on the injury front:
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Miles Reid- much missed in the second half v Saints - available for this weekend.
Muir, Arundell, de Glanville all training and near return.
PG
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Miles Reid- much missed in the second half v Saints - available for this weekend.
Muir, Arundell, de Glanville all training and near return.
PG
Over to you JvG for the selection on this one! Super tricky to get the balance here, of rewarding youth and form (those few who have it!), needing experience in front of the Shed, giving older heads the chance to put some wrongs right etc. Would be terrific if one of Muir, Arundell or TdG were to make it but not sure if they will.
My team for the biggest game since... last week!
Obano Frost Stuart Roux Ewels Bayliss Reid Green
Spencer Russell Muir/Arundell/TDG/Griffin Mojo Redpath Hennessy Santi
Kepu Kirk Griffin Hill Pepper BVDL Lawrence Coetzee
My team for the biggest game since... last week!
Obano Frost Stuart Roux Ewels Bayliss Reid Green
Spencer Russell Muir/Arundell/TDG/Griffin Mojo Redpath Hennessy Santi
Kepu Kirk Griffin Hill Pepper BVDL Lawrence Coetzee
JvG obviously has full trust and respect from all of us because of the brilliant job he’s done. However he’s being let down by his coaches at present, leaky defence, non existent attack and inconsistent lineout.
Not enough time from last week’s debacle to fix anything so a LBP will probably be the best outcome we can expect.
Our cause isn’t going to be helped by the terrible Ridley in charge of proceedings, haven’t forgiven him for his handling of our semi last season.
Not enough time from last week’s debacle to fix anything so a LBP will probably be the best outcome we can expect.
Our cause isn’t going to be helped by the terrible Ridley in charge of proceedings, haven’t forgiven him for his handling of our semi last season.
Nice write up. Captures the mood pretty well! With your words and last 2 weeks in mind I'd go:
Beno, Kepu, Stuart, Roux, Ewels, Reid, Pepper, Green, Spencer, Finn, Griffin, Mojo, Redpath, Santi/Arundel, TdG/Santi
Kirk, Dunn, Griffin, Jeanes, Bayliss, BvdL, Donoghue/Santi, Coetzee
Am assuming Roux is fit. Jeanes hard done by but we really need to front up against a revitalised Glos pack in a hostile environment. Roux and Reid provide starting give us our best chance of doing so, IMO.
On the back 3 it's less certain. Hopefully TdG is fit as he's our most assured and defensively-sound FB. Would go Santi on the wing if Arundel not fit and give Big Joe the week off.
Beno, Kepu, Stuart, Roux, Ewels, Reid, Pepper, Green, Spencer, Finn, Griffin, Mojo, Redpath, Santi/Arundel, TdG/Santi
Kirk, Dunn, Griffin, Jeanes, Bayliss, BvdL, Donoghue/Santi, Coetzee
Am assuming Roux is fit. Jeanes hard done by but we really need to front up against a revitalised Glos pack in a hostile environment. Roux and Reid provide starting give us our best chance of doing so, IMO.
On the back 3 it's less certain. Hopefully TdG is fit as he's our most assured and defensively-sound FB. Would go Santi on the wing if Arundel not fit and give Big Joe the week off.
We need to be much more physical up front and especially competitive at the breakdown. Glos were excellent in that area v UBB
For the first time in a very long time I will be watching with very little expectation of a win
For the first time in a very long time I will be watching with very little expectation of a win
Yes agree- it's the same in every single game, but we've been second best up front and on the floor for a couple of weeks now. The thought of Jac Morgan on the floor claiming yet another t/o is utterly terrifying. Need Frost, Roux, Ewels, Reid, Redpath to go to work and get involved at every breakdown, even if it means we then have to slow it down and kick the ball in the air.
With that in mind, I suspect we might got 12 Redpath 13 Lawrence to give us as much weight and physicality as possible.
With that in mind, I suspect we might got 12 Redpath 13 Lawrence to give us as much weight and physicality as possible.
A great way to start the return to the Prem.
"Derby" day is always one of the better weekends of the calendar and whilst a trip to Bears country has been a banana-skin for Bath for a while it will be interesting to see how a for Glaws go at home as favourites.
Tigers Saints on Saturday followed by the "hide behind the sofa" London derby. Hopefully the weekends rugby can banish the thought of the European weekend.
"Derby" day is always one of the better weekends of the calendar and whilst a trip to Bears country has been a banana-skin for Bath for a while it will be interesting to see how a for Glaws go at home as favourites.
Tigers Saints on Saturday followed by the "hide behind the sofa" London derby. Hopefully the weekends rugby can banish the thought of the European weekend.
I fear I have picked the wrong season to visit Castle Grim again.
Hoping for a huge reaction to the second half performance against Montpellier.
Morgan this week and the Curry twins next will be licking their lips for the breakdown.
Hoping for a huge reaction to the second half performance against Montpellier.
Morgan this week and the Curry twins next will be licking their lips for the breakdown.
Glaws pack did a number on UBB but I think that was mostly due to them picking big ben in the row. The Glaws front 5 is similar to ours - a great front row with mobile but relatively light locks. Their point of difference is Jac Morgann and I'd be tasking whoever our 7 is with just man to man marking him. If we can get parity at the breakdown, it might be enough. Its also a plastic pitch so I'd be very tempted to give Santi a run at 10, as a course specialist. Finn is not on form and forcing the game at Castle Grim is a recipe for a lot of pain for everyone in BBW.
We can win, but its going to be close if we do.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
We can win, but its going to be close if we do.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:joethefanatic
Glaws pack did a number on UBB but I think that was mostly due to them picking big ben in the row. The Glaws front 5 is similar to ours - a great front row with mobile but relatively light locks. Their point of difference is Jac Morgann and I'd be tasking whoever our 7 is with just man to man marking him. If we can get parity at the breakdown, it might be enough. Its also a plastic pitch so I'd be very tempted to give Santi a run at 10, as a course specialist. Finn is not on form and forcing the game at Castle Grim is a recipe for a lot of pain for everyone in BBW.
We can win, but its going to be close if we do.
Interesting point about Santi! Not sure I'd agree about Finn not being on form – he hardly had much decent ball to work with against Montpellier,
Big game, and looking forward to it. I am finding the youngsters being given a chance really refreshing.
This would be my team.
Kirk Tepu Stuart
Roux Richards
Bayliss. Reid
Green
Griffin. Spencer Donoghue Ojomoh Hennessey Arundell
Carrareas
Resting Obano and Pepper. Kepu i think should be now starting every game. Ewels is not himself this season, I would choose Richards ahead of Jeanes just for prem experience.
Resting Russell, if Hennessey and Arundell are fit, I would throw them in, Big Joe needs a rest and a reset and so to Lawrence.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:21:00:02:24 by exbathballboy.
This would be my team.
Kirk Tepu Stuart
Roux Richards
Bayliss. Reid
Green
Griffin. Spencer Donoghue Ojomoh Hennessey Arundell
Carrareas
Resting Obano and Pepper. Kepu i think should be now starting every game. Ewels is not himself this season, I would choose Richards ahead of Jeanes just for prem experience.
