VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Faletau: example
By PG Tips
January 5 2021
Bath’s next match, against Wasps on Friday at the Rec, promises to be an encounter full of venom. Last Saturday Wasps, swarming all over Exeter, stung the Premiership favourites with 5 tries to leave them dazed. Bath, by contrast, let slip a healthy lead against Leicester Tigers, harassed into error by their hosts kick chase and breakdown aggression. If they are to avoid ceding a cricket score, Bath have much to work on and must match Wasps venom and summon up their own ferocity to torment and disrupt their visitors.
Wasps, 5th in the Premiership, lead Bath by only 3 points, having won once more in their 5 matches than the hosts. Their season had a mixed start. After beating Bristol they managed to lose away to bottom placed Gloucester, then at home to Newcastle before snatching a win at Sale and seemingly discovering themselves in deservedly pasting the champions 34-5. It is not their record, but their surge into form that will concern Stuart Hooper and his coaches.
Hooper will have noted not only Wasps’ power in besting the champions at their own game up front, but also their ambition in counter attack and the variety and slickness of their handling moves. For some time Wasps have been noted for their loose forwards, but now Blackett has built a potent tight five. West, whose try snatched the game from Bath in August, McIntyre ( a double try scorer last Saturday) and Brookes are all modern props who inflict damage in the scrum, maul powerfully and can carry on the charge. Behind them the form of Will Rowlands alongside Joe Launchbury has forced James Gaskell, another double scorer against the Chiefs, into the back row, his height useful in targeting opponents’ lineouts. Behind them Dan Robson, a bundle of energy at scrum half is a constant danger while his partner Jacob Umaga, aware of the praise heaped by the press on Marcus Smith and Joe Simmonds will want to remind Eddie Jones that his gliding break last week was no fluke. With the drive of Le Bourgeois, the pace of Bassett and the trickery of Odogwu, coached at last to seek and find space, Wasps are lethal in attack and exciting to watch.
To draw the sting Bath must not so much blunt Wasps attack as hurl them onto the back foot from the off. Tigers showed how last Saturday by making every kick contestable, battering the breakdown and hurrying Bath, forcing defensive gaps and doglegs. They also carried directly up the middle with real force, forgoing pretty patterns for simple, effective and ultimately dominant rugby. Analysing the two sides contrasting fortunes last weekend Hooper may conclude Bath’s best hope is the spite of desperation.
If Wasps’ start was mixed and they have only just hit their stride, why cannot Bath hope for the same and trust that they will find their form this Friday or soon after? Because this is becoming a must win game. After a break for two more European ties, the Premiership resumption brings Bristol away, then the depletion and disruption of the 6 Nations when Bath must face Quins, Sale and Northampton, all currently higher placed and considerably less hampered by international callups. It is a bit early to talk of a crisis but If they do not land some stinging blows soon, Bath could find themselves floundering in the toxic territory of the relegation zone a third of the way through the season. Stuart Hooper has identified poor discipline as a major cause of Bath’s defeat. That several penalties came at the scrum is a concern given Bath’s reliance on the set piece. The lineout wobbled at Welford Road too- a third of Bath’s own throws lost or spoiled. Fixing these two areas ought to be simple as they were major planks in Bath’s resurgence last season. Should Bath gain the dominance they want, or even an edge up front, that should relieve the pressure that brought the penalties in open play. That edge in itself can partly be built on attitude: a burning desire to avenge last season’s home defeat.
With only a 5 day turnaround the coaching team face a selection dilemma – how many, especially of the front five, should they rotate if they want to take the game to Wasps?
There will also be concerns about leading lights Tom Dunn and Ben Spencer, both of whom appeared to take nasty knocks against Tigers. As there will be a nine day gap after Friday to the La Rochelle match, they will probably opt for the first choices in most positions. Stuart, Ewels, Faletau and Mercer must lead by example, while Priestland and Redpath need to create the space to make the best of McConnochie, Watson and Rokodoguni.
On the optimistic side, there were signs last Sunday of willingness to play a more varied game. Watson, Mercer, McConnochie and Underhill all combined to set up the ruck for Spencer’s stunning try and Bath worked the ball wide to good effect early in the match. They could, arguably should, have been further ahead when Leicester began their fightback midway through the first half: poor passing having wasted overlaps and halted promising attacks. That these errors were made by Lions Test players makes them even more galling for supporters. There can be no excuse for rustiness like that on Friday. Cut out these basic errors and inject more snap into attack and Bath have the personnel to pierce defences and score freely. Another bright point was the quick thinking and determination that brought the opening tries. To beat Wasps will require both, plus greater fluency and a large dose of venom.
Possible Teams.
Bath:
Obano, Dunn, Stuart, Ewels (Capt.), McNally, Faletau, Underhill, Mercer. Spencer, Priestland. McConnochie, Redpath, Joseph, Rokodoguni. Watson.
Replacements: Schoeman, Walker, Judge, Stooke, Bayliss. Chudley, Matavesi, De Glanville.
Wasps:
West, Cruse, Brookes, Launchbury (Capt.), Rowlands, Gaskell, J Willis, T Willis. Robson, Umaga. Bassett, le Bourgeois, De Jongh, Odogwu. Sopoaga.
Replacements: Taylor. McIntyre, Toomaga-Allen, Morris, Young. Porter, Atkinson, Gopperth.
VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2021 18:53
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Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:12:11:46:34 by P G Tips.
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Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:12:11:46:34 by P G Tips.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2021 19:02
Very good assessment PG, this game will be almost like an exam for the club with several key positions being assessed, Underhill and J Willis, Spencer and Robson, Priestland and Umaga and Watson and Sopoaga being the most relevant for me.
Defence will be key, we used to be good at it, not so sure now!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Defence will be key, we used to be good at it, not so sure now!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2021 19:36
[www.skysports.com] - Jack Willis still injured?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2021 19:40
That would be a blow to Wasps at the breakdown, but Shields or Young are able replacements both there and in other aspects.
PG
PG
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2021 23:40
I’d like to see a couple of last week’s team actually dropped. Stooke and Read deserve starts. If deG is available, play him - at outside centre if need be. Chuck in one of the young 9s. There’s nothing like shaking things up a bit after a loss. And what’s the harm in having an Underhill, a Faletau, a Joseph coming off the bench feeling a bit aggrieved?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 00:07
Quote:Optimist
I’d like to see a couple of last week’s team actually dropped. Stooke and Read deserve starts. If deG is available, play him - at outside centre if need be. Chuck in one of the young 9s. There’s nothing like shaking things up a bit after a loss. And what’s the harm in having an Underhill, a Faletau, a Joseph coming off the bench feeling a bit aggrieved?
I totally agree. Many of these players have underperformed & changes are definitely needed.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 07:45
If Bath trusted the younger squad members and dropped the underperforming internationals it might actually be worth watching the game.
Don’t see Hooper doing that though as he comes across as a very conservative and risk averse person.
Don’t see Hooper doing that though as he comes across as a very conservative and risk averse person.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 08:49
If Gabe HW is fit I would certainly have him on wherever possible given Roko and JC's issues recently. In fact he would also be the reason why I wouldn't renew JC contract next season and would spend the salary elsewhere, but that's another thread. I would be tempted to move Watson to wing and put TDG at full back.
I shall certainly take this opportunity to bang my 'Green on the bench instead of Chudley' drum - never miss an opportunity to do that.
Who are the 'underperforming internationals' otherwise? The front row had a poor game vs Tigers but are generally a step up over the 2nd choices, I would definitely play them. TF and SU were fine but we need someone to counter the Willis brothers (not sure who that would be, Bayliss?). JJ doesn't do much at the moment but we don't have a really good replacement 13 either.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I shall certainly take this opportunity to bang my 'Green on the bench instead of Chudley' drum - never miss an opportunity to do that.
Who are the 'underperforming internationals' otherwise? The front row had a poor game vs Tigers but are generally a step up over the 2nd choices, I would definitely play them. TF and SU were fine but we need someone to counter the Willis brothers (not sure who that would be, Bayliss?). JJ doesn't do much at the moment but we don't have a really good replacement 13 either.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: hantssabre (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 09:06
Good review PG. Hope we see a bit of a shake up in selection on Friday but very much doubt it unless there are injuries. Guess you meant Joe Simmonds not Joe Simpson in para 3!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: TG Kesmo (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 09:52
The idea of replacing internationals is change for changes sake not for improvement. No one is a better outside centre defender than JJ, Watson didn’t have the best game on Sunday but didn’t suddenly become dreadful and it will be a different game against Wasps who are more likely to run than kick. Our second string front row is not as good as our first end of. Line out throwing is not one of Walker’s strengths. The Back row on Sunday were not the problem and we need to match Wasps.
We tend to lose our shape and intensity both in attack and defence when the subs come on with the exception of Baylis who also adds something at the line out. I would maybe look at making changes to the bench to try to give others a chance they can’t be any worse than what we have had as subs recently.
