Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
By Adrian Laws
October 10 2010
Okay, it was ‘better’, but it was still way short of ‘acceptable’ and we are a long way from ‘entertaining’. According to Bev who sits in front of me and keeps me straight on the more technical aspects, it was ‘lacklustre’.
At the time – with only 30 seconds or so on the clock – Olly missing a kick didn’t seem like that much of a big deal, but as the boys rather sheepishly came out to acknowledge the crowd, the impact of failing to take kickable points was all too obvious. You have to win your home games in this competition, and Bath have fallen at the first.
A successful Barkley penalty, and a nicely worked try for Claassens gave Bath a less than comfortable 8-0 lead going into the break. Yes, Bath had negated the dangerous Biarritz back line and had been helped by some poor handling by the away side. But Biarritz were living on scraps and looking dangerous with the few chances they were given. The second half would need some serious intensity from Bath.
And that’s where it all went wrong. No intensity. A game that was there for the winning drained away – a series of missed opportunities and poor decision making. Neither side showed much imagination in the back line and both defences were able to pick off completely predictable passages of play.
The lead was lost on 55 minutes with the faltering Bath line out pinged again, regained with a successful penalty for Olly just after the hour and finally relinquished on 70 minutes with Wilson in the bin for the remainder of the game.
This was a chance missed – because of poor decision making from players we know can do better than this. The drop goal we seemed ideally set up for would have been enough for the points, but it went begging.
In a game where any number of passes went to the bootlaces of team mates and when wide open spaces were ignored in favour of closed down areas of the pitch with few options available can we take any positives away from this?
Funnily enough, yes. In terms of players, they are: Nathan Catt, Matt Carraro and Simon Taylor. In terms of playing, well, the tackling was better and the man with the ball was brought to the ground quickly. Oh, a nice try saving tackle from Nick too. A quick flick through my notes and ... yes ... that was pretty much it.
Much has been said about the cash that has been invested in this side over the summer. I’m concerned that we are seeing complacency setting in. Don’t get me wrong – the development and the recruitment has all been very positive. But until Mr Wilson left us, this game was there for the taking, but we didn’t go up a gear.
We didn’t have the intensity.
We didn’t have the passion.
We didn’t have the anger.
Bruce can’t buy these things. Over to you guys.
Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: BathRugbyEre.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2010 17:39
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:10:13:13:48:10 by stuart_mod.
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Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Bathovalballer (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2010 17:59
Said it before Pride and Passion. Where has it gone for a once proud club?
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: annie blackthorn (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2010 18:07
Well observed and noted Adrian.
Can't think of anything much nice to say about the performance today, so best not to say anything. Distinctly underwhelmed begins to cover it. Glad I'm not employed by Mr Craig though. He was walking very determinedly over the pitch towards the Clubhouse after the game.
Well the weather turned out nice, didn't it!
Can't think of anything much nice to say about the performance today, so best not to say anything. Distinctly underwhelmed begins to cover it. Glad I'm not employed by Mr Craig though. He was walking very determinedly over the pitch towards the Clubhouse after the game.
Well the weather turned out nice, didn't it!
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: old lag (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2010 18:36
It is easy to be critical, but Bath played well against a very strong Biarritz side. The set piece was good - Bath outscrummed a front five who must have been kilos per man heavier. And I disagree with the comment on the line out. It was every bit as good as theirs; two or three lost to either side.
Having just watched it on Sky+, the quirk was the ref on our line out catch and drives, where at least twice he penalised the Bath lifters for getting too much in front of the catcher and sealing him off (I think). It is such a common move that he must have a personal Welsh way of how it should be done. Bets on our coaches discussing it with him after the game.
Game lost by lack of brain whan it was needed. Davey Wilson should be cleaning the toilets at Lambridge after each training session. Claassens and Olly should each write out 100 times "drop goal".
I was surprised that more was not made of Bendy's speed and Banahan's power in entering the line at various times in set plays from scrum and lineout.
Far better than the Gloucs game. Catt should now be a regular starter. Good pace and power. It will be great to see him and Mears working together in the loose. Carrero had another good game.
Having just watched it on Sky+, the quirk was the ref on our line out catch and drives, where at least twice he penalised the Bath lifters for getting too much in front of the catcher and sealing him off (I think). It is such a common move that he must have a personal Welsh way of how it should be done. Bets on our coaches discussing it with him after the game.
Game lost by lack of brain whan it was needed. Davey Wilson should be cleaning the toilets at Lambridge after each training session. Claassens and Olly should each write out 100 times "drop goal".
I was surprised that more was not made of Bendy's speed and Banahan's power in entering the line at various times in set plays from scrum and lineout.