Resting Russell, if Hennessey and Arundell are fit, I would throw them in, Big Joe needs a rest and a reset and so to Lawrence.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:21:00:02:24 by exbathballboy.
Quote:Mini MaximusQuote:joethefanatic
Glaws pack did a number on UBB but I think that was mostly due to them picking big ben in the row. The Glaws front 5 is similar to ours - a great front row with mobile but relatively light locks. Their point of difference is Jac Morgann and I'd be tasking whoever our 7 is with just man to man marking him. If we can get parity at the breakdown, it might be enough. Its also a plastic pitch so I'd be very tempted to give Santi a run at 10, as a course specialist. Finn is not on form and forcing the game at Castle Grim is a recipe for a lot of pain for everyone in BBW.
We can win, but its going to be close if we do.
Interesting point about Santi! Not sure I'd agree about Finn not being on form – he hardly had much decent ball to work with against Montpellier,
Exactly. Hastings was loving the ball and time he had
TEAM UP, looks strange, a heavy defeat looming
Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Miles Reid, 9 Ben Spencer, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Tyler Offiah, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Louie Hennessey, 15 Santi Carreras
Replacements: 16 Dan Frost, 17 Scott Kirk, 18 Kieran Verden, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Ciaran Donoghue, 23 Arthur Green
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:22:11:59:15 by nick holder.
Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Miles Reid, 9 Ben Spencer, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Tyler Offiah, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Louie Hennessey, 15 Santi Carreras
Replacements: 16 Dan Frost, 17 Scott Kirk, 18 Kieran Verden, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Ciaran Donoghue, 23 Arthur Green
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:22:11:59:15 by nick holder.
Blimey that is interesting......
I suppose Will Stuart is rested........
BVDL injured.......again?
Will Jeanes?
I suppose Will Stuart is rested........
BVDL injured.......again?
Will Jeanes?
Gloucester
15 | George Barton (#1946)
14 | Ollie Thorley (#1850)
13 | Will Joseph (#2044)
12 | Max Llewellyn (#2013)
11 | Will Knight (#2050)
10 | Charlie Atkinson (#2016)
09 | Caolan Englefield (#2011)
1 | Val Rapava Ruskin (#1915)
2 | Seb Blake (#1993)
3 | Ciaran Knight (#1905)
4 | Jean Kleyn (#2074)
5 | Arthur Clark (#1990)
6 | Freddie Thomas (#1972)
7 | Jac Morgan (C) (#2076)
8 | Jack Clement (#1947)
Replacements
16 | Jack Innard (#2047)
17 | Dian Bleuler (#2064)
18 | Afo Fasogbon (#2009)
19 | Will Trenholm (#2054)
20 | Lewis Ludlow (#1851)
21 | Dan Robson (#1806)
22 | Max Knight (#2026)
23 | Ben Redshaw (#2065)
Injury Update
Dewi Lake (head) and Seb Atkinson (knee) are both unavailable for selection following knocks picked up against Union Bordeaux Begles, but should return next week. Meanwhile, Ben Loader is expected to be out of action till December after suffering a hamstring injury last Friday night.
15 | George Barton (#1946)
14 | Ollie Thorley (#1850)
13 | Will Joseph (#2044)
12 | Max Llewellyn (#2013)
11 | Will Knight (#2050)
10 | Charlie Atkinson (#2016)
09 | Caolan Englefield (#2011)
1 | Val Rapava Ruskin (#1915)
2 | Seb Blake (#1993)
3 | Ciaran Knight (#1905)
4 | Jean Kleyn (#2074)
5 | Arthur Clark (#1990)
6 | Freddie Thomas (#1972)
7 | Jac Morgan (C) (#2076)
8 | Jack Clement (#1947)
Replacements
16 | Jack Innard (#2047)
17 | Dian Bleuler (#2064)
18 | Afo Fasogbon (#2009)
19 | Will Trenholm (#2054)
20 | Lewis Ludlow (#1851)
21 | Dan Robson (#1806)
22 | Max Knight (#2026)
23 | Ben Redshaw (#2065)
Injury Update
Dewi Lake (head) and Seb Atkinson (knee) are both unavailable for selection following knocks picked up against Union Bordeaux Begles, but should return next week. Meanwhile, Ben Loader is expected to be out of action till December after suffering a hamstring injury last Friday night.
That team is certainly a collection of names that play for Bath. No idea what to expect there really.
So what better alternative are there then? Clearly players are injured.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Quote:shipwrecked
So what better alternative are there then? Clearly players are injured.
I’m not sure that’s clear (at least to me). Dunn, Roux, Richards, Stuart, Jeanes, Coetzee, BvdL, Ojomoh, Griffin, Cokanasiga is a long list of players not involved that we don’t have any information for. Some of those being rotated out seems logical but a good number you’d expect to be involved tomorrow
Quote:theredseatQuote:shipwrecked
So what better alternative are there then? Clearly players are injured.
I’m not sure that’s clear (at least to me). Dunn, Roux, Richards, Stuart, Jeanes, Coetzee, BvdL, Ojomoh, Griffin, Cokanasiga is a long list of players not involved that we don’t have any information for. Some of those being rotated out seems logical but a good number you’d expect to be involved tomorrow
I'm not sure you can go from introduction to weekly selection for the younger introductions, (Jeanes and Griffin) I'd put Kepu and Dunn as parity now, the others took knock if I remember except Richards and Ojomoh who I agree is a bit strange.
JVG was critical of the players last week for making "individual errors" so perhaps those he was referring to have paid the price?
I wondered if we might see Finn rested for this one and someone else given some time at 10. It would be interesting to hears why JvG has gone with this selection and how it fits into to wider season, but I suspect he will keep his cards close to his chest and give the usual media platitudes about taking it one game at a time and only focusing on ourselves - perfectly valid approach, but I’d love a behind the scenes documentary to could out after the season explaining it really.
Interesting selection. I’d have put Hennessey in the centres and given Charlie Griffin another run out on the wing, resting OL. But pleased to see LH back on the team sheet, he was on great form before injury. Front five won’t be lacking in weight, and decent argument that is our premier back row (especially for a faster plastic pitch). I think it will be closer than we fear… Seb Atkinson and Dewi Lake are significant losses for them
I don't mind this XV. Only one I think is a big blow is no Stuart, but even if he's technically fit to play it's perhaps also the most logical decision, with minutes being managed after a long lay off.
I think a lot of the picks come down to one word: energy. Young lads with a point to prove, such as Kepu, Epoku, Offiah, Hennessy, will bring some fire. Sprinkled in amongst the experience of Beno and Ewels, a top class back row and half backs and centres who need big games, I think it's quite well balanced and (unless the young lads get startled by the Shed!) could bring a nice combo of cool heads and big energy. He's been quiet but I'll have a fiver on Guy Pepper being MotM!
Biggest selection news is on their side, where Lake and Seb Atkinson miss out. Huge plus for us.
I think a lot of the picks come down to one word: energy. Young lads with a point to prove, such as Kepu, Epoku, Offiah, Hennessy, will bring some fire. Sprinkled in amongst the experience of Beno and Ewels, a top class back row and half backs and centres who need big games, I think it's quite well balanced and (unless the young lads get startled by the Shed!) could bring a nice combo of cool heads and big energy. He's been quiet but I'll have a fiver on Guy Pepper being MotM!