We tend to lose our shape and intensity both in attack and defence when the subs come on with the exception of Baylis who also adds something at the line out. I would maybe look at making changes to the bench to try to give others a chance they can’t be any worse than what we have had as subs recently.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 09:53
Thanks hantsabre, must have been "touching the void" subconsciously when I penned that!
Fixed now.
PG
Fixed now.
PG
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 09:59
Quote:P G Tips
Thanks hantsabre, must have been "touching the void" subconsciously when I penned that!
Fixed now.
PG
No PG, please don't cut the rope!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 10:14
Quote:BathMatt53
If Gabe HW is fit I would certainly have him on wherever possible given Roko and JC's issues recently. In fact he would also be the reason why I wouldn't renew JC contract next season and would spend the salary elsewhere, but that's another thread. I would be tempted to move Watson to wing and put TDG at full back.
I shall certainly take this opportunity to bang my 'Green on the bench instead of Chudley' drum - never miss an opportunity to do that.
Who are the 'underperforming internationals' otherwise? The front row had a poor game vs Tigers but are generally a step up over the 2nd choices, I would definitely play them. TF and SU were fine but we need someone to counter the Willis brothers (not sure who that would be, Bayliss?). JJ doesn't do much at the moment but we don't have a really good replacement 13 either.
Underperforming internationals is probably the wrong word, maybe not bringing their international form to club games is more appropriate. They are all top class internationals, but we rarely see that playing for Bath.
Clearly I fundamentally believe the problem lies with our coaching setup, but as that’s not going to change a shakeup on the pitch can’t hurt. What have we got to lose this season?
Against Wasps we are likely going to need 3-4 tries to win so something has to change to achieve this.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 10:52
'The idea of replacing internationals is change for changes sake not for improvement'
Not in my view it isn't. It's change for the sake of giving the players as a whole a shake-up. You're right, noboby particularly, specifically played terribly. But the team was terrible, and something has to give, otherwise there's a sub-conscious assumption that it was 'good enough' - or in our DoR's words, 'we can't assume we're going to win at Tigers', therefore it was as good as could be expected.
On the other hand - we play the same players week in, week out which means that a lot of the squad never play any rugby - so it would be pretty unrealistic to expect them to come in and perform.
I would guess we'll see a better performance on Friday whatever happens. That's kind of the way we are.
Not in my view it isn't. It's change for the sake of giving the players as a whole a shake-up. You're right, noboby particularly, specifically played terribly. But the team was terrible, and something has to give, otherwise there's a sub-conscious assumption that it was 'good enough' - or in our DoR's words, 'we can't assume we're going to win at Tigers', therefore it was as good as could be expected.
On the other hand - we play the same players week in, week out which means that a lot of the squad never play any rugby - so it would be pretty unrealistic to expect them to come in and perform.
I would guess we'll see a better performance on Friday whatever happens. That's kind of the way we are.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 11:04
Quote:Optimist
On the other hand - we play the same players week in, week out which means that a lot of the squad never play any rugby - so it would be pretty unrealistic to expect them to come in and perform.
I would guess we'll see a better performance on Friday whatever happens. That's kind of the way we are.
That is the big big problem, the plan 'not to lose' has meant that the only real changes in 6 months have been Spencer and Redpath, possibly TdG.
Unfortunately the changes are going to be Clark and Wright rather than Ojomoh and Bailey. Even the bench is predictable. Personally although it is being advocated by many I expect very little to change.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 11:06
'I expect very little to change' ... likewise. And, as ever, I will nod approvingly at the teamsheet littered with Internationals and proven players and think, 'looks strong'.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: TG Kesmo (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 11:59
The piece in the chronic from Cam Redpath makes interesting reading he may just have hit the nail on the head. Perhaps saying it out loud, the privilege of youth, may address the situation.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 12:01
Quote:Optimist
'I expect very little to change' ... likewise. And, as ever, I will nod approvingly at the teamsheet littered with Internationals and proven players and think, 'looks strong'.
Don’t forget we will have trained well all week along with a good analysis session on Monday.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: TG Kesmo (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 12:08
Quote:really ...you’d rather they didn’t train well and did no analysisOutsideBathQuote:Optimist
'I expect very little to change' ... likewise. And, as ever, I will nod approvingly at the teamsheet littered with Internationals and proven players and think, 'looks strong'.
Don’t forget we will have trained well all week along with a good analysis session on Monday.
Or is it that you don’t want the club to communicate at all.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 12:20
Quote:TG KesmoQuote:really ...you’d rather they didn’t train well and did no analysisOutsideBathQuote:Optimist
'I expect very little to change' ... likewise. And, as ever, I will nod approvingly at the teamsheet littered with Internationals and proven players and think, 'looks strong'.
Don’t forget we will have trained well all week along with a good analysis session on Monday.
Or is it that you don’t want the club to communicate at all.
Oh do lighten up and stop be so precious, it was just a comment to lighten the mood a bit.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 12:54
Quote:TG KesmoQuote:really ...you’d rather they didn’t train well and did no analysisOutsideBathQuote:Optimist
'I expect very little to change' ... likewise. And, as ever, I will nod approvingly at the teamsheet littered with Internationals and proven players and think, 'looks strong'.
Don’t forget we will have trained well all week along with a good analysis session on Monday.
Or is it that you don’t want the club to communicate at all.
No - we'd rather that there was some actual, material evidence that 'training well all week' and 'detailed analysis' translated into a decent team performance reflective of the level of talent in the run-on 15.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 13:18
I'd rather they had no analysis and no training. Get them all in a room and get them to work out the way forward.
They would have to think for themselves for once rather than waiting to be told, you'd also find out who the leaders were.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
They would have to think for themselves for once rather than waiting to be told, you'd also find out who the leaders were.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 13:26
I'm sure whatever side the coaches pics, the team will play better on Friday night and maybe even win. Everything will be on the up and supporters will talk of "progress".
... and then they'll play terribly for the 5 games following that.
... and then they'll play terribly for the 5 games following that.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 13:42
I would take a win and it certainly will be progress compared with the results so far. If they do win I will of course expect you to go to ground until the next loss.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 13:48
Quote:BathMatt53
I would take a win and it certainly will be progress compared with the results so far. If they do win I will of course expect you to go to ground until the next loss.
Those one or two wins I didn't post after were so meaningful after all. Oh wait.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 13:59
Quote:ballsoutQuote:BathMatt53
I would take a win and it certainly will be progress compared with the results so far. If they do win I will of course expect you to go to ground until the next loss.
Those one or two wins I didn't post after were so meaningful after all. Oh wait.
Errr, one or two!
There is nothing wrong with being buoyant after a win and frustrated after a loss, its what following sport is all about for the majority of supporters.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 15:08
I find it intriguing in the modern game that Argentina still seem able to rock up introduce themselves to each other and go out and beat the All-Blacks (sort off)
I have a feeling with Bath that there is too much analysis.....to the point of paralysis, too much planning and playing to the formula and not enough just getting the ball in the oppositions 22 and then looking for space as the person holding the ball and the person looking to receive it
I have a feeling with Bath that there is too much analysis.....to the point of paralysis, too much planning and playing to the formula and not enough just getting the ball in the oppositions 22 and then looking for space as the person holding the ball and the person looking to receive it
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 15:22
Agreed BFJ. SH seems like a VERY analytical sort of guy.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 15:36
Quote:Optimist
Agreed BFJ. SH seems like a VERY analytical sort of guy.
Interesting Opti and BSJ and I am with you on that one, I think there is a case of over analysing going on and too much structure.
Blackett, Lam & Boyd are 3 who stand out as coaches who trust and empower their players to make the right decisions and play what is in front of them.
There have been a couple of times this season that some of our players have made breaks and then look like rabbits caught in the headlights absolutely clueless as to what to do next. Our players appear at times so structured that they are frightened to actually play and when the game breaks up we get cut to pieces because it is not in playbook from training.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:06:15:37:31 by Ali1969.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 16:17
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Optimist
'I expect very little to change' ... likewise. And, as ever, I will nod approvingly at the teamsheet littered with Internationals and proven players and think, 'looks strong'.
Don’t forget we will have trained well all week along with a good analysis session on Monday.
