Bath Analysis

By Lawrence Aggleton
August 31 2008

Head Coach: Steve Meehan

EPS Players: 2 (Lee Mears, Matt Stevens)

Last Season GP: 3rd (Lost SF @ Wasps)

Last Season Europe: CC Winners European Group (HC): Toulouse, Dragons, Glasgow Pre-Season: @ Ulster W Vs Scarlets W Vs Edinburgh L First Four: @ Bristol Vs Gloucester @ L Irish Vs Worcester Big Outs: Steve Borthwick(Saracens), Olly Barkley (Gloucester)

Big Ins: Stuart Hooper(Leeds), Shontayne Hape(Bradford Bulls RL)

Key Player: Andy Beattie

Bath ended their 10 year wait for silverware last season with a win over an improving Worcester Warriors in the Challenge Cup final, but lost in the Premiership semi to Wasps and were rocked by the departure of Club Captain Steve Borthwick and senior back to Olly Barkley. While both have been replaced to one extent or another, there is little evidence of progression in terms of other areas of weakness – specifically the back row. A lot, therefore, depends on the return of Andy Beattie to anchor the Bath team at 6 and the fitness of Michael Lipman at 7 – where there is little cover. Perhaps the most important part of this season for them will finally be a decision on the club's future at The Rec in the heart of Bath.

Premiership: A lack of progression may cost them a playoff spot as both Leicester and Sale have improved. Prediction 5th.

Europe: Their European adventures are dependent on squeaking a result home or away vs Toulouse and trying to take maximum points from the Dragons and Glasgow. The latter looks more likely than the former. Prediction: HC Group Stages.