Biggest selection news is on their side, where Lake and Seb Atkinson miss out. Huge plus for us.
Interesting selection, injuries, rotations, dropped ?
Hopefully between some younger blood and a reaction to the second half performance against Montpellier we will put up a decent fight.
Hopefully between some younger blood and a reaction to the second half performance against Montpellier we will put up a decent fight.
The likes of Enoch and Tyler may well bring "fire" but it is composure and avoiding significant error under intense pressure in front of the Shed that will be the big test as to whether they are good calls for this game
I don't think rotation or rest are in Finn's vocabulary. I think he wants to play every minute of every game!!!
Just wish we could pick our strongest side for a few weeks to get some form. Another week of rotation and different centre pairing. Wonder how many other teams will rotate on Derby weekend? Really hope we can dig in and win this but I'm not confident.
This idea of setting out a run of games with pre-selected teams sounds all very well and no doubt helpful for the players, coaches and physio's, but a bit like politics 'events' get in the way. The weather is the obvious one, form is another - would you pick the same team to play in a storm as you would for a warm dry afternoon? It sounds very much like coaches spending too much time on their computer and too little on the training field.
Everybody tells us to get used to the professional game, which is fine most of the time but when you are charging some of the highest ticket prices in the league you don't have long to get back to winning ways.
Everybody tells us to get used to the professional game, which is fine most of the time but when you are charging some of the highest ticket prices in the league you don't have long to get back to winning ways.
This selection smacks of a combination of injuries and the coaches not really knowing how to fix our poor form this season.
Griffin and Green were the only players close to any credit last week’s debacle yet they get dropped. Madness.
Lawrence just isn’t playing well yet he seems to get a free pass every week.
Can understand resting Stewart and not playing Jaco on their dodgy plastic pitch.
Some players seem to made of glass, for example BVDL and DDP. With such a low salary cap it’s difficult to see how we can carry those players.
Glos will be happy with our team selection.
Griffin and Green were the only players close to any credit last week’s debacle yet they get dropped. Madness.
Lawrence just isn’t playing well yet he seems to get a free pass every week.
Can understand resting Stewart and not playing Jaco on their dodgy plastic pitch.
Some players seem to made of glass, for example BVDL and DDP. With such a low salary cap it’s difficult to see how we can carry those players.
Glos will be happy with our team selection.
I think this selection is with the Sale home fixture very much in JVG's mind. Regardless of what happens tomorrow in a game likely to be spoilt by the weather, Sale is a must win game.
Can't decide if i love that selection ..defo fairly baffled by it but excited about seeing about how the likes of enoch and offiah go.
Enoch at lock as well. Is roux injured?
Guess that backrow is our best avilable options for slowing ball up.
Lack of back 3 players available saves ollie i think. Assume resting mojo.
Richards missing is odd if available.
Not at all confident. Terribke weather could be a leveller and help us
Enoch at lock as well. Is roux injured?
Guess that backrow is our best avilable options for slowing ball up.
Lack of back 3 players available saves ollie i think. Assume resting mojo.
Richards missing is odd if available.
Not at all confident. Terribke weather could be a leveller and help us
Wet and windy on a plastic pitch - this is a game for energy and opportunity. I’m excited to see how this team plays, compared to the last few outings. A selection based around, rotation, protection (plastic pitch and weather) and recent performances.
Forwards - you can see a realistic case to see 7/8 in that starting lineup playing to be at the World Cup and 6/7 of the backs. The average age of the 23 is only 26. There may be some more established players in our squad but with injuries and form I’m looking forward to watching this young team grow.
Forwards - you can see a realistic case to see 7/8 in that starting lineup playing to be at the World Cup and 6/7 of the backs. The average age of the 23 is only 26. There may be some more established players in our squad but with injuries and form I’m looking forward to watching this young team grow.
I'm excited for EOG.
I'm a bit surprised no Griffin on the wing. I'm excited for Tyler.
Ollie... must be in last chance saloon.
The squad should be chastened. I'm excited to see their response.
I always more confident when Miles Reid is in the squad.
I'm a bit surprised no Griffin on the wing. I'm excited for Tyler.
Ollie... must be in last chance saloon.
The squad should be chastened. I'm excited to see their response.
I always more confident when Miles Reid is in the squad.
I got to give credit to JVG for picking more talented youngsters. I have been critical of him for a while.
But that shows squad commitment and development.
I would have liked Roux over Ewels, as I dont think Ewels is performing.
Where is Max Ojomoh!!
Also excited to see Opoku-Gyamfi (he got his Italian call up) and Offiah, big game for them.
Also so glad Tuipulotu is starting, we need a reset and some fresh energy. Griffin, Hennessey, got calls! Great that we're developing internationals!
Would have rested Russell, not because of form, because he has played everygame and will play so much rugby.
I'm excited, I don't think we will win, but I will be cheering on our young guns!!
But that shows squad commitment and development.
I would have liked Roux over Ewels, as I dont think Ewels is performing.
Where is Max Ojomoh!!
Also excited to see Opoku-Gyamfi (he got his Italian call up) and Offiah, big game for them.
Also so glad Tuipulotu is starting, we need a reset and some fresh energy. Griffin, Hennessey, got calls! Great that we're developing internationals!
Would have rested Russell, not because of form, because he has played everygame and will play so much rugby.
I'm excited, I don't think we will win, but I will be cheering on our young guns!!
Quote:hasta
I'm excited for EOG.
I'm a bit surprised no Griffin on the wing. I'm excited for Tyler.
Ollie... must be in last chance saloon.
The squad should be chastened. I'm excited to see their response.
I always more confident when Miles Reid is in the squad.
Me too re EOG- really destructive.
Maybe griffin injured? Feels well suited to tonight's game. That is nor a back 3 you would ideally have on a wet and windy evening ( ideal maybe tdg/ muir/ griffin).
Ageee on miles. For me it was him at 8 plus 2 orhers
I think EOG will be only on for 2/3 of the game, replaced by Hill or Molony. That sort of explosive play can't be sustained full term. I worry a bit about injury!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
On the Russell point it will be interested to check on various players workload this Autumn. The new competition may mean an extra game or two of rest for some players depending on how their teams are doing or how seriously teams are taking doing well in it. For Finn he could play the Aus and NZ games, rest v Japan and then maybe not play the finals weekend fixture if Scotland aren't in contention
Equally with a year until the WC teams may go flat out a bit more often but worth keeping an eye on
Equally with a year until the WC teams may go flat out a bit more often but worth keeping an eye on
The plastic pitch element is interesting. I don't know how "plastic" Glos' pitch is, but there was all that stuff earlier in the month about Lam resting many first pick players for their trip to Sarries. Roux, Coetzee, Stuart have all had major leg problems (JCok, BVDL to a lesser extent) of late, so maybe we're having to leave a few behind because of the surface.
I find it odd that a club's pitch affects the opposition's selection. But then again when reading about Sarries' old 3G, it was me wonder about the Sarries players who have to play on it every other week. If the surfaces is dangerous, surely George's and Itoje's knees should be in bits by now? As said, don't have the knowledge but feels like a few of our injury returners might be rested because of the pitch.