Does not help very much when it comes to matchday so why bother !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: TG Kesmo (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 17:24
[quote OutsideBath][quote TG Kesmo][quote OutsideBath][quote Optimist]'I expect very little to change' ... likewise. And, as ever, I will nod approvingly at the teamsheet littered with Internationals and proven players and think, 'looks strong'.[/quote]
Don’t forget we will have trained well all week along with a good analysis session on Monday.[/quote]
really ...you’d rather they didn’t train well and did no analysis
Or is it that you don’t want the club to communicate at all.[/quote
Oh do lighten up and stop be so precious, it was just a comment to lighten the mood a bit.[/quote]
It didn’t lighten my mood one bit it just seemed like another snide remark aimed at those having to stand in front of the press which is a thankless task. I’m really sorry I took the bait and engaged with you. I’ll go back to ignoring your posts like I should
Don’t forget we will have trained well all week along with a good analysis session on Monday.[/quote]
really ...you’d rather they didn’t train well and did no analysis
Or is it that you don’t want the club to communicate at all.[/quote
Oh do lighten up and stop be so precious, it was just a comment to lighten the mood a bit.[/quote]
It didn’t lighten my mood one bit it just seemed like another snide remark aimed at those having to stand in front of the press which is a thankless task. I’m really sorry I took the bait and engaged with you. I’ll go back to ignoring your posts like I should
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: SJS (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 10:14
Quote:Blackett, Lam & Boyd are 3 who stand out as coaches who trust and empower their players to make the right decisions and play what is in front of them.
But let's not forget Saints are only really now falling out of a pretty poor run of form, despite having Boyd and some pretty tasty players.
Quote:There have been a couple of times this season that some of our players have made breaks and then look like rabbits caught in the headlights absolutely clueless as to what to do next. Our players appear at times so structured that they are frightened to actually play and when the game breaks up we get cut to pieces because it is not in playbook from training.
I think describing play as either 'Exeter-style' or 'chuck it about' as some do rather misses the point; both should be part of an 'all-court' style of play that a good team can turn to when needed. It's more a case of knowing when to go for the forward drive , maul and push over, and when to use the forward drive as an attacking platform for the backs.
We seem to have some of these elements but as you say, we don't seem to know when to use them; there was some great handling on show against Tigers, but perhaps at the wrong time. We lack that fluidity in play that comes from trusting in your abilities and those of the players around you.
My (perhaps wildly optimistic) hope is that the current run of games is the team finding its feet and as the season progresses things will start to click, like they did at the end of last season - but that does beg the question as to why there was such a large disparity in form between the end of last season and this one?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 10:22
Quote:SJS
but that does beg the question as to why there was such a large disparity in form between the end of last season and this one?
Because our team (which wasn't rotated much) ended up playing against kids / reserve players in many cases and had a relatively easy run of games:
Irish
tigers (kids)
Saints (rotated)
wasps (Bath lost)
quins
worcester
sale (v good result)
gloucs
sarries (draw vs weaker team)
exeter (lost)
Bath were able to crush those weaker packs and Spencer and RMc (and JM on the charge) did the rest. Remember that Bath had their internationals as well.
This season some tough games when a lot of players are away with their country and against teams who are at full strength.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 10:44
The 'mini' season was such a rare set of circumstances that yes, it was a great run of results, with plenty of promising signs, but it can only be fully judged in the context of 'what happened next?'
The new season is young, and so there is still time for things to click. But - if they didn't click when we had probably the strongest run-on 15 we can field; when we are playing our oldest rivals; when said rivals are in the biggest rut they've ever been in the professional era .... then it's reasonable to conclude that we flattered to deceive between July and October.
The new season is young, and so there is still time for things to click. But - if they didn't click when we had probably the strongest run-on 15 we can field; when we are playing our oldest rivals; when said rivals are in the biggest rut they've ever been in the professional era .... then it's reasonable to conclude that we flattered to deceive between July and October.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 10:55
Possibly more equivalent to the pre-lockdown run than the post (Spencer aside of course).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 12:09
BATH RUGBY SIDE TO FACE WASPS
15. Tom de Glanville, 14. Anthony Watson, 13. Jonathan Joseph, 12. Cameron Redpath, 11. Ruaridh McConnochie, 10. Rhys Priestland, 9. Ben Spencer; 1. Beno Obano, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Josh McNally, 5. Charlie Ewels (C), 6. Taulupe Faletau, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Zach Mercer
REPLACEMENTS
16. Jack Walker, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. Christian Judge, 19. Elliott Stooke, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. Will Chudley, 22. Josh Matavesi, 23. Gabriel Hamer-Webb
15. Tom de Glanville, 14. Anthony Watson, 13. Jonathan Joseph, 12. Cameron Redpath, 11. Ruaridh McConnochie, 10. Rhys Priestland, 9. Ben Spencer; 1. Beno Obano, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Josh McNally, 5. Charlie Ewels (C), 6. Taulupe Faletau, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Zach Mercer
REPLACEMENTS
16. Jack Walker, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. Christian Judge, 19. Elliott Stooke, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. Will Chudley, 22. Josh Matavesi, 23. Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Team’s up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 12:12
WASPS SIDE TO FACE BATH RUGBY
15. Lima Sopoaga, 14. Paolo Odogwu, 13. Juan de Jongh, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Josh Bassett, 10. Jacob Umaga, 9. Dan Robson; 1 Tom West, 2. Tom Cruse, 3. Kieran Brookes, 4. Joe Launchbury (C), 5. Will Rowlands, 6. James Gaskell, 7. Thomas Young, 8. Jack Willis
REPLACEMENTS
16. Tommy Taylor, 17. Simon McIntyre, 18. Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 19. Brad Shields, 20. Tom Willis, 21. Will Porter, 22. Jimmy Gopperth, 23. Marcus Watson
15. Lima Sopoaga, 14. Paolo Odogwu, 13. Juan de Jongh, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Josh Bassett, 10. Jacob Umaga, 9. Dan Robson; 1 Tom West, 2. Tom Cruse, 3. Kieran Brookes, 4. Joe Launchbury (C), 5. Will Rowlands, 6. James Gaskell, 7. Thomas Young, 8. Jack Willis
REPLACEMENTS
16. Tommy Taylor, 17. Simon McIntyre, 18. Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 19. Brad Shields, 20. Tom Willis, 21. Will Porter, 22. Jimmy Gopperth, 23. Marcus Watson
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 12:13
Good to see Gabriel Hamer-Webb back in the 23.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 12:17
Similar teams to last week, 11, 14 and 15 balance looks good but with Thomas Young and Jack Willis they will be immense at the jackal - will we get any ball?
Agree DCSH great to see GHW back.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Agree DCSH great to see GHW back.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: TG Kesmo (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 12:19
GHW recovered quickly from op - perhaps a good sign. Like the balance of that side better. Still worried about our subs WC is ok if you are on the front foot but not so much when defending so unable to turn defence in to attack. Think we are liable to be defending against this oppo.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: bardofavon (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 12:19
that looks to be a really strong side.....
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 12:26
We recognised it was a strong side last week, we have dropped Roko and shuffled the backs.
Otherwise its the same team. We'll see if its a different performance but changing decision making in players might take longer than a week.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Otherwise its the same team. We'll see if its a different performance but changing decision making in players might take longer than a week.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 12:33
So we are basically doing largely the same thing but hoping for a different result. I'm going to be watching these Lions/England fellows with an eagle eye:
Faleteu
Underhill
JJ
Watson
Faleteu
Underhill
JJ
Watson
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 12:58
Wasps back row will have a field day and we’ll see almost no ball, as usual. What ball we do have will be glacially slow as usual and box kicked away by Spencer after an age... as usual.
We might put in one of those rare good performances after a kick up the backside and win, but it’ll ultimately mean nothing I suspect. Probably depend how many individual or fortuitous tries the players manage.
Apart from a good 40 minutes, we were poor in the last three games of last season. The Sarries draw in particular was terrible given the amount of injuries they had during the game and who was on the field for them. Carrying on where we left off.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:07:12:59:21 by ballsout.
We might put in one of those rare good performances after a kick up the backside and win, but it’ll ultimately mean nothing I suspect. Probably depend how many individual or fortuitous tries the players manage.
Quote:SJS
My (perhaps wildly optimistic) hope is that the current run of games is the team finding its feet and as the season progresses things will start to click, like they did at the end of last season - but that does beg the question as to why there was such a large disparity in form between the end of last season and this one?
Apart from a good 40 minutes, we were poor in the last three games of last season. The Sarries draw in particular was terrible given the amount of injuries they had during the game and who was on the field for them. Carrying on where we left off.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:07:12:59:21 by ballsout.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 12:59
Yep - looks a strong side! Hope springs eternal.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 13:29
Don’t have the best of feelings about this one. I hope we go out and give it beans at least.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathIron (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 13:29
I like the way Wasps' website puts the games played for the club against each player selected. Would be a good detail for Bath to follow.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 13:52
On another thread not long ago a question was posed: "does anybody at the club read this board?"
I answered that they do. If they are reading some comments on this thread they might wonder if they had better things to do with their time.
According to some on here the match is already lost over 24 hours before kick off.
Yes- it looks a steep task, but I think the players would welcome our support.
PG
I answered that they do. If they are reading some comments on this thread they might wonder if they had better things to do with their time.
According to some on here the match is already lost over 24 hours before kick off.
Yes- it looks a steep task, but I think the players would welcome our support.
