Match Preview - Great Expectations

By Ed Scott
December 7 2011

As we re-join the Heineken Cup, Bath are faced with the daunting prospect of back to back games with Champions Leinster. After the last couple of performances, I think it would be safe to say that not many will be tipping us to win!

I can't actually bring myself to talk about the last two Premiership games. The simple fact for me is that I feel let down by the performances; everyone from playing to coaching staff has to take responsibility. As we left the game on Saturday, one of my friends said to me: "Well, they're in for a roasting on Monday". "Really?" I said, "What on earth do you think was said to them after the Worcester game then?!" The plain fact is that something, somewhere needs to change before our season goes from mediocrity to considerable underachievement.

As ever, I will attempt (it's getting harder each week to be honest!) to stay optimistic. We saw some good performances on Saturday from Tanner, Banahan, Barkley (1st half more than second - he's just not fit yet) Caldwell (again!) and the returning Ovens - who would have been my MOM had we won. The talent is there, but for some reason it's just not turning into results.

We can certainly talk about injuries, but I don't actually think that it's players missing that is the problem, it's continuity that I feel is the issue. We've not fielded the same backline three weeks in a row yet, and our backrow (although highly talented) has been shuffled so much I can't see how they can play effectively together. The phrase over-coached seems to also be banded around a bit, and it's obvious that whatever is happening at Farleigh is not working. I know lots of people are calling for the head of Geech or Haagy, but I just can't see that happening.

As such, we need to regroup and focus. This weekend the tag of underdogs suits us. No one expects a victory so perhaps that may release some of the pressure and allow us to play. Hopefully some of the niggles which kept out players this weekend will be gone (disclaimer: I am writing this before the Chron reports on Thursday!) and we can look for some momentum going into the New Year.

It's hard to know what to say about Leinster as I'm pretty sure their threats and credentials are well known. They have class in pretty much every position with a fine mix of pragmatism and flair. The set piece and quick ball will be vital, as will discipline. Jonny Sexton will not miss many, so we must remember to keep our heads when under pressure, otherwise the game could be gone before we know it.

Team selection this week depends mostly on injuries I would suspect. Providing they are fit, Barkley and Banahan look like they could be brilliant and should start in the centres. If Louw is back from SA (apparently he was at a wedding last weekend) he must start . We missed the vital turnovers he wins and will really struggle without him as Ovens is not in the HEC squad . The one change I would make is at scrum half. I thought Claassens was particularly poor on Saturday. In truth, he's not looked good all season (slow, indecisive, inaccurate and poor decision making) and it gives off the wrong message to see him getting picked regardless. The excuse will be is that it's a big game, but I rate both McMillan and Cook. Even if all they do is immediately pass the ball out, then they will do a better job! The same goes for the second row, where Attwood and Caldwell simply must be chosen if form has anything to do with being selected.

It's true that a win on Saturday could be beyond us, but in reality I don't think that's what is important right now. This team needs to put in a performance that they and their fans can be proud of. I don't care if we lose to a better team, that's sport, but what I do expect is for us (if we win or lose) to leave the field having played our hearts out. I don't think that's too much to ask for is it?

Match Preview - Great Expectations

Posted by: BathRugbyEre.co.uk (IP Logged)

Date: 07/12/2011 19:38

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:12:12:16:28:44 by Susanne.