I find it odd that a club's pitch affects the opposition's selection. But then again when reading about Sarries' old 3G, it was me wonder about the Sarries players who have to play on it every other week. If the surfaces is dangerous, surely George's and Itoje's knees should be in bits by now? As said, don't have the knowledge but feels like a few of our injury returners might be rested because of the pitch.
Quote:OutsideBath
This selection smacks of a combination of injuries and the coaches not really knowing how to fix our poor form this season.
Just wondering, have I ever mentioned Confirmation Bias?
Interesting selection 2 guys who have hardly played in the prem - 1 game each?
Assuming the BBC weather forecast is correct the severe wind will drop from 40 to around 20 at 17.00 and there is zero % chance of rain at 19.00
Assuming the BBC weather forecast is correct the severe wind will drop from 40 to around 20 at 17.00 and there is zero % chance of rain at 19.00
There was a very recent time when we revelled in the appearance that we had such a coherent and identifiable way of playing that any permutation of the wider squad would slot straight in. It doesn't really feel that way just now, and it's quite hard to make out whether we're chasing the Saints model of attacking rugby, or overpowering sides with a big bomb squad component. The weather looks as though it may have settled down a bit this evening, but I very much doubt that we'll really know where we're headed by the end of this match.
Some interesting calls and - as Dr B notes - the 3G pitch must be a factor in some of these calls. That said, even more baffled at OL selection if that is the case.
Reading up on it, sounds like Glos pitch is the same technology as Sarries' but just not as worn. Also listened to the new LRZ/Marcus Smith thing earlier and they describe StoneX pitch as "like concrete". Apparently this is down to usage and Glos isn't as bad but both agreed the biggest concern was not burns but ACL/achilles injuries.
Anyway, battle of the 7s tonight. Be interesting to see how Pepper goes vs Morgan. Reid back feels massive. Has quietly become one of our most important players.
Interested to see how Offiah, EOG and Carreras go tonight. No Lake and Atkinson has me feeling a lot more confident that at start of the week!
Reading up on it, sounds like Glos pitch is the same technology as Sarries' but just not as worn. Also listened to the new LRZ/Marcus Smith thing earlier and they describe StoneX pitch as "like concrete". Apparently this is down to usage and Glos isn't as bad but both agreed the biggest concern was not burns but ACL/achilles injuries.
Anyway, battle of the 7s tonight. Be interesting to see how Pepper goes vs Morgan. Reid back feels massive. Has quietly become one of our most important players.
Interested to see how Offiah, EOG and Carreras go tonight. No Lake and Atkinson has me feeling a lot more confident that at start of the week!
Quote:Optimist
There was a very recent time when we revelled in the appearance that we had such a coherent and identifiable way of playing that any permutation of the wider squad would slot straight in. It doesn't really feel that way just now, and it's quite hard to make out whether we're chasing the Saints model of attacking rugby, or overpowering sides with a big bomb squad component. The weather looks as though it may have settled down a bit this evening, but I very much doubt that we'll really know where we're headed by the end of this match.
Pretty much my thinking after the Montpellier game that it seemed we were moving between the fast ball, open attacking from anywhere with some players still in the slower power, control and kick to regain game
And consequently not doing either well enough
That aside my bigger worries are that the Glos pack will expose our apparent weakness and timidity at the breakdown and a mixture of weird ball bounce on the 3G pitch and the donkey baying shed will induce some key errors in our rookies
They really need to ban these bloody awful plastic pitches.
That's Santi out for months
That's Santi out for months
Quote:Dorset Boy
They really need to ban these bloody awful plastic pitches.
That's Santi out for months
Plus one. That looks bad
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:Dorset Boy
They really need to ban these bloody awful plastic pitches.
That's Santi out for months
Plus one. That looks bad
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Gods TNT production is getting worse- constantly missing restarts, cutting away to coaches etc. when something is actually happening on the pitch
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Brilliant tackling from Gloucester. Not sure a single one of them rolled away but the tackling itself is outstanding
Gyamfi scores - has looked very impressive since far
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Scratch that he’s lost it
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Our inaccuracies are ridiculous
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
If we can’t score against 13 players we don’t deserve to win
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:A.M 180
Have we shot our shots?
You fear so
We are actually playing against the wind so hopefully not
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Yes! Finally get the execution right- good time to score
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Obviously highly frustrating not to take our chances in that first half but if you offered me 40 mins into the wind where we haven’t given Glos a sniff of the try line I’d have taken it all week
Bayliss needs some help in that back row. He's been good but Pepper poor again and Reid looks extremely lightweight in the carry tonight. Green and Hill asap please
Bayliss needs some help in that back row. He's been good but Pepper poor again and Reid looks extremely lightweight in the carry tonight. Green and Hill asap please
Incredible defensive effort from Gloucester and really smart game mangement from them.
I wonder how many penalties they have given away in their own 22 in that half.
Not sure you should be given a holding on penalty when you barely have one hand on the ball and only momentarily.
Hopefully we can correct our inabilities to score in the second half seeing as we had been averaging 4 tries in the first half!
I wonder how many penalties they have given away in their own 22 in that half.
Not sure you should be given a holding on penalty when you barely have one hand on the ball and only momentarily.
Hopefully we can correct our inabilities to score in the second half seeing as we had been averaging 4 tries in the first half!
Proper half of rugby, that.
We are not playing badly just slightly inaccurate in the execution. Glaws defence is epic but I doubt they can keep it up for another 40 minutes and we've shown we can score with the maul so I expect to see a lot more of that approach. Our scrum looks like its on top but our backs look disjointed and having 2 inexperienced wingers is not helping.
It's going to be close.
I hope Santi is OK but that looked bad.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
We are not playing badly just slightly inaccurate in the execution. Glaws defence is epic but I doubt they can keep it up for another 40 minutes and we've shown we can score with the maul so I expect to see a lot more of that approach. Our scrum looks like its on top but our backs look disjointed and having 2 inexperienced wingers is not helping.
It's going to be close.
I hope Santi is OK but that looked bad.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
How have we cocked up a maul try
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Sigh - Spencer watches the maul into touch and the ball is RIGHT THERE to go
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:P G Tips
Need to use the backs a bit more at close range.
PG
Even if to put the uncertainty into Glos as to what we do in the 22 - far too predictable atm
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:Yuphasta
Sigh. A lesson in efficiency.
Without it, we are a chocolate teapot
Oh look - you can use backs to score at close range
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Pathetic from Bath. No point having the backline we do when we just refuse to use them. So disappointing.
Awful awful one dimensional nonsense
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
So at what point do we admit we’re in a crisis- a mini one, but a crisis nonetheless
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Need to have a look at themselves and that includes the coaches. Can't imagine Bruce and Dyson will be pleased with how we've been playing as well as the style we are playing. Not to mention how much money that has been pumped into this squad as well. in my opinion feels like there is a lot of dead wood on decent money.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:23:21:21:59 by Florida97.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:23:21:21:59 by Florida97.
…and that’s why you always put someone up
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:Lose next week and Top 4 starts to look very difficultToast and Marmite
So at what point do we admit we’re in a crisis- a mini one, but a crisis nonetheless
Quote:Toast and Marmite
So at what point do we admit we’re in a crisis- a mini one, but a crisis nonetheless
A week ago.