PG
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 14:00
We would welcome a performance to be proud of for once. Other clubs manage it all the time. The erosion of fan interest has been going on for years.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 14:03
It's one thing Club management reading the board and maybe using it as a way of understanding their customer base a bit. It's another thing whether players read it. I doubt very much it's the latter, and I'd be immensely worried if anything that was said on here affected a player's performance either positively or negatively. I'm sure if they do stumble on here occasionally, it's more of a cause of merriment.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: warrenball (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 14:03
Let us hope the weather is dry and cold, so no excuses on that front, the best team should win. On paper it should be a good contest, but unfortunately it is played on grass. The interesting question is how you would play it if you were Hooper? Our backs look strong, but they did last week, then what is the use of having a back like like that if we do not use them? I think if we try to play it too tight it will play into the hands of Launchbury, Young and Willis, we have to take a chance and get it out wide and hope our backs can find some form. If we win it will be great, but the performance and low penalty/turn over/handling errors probably more important.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 14:10
I don't really care what the game plan is - that can be argued any number of ways. Just stop giving away daft penalties. Cut out the handling errors. And if we get within 5 metres of the line, have the guts to go wide.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 14:17
Matthew Carley is the ref!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: terracehugger (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 14:26
I used to look forward to Bath games with a mixture of excitement and real optimism. Now it's trepidation and pessimistic acceptance.
We have undoubted and proven talent in most positions and therefore one must question the ability of our coaching staff to bring out the best of that talent.
Regrettably their track record in so doing is abysmal.
Surely their honeymoon period has well lapsed, and the club must move on.
Otherwise, it will simply languish in unsupported mediocrity.
We have undoubted and proven talent in most positions and therefore one must question the ability of our coaching staff to bring out the best of that talent.
Regrettably their track record in so doing is abysmal.
Surely their honeymoon period has well lapsed, and the club must move on.
Otherwise, it will simply languish in unsupported mediocrity.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 14:27
Quote:CoochieCoo
Matthew Carley is the ref!
In his first few season I thought Carley was utterly hopeless and was little more than an entertainment destroyer, however the last couple of times I saw him he seemed much better, more relaxed and with a greater understanding of the game. Certainly he can't be used as an excuse for losing again.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 15:12
Quote:ballsout
.......The erosion of fan interest has been going on for years.
Before COVID when fans were allowed in Bath had home attendances in the premiership 2019/20 season for the 7 games played at home averaging 98%. Also since 2008 up to last full season 2018/19 attendances have increased by 74 %.
Attendances 2018/19
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:07:15:43:43 by CoochieCoo.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 15:31
The most dispiriting factor is that we are naming a broadly unchanged side full of individual talent and I have no real confidence in a victory.
Please can we show some attacking intent - I really liked the Ugo comment over the weekend games that attack needs deception. We play with very little deception relying on clumsy, structured training ground moves.
Please can we show some attacking intent - I really liked the Ugo comment over the weekend games that attack needs deception. We play with very little deception relying on clumsy, structured training ground moves.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: redneck17 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 15:39
Quote:terracehugger
I used to look forward to Bath games with a mixture of excitement and real optimism. Now it's trepidation and pessimistic acceptance.
We have undoubted and proven talent in most positions and therefore one must question the ability of our coaching staff to bring out the best of that talent.
Regrettably their track record in so doing is abysmal.
Surely their honeymoon period has well lapsed, and the club must move on.
Otherwise, it will simply languish in unsupported mediocrity.
Sadly I'm the exact same. My main concern is how Bath can prevent Wasps from running tries in from all over the place. If we keep coughing up cheap possession they will have an absolute field day. It hasn't even occurred to me that we could win this game.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: TG Kesmo (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 15:50
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:CoochieCoo
Matthew Carley is the ref!
In his first few season I thought Carley was utterly hopeless and was little more than an entertainment destroyer, however the last couple of times I saw him he seemed much better, more relaxed and with a greater understanding of the game. Certainly he can't be used as an excuse for losing again.
Aah OB you were doing so well until the last sentence but you had to have a dig. I was agreeing with you until the last bit.
It suggests he could be blamed for us losing matches before or that we used him for an excuse previously or that we were going to blame him when we lose again.
Yes he has improved But who knows what will happen on Friday evening he could have a brilliant game or an absolute mare. Ditto Bath.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 16:13
Quote:TG KesmoQuote:OutsideBathQuote:CoochieCoo
Matthew Carley is the ref!
In his first few season I thought Carley was utterly hopeless and was little more than an entertainment destroyer, however the last couple of times I saw him he seemed much better, more relaxed and with a greater understanding of the game. Certainly he can't be used as an excuse for losing again.
Aah OB you were doing so well until the last sentence but you had to have a dig. I was agreeing with you until the last bit.
It suggests he could be blamed for us losing matches before or that we used him for an excuse previously or that we were going to blame him when we lose again.
Yes he has improved But who knows what will happen on Friday evening he could have a brilliant game or an absolute mare. Ditto Bath.
If memory serves me correct Carley has been blamed on more than one occasion for results that have not gone our way. I seem to remember him being jeered off the Rec at the end of a match against Saints I believe. Just highlighting that he is now much improved as a ref and unlikely to be the source of a defeat.
Oh and by the way I think it unlikely that Bath will win.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 16:29
2 points in it according to the bookies which is closer than I thought.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 17:34
Quote:BathMatt53
2 points in it according to the bookies which is closer than I thought.
The bookies,reflect the bets being made, not what they may or may not think is going to happen.
We are not within 2 points of Wasps - especially with Jack Willis playing. So we'll need a match specific strategy. I'd suggest prioritizing offloads to minimize the number of rucks. Sopoaga is weak under the high ball so box kicks for Ruaridh to chase.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 17:58
Quote:CoochieCooQuote:ballsout
.......The erosion of fan interest has been going on for years.
Before COVID when fans were allowed in Bath had home attendances in the premiership 2019/20 season for the 7 games played at home averaging 98%. Also since 2008 up to last full season 2018/19 attendances have increased by 74 %.
Attendances 2018/19
Doesn't mean anything. You just have to look at posts on this board about how people aren't really bothered about Bath anymore. The Rec has never sounded more like a morgue on matchdays than the last few years.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 18:06
Quote:ballsoutQuote:CoochieCooQuote:ballsout
.......The erosion of fan interest has been going on for years.
Before COVID when fans were allowed in Bath had home attendances in the premiership 2019/20 season for the 7 games played at home averaging 98%. Also since 2008 up to last full season 2018/19 attendances have increased by 74 %.
Attendances 2018/19
Doesn't mean anything. You just have to look at posts on this board about how people aren't really bothered about Bath anymore. The Rec has never sounded more like a morgue on matchdays than the last few years.
About 10 people have posted that sort of sentiment (including me). And I don't have a season ticket.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 18:19
Quote:ballsoutQuote:CoochieCooQuote:ballsout
.......The erosion of fan interest has been going on for years.
Before COVID when fans were allowed in Bath had home attendances in the premiership 2019/20 season for the 7 games played at home averaging 98%. Also since 2008 up to last full season 2018/19 attendances have increased by 74 %.
Attendances 2018/19
Doesn't mean anything. You just have to look at posts on this board about how people aren't really bothered about Bath anymore. The Rec has never sounded more like a morgue on matchdays than the last few years.
You are Donald Trump and I claim my £5!!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 20:53
Quote:If true maybe the mods need to take the same actions as Facebook and Twitter?! ;-)CoochieCooQuote:ballsoutQuote:CoochieCooQuote:ballsout
.......The erosion of fan interest has been going on for years.
Before COVID when fans were allowed in Bath had home attendances in the premiership 2019/20 season for the 7 games played at home averaging 98%. Also since 2008 up to last full season 2018/19 attendances have increased by 74 %.
Attendances 2018/19
Doesn't mean anything. You just have to look at posts on this board about how people aren't really bothered about Bath anymore. The Rec has never sounded more like a morgue on matchdays than the last few years.
You are Donald Trump and I claim my £5!!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 21:28
Quote:redneck17
Sadly I'm the exact same. My main concern is how Bath can prevent Wasps from running tries in from all over the place. If we keep coughing up cheap possession they will have an absolute field day. It hasn't even occurred to me that we could win this game.
I concur with that. After the last lacklustre performance changes needed to be made but apparently not so. I cannot see us getting anything out of this game based on present form.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 21:36
Quote:dcshQuote:If true maybe the mods need to take the same actions as Facebook and Twitter?! ;-)CoochieCooQuote:ballsoutQuote:CoochieCooQuote:ballsout
.......The erosion of fan interest has been going on for years.
Before COVID when fans were allowed in Bath had home attendances in the premiership 2019/20 season for the 7 games played at home averaging 98%. Also since 2008 up to last full season 2018/19 attendances have increased by 74 %.
Attendances 2018/19
Doesn't mean anything. You just have to look at posts on this board about how people aren't really bothered about Bath anymore. The Rec has never sounded more like a morgue on matchdays than the last few years.