Far better than the Gloucs game. Catt should now be a regular starter. Good pace and power. It will be great to see him and Mears working together in the loose. Carrero had another good game.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: bathstigg (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2010 18:59
Biarritz weren't that strong!Testament to that is they didn't score a Try. We need to change a few players. Williams is better than Hape at breaking the line while Mercer has the speed to trouble defences.When James returns we should add more creativity.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Armchair Fan (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2010 19:28
Positives: to a man the players had their shirts on the right way. Well done!
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I like turtles.
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I like turtles.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: purplepatch (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2010 21:14
If it's been mentioned before apologies.Any one of the 3 kicks missed by Barkley would have seen us home.Watching from the comfort of my sofa each was eminently kickable and one can't help thinking that in a similar situation Yashvili would have nailed all 3.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: BathGal (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2010 21:44
A few positives I think
The tackling was infinately better than last week.
Nowhere near as many knock ons/dropped passes as last week
Bendy made at least 3 try saving tackles
Scrum was more solid that last week
Won some lineout ball.......
So not all bad - but I do seem to have a feeling of deja vu - again....
The tackling was infinately better than last week.
Nowhere near as many knock ons/dropped passes as last week
Bendy made at least 3 try saving tackles
Scrum was more solid that last week
Won some lineout ball.......
So not all bad - but I do seem to have a feeling of deja vu - again....
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2010 22:39
purplepatch - from your sofa could you see the flags? It was extremely windy there today. Not excusing him and one of the three would have done it, but I don't think they were as simple as they looked.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Go on my sonner (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2010 22:45
Although un PC , I think we need to start hating our opponents, in a controlled fashion.
If anyone is trying to help Olly with his kicking, please leave it to his Mum.
If anyone is trying to help Olly with his kicking, please leave it to his Mum.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: BB&WfromPoole (IP Logged)
Date: 10/10/2010 23:46
Sunday Times sports section had a report by Stuart Barnes of a conversation with Sir Geech. Apparantly he began life at Wasps with five year plan to win the H Cup. They won it in year four. He indicated that Bath are some way off yet. How true.
The lack of decision making over the drop goal with less than five minutes remaining was breathtaking.
It's worth considering for a moment.
Three players all failed to make the obvious decision, and it cost Bath the game - the skipper; Claasens; and Ollie Barkley.
Surely if Ollie has any pretensions of playing for England in the world cup next year he had to impose himself on the situation and demand the ball but the Sky camera seemed to show him in a perfect position to slot home a drop goal, but saying nothing.
Presumably Luke Watson said nothing either, and if so they both left it to Claasens who made an appalling decision in the heat of the battle, but in a way that's the whole point as top class players simply don't get that kind of thing wrong.
It's crazy, but after one game Bath are now faced with beating Ulster and Aironi home and away, and hope Ulster beat Biarritz at Ravenhill if they are to progress.
As Miles Harrison said, on the Sky commentary, "a club's whole season can turn on decisions like that".
An exaggeration for sure but the incident demonstrated, for me, an uncertainty and lack of tactical nous in the heart of the team.
At least Smee looked agahst, and Geech looked kind of thoughtful, as if he had had certain suspicions confirmed.
The lack of decision making over the drop goal with less than five minutes remaining was breathtaking.
It's worth considering for a moment.
Three players all failed to make the obvious decision, and it cost Bath the game - the skipper; Claasens; and Ollie Barkley.
Surely if Ollie has any pretensions of playing for England in the world cup next year he had to impose himself on the situation and demand the ball but the Sky camera seemed to show him in a perfect position to slot home a drop goal, but saying nothing.
Presumably Luke Watson said nothing either, and if so they both left it to Claasens who made an appalling decision in the heat of the battle, but in a way that's the whole point as top class players simply don't get that kind of thing wrong.
It's crazy, but after one game Bath are now faced with beating Ulster and Aironi home and away, and hope Ulster beat Biarritz at Ravenhill if they are to progress.
As Miles Harrison said, on the Sky commentary, "a club's whole season can turn on decisions like that".
An exaggeration for sure but the incident demonstrated, for me, an uncertainty and lack of tactical nous in the heart of the team.
At least Smee looked agahst, and Geech looked kind of thoughtful, as if he had had certain suspicions confirmed.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Ade1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 08:23
Can you teach decision making qualities into a player? Or are they natural?
In short, should we concentrate on those players who occupy key positions but are sadly lacking the skills to win games, or do we get in someone with that ability? Discuss.
I must admit I feel uncomfortable with the direction I'm heading on this one.
In short, should we concentrate on those players who occupy key positions but are sadly lacking the skills to win games, or do we get in someone with that ability? Discuss.