Lawrence is just not good enough anymore
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:hastaQuote:Toast and Marmite
So at what point do we admit we’re in a crisis- a mini one, but a crisis nonetheless
A week ago.
I think the supporters admit it, I am not convinced the management and team have admitted it
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
i think there's going to be some very hard questions asked about coaches, players from the owners. Ollie Lawrence looks very average, going forward i can't remember the last time he broke a tackle, defensively he looks at this present time very poor. Our recruitment has been poor for this season and i would even say last season as well. Really disappointed with how our season has gone so far.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:23:21:31:51 by Florida97.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:23:21:31:51 by Florida97.
Coaching is awful.
We look like Munster when JVG was coaching them. So one Dimensional.
Blaze - forward coach, what is going on!
Seriously so upset, This is terrible, how many yellow cards in the backs! Have Gloucester had.
Just get the ball out wide! We are now seeing the real bath and coaching team....
We look like Munster when JVG was coaching them. So one Dimensional.
Blaze - forward coach, what is going on!
Seriously so upset, This is terrible, how many yellow cards in the backs! Have Gloucester had.
Just get the ball out wide! We are now seeing the real bath and coaching team....
Absolutely cretinous from Donoghue - needed to go or cut back inside
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
We just went wide and Donaghue ran into touch. He's also not had a good game. Again.
Quote:hasta
We just went wide and Donaghue ran into touch. He's also not had a good game. Again.
And compounds it by leathering the ball dead in goal
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
We had more than enough possession to build a lead, even with Gloucester's fantastic defence.
We just are not at all clinical and heading for another nil points in the second half.
Will struggle to get anything out of this and another bad injury.
Finn missing touch sums up where we are.
Sale have lost at Falcons
We just are not at all clinical and heading for another nil points in the second half.
Will struggle to get anything out of this and another bad injury.
Finn missing touch sums up where we are.
Sale have lost at Falcons
This is dire in so many aspects - I don’t know where to begin
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Congrats Gloucester, Proper backs to gthe wall most of the game, but clinical when needed.
Jac Morgan has really shown how good he is tonight.
Bath need to do a lot od soul searching.
Jac Morgan has really shown how good he is tonight.
Bath need to do a lot od soul searching.
I’m bored of watching the same dross we have been serving up since the beginning of the year, with seemingly nobody in the side able to change or adapt
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Just awful, sorry but just awful.
JVG now is underpressure, the whole coaching set up is under pressure.
We're in a mini-crisis.
And yes I am reacting emotionally! But it is that bad!
JVG now is underpressure, the whole coaching set up is under pressure.
We're in a mini-crisis.
And yes I am reacting emotionally! But it is that bad!
The lack of second half points is a massive crisis.
Unless we start clicking it's going to be another long, long season.
Unless we start clicking it's going to be another long, long season.
Got what we deserved again there. Blow that many chances at the line and you’re going to lose games.
Several things sum up where we are but our back row has fallen off a cliff this season. We have no threat over the ball and no ability to give ourselves quick ball or slow the oppositions. No shame in being out played by Jac Morgan because he’s head and shoulders over any other 7 in the league but slow one out carries aren’t the way to go
Several things sum up where we are but our back row has fallen off a cliff this season. We have no threat over the ball and no ability to give ourselves quick ball or slow the oppositions. No shame in being out played by Jac Morgan because he’s head and shoulders over any other 7 in the league but slow one out carries aren’t the way to go
Just watched the match. Schooled. Glaws were just better than us all round and deserved their victory. We look like a bunch of individuals playing rugby - not a team - and Finn needs to be "rested". Shame our back up 10 looks like being out for months. There seemed to be no direction or urgency in what we were doing and a real lack of intensity. Just not good enough. A lot of good teams are going to lose to Glaws this season but they showed us just how far we have to climb.
My MotM - Jac Morgann by a country mile. A leader, an absolute naus and a great player.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:23:23:10:11 by joethefanatic.
My MotM - Jac Morgann by a country mile. A leader, an absolute naus and a great player.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:23:23:10:11 by joethefanatic.
I know we have injuries, but there are senior players in that team that simply aren’t performing at the requisite level.
I wonder how much longer Dyson and Craig will tolerate it.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
I wonder how much longer Dyson and Craig will tolerate it.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
We were all over them for much of the game. Kepu and Enoch showing their inexperience getting held up. It’s worrying that our backline has zero threat. Lawrence was unplayable at one point, and seemingly always 2 or 3 metres from the ball.
Hopefully this is a lesson learned. Felt like we approached the preseason with arrogance and this is the humble pie we need.
Hopefully this is a lesson learned. Felt like we approached the preseason with arrogance and this is the humble pie we need.
The TNT commentary team got it right near the end- Gloucester praised for physicality in defence and their attitude but they also played smart. Bath did not.
That said, a touch more accuracy and control and bath would have been 19 or 21 up before Gloucester scored. Basic skills seem to have deserted us.
Only plus points were three youngsters -Opoku-Gyamfi, Tuipulotu & (although he had little ball, little space) Offiah who fought every time he was involved.
PG
That said, a touch more accuracy and control and bath would have been 19 or 21 up before Gloucester scored. Basic skills seem to have deserted us.
Only plus points were three youngsters -Opoku-Gyamfi, Tuipulotu & (although he had little ball, little space) Offiah who fought every time he was involved.
PG
[quote Dorset Boy]The lack of second half points is a massive crisis.
Unless we start clicking it's going to be another long, long season.[/quote
How can they click when we have a totally different set of backs each week. Gloucester pick a settled team and it showed. Don't get rotating a month into a new season.
Unless we start clicking it's going to be another long, long season.[/quote
How can they click when we have a totally different set of backs each week. Gloucester pick a settled team and it showed. Don't get rotating a month into a new season.
They’ve been poor all season, failing with the basics, not looking like the same team at all & why OL has been continually selected makes no sense.
Quote:theredseat
Several things sum up where we are but our back row has fallen off a cliff this season. We have no threat over the ball and no ability to give ourselves quick ball or slow the oppositions.
Bit dramatic. I think we did pretty well at the breakdown tonight.
Gloucester defence very good but for 2nd week running your Execution in 22 v. poor. Where was the kick passes from Finn when having Pen advantage?
Should have been twenty points up at half time.
Plastic pitch claiming two more serious injuries - certainly blaming it for Santi’s injury, likely Pepper too.
A lot more ingenuity required in the 22… need to realise TdT has gone and with it the ability to just bully ourselves over.
Plastic pitch claiming two more serious injuries - certainly blaming it for Santi’s injury, likely Pepper too.
A lot more ingenuity required in the 22… need to realise TdT has gone and with it the ability to just bully ourselves over.
Props for Tuipulotu, Gyamfi, Offiah for his high ball work and Archie Griffin who looks reborn since his toe op.
On field leadership to try something different when route one isn’t working is lacking again. Whatever we chucked at Glaws, they gave 10% more. As noted in earlier discussions the Bomb Squad isn’t suited to the latest interpretation of laws which need a fast and fit game style.
On field leadership to try something different when route one isn’t working is lacking again. Whatever we chucked at Glaws, they gave 10% more. As noted in earlier discussions the Bomb Squad isn’t suited to the latest interpretation of laws which need a fast and fit game style.