You are Donald Trump and I claim my £5!!
I’ll have a word with Zuck, I know one of his VPs
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:07:22:09:36 by CoochieCoo.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: sid the seagull (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 22:18
I think it’s massively unfair to be picking out players to criticise inc ‘the internationals’.
According to the C Redapth piece in the Chron this week, Roko only touched the ball twice(!) at Welford Rd and he CR, only touched it once (!) at Exeter.
How are you going to have a good game ‘as a dangerous attacking player’ if you’re not given the ball.
It has to be down to a totally cr*p game plan and negative over coaching.
IMO I’d clear out the whole coaching/DOR regime except Hats and probably Charteris and just let the guys work it out and PLAY!
SQUAWK
According to the C Redapth piece in the Chron this week, Roko only touched the ball twice(!) at Welford Rd and he CR, only touched it once (!) at Exeter.
How are you going to have a good game ‘as a dangerous attacking player’ if you’re not given the ball.
It has to be down to a totally cr*p game plan and negative over coaching.
IMO I’d clear out the whole coaching/DOR regime except Hats and probably Charteris and just let the guys work it out and PLAY!
SQUAWK
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 23:28
Quote:CoochieCooQuote:ballsoutQuote:CoochieCooQuote:ballsout
.......The erosion of fan interest has been going on for years.
Before COVID when fans were allowed in Bath had home attendances in the premiership 2019/20 season for the 7 games played at home averaging 98%. Also since 2008 up to last full season 2018/19 attendances have increased by 74 %.
Attendances 2018/19
Doesn't mean anything. You just have to look at posts on this board about how people aren't really bothered about Bath anymore. The Rec has never sounded more like a morgue on matchdays than the last few years.
You are Donald Trump and I claim my £5!!
You're right. People are as passionate and die hard about Bath Rugby as they've ever been. Interest and engagement has been at peak level for a while now, and people are besides themselves with excitement waiting for the next blinding Bath performance.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 00:13
Are Wasps still called "jaspers"?
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ken_jnr (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 06:05
I am no Hooper fanboy but lacklustre performance and being less than the sum of our parts has been part of the club DNA for years. Those halcyon days of Borthwick, Grewcock, Flatman, Stevens. Lipman, Bendy and Barkley where we finished 9th in 2006?
We had a few good years after that where we scraped into the play offs after upgrading the squad with guys like Butch James, EFS and Claassens. We did of course lose the club captain after winning the second tier European cup citing a lack of ambition from the club in his post match interview.
With superstars like Luke Watson, Moody, Simon Taylor, Lee Mears and lots of young talent like Josh Ovens to supplement the experience of Barkley, Grewcock and current DoR Hooper we stormed to 8th place in 2012.
A 7th place finish in 2013 was the beginning of the Ford based revolution where we brought in lots of talent, developed an effective and actually attractive style of play again culminating in an amazing season in 2015 where we showed that we were a bit of experience away from being a great team. Instead the wheels fell off and the cart burst into flames and we finished 9th the year after.
Since then we have been in a five year limbo of looking great on paper but barely squeak into the Champions cup where we make no meaningful impact and/or humiliate ourselves with players like Louw, Faletau, Watson, JJ, Underhill, Rocco, JC3(?), Priestland, etc.
We have had a whole raft of coaches in that time. The only one who did anything seemed to achieve it by making some kind of pact with the devil while everyone else has failed to make it work.
I know other teams have had great players and coaches in that time of course and there can only ever be one winner every year which we have no god given right to be. I do feel though that we haven’t been able to prepare a side well enough to put ourselves in with a shout of winning the league in recent times. We have made the premiership final a couple of times and have been an Elvis try away from relegation in the last 20 years. Asidm from that, we have been a big spending mid table side with delusions of grandeur.
That was a very long way of saying, are we sure it is a coaching issue and not something even more deeply engrained in the club?
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:06:09:37 by ken_jnr.
We had a few good years after that where we scraped into the play offs after upgrading the squad with guys like Butch James, EFS and Claassens. We did of course lose the club captain after winning the second tier European cup citing a lack of ambition from the club in his post match interview.
With superstars like Luke Watson, Moody, Simon Taylor, Lee Mears and lots of young talent like Josh Ovens to supplement the experience of Barkley, Grewcock and current DoR Hooper we stormed to 8th place in 2012.
A 7th place finish in 2013 was the beginning of the Ford based revolution where we brought in lots of talent, developed an effective and actually attractive style of play again culminating in an amazing season in 2015 where we showed that we were a bit of experience away from being a great team. Instead the wheels fell off and the cart burst into flames and we finished 9th the year after.
Since then we have been in a five year limbo of looking great on paper but barely squeak into the Champions cup where we make no meaningful impact and/or humiliate ourselves with players like Louw, Faletau, Watson, JJ, Underhill, Rocco, JC3(?), Priestland, etc.
We have had a whole raft of coaches in that time. The only one who did anything seemed to achieve it by making some kind of pact with the devil while everyone else has failed to make it work.
I know other teams have had great players and coaches in that time of course and there can only ever be one winner every year which we have no god given right to be. I do feel though that we haven’t been able to prepare a side well enough to put ourselves in with a shout of winning the league in recent times. We have made the premiership final a couple of times and have been an Elvis try away from relegation in the last 20 years. Asidm from that, we have been a big spending mid table side with delusions of grandeur.
That was a very long way of saying, are we sure it is a coaching issue and not something even more deeply engrained in the club?
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:06:09:37 by ken_jnr.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 08:36
During the amateur days of the league Bath’s average position was 1.66.
Post professionalisation under Brownsword our average position was 5.15.
Under Craig it has been 5.54.
From the start of leagues in 1987 to present it is 4.33.
For many of us the multi title winning teams of the amateur era are what we associate with Bath, but the reality is for 25 years Bath have been a mid table team with occasional appearances near the top and bottom of the table.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:08:45:14 by dcsh.
Post professionalisation under Brownsword our average position was 5.15.
Under Craig it has been 5.54.
From the start of leagues in 1987 to present it is 4.33.
For many of us the multi title winning teams of the amateur era are what we associate with Bath, but the reality is for 25 years Bath have been a mid table team with occasional appearances near the top and bottom of the table.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:08:45:14 by dcsh.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 09:27
Quote:dcsh
During the amateur days of the league Bath’s average position was 1.66.
Post professionalisation under Brownsword our average position was 5.15.
Under Craig it has been 5.54.
From the start of leagues in 1987 to present it is 4.33.
For many of us the multi title winning teams of the amateur era are what we associate with Bath, but the reality is for 25 years Bath have been a mid table team with occasional appearances near the top and bottom of the table.
If we are going back 25 years then Bath is considerably better than Bristol or the boom / bust of Quins and Saints etc. I guess Gloucs is similar to Bath. Which begs the question, would you as fans prefer a title win followed by relegation or 6th place every year? Is boring good in comparison, or just, well, boring?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 09:28
BO. There is no doubt that our results have been mediocre and no one denies that on ‘ere or at the club. However to claim that our support has eroded against the evidence that it has increased is clearly Trumpian. This is the second time you have made this comment but I note last time you said “seriously eroded” at least you have dropped the “seriously”.
Since professionalism I have not noticed any erosion in my area of the stadium in fact people giving up their ST are soon snapped up by others. The STH numbers have increased considerably since the arena was expanded.
To base your observation on a few posters on ‘ere is frankly risible.
Since professionalism I have not noticed any erosion in my area of the stadium in fact people giving up their ST are soon snapped up by others. The STH numbers have increased considerably since the arena was expanded.
To base your observation on a few posters on ‘ere is frankly risible.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: rainbow (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 09:28
Sum Bath up, just there to make the numbers up and has been that way for many years.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 09:53
Quote:I was mulling the same question, sport is a funny thing, you can get joy or pain on the bounce of a ball. As they alway say it’s the hope that kills you. So probably don’t want it so boringly consistent that they is no hope or jeopardy.BathMatt53
Which begs the question, would you as fans prefer a title win followed by relegation or 6th place every year? Is boring good in comparison, or just, well, boring?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 10:02
Quote:CoochieCoo
BO. There is no doubt that our results have been mediocre and no one denies that on ‘ere or at the club. However to claim that our support has eroded against the evidence that it has increased is clearly Trumpian. This is the second time you have made this comment but I note last time you said “seriously eroded” at least you have dropped the “seriously”.
Since professionalism I have not noticed any erosion in my area of the stadium in fact people giving up their ST are soon snapped up by others. The STH numbers have increased considerably since the arena was expanded.
To base your observation on a few posters on ‘ere is frankly risible.
I think that the main point is that these times are unprecedented (yawn) and the choices that people were making in relation to their ST (i.e. that its a nice way to spend an afternoon with mates) are under pressure with no access to the ground, the rugby on the tv and in many cases (such as mine, at the moment at least) no longer any 'spare' funds to actually blow a grand on something that is on the TV anyway.
