Tabletop Tussle: Bath v Northampton Saints

Bath’s second tough ask of this month’s Premiership pits second against first. Whatever the impact of the 6 Nations this looks likely to be a cracker. Last season’s equivalent fixture was a tense, occasionally brutal, contest which ended as a dramatic draw touched with controversy. For much of that match Bath looked like snatching a prized scalp. That they did not came down to triple misfortune and the moments of controversy. Both first choice hookers were forced to quit the field (and the AP season) injured. Nathan Catt stepped in bravely to the No2 shirt to prevent uncontested scrums and the loss of a further player. Northampton scored their only try while Batty was being treated –indeed the scoring pass floated over his prone figure as he was being treated. All legitimate within the laws, but a sickening way to concede a score and irritating for the purist to see non players on the field so close to crucial parts of the action. Then, in the final seconds touch judge Ashley Rowden signalled a penalty to Bath, George Ford missed with his “free” drop at goal, only for the penalty to be cancelled out by TMO review. End of match and Bath’s chance of victory. Again, a correct decision in law, but the intervention of Rowden’s flag had influenced the play, so the penalty reversal was a bitter blow. Can these two sides serve up the same amount of tension, excitement and controversy this weekend?  

Speculation this week will focus on which of Northampton’s international squad members will be chosen. Corbisiero, Lawes, Wood, Clark, Myler and North have all been released from training camps. However, several are still recovering and have been released in order to be monitored by their clubs and with the recent furore surrounding North, it may be that only Clark, Wood & Myler are starters, although Corbisiero & North could be on the bench. Bath have some injuries to shake off- to Banahan and Cook. Both clubs will be sweating on the availability of the strongest possible combinations. If all choices are fit and available, it would seem that Northampton will benefit the most as they lose only 2 to England while Stuart Lancaster will keep 4 Bath players for weekend training.

Coaches in both camps will be striving this week for a quantum improvement. Bath went down at Sarries without even a bonus point, despite 3 fine tries in a spirited second half comeback.  Northampton secured the points last weekend against old bogey team London Irish, but it was a muted encounter with only 6 points the difference. Jim Mallinder and Mike Ford will both feel that performances at that level will not cut the mustard in a top of the table clash. As always with these two teams the side who gain the forward ascendancy should prevail. Such is the strength in depth of both squads that it is hard to predict who that will be – whatever the line-ups. Behind the scrum Saints can rightfully claim bragging rights as they lead the Premiership try scoring stats. Bath meanwhile have the flair and balance of Eastmond and Rokodoguni, paired with the power of Burgess and Banahan. Saints are likely to have the edge in goal kicking, Myler enjoying the best percentage of all the England hopefuls, and in half back experience. Against that edge Bath can offer the reliable boot of Tom Homer and the verve of Cook and Devoto.

Bath’s tries at Allianz Park were of rare quality, even without George Ford or a dominant set piece platform. Neal Hatley will be scheming all week to restore the scrum and lineout solidity and the snap at the breakdown to give his side a better start. With home advantage and the growing threat of Sam Burgess, Bath will not lack confidence. They will start underdogs, but know they can produce gritty performances when the chips are down. This could go to the wire again. Northampton will be most people’s favourites, but who will bet against an upset?

Possible teams:

Bath:, Auterac, Batty, Thomas, Day, Hooper ,  Garvey, Louw, Fearns. Cook, Devoto, Banahan, Eastmond, Burgess, Rokoduguni. Homer Bench:, James, Webber , Palma-Newport, Day,  Fa’osiliva, Houston. Young, Arscott, Woodburn,

Saints: A. Waller, Haywood, Ma'afu, Manoa, Day, Wood (capt), Clark, Dickinson. Dickson, Myler. K. Pisi, G. Pisi, Stephenson, Elliott, Wilson. Bench: Corbisiero, Denman, E Waller, Craig, Dowson, Fotuali’I, Olver, North