Dont have mich to add from whats been said - I'm not upset at the result as this Glaws are clearly not the same as what weve seen in recent seasons. What a player Morgan is by the way.
Contrasting with this time last season, all positivity around the club seems to have gone.
Next week really is a massive game now. Lose, and its very hard to see us getting anything tangible out of the season
Contrasting with this time last season, all positivity around the club seems to have gone.
Next week really is a massive game now. Lose, and its very hard to see us getting anything tangible out of the season
From Russ Petty on X
Bath 2nd half in Prem
2 seasons ago: avg +12 points diff, outscored 2nd half in 2/18 reg season games
Last season: avg+7 in 2nd half, outscored 2nd half in 5/18
This season: avg -13 in 2nd half, outscored 2nd half in 4/4
Bath 2nd half in Prem
2 seasons ago: avg +12 points diff, outscored 2nd half in 2/18 reg season games
Last season: avg+7 in 2nd half, outscored 2nd half in 5/18
This season: avg -13 in 2nd half, outscored 2nd half in 4/4
Quote:Rawce
Props for Tuipulotu, Gyamfi, Offiah for his high ball work and Archie Griffin who looks reborn since his toe op.
On field leadership to try something different when route one isn’t working is lacking again. Whatever we chucked at Glaws, they gave 10% more. As noted in earlier discussions the Bomb Squad isn’t suited to the latest interpretation of laws which need a fast and fit game style.
Good shout on Griffin. Sounds like his injury was a bit of a chronic one so may just be that he’s fully fit now but definitely seems stronger this year
It’s noticeable that it’s continually the young more dynamic players who are standing out. Redpath was decent tonight but are our more senior players too stuck in a way of playing that’s moved on? I wouldn’t rule out JvG not adapting quick enough and some loyal lieutenants having a bit too much faith that we can get back to something that probably doesn’t exist anymore.
At least in this match we had about 25-20 dominant minutes in the second hald. The issue was that we (yet again) could not finish.
Time to vary the attack from close quarter lineouts and tap penalties.
PG
Time to vary the attack from close quarter lineouts and tap penalties.
PG
I'm a neutral - it was a fantastic match to watch. I know you won't feel the same. The reason you lost? You've got some interlopers in your team - chief among them is Ollie Lawrence. He's got no heart for it and on the limited occasions when he does, he hasn't got the skills either. I know he had a bad injury but he just hasn't got 'it'.
Apart from OL, I think you just met a home team determined that tonight was their night. Find a better centre and you'll start winning again.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:23:22:16:13 by Fullsack.
Apart from OL, I think you just met a home team determined that tonight was their night. Find a better centre and you'll start winning again.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:23:22:16:13 by Fullsack.
Not a crisis IMO- just a loss away to a team who drew with the Euro champs last week. (I know the answer is on the scoreboard) but we took it to them in the first half and their defence was brilliant- fair play. We were in the game until the last 5-10 minutes and with some more accuracy and cool heads it would’ve been even closer.
Bigger concern is, as said above, our tactics. We’ve not learned from the semi and this year we don’t have VW and TDT. The stat of 45 phases in their red zone is meaningless if 40 are 0.1m drives. Our 9-10-12-13 isn’t clicking and we look like we’ve lost the courage to put it wide. Our only strike move is the out the back from the 12 to Finn on the loop and drift towards touch. He wasn’t alone but thought Finn was poor tonight, and just looked off it. As did Ben.
Huge pluses were Kepu, Griffin, Gyamfi and Offiah and Kirk and Green from the bench. If nothing else these lads are growing up in this chaos. Morgan immense and fair play to the Shed- they’ve waited a long time so hope they enjoy it. Onto next week. Massive game.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:23:22:20:46 by dr.bath1865.
Bigger concern is, as said above, our tactics. We’ve not learned from the semi and this year we don’t have VW and TDT. The stat of 45 phases in their red zone is meaningless if 40 are 0.1m drives. Our 9-10-12-13 isn’t clicking and we look like we’ve lost the courage to put it wide. Our only strike move is the out the back from the 12 to Finn on the loop and drift towards touch. He wasn’t alone but thought Finn was poor tonight, and just looked off it. As did Ben.
Huge pluses were Kepu, Griffin, Gyamfi and Offiah and Kirk and Green from the bench. If nothing else these lads are growing up in this chaos. Morgan immense and fair play to the Shed- they’ve waited a long time so hope they enjoy it. Onto next week. Massive game.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:23:22:20:46 by dr.bath1865.
Well done Gloucester. Created very little but wanted it more so deserved to win.
Bath - On top for the whole game, with the best 10 in the NH, but managed 5 pts - pathetic. The attack had all the threat of a dead sheep.
its been like this since the Spring. Two years ago we were Prem champions - with a couple of notable exceptions - like every other team, it's the same squad. We've only ever been "too high" for a couple of weeks in 2025 - thats not enough Johann. This level of performance is not acceptable.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:23:23:04:17 by Pulteneyfan.
Bath - On top for the whole game, with the best 10 in the NH, but managed 5 pts - pathetic. The attack had all the threat of a dead sheep.
its been like this since the Spring. Two years ago we were Prem champions - with a couple of notable exceptions - like every other team, it's the same squad. We've only ever been "too high" for a couple of weeks in 2025 - thats not enough Johann. This level of performance is not acceptable.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:23:23:04:17 by Pulteneyfan.
If you watched that match and it was labelled ‘Hooper’s clueless Bath mugged off as their forwards bang their heads against a brick-wall and fly-half doesn’t seem interested in asking for the ball’ you wouldn’t really question it.
We went 40 odd phases within about 10 metres of their line and Lawrence didn’t have a single carry? Donoghue didn’t start the game but was apparently our only option off 10?
Absolute respect to Glos - but that was as bad as the bad old days by us.
We went 40 odd phases within about 10 metres of their line and Lawrence didn’t have a single carry? Donoghue didn’t start the game but was apparently our only option off 10?
Absolute respect to Glos - but that was as bad as the bad old days by us.
We are looking shite, so predictable should never had let Alfie go, could have signed jac Morgan.
I have not seen the game due to a family commitment, but purely based on the commentary here this is exactly how I imagined the game going in a worst-case scenario.
This feels a little like what happened after the England cricket team finally won The Ashes back in 2005 – no goal-setting beyond that result and a rapid decline, exacerbated by some key injuries.
We have excellent players and an experienced coaching team that knows what success looks like, but it's just not working and it's hard not to think there must be a cultural problem.
JVG needs to turn this round in a hurry – winning ugly over the next 2-3 games is fine, we have to get some belief back and if that requires ripping up the Chat GPT-based rotation plan and putting a consistent 23 out until it clicks then I am all for it.
This feels a little like what happened after the England cricket team finally won The Ashes back in 2005 – no goal-setting beyond that result and a rapid decline, exacerbated by some key injuries.
We have excellent players and an experienced coaching team that knows what success looks like, but it's just not working and it's hard not to think there must be a cultural problem.
JVG needs to turn this round in a hurry – winning ugly over the next 2-3 games is fine, we have to get some belief back and if that requires ripping up the Chat GPT-based rotation plan and putting a consistent 23 out until it clicks then I am all for it.