So, both of you are correct I think, under normal times the Bath STs will usually sell well, but recent circumstances have made if difficult to be enthusiastic, these being things Bath can control and those that they can't. I suspect that this is exactly the same for most rugby fans around the country (and actually not just rugby).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: SJS (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 10:03
Quote:dcshQuote:I was mulling the same question, sport is a funny thing, you can get joy or pain on the bounce of a ball. As they alway say it’s the hope that kills you. So probably don’t want it so boringly consistent that they is no hope or jeopardy.BathMatt53
Which begs the question, would you as fans prefer a title win followed by relegation or 6th place every year? Is boring good in comparison, or just, well, boring?
I think the painful reality is that today's team would probably literally run rings around those from 10 and 20 years ago - skills, fitness and ability are so much higher in today's game.
The problem appears to be that our rivals develop/adapt to these new challenges much faster that we do. Look at our inability to deal with the new jackalling interpretation at the start of last season, for example.
Sorry to use Exe as an example, but in 10 years they've gone from Prem tyros to multiple champions. The question at its root that most supporters would like addressing is why, in the same period, has Bath (with more Prem experience) not done the same?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 10:10
Quote:ken_jnr
That was a very long way of saying, are we sure it is a coaching issue and not something even more deeply engrained in the club?
Been saying it for years, but some people still think getting an attack coach in or signing a star player will help. It won't. Problems run deeper, the whole club needs a reboot.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 10:19
Quote:ballsout
Been saying it for years, but some people still think getting an attack coach in or signing a star player will help. It won't. Problems run deeper, the whole club needs a reboot.
If its not about signing players or coach then what does 'reboot' mean?
- New owner (good luck with that at the moment)?
- Get rid of Farleigh?
- Sack all the coaches?
- Change all the players?
- All of the above?
If you had carte blanche to write a plan to change it all around BO, what would the reboot involve to make Bath more successful (bear in mind the new £5m salary cap)?
For me the success of Exe and Sarries in the last decade was ultimately through a really strong academy structure and utilisation of the whole squad, Bath seems to have started seeing some benefits of the academy side now but its a slow burn. Getting more than 23 players any sort of experience appears to be an issue - Atkins is now 24, Green is nearly 25 they should have been getting games or moved on IMO.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 11:08
For me personally, I think this season has highlighted more than any before that all is not rosy at our club and the excuses to a certain extent have run out.
We have a squad which is littered with high quality star individuals who have performed for their countries but for whatever reason are not performing anywhere near that level for their club - that is a huge worry - As it was pointed out by a work colleague to me the other day (Who is a Bristol supporter) - Look at Watson et al when playing for their Country - full of smiles - when playing for Bath barely a smirk - on the other hand look at the Bristol players all smiling and appear to be really enjoying their rugby - GOD it was annoying but again hard to refute.
Hooper has made it quite clear he believes his coaching team is at the top of the game? results and performances certainly do not back that up, however whatever your thoughts are on Hooper and as I have said before I really like and respect the man - you have to give him some credit for finally dropping the corporate nonsense he was spouting after the first 2 performances.
As much as I respect and like Hoops I do have some criticisms which I believe are justified. Having dropped his corporate shield he is now adopting a stock answer of "The boys trained exceptionally well all week" yet that transpires into a sub-standard, clueless performance on the day when it matters, couple that with a couple of negative comments he made in relation to expecting to win matches which concerned me.
I suppose what I am getting at is the appeared inability for the players and coaches to actually learn lessons from the situations presenting themselves and their inability to be "Live" and appear robotic such as substitutions - surely I cannot be the only one screaming at TV like some deranged ape to get a player off or change tactics - I am no super qualified coach or suggesting I take the job but I have played and coached this game long enough to know when something is not working or a player is having a shocker.
Add to that this pre-planned approach of changing players at set times often crucial times of the game and I suppose that leads onto the disparity in class in the squad - our run on's as the All Blacks call them really have not produced at all this season.
I think the word Robotic actually does sum up our team and coaches quite well - we just do not appear have a dynamic bone in our body at the moment and we are in my opinion BORING,
we can turn it round especially with our talent in the squad but to be honest there seems to be no appetite to do so.
My mood certainly has not improved with the news of Stooke going - for me one of the top performers since he joined our club and for whatever reason fallen out of favour with Hooper.
On a positive note - at least it is not raining.
We have a squad which is littered with high quality star individuals who have performed for their countries but for whatever reason are not performing anywhere near that level for their club - that is a huge worry - As it was pointed out by a work colleague to me the other day (Who is a Bristol supporter) - Look at Watson et al when playing for their Country - full of smiles - when playing for Bath barely a smirk - on the other hand look at the Bristol players all smiling and appear to be really enjoying their rugby - GOD it was annoying but again hard to refute.
Hooper has made it quite clear he believes his coaching team is at the top of the game? results and performances certainly do not back that up, however whatever your thoughts are on Hooper and as I have said before I really like and respect the man - you have to give him some credit for finally dropping the corporate nonsense he was spouting after the first 2 performances.
As much as I respect and like Hoops I do have some criticisms which I believe are justified. Having dropped his corporate shield he is now adopting a stock answer of "The boys trained exceptionally well all week" yet that transpires into a sub-standard, clueless performance on the day when it matters, couple that with a couple of negative comments he made in relation to expecting to win matches which concerned me.
I suppose what I am getting at is the appeared inability for the players and coaches to actually learn lessons from the situations presenting themselves and their inability to be "Live" and appear robotic such as substitutions - surely I cannot be the only one screaming at TV like some deranged ape to get a player off or change tactics - I am no super qualified coach or suggesting I take the job but I have played and coached this game long enough to know when something is not working or a player is having a shocker.
Add to that this pre-planned approach of changing players at set times often crucial times of the game and I suppose that leads onto the disparity in class in the squad - our run on's as the All Blacks call them really have not produced at all this season.
I think the word Robotic actually does sum up our team and coaches quite well - we just do not appear have a dynamic bone in our body at the moment and we are in my opinion BORING,
we can turn it round especially with our talent in the squad but to be honest there seems to be no appetite to do so.
My mood certainly has not improved with the news of Stooke going - for me one of the top performers since he joined our club and for whatever reason fallen out of favour with Hooper.
On a positive note - at least it is not raining.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: TG Kesmo (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 11:44
No it’s not raining.. I think the problem with Bath is we are a rather conservative club (small c) change does not come easily or quickly. I think we are spending a long time walking rather than trying to run. I understand this approach after all Exeter spent ages being just pick and flop merchants before they tried to vary it more, but it is tedious watching.
The Exeter academy point is valid - that was very much helped by their location and the lack of high ranked football sides in Devon and Cornwall. I think Baths approach via the schools is bearing fruit but the lack of A team game time is hurting us.. that is why I agree with the decision to let Bailey train with England under 20 s and get some 6 nations game time rather than bench and five minutes a month with the first team
The Exeter academy point is valid - that was very much helped by their location and the lack of high ranked football sides in Devon and Cornwall. I think Baths approach via the schools is bearing fruit but the lack of A team game time is hurting us.. that is why I agree with the decision to let Bailey train with England under 20 s and get some 6 nations game time rather than bench and five minutes a month with the first team
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 11:47
Quote:sid the seagull
It has to be down to a totally cr*p game plan and negative over coaching.
IMO I’d clear out the whole coaching/DOR regime except Hats and probably Charteris and just let the guys work it out and PLAY!
SQUAWK
+1
Perhaps you could buy the club and implement your plan?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 11:52
Quote:BathMatt53
For me the success of Exe and Sarries in the last decade was ultimately through a really strong academy structure and utilisation of the whole squad
What do Exeter, Saracens and Bristol have in common? ... A really strong team culture. Especially a couple of years ago in Sarries' case. Bath have none of that, the players get on but that's about it. No identity, no victory celebration like most other clubs. People will ridicule that last point, all while failing to see that a small thing like that points to a lack of cohesion, which then translates to on the pitch, for us all to see. How many of our tries are fortuitous or because of individual bits of magic?
You're right though, utilising the whole squad and a strong academy are also key. And a quality coaching set-up. The problem is that Bath have developed a culture of mediocrity for years and it's tough to get out of without starting from the ground up. So people can say, sign a quality 10 or get another attack coach in, but it fails to see the point. Kane Palma Newport said that Bath Rugby was built on a foundation of sand, and from the outside, it's hard to disagree.
So yes, when Bath do win the occasional game, forgive me for not jumping for joy because, as these past two months have shown, it means very little when the issues run so deep.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 11:56
Quote:Ali1969
on the other hand look at the Bristol players all smiling and appear to be really enjoying their rugby - GOD it was annoying but again hard to refute.
