Match Preview - Winning Confidence
By Ed Scott
October 14 2011
The end of round six of the Aviva Premiership signals the start of the first two games in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. Bath's first task in this competition is a trip to Rodney Parade to face the Newport-Gwent Dragons.
Much has been said (and I'm sure will continue to be said) about the validity and set up of this once great competition. I do feel I harped on enough about that last season however, so will leave that to the message boards on ERE. The one thing I will say, is that silverware is still silverware. Ok, it's not the Premiership or the Heineken Cup, but it would certainly boost confidence and be a stepping stone in the right direction.
Whether a refereeing decision lost us the game or not, Bath are now 50:50 for the season after losing to Wasps last weekend. Not exactly where I think we should be at this stage if we have title ambitions, but then again, not necessarily a disaster. The only positive from England losing against the French (if you are of course English!) that we will get back our players, as well as Francois Louw, Kyle Eastmond and Anthony Perenise also joining the squad. With Olly Barkley set for a likely (if his tweets are a good source of information) place on the bench next week, by the time Quins visit at the start of November, our squad should be looking very healthy. Let's just hope their performances reflect the promise.
In the meantime we have a job to do over the bridge. The Dragons are playing some youngsters, but that is no reason at all to take them lightly. Last season Cardiff did the same and gave us a very good game at The Rec. Playing at home in front of their fans will do nothing but spur on what is likely to be a very motivated group of individuals.
With time not being on my side this week, the team has already been announced. This removes the conjecture of who is going to play, but allows me to comment on the chosen team. The surprise to me is that Matt Banahan is straight into the starting line up at 12. A position in fact where I thought he should have been given more game time by England. I get the impression that it's more down to lack of option there than anything else. Regardless I'll be pleased to see him and Carraro running lines off each other and hopefully causing some worry in the Dragons backline.
I think the team is a good blend of youth and experience, and hope that Heathcote gets a good platform on which to successfully continue his apprenticeship. Looking promising so far, hopefully the arrival of Stephen (Beaver) Donald will help him to be the permanent owner of that ten shirt in a few years.
I feel positive about Saturday. I like the look of the team, and think a new competition, with different pressures to the Premiership, might give the squad a new lease of life. I'd love us to throw the ball around a little more, but maybe the route one method is the way to win against Newport. Either way, momentum and confidence are key. With backup arriving, the new frontline have a chance to stake their claim. Maybe a couple of wins in this competition, we'll be waiting for the next round of LV games with anticipation rather than trepidation.
Match Preview - Winning Confidence
Posted by: BathRugbyEre.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 14/10/2011 19:02
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:10:16:20:14:52 by Glen The Ed.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:10:16:20:14:52 by Glen The Ed.
Re: Match Preview - Winning Confidence
Posted by: annie blackthorn (IP Logged)
Date: 15/10/2011 13:59
Watch out for the 'Welsh defeat backlash' factor today, BB&W.
Re: Match Preview - Winning Confidence
Posted by: Duke of Earl (IP Logged)
Date: 15/10/2011 16:52
If there was a backlash,it missed us.
Nothing can stop the Duke of Earl
Nothing can stop the Duke of Earl
Re: Match Preview - Winning Confidence
Posted by: The Oilman (IP Logged)
Date: 15/10/2011 17:26
Different Backs lashed!
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