Quote:Bath Blues
We are looking shite, so predictable should never had let Alfie go, could have signed jac Morgan.
Totally agree on Alfie – a clear strategic blunder.
JvG used to have his mission statement but I can't tell what this Bath team is meant to be. They're not tough to beat...
Mentally they're not in the right place - thats clear. They couldnt capitalise on 13/14 men and then clearly didn't have any belief they could win it after that. Notable individual performances (mostly from the younger guys) but no collective performance.
I think the rotation policy is not working. The team are not established enough in understanding their roles to be swapping in 5/6 different players each week. I think thats why were get a samll portion of good individual performances among a frail team effort.
Adopted Player:
[23-24] - Joe Cokanasiga
[22-23] - Mike Williams
[21-22] - Ben Spencer
[20-21] - Will Vaughan
[19-20] -
[18-19] - Taulupe Faletau
Mentally they're not in the right place - thats clear. They couldnt capitalise on 13/14 men and then clearly didn't have any belief they could win it after that. Notable individual performances (mostly from the younger guys) but no collective performance.
I think the rotation policy is not working. The team are not established enough in understanding their roles to be swapping in 5/6 different players each week. I think thats why were get a samll portion of good individual performances among a frail team effort.
Adopted Player:
[23-24] - Joe Cokanasiga
[22-23] - Mike Williams
[21-22] - Ben Spencer
[20-21] - Will Vaughan
[19-20] -
[18-19] - Taulupe Faletau
I think I’ve been to every Glos vs Bath since 2014. That was a hard watch. If something isn’t working, stop doing it. It’s fine it’s not important but that was terrible.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:24:13:18:51 by Woodpecker .
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:24:13:18:51 by Woodpecker .
It really is Munster 2.0, Van Graan style.
He is a great man manager but when it comes to actual good rugby and attacking flair, we are just awful.
The reason why I bring up Blackett so much, is that we had a balance with him, a full out attacking side with direction. And you had Van Graan managing the culture and club.
And I get it, Blackett has gone, its the past etc etc.
But we lost our league winning coach and we havent replaced him.
With the squad we have, training facilities, and investment. This is unacceptable.
He is a great man manager but when it comes to actual good rugby and attacking flair, we are just awful.
The reason why I bring up Blackett so much, is that we had a balance with him, a full out attacking side with direction. And you had Van Graan managing the culture and club.
And I get it, Blackett has gone, its the past etc etc.
But we lost our league winning coach and we havent replaced him.
With the squad we have, training facilities, and investment. This is unacceptable.
When ref was playing advantage 2m out Spencer just stood there and watched the forwards run into brick walls, why did we not move it wide? Spencer returning has added nothing, Finn looks bored. Lawrence, sadly, has never returned from his injury and we really miss Du Toit. How many tries would he have taken in the first half? Easy being the coach when you are winning, now we find out if he is as good as we thought or as bad in adversity as Munster fans warned. We are lucky it is Sale next week, but we won't learn anything from that game as Sale are playing as badly as us.
Never too low, never too high & constant improvement is just not happening and there’s no learning from endless mistakes. When you think that when Saracens & Exeter reached the top they stayed there for ages. Our descent towards the bottom of the table is very rapid. I suppose we never fully got it out of our system.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:24:00:31:48 by Bath Hammer.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:24:00:31:48 by Bath Hammer.
Pinning this all on Blackett leaving is incredible simplistic and is rose tinted on our attack then, which was never that different from our attack now.
But there are fundamental problems. The biggest thing JvG did to turn things around was tighten up the pack and add ball carriers. The problem is that the ball carriers have either left (TdT/Barbeary) or their form has totally deserted them (Lawrence, Coka).
The one plus side is our youngsters, and a lot of that is down to how JvG introduced them last season, plus the Uni/u18 work.
JvG talks about the train ride. There are a number of people who, ruthlessly, we need to allow to get off. Now is the time to rebuild, not because of 5 games this season but because of everything since Bordeaux. Shift now and change now.
But there are fundamental problems. The biggest thing JvG did to turn things around was tighten up the pack and add ball carriers. The problem is that the ball carriers have either left (TdT/Barbeary) or their form has totally deserted them (Lawrence, Coka).
The one plus side is our youngsters, and a lot of that is down to how JvG introduced them last season, plus the Uni/u18 work.
JvG talks about the train ride. There are a number of people who, ruthlessly, we need to allow to get off. Now is the time to rebuild, not because of 5 games this season but because of everything since Bordeaux. Shift now and change now.
It really isnt. Blackett leaving has shown us what the current coaches can offer and what we are now missing.
Under his tenure we scored the most tries we ever had in a season, 96, we averaged about 3 tries a game, and we also won a historic treble. He only left, a season and a bit ago, and now look at us.
Also you can't just blame one or twos players leaving and suddenly the whole system, tactically has gone, no basics and our attack has evaporated.
It can't be coincidental and we only lost him because of international rugby.
This happens to teams all the time in sport when someone good leaves.
Honestly we even witnessed signs of this late last season, just one dimension rugby.
Tonight was bad but sorry all for being so negative. Onwards now to a very questionable Sale side.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:24:02:20:44 by exbathballboy.
Under his tenure we scored the most tries we ever had in a season, 96, we averaged about 3 tries a game, and we also won a historic treble. He only left, a season and a bit ago, and now look at us.
Also you can't just blame one or twos players leaving and suddenly the whole system, tactically has gone, no basics and our attack has evaporated.
It can't be coincidental and we only lost him because of international rugby.
This happens to teams all the time in sport when someone good leaves.
Honestly we even witnessed signs of this late last season, just one dimension rugby.
Tonight was bad but sorry all for being so negative. Onwards now to a very questionable Sale side.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:24:02:20:44 by exbathballboy.
A Sale side featuring not one but two international class 7s. Yes, they are playing poorly but their strengths match our weaknesses.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Sale lost to Newcastle yesterday.
If we lose to Sale, I will personally create a 'Blackett get back in the Bath' petition and post it on here.
If we lose to Sale, I will personally create a 'Blackett get back in the Bath' petition and post it on here.
Look on the bright side we didn’t let Glos get a TBP so our defence must have been ok.
Nilled last week in the second half and only 5pts yesterday, we so desperately need a competent attack coach.
Nilled last week in the second half and only 5pts yesterday, we so desperately need a competent attack coach.
Glaws fan in peace here. Some talk of blaming the pitch for Santi’s injury. I’m not a massive fan of plastic pitches, especially the ones like at Sarries and Newcastle which are much harder underfoot than Kingsholm (according to the players). Worth noting that Santi trained and played in the Kingsholm pitch for 3 years without injury (to the legs, he did get concussed once), and that injury could’ve also happened on a grass pitch. Hope the injury isn’t as bad as feared and he is back playing soon, a gem of a player.
Obviously I’m happy with the result. Thought Ridley was overly harsh on us but we didn’t adapt so have ourselves to blame a bit. Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi shows real promise and was surprised to learn how young he is.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:24:09:17:21 by Severus.
Obviously I’m happy with the result. Thought Ridley was overly harsh on us but we didn’t adapt so have ourselves to blame a bit. Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi shows real promise and was surprised to learn how young he is.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:24:09:17:21 by Severus.