They were dancing and singing Blackbird ON THE REC PITCH!!! Incredibly cheeky but if that didn't humiliate and make our players more determined then nothing will.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 13:22
Quote:ballsoutQuote:Ali1969
on the other hand look at the Bristol players all smiling and appear to be really enjoying their rugby - GOD it was annoying but again hard to refute.
They were dancing and singing Blackbird ON THE REC PITCH!!! Incredibly cheeky but if that didn't humiliate and make our players more determined then nothing will.
That will be the double over Bristol this season then ?...............No Chance !!
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
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Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 13:42
Quote:BathMatt53
I think that the main point is that these times are unprecedented (yawn) and the choices that people were making in relation to their ST (i.e. that its a nice way to spend an afternoon with mates) are under pressure with no access to the ground, the rugby on the tv and in many cases (such as mine, at the moment at least) no longer any 'spare' funds to actually blow a grand on something that is on the TV anyway.
So, both of you are correct I think, under normal times the Bath STs will usually sell well, but recent circumstances have made if difficult to be enthusiastic, these being things Bath can control and those that they can't. I suspect that this is exactly the same for most rugby fans around the country (and actually not just rugby).
I think you have a point that PL rugby in general (not just Bath) will have a problem when ST are finally permitted to be sold. By then it will be >18 months since we've been allowed to go to matches and many will have just found other things to do and won't come back. If you also consider that at present the product entertainment from the PL is pretty poor meaning things are going to have to change to entice people back. Almost too much rugby on TV and with Super rugby being vastly superior from an entertainment point of view, why go back to sitting in the cold hoping for a decent game and in Bath's case a win?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 13:53
Quote:OutsideBath
I think you have a point that PL rugby in general (not just Bath) will have a problem when ST are finally permitted to be sold. By then it will be >18 months since we've been allowed to go to matches and many will have just found other things to do and won't come back.
Possibly the opposite is true, people will be absolutely chomping to do something that seems like normal life and as they haven't spent on a ST this year and maybe have a bit of credit still in their account they may be a sellout. Tough to predict.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 14:10
‘ many will have just found other things to do and won't come back’ ... if you’ve found anything interesting to do in the last week, please let me know!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 14:25
Quote:Optimist
‘ many will have just found other things to do and won't come back’ ... if you’ve found anything interesting to do in the last week, please let me know!
I've got some very good cleaner to do the tiles in my hallway.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 14:44
There's only so many times you can defrost the freezer and clean the oven!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 14:51
my nose needs picking but I'm saving it.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 14:52
The more I think about it - right now - the thought of a Saturday .... walk into town; couple of pints; go to Rec; bump into a few people I haven't seen for a while; "hello BFJ - do you remember when you and I were the best half-back pairing the Rec had ever seen?", talk, laugh; couple more pints; pie; match; couple more pints; bump into a few more people; talk; laugh, repeat; dissect the match; pontificate about how XYZ seasoned international really ought to have played; point out egregious refereeing errors that I could spot from 100 metres away notwithstanding partial visibility due to cr@p seats as well as fading eyesight; couple more points; stagger home; "yes, love. Fantastic, thanks. Nope - lost. But saw X, Y, Z and several others." Fall asleep on the sofa.
Anything there not to like?
Anything there not to like?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 14:54
Quote:Mike the Taxi
There's only so many times you can defrost the freezer and clean the oven!
Thanks MTT, I've never cleaned an oven in my life, I did it in the first lockdown, I must do it again. Strangely satisfying.
Just ordered this:
2 X Oven Pride Complete Oven Cleaning Kit 500ml Includes Bag for Cleaning Oven Racks
Very good!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:15:02:11 by woodpecker.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 15:00
I boarded out the loft and extended the loft hatch. You can only do that once though. Rediscovered my Hitachi Koki power screwdriver, (with hammer action!) makes driving screws oddly satisfying!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 15:01
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:OutsideBath
I think you have a point that PL rugby in general (not just Bath) will have a problem when ST are finally permitted to be sold. By then it will be >18 months since we've been allowed to go to matches and many will have just found other things to do and won't come back.
Possibly the opposite is true, people will be absolutely chomping to do something that seems like normal life and as they haven't spent on a ST this year and maybe have a bit of credit still in their account they may be a sellout. Tough to predict.
Guys I really don't think Season Ticket Holders will be the issue after all we are mostly all die hard fans - if I were Bruce Craig I would be more worried about the youth wanting to watch Bath - let us take off our rose tinted glasses and I know they are well welded on - but kids given a choice would they seriously as it stands want to come and watch us and the way we perform or travel 12-13 miles to Ashton Gate and watch the likes of CP, SR and Nathan Hughes running wild? Truthly?
That is where the income comes from - for with Kids comes paying adults and associated sales such as shirts etc. Add to that once out of lockdown seriously how often will BT want to cover our matches when there are much more attractive teams to watch - sure they are obligated to cover every club at some point of the season but to quote Nick Mullins watching us is pretty "Turgid" at present.
I personally would be very concerned if I were Bruce Craig - the brand he currently owns is in my opinion the poorest playing brand in the premiership.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 15:01
Quote:Optimist
The more I think about it - right now - the thought of a Saturday .... walk into town; couple of pints; go to Rec; bump into a few people I haven't seen for a while; "hello BFJ - do you remember when you and I were the best half-back pairing the Rec had ever seen?", talk, laugh; couple more pints; pie; match; couple more pints; bump into a few more people; talk; laugh, repeat; dissect the match; pontificate about how XYZ seasoned international really ought to have played; point out egregious refereeing errors that I could spot from 100 metres away notwithstanding partial visibility due to cr@p seats as well as fading eyesight; couple more points; stagger home; "yes, love. Fantastic, thanks. Nope - lost. But saw X, Y, Z and several others." Fall asleep on the sofa.
Anything there not to like?
I wonder if this will happen by season 2021-22?
One irony is that Bath were having real problems finding a solution for the fans when the rec was to be development. If it have moved more swiftly this would have been the perfect couple of years to build it (finances aside) then we go back hard into a new season with 21st century toilet facilities.
I was rather hoping that I would see an announcement or 2 today from the club in relation to contracts renewals / transfers today - friday, before a home game with the transfer window open, would have been a good boost before the game. No such luck.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 15:06
Quote:Optimist
‘ many will have just found other things to do and won't come back’ ... if you’ve found anything interesting to do in the last week, please let me know!
Obviously the last week is a little challenging, but it's been 11 months since we've been allowed to go to a full capacity Rec. I've certainly found it easy to find other things to do and whilst Bath continue to decline find it difficult to muster the enthusiasm to sit in the rain watching Bath lose.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: The Bear (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 15:13
Quote:Ali1969
...but kids given a choice would they seriously as it stands want to come and watch us and the way we perform or travel 12-13 miles to Ashton Gate and watch the likes of CP, SR and Nathan Hughes running wild? Truthly?
For me I would choose Bath and the Rec in a heartbeat. Don't want to watch rugby sat in a soulless football stadium.
But give just how puritanical today's youngsters seem to be (in comparison to myself) I bet they rather would: "Stand up for 80 minutes in the rain - you must be joking old man! I can't tweet in those conditions..."
I think the real challenge for Rugby will come when fans can go back. We've all now seen that they can show every match on TV. In a sense it's better being a remote club fan, as you can watch every Bath game (or replace with whichever team you support).
Replacing that with making it so that you can only watch some games or diehard enough is going to haemorrhage fans...
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: warrenball (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 15:51
I am with you all the way Bear, my love of rugby was standing on the touch line as a boy watching the All Blacks play. For me the Rec with my seats is the best place to watch. Never mind getting soaking wet, or the@#$%&toilets or trying to find a parking spot after a 2 hour drive. The new stadium only offers the possibility that I do not have to worry about renewing just to keep my seat, I can pick and choose the games I want to watch because there will always be a spare seat.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 19:10
Any predictions?
For me
3 point win for Bath.............or 20 point bonus point win for wasps !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
For me
3 point win for Bath.............or 20 point bonus point win for wasps !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Clarkey3k (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 19:45
Haven't backed the team tonight sadly, Wasps by 10pts I think. Their demolition of Chiefs last week was a very big smoke signal. I am watching with 6X in hand. Come on please Bath, sniff...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 19:51
Excellent from Rhys , great start !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 19:58
Deja vu all over again?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:02
Quote:Mike the Taxi
Deja vu all over again?
So that's 'Deja vu encore' then Mike
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:02
Penalty try ...............
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:05
Sam!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:07
What on earth is going on?
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:12
Well it's been a very insane 25 minutes.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:13
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:Mike the Taxi
Deja vu all over again?
