The Wolf Nearest the Sledge: Saracens v Bath

“Kill the wolf closest to the sledge”. An analogy for dealing with the most pressing problem first. One that Bath will bear in mind as they head for the Wolfpack’s Allianz Park lair on Saturday. Saracens will be licking their lips at the thought of clamping their jaws on their opponents. Last year’s AP finalists have enjoyed diverging fortunes this season: Saracens lead the Premiership and are unbeaten in Europe. Bath meanwhile, have only 5 wins from 14 matches and the scant consolation of brave, but ultimately frustrating performances against Toulon in recent weeks. With the 6 nations almost upon us, both squads could be heavily affected by the depredations of Eddie Jones’s first EPS Squad, who will be training this weekend, but of the two, Saracens seem the more settled. The stage seems set therefore for a third consecutive Saracens victory over the men from the west.

Saracens may be missing a few key England forwards, but their leading wolves, Barritt in midfield and Fraser at flanker have not had the Eddie Jones call. Their strike force can still boast Wyles, Bosch & the fast developing Ransom. Both Wigglesworth & De Kock are seasoned scrumhalves & Charlie Hodgson, in seemingly evergreen form, was first capped almost 15 years ago – they will not lack experienced direction. Even up front there is enviable strength. Brits, Gill, Du Plessis, Figallo – all international front rowers -are available, with Hargreaves & Hamilton to provide the engine and the likes of Wray, Brown & Rhodes to complete the picture at loose forward.

Semesa Rokodoguni’s call up to replace the suspended Chris Ashton further denudes the Bath backline which must now rely on a mix of players who have had limited game time – and none together as a unit. Indeed, it is quite possible that Dan Bowden could be called up straight into the match day 23, unless one of the Academy players is recalled from loan. Following a much improved showing, both in aggressive defence and penetration against Toulon, the disruption of the 6 Nations demands could be a frustrating complication. Much, for both teams, will depend on which ten players Jones releases to clubs on Wednesday. Forecasting Eddie’s selection and those of the two clubs is a piece of guesswork. Roko, as the newcomer may find he is surplus to requirements, especially if Ashton’s appeal succeeds. Olly Devoto though is the only 12 in the EPS group currently fit to play so may be one Jones keeps.

The coaches should have anticipated that of course and will have their plans. They will want to continue last week’s improvement and spirit with a quality performance from whichever selection they field: momentum is essential as, win, lose or draw, there are some winnable AP fixtures ahead. Last season Bath managed a rare win over Sarries, albeit at home, but it was one of the results of the season. It may have lacked the sparkle of the two home demolitions of the Tigers, but stood out for other qualities. On a drizzly, grizzly October night, Bath “out-Sarried Sarries” in the words of the Hendon support. They piled into the tackle with a ferocity that surprised the wolves, flooded the breakdown to great effect and took their chances in counter attack for two stunning game-changing tries. It can be done and perhaps, with national duties of their own, this may be the weekend when Saracens are uncharacteristically vulnerable. If it is to be done, who is to do it? The Rec front row has been regaining authority of late (except in Dublin) so big games will be demanded of them and Charlie Ewels will feel encouraged by the recognition Itoje has gained and want to showcase what he can do in this company. Fa’osilva looked lively in his cameo last Saturday – a full on stormer from him would be most welcome. Behind the scrum, Rhys Priestland should get a chance to run a key game and Bath can field urgent finishers on the wings. Above all Priestland and Homer between them must kick the goals.  Bath must marry the snarling bite of the cornered underdog with the rapier thrusts in attack they occasionally showed against Toulon. If they can do that, the wolves could find they have taken on a gristly prey.

Possible Bath Team:

Auterac, Batty, Wilson. Hooper (Capt) Ewels, Garvey, Denton, Fa’osiliva, Houston.
Cook, Priestland, Banahan,  Eastmond,  Agulla, Rokodoguni. Homer. Replacements:  Lahiff, Webber, P-Newport, Day, Mercer. Evans, Bowden, Williams