What’s the point in talking about our attack coach when the backs either aren’t entrusted with the ball or don’t appear to want it?
Even when we were getting beaten last year we were almost guaranteed to score 30/40 points, but since Bordeaux the points have just dried up, what has happened to make such a difference? It seems to me that we are playing as we did under Hooper with 15 men rather than a team and you have to wonder how much players like Du Toit and Barbery added to bonding a team together? Finn play is generally superb but nobody would ever accuse him of being a leader, especially in adversity when he seems to go missing. There seemed to be nobody pulling the team together and trying to think on their feet. Watch Morgan during stoppages, always talking, always encouraging and leading by example.
What did the coaches say at half time, ' bad luck lads, just keep banging away and we will win this?'' They must have felt the momentum move over to Glos at half time and seen the game plan was not working but apparently did nothing to change tactics or is it just that we do not have plan B. While they were down to 13 or 14 men they won that part of the game 16 to 0 - says it all.
What did the coaches say at half time, ' bad luck lads, just keep banging away and we will win this?'' They must have felt the momentum move over to Glos at half time and seen the game plan was not working but apparently did nothing to change tactics or is it just that we do not have plan B. While they were down to 13 or 14 men they won that part of the game 16 to 0 - says it all.
Quote:Optimist
What’s the point in talking about our attack coach when the backs either aren’t entrusted with the ball or don’t appear to want it?
Maybe they don’t want it because there’s no credible plan if they do get it so might as well leave it with the forwards to bash away.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Optimist
What’s the point in talking about our attack coach when the backs either aren’t entrusted with the ball or don’t appear to want it?
Maybe they don’t want it because there’s no credible plan if they do get it so might as well leave it with the forwards to bash away.
We've definitely see a lot more attacking play from the backs in the games before this. My take is that we wanted to get back our foundations of keeping it tight. Looking at the stats of the game we should have walked away with 5 points last night.
Lots already discussed so I just wanted to say fair play to the opposition. They don't like us and we don't like them much but the league is a better place with a decent Glos side in. They are certainly that.
Trip to The Gardens up next will really show where they are as a team. Suspect Northampton's attack may be a touch more potent than ours last night but if they put a performance in up there then HQ in June a very real possibility.
As for us I think it's a season to give the youngsters as much exposure as possible. It's not over in October but it's clear there are far better drilled teams than us. Weirdly think our attack may function (a little) better with Santi out long-term. If we plan on using our backs that is.
Trip to The Gardens up next will really show where they are as a team. Suspect Northampton's attack may be a touch more potent than ours last night but if they put a performance in up there then HQ in June a very real possibility.
As for us I think it's a season to give the youngsters as much exposure as possible. It's not over in October but it's clear there are far better drilled teams than us. Weirdly think our attack may function (a little) better with Santi out long-term. If we plan on using our backs that is.
Analysis over a 20yr period by British Journal Sports Medicine shows plastic pitches cause 44% more knee injuries...Sadly, I think we're stuck with them but I dont think any more new ones should be laid
This season is hanging by a thread and it will take a monumental run of top form now to turn things around.
We cannot point the finger at Prendergast – he just hasn't been here long enough to implement his plans and needs time.
Injuries are clearly a huge problem and we are now without: Horse, Henry, Sam, DDP, Bhatti, Santi
Pepper, BDVL, TCS and no doubt a few others I haven't mentioned.
It's too early to write off the season, but it also might not be a bad thing to just tell the team to go out and express themselves and play into some form for the second half of the season, with a view to hitting the ground running next year.
I definitely don't want to see us default to a forward-oriented game when we no longer have the personnel to execute and at a time when the game is moving towards a faster style of play.
We cannot point the finger at Prendergast – he just hasn't been here long enough to implement his plans and needs time.
Injuries are clearly a huge problem and we are now without: Horse, Henry, Sam, DDP, Bhatti, Santi
Pepper, BDVL, TCS and no doubt a few others I haven't mentioned.
It's too early to write off the season, but it also might not be a bad thing to just tell the team to go out and express themselves and play into some form for the second half of the season, with a view to hitting the ground running next year.
I definitely don't want to see us default to a forward-oriented game when we no longer have the personnel to execute and at a time when the game is moving towards a faster style of play.
Quote:Has bring Spencer back in slowed/stopped any attacking progress that might have been made?byQuote:OutsideBathQuote:Optimist
What’s the point in talking about our attack coach when the backs either aren’t entrusted with the ball or don’t appear to want it?
Maybe they don’t want it because there’s no credible plan if they do get it so might as well leave it with the forwards to bash away.
We've definitely see a lot more attacking play from the backs in the games before this. My take is that we wanted to get back our foundations of keeping it tight. Looking at the stats of the game we should have walked away with 5 points last night.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Optimist
What’s the point in talking about our attack coach when the backs either aren’t entrusted with the ball or don’t appear to want it?
Maybe they don’t want it because there’s no credible plan if they do get it so might as well leave it with the forwards to bash away.
But it's ignoring the first three games of the season where they clearly were given the ball and did score tries. Yesterday there was very clearly an instruction to keep it tight. Execution let us down (again) and our woeful second half performances continue.
There's also a lot of correlation/causation going on about Blackett, ignoring the fact that a load of our tries with him were also pick and go or power oriented. We have never played like Saints (nor do I think we should).
Lee Blackett on his own doesn't fix this team. The regression of Ollie, Joe and Ciaran is a far bigger concern, along with injuries. Ollie particularly is all over the shop and a turnstile in defence.
With regards to Spencer the 9/10 axis seemed very much less smooth than it has been, but when 90% of your possession is used by popping the ball 2 metres to a static pod of forwards or kicking possession away it’s hard to say.
Our forwards don’t even run onto the ball at pace.
Our forwards don’t even run onto the ball at pace.
We have the best FH in the league and still our attack coach can’t get things going with the backs. Prendergast isn’t working.
I thought we’d finish 3rd/4th and probably beaten in the last 8 of the champions cup.
After the first few games it seems clear to me that we’ll be more like 5th/6th and drop down to little cup.
I’m ok with that but would like to get back to entertaining and show signs we have a plan.
I thought we’d finish 3rd/4th and probably beaten in the last 8 of the champions cup.
After the first few games it seems clear to me that we’ll be more like 5th/6th and drop down to little cup.
I’m ok with that but would like to get back to entertaining and show signs we have a plan.
Quote:OutsideBath
We have the best FH in the league and still our attack coach can’t get things going with the backs. Prendergast isn’t working.
I thought we’d finish 3rd/4th and probably beaten in the last 8 of the champions cup.
After the first few games it seems clear to me that we’ll be more like 5th/6th and drop down to little cup.
I’m ok with that but would like to get back to entertaining and show signs we have a plan.
You’ve said similar before but if the gameplan last night came from Prendergast I would be stunned. An attack coach can only implement what the overall gameplan allows for. Same situation with England - Lee Blackett might be the best attack coach in the country but if he’s allowed a couple of opportunities per game to run something and time at training is more focussed on other things you’re not going to see it.
It seems pretty clear to me that the overall directive for how to play comes from the man in charge.
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