I must admit I feel uncomfortable with the direction I'm heading on this one.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: purplepatch (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 08:30
I am talking from a position of absolute ignorance but I would have thought any scrummie worth his salt would have instinctively turned and fired a pass to his expectant FH/kicker for the drop goal attempt.It seems to me the question of flailing arms etc is irrelevant because it would be reasonable for the scrummie to assume that someone was there waiting.I suppose what adds insult to injury is that as drop goals go everything was PERFECTLY set up.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Dan Wiley (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 08:44
Its really hard to know what was going through the minds of the players concerned. But without knowing that I don't see how we can really comment on the decision with any force.
I guess only Class has the ability to make the choice, maybe he saw, or thought he saw, something that we didn't, maybe he had to make a very quick decision and the ball was not lying well, maybe OB1 was shouting for one more phase?
I guess only Class has the ability to make the choice, maybe he saw, or thought he saw, something that we didn't, maybe he had to make a very quick decision and the ball was not lying well, maybe OB1 was shouting for one more phase?
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: LiamB (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 08:55
Wilson is becoming a liability. Stupid penalty again in front of the ref!
The performance was much improved from the last two premiership games. Personally I don't care about the H/C this year. Lets get a result at home before we try to conquer Europe.
With the size a quality of our squad, challenging in both competitions is a tough ask.
The performance was much improved from the last two premiership games. Personally I don't care about the H/C this year. Lets get a result at home before we try to conquer Europe.
With the size a quality of our squad, challenging in both competitions is a tough ask.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: CharlieH (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 09:17
Nick Abendanon home grown? Born in Johannesburg! Another Saffa.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Dan Wiley (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 09:35
He's come through the academy at least. Went to school and college in Glaws though.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Ellie10 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 10:36
We have this irritating habit of whenever we are within 5m of the opposition line the forwards just burrow away hoping to get a try.
Now maybe I'm wrong but Banahan from depth taking the ball 10m out seems whole lot more effective than say Dixon trying to burrow through a mountain of players from 2m out. Argh!
Now maybe I'm wrong but Banahan from depth taking the ball 10m out seems whole lot more effective than say Dixon trying to burrow through a mountain of players from 2m out. Argh!
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: sisteresther (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 10:49
Taking the decision that a drop goal is the best option is one thing, actually executing it is another matter. We have not have a regular 'drop goaler' since Molly. Olly just does not seem to have that in his arsenal, not sure if Vesty has it?
Thought Bendy made some seriously committed tackles, and was hoping for a Carrero 'special' on Balshaw to turn him to jelly, but unfortunately Balsh still has enough footwork to slip out of Matts trajectory.
Better first half, cocoa seems to have been re-introduced at half-time!
Thought Bendy made some seriously committed tackles, and was hoping for a Carrero 'special' on Balshaw to turn him to jelly, but unfortunately Balsh still has enough footwork to slip out of Matts trajectory.
Better first half, cocoa seems to have been re-introduced at half-time!
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Tiger in the Bath (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 11:50
Definitely a better performance than the week before, but probably only because the ball was dry resulting in fewer handing errors.
The poor decision making was not confimed to spurning the drop goal opportunity (don't forget Biarritz tried and failed that tactic at least twice near the end and could easily have gone further ahead).
In the first half there was a three man overlap not used when fast ball in hand had already gained a lot of ground and space. Instead the option to go back into contact was taken and the scoring chance lost. And in the second half there were two occasions where rapid progress was being made by the same approach but was wasted by poorly judged short kicks into restricted space.
And sadly all of the line breaks from set rather than broken play were made almost exclusively forwards rather than backs. For all the press coverage of the famous Bath destructive running game there has been precious little sight of it in the last two matches.
The backs need more confidence in their own ability to create and take chances through continuing to run and offload as the ability is clearly there. We have seen it before from the same group of players.
The poor decision making was not confimed to spurning the drop goal opportunity (don't forget Biarritz tried and failed that tactic at least twice near the end and could easily have gone further ahead).
In the first half there was a three man overlap not used when fast ball in hand had already gained a lot of ground and space. Instead the option to go back into contact was taken and the scoring chance lost. And in the second half there were two occasions where rapid progress was being made by the same approach but was wasted by poorly judged short kicks into restricted space.
And sadly all of the line breaks from set rather than broken play were made almost exclusively forwards rather than backs. For all the press coverage of the famous Bath destructive running game there has been precious little sight of it in the last two matches.
The backs need more confidence in their own ability to create and take chances through continuing to run and offload as the ability is clearly there. We have seen it before from the same group of players.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Carl Zalek (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 12:12
Sister - I'm sure I remember seeing Vesty nail a drop goal from the touchline at the Rec a few years back so I'd say yes, he does have it in his arsenal.
Glad to see that the morning has made people a bit more pragmatic. It was a much improved performance from the week before and the disappointing thing it that we should really have won that game.
Glad to see that the morning has made people a bit more pragmatic. It was a much improved performance from the week before and the disappointing thing it that we should really have won that game.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Jaydeeone (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 12:30
Lets not over-react. A disappointing defeat, yes, but it was a game that we lost against one of Europe's best teams. It's been a while since we won a 'big' game and this is a concern. But we tackled extraordinarily well. Biarritz never looked like scoring.
It's a long season and we can still progress from the HC group we're in. The frustrating thing is that we all felt with so many 'leaders' in the team we'd be making better decisions at crucial times. That doesn't yet seem to be happening. They need to learn how to win these season forming games - as a team - because there are enough individuals who know they can.
It's a long season and we can still progress from the HC group we're in. The frustrating thing is that we all felt with so many 'leaders' in the team we'd be making better decisions at crucial times. That doesn't yet seem to be happening. They need to learn how to win these season forming games - as a team - because there are enough individuals who know they can.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Rob In The East Stand (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 12:44
Its like this Smee, your the manager, MANAGE!!
If not, explain why your taking a manager's wages.
Luke Watson is playing like a person of the same name my wife and I saw playing for the Stormers at Newlands, a headless chicken.
We have got a wonderful new office (although you would not guess it by the lamentable state of the paying spectators facilties), shame we don't have many ambitous employees.
If not, explain why your taking a manager's wages.
Luke Watson is playing like a person of the same name my wife and I saw playing for the Stormers at Newlands, a headless chicken.
We have got a wonderful new office (although you would not guess it by the lamentable state of the paying spectators facilties), shame we don't have many ambitous employees.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: annie blackthorn (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 13:03
Quote:CharlieH
Nick Abendanon home grown? Born in Johannesburg! Another Saffa.
Yet another troll from under (or over) the bridge!
Dearie me.
Suppose we should be charitable and excuse your hignorance - trolls do find it hard to retain facts and string them together, their intellect not being what it might!Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: mines a black rat (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 13:03
Chances were butchered, overlaps ignored, rather taking the ball into contact.
Two bright sparks was the performance of Catt and a free copy of the rugby paper.
Two bright sparks was the performance of Catt and a free copy of the rugby paper.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: recrat (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 18:57
Better than against Glos, but Bath never look dangerous when they have the ball.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: multimike (IP Logged)
Date: 11/10/2010 21:00
a sweeping generalisation recrat I'm afraid, which doesn't stand up to examination. Ona dry day this is actually one of the few strengths at times. Let's have some lucid & fair criticism
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: Bod (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2010 08:45
So far this season I'd tend to agree with recrat.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: gaz909 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/10/2010 13:42
apart from that gem of a try, maybe recrat?
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: andrewc (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2010 06:44
I'd add to caveat to that comment - the longer we have the ball the less we look like scoring with it!
Generally, you'd expect it to become easier to score as the phases build up, but in reality if we don't score pretty early on in a move it becomes less likely that we will do so.
Maybe it's because we just don't have the big lumbering monsters up front to secure quick ball....
Generally, you'd expect it to become easier to score as the phases build up, but in reality if we don't score pretty early on in a move it becomes less likely that we will do so.
Maybe it's because we just don't have the big lumbering monsters up front to secure quick ball....
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: hairyglaws (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2010 08:05
I wouldn't beat yourselves up too much.
Yes you lost at home,but only just,and drop goal not taken aside ,you would have won.
Beer @#$%& are a top side and masters at these "just enough" wins.
Lets be honest how many teams have 3 players of the quality of Harry Dicky,Yach and Traille in it?Especially in the AP,it was a major step up.Traille came off the bench ffs.
So you're playing the cream,and you were bloody close.
Have to say I think Watson aint the 8 for you,maybe anyone in UK/Europe.I think maybe a show pony,great if its all going swimmingly but a liability if not.
Also was surprised by Dewi Morris front 5 comments, and he maybe right on reflection,big decisions for you guys at the end of the season in this area I think,as the backs look fine.
Yes you lost at home,but only just,and drop goal not taken aside ,you would have won.
Beer @#$%& are a top side and masters at these "just enough" wins.
Lets be honest how many teams have 3 players of the quality of Harry Dicky,Yach and Traille in it?Especially in the AP,it was a major step up.Traille came off the bench ffs.
So you're playing the cream,and you were bloody close.
Have to say I think Watson aint the 8 for you,maybe anyone in UK/Europe.I think maybe a show pony,great if its all going swimmingly but a liability if not.
Also was surprised by Dewi Morris front 5 comments, and he maybe right on reflection,big decisions for you guys at the end of the season in this area I think,as the backs look fine.
Re: Bath Rugby 11 -v- Biarritz Olympique 12
Posted by: mines a black rat (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2010 13:09
But that is the problem gaz apart from the try we rarely looked like threatening, and when we did get to the line we butchered the opportunity.
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