So that's 'Deja vu encore' then Mike
The irony is in the sequence of the words, SW!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:24
Holy gosh what smashing fun this is!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:25
RP has his kicking boots on, tonight, and the backs seem to having a bit of exercise
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:26
The phantom editor strikes again!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:28
30 rockets up 30 backsides for this game. I hope we have more in the tank in the second half! Fascinating watch.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:30
We are the stupidest team.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ken_jnr (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:32
It is a great spectacle! A proper advert for the game. We look uncharacteristically vulnerable against their driving game though.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:34
Stuart gives a pen away on our put in then wins a pen then stupidly obstructs. He has allowed them two tries! Wonder what Eddie thinks?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Clarkey3k (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:38
Quote:Optimist
‘ many will have just found other things to do and won't come back’ ... if you’ve found anything interesting to do in the last week, please let me know!
I have oiled all the hinges on all the doors in the house with 3 in 1 oil. I can now creep about in the early hours w/out waking Mrs C3k...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:50
Horlicks at half time ?.
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:52
Open game! At least it isn’t boring!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:53
This game is insane.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:53
Great finish for my adoptee !
36-31 !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
36-31 !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:54
Madness
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:55
More than horlicks !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 20:55
This game is nothing like this season mad
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:02
Self destruct mode now 
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: plong (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:05
Is there a LESS intelligent/savvy team in the Premiership than Bath?!
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:21:06:01 by plong.
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:21:06:01 by plong.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: supermarinematt (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:07
Our defence is awful and we are just not good enough. Yeah, playing some nice stuff but still stupid penalties and bad decisions.
31 pts last week and lose and 36 so far and will likely lose.
31 pts last week and lose and 36 so far and will likely lose.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Barnoid (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:09
Worrying to see Priestland fail his HIA so quickly. Especially given the horrible one he got a couple of weeks ago.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:13
Moronic management of the red zone once again.why are forwards allowed to stuff up chances with impunity but if the backs want the ball they ‘have’ to score?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ken_jnr (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:15
We look more fluid in attack this week. Which is a positive.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:16
Our forwards are deluded about how powerful they are.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:22
Wouldn’t bet against 46-45
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:24
Quote:Optimist
Wouldn’t bet against 46-45
Or even 44- 45
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ExeMan (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:25
C'mon Bath. Just a bit more control & you can do this!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:30
We are really poor 39- 52
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:30
Awful awful awful mauling in attack and defense from our apparently excellent pack.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: supermarinematt (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:31
Our ability to turn attack into a try against is second to none.
Sorry, time for Hoops and all the coaches to leave. We ain't going anywhere with them in charge
Sorry, time for Hoops and all the coaches to leave. We ain't going anywhere with them in charge
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:33
Yeah you know what if I was 13 points down with four minutes to go, what I'd do is a lot of one out rugby and box kicking.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: WellyBathChief (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:36
Quote:Optimist
Moronic management of the red zone once again.why are forwards allowed to stuff up chances with impunity but if the backs want the ball they ‘have’ to score?
Exactly this. Annoys the hell put of me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:21:37:12 by WellyBathChief.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:39
Quote:supermarinematt
Our ability to turn attack into a try against is second to none.
Sorry, time for Hoops and all the coaches to leave. We ain't going anywhere with them in charge
Well at least give him chance to explain this one !
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:43
Not even a losing bonus point , is that one win from seven now ?
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:21:46:41 by Old Bath Tub.
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:21:46:41 by Old Bath Tub.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:43
I'm sure that was fun as a neutral. It was an abomination.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:44
Annoying. Very annoying. But also very entertaining game of rugby.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:44
I wonder how many teams lose a home game with 44 points!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ken_jnr (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:47
If we insist on playing a pressuring game built on set piece, smothering defence, gainline dominance and game management we might need to work on one or two of those elements in the week.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:49
I wonder how many teams going 14-0 up and then 13-0 up in consecutive weeks and lose both games. I wonder how many teams concede 52 points at home and expect not to see heads roll. I wonder how many people plan a set piece oriented game when you have no power runners.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: by (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:49
Absolute rubbish, I don't even think it was an entertaining game. No build up of pressure, just looked like I was watching a training game.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: dannyf2 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:51
Conceded 52 at home... Hmmm
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: merc (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:52
The only good thing about tonight’s game is that I am beginning to feel that I don’t want to watch any more of this and that I will not renew my season ticket.
I think the club will struggle to get its fan base back unless or until there is a belief that the management have a believable plan.
I am surprised I am saying this.
I think the club will struggle to get its fan base back unless or until there is a belief that the management have a believable plan.
I am surprised I am saying this.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Disunited (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:52
Sorry..immediate reaction was a great game to watch. Much better if we had won but nevertheless I felt it showed we can play. Need to win games but DG looked good and yes we have a future.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:53
Only Bristol have scored more (47) and lost a Premiership game.
Thought the bounce went Wasps way on a couple of critical occassions, though Bath also made 3 critical errors that immediately resulted in Wasps scores.
Not sure on some of the consistency (Wasps collapsing a maul heading for the line is just a penalty. Bath do the same and its a penalty try and yellow card). Would like to know how Wasps legally turned over a couple of the breakdowns (mauls) late on.
Utterly bonkers game, great entertainment, both sides scoring some great tries, but ultimately it's yet another defeat.
Thought the bounce went Wasps way on a couple of critical occassions, though Bath also made 3 critical errors that immediately resulted in Wasps scores.
Not sure on some of the consistency (Wasps collapsing a maul heading for the line is just a penalty. Bath do the same and its a penalty try and yellow card). Would like to know how Wasps legally turned over a couple of the breakdowns (mauls) late on.
Utterly bonkers game, great entertainment, both sides scoring some great tries, but ultimately it's yet another defeat.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:53
What a brilliantly entertaining game of rugby, really enjoyed that (despite the result). Well done Wasps for outscoring Bath, defence coaches from both sides cleaning out the bins on monday!
Obano, Redpath, de Glanville, Toby F were excellent I thought. Stooke and Bayliss also an upgrade. Was Watson on the pitch?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Obano, Redpath, de Glanville, Toby F were excellent I thought. Stooke and Bayliss also an upgrade. Was Watson on the pitch?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Colonel1960 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:54
Becoming serial chokers now, how embarassing
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:55
Quote:merc
The only good thing about tonight’s game is that I am beginning to feel that I don’t want to watch any more of this and that I will not renew my season ticket.
I think the club will struggle to get its fan base back unless or until there is a belief that the management have a believable plan.
I am surprised I am saying this.
I would pay double for mine if all of the games at the Rec were that entertaining...
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: warrenball (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:55
If I knew that I was going to watch a game like that every week at Bath I would renew my season ticket. OK, there were errors and we always looked like losing it but Wasps are a very good team and we gave it a lash which is fine by me. One or two things went Wasps way, possible forward pass just before the second Cruise try and Bassett lucky not to knock on, but nice to see Faletau playing much better and would like to see Mercer pass the ball occasionally. Better performance than Welford Road as I think tonight the better team probably won.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Armchair Fan (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:55
I disliked every moment of that.
_____________________________________________________
I like turtles.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:21:57:14 by Armchair Fan.
_____________________________________________________
I like turtles.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:21:57:14 by Armchair Fan.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:57
That Stuart penalty, that Mercer foot in touch both from restarts. Incompetent.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Disunited (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 21:58
No. Stop. So many negatives. We just watched a great game of rugby. Yes we all wanted us to win but we didn't. That said all the negative comments about no attack through the backs has been shown not to be the case. If this is a starting block then splendid...
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:05
I enjoyed it immensely until about 20 minutes to go yes loads of problems. Mercer is starting to annoy me.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: badger1664 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:05
Anyone who tries to get ‘positives’ out of this debacle are the ones who’d stand on the deck of the titanic saying ‘what a lovely starry night and aren’t the band playing nicely’
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: A (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:07
And we went back to stodge ball in the second half for why? How many goes from 1m out do the forwards need to (not) get over the line, and why do we keep not managing to do it week after week (could it be the coaching, or the lack of power after the subs are made)?
Too many penalties in our half
Still entertaining until they went 2 scores up
Too many penalties in our half
Still entertaining until they went 2 scores up
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:08
Wasps did get a couple of rubs of the rhubarb - classic ‘bouncing ball wrong-footer’ for one of Cruse’s tries; Bassett pretty lucky (though he did very well to keep his arms out of the way); one play where we had 3 penalties in the same phase but no yellow card; fine margin for Zach’s foot-in touch. And at the end, why on earth did Carley stop for a penalty when our scrum was flying forward? But Wasps are way better set up for a fast and loose game than we are. For me it was further evidence of Hooper’s inadequacy, but it was also very entertaining. I wouldn’t have resented it if I’d paid fifty quid to be there but we have got to be the most schizophrenic team in the league. We play 3 different styles within one game, let alone a season.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:22:11:36 by Optimist.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:22:11:36 by Optimist.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:08
Sorry. Not stopping. If you think that was a performance to build from, you're crazy. What attack through the backs are you talking about? One great break from deep, one good outside break from Redpath.
There was _no_ competent structured attack. No line breaks from structured play. There was a couple of off loads that worked very well, but none of those were part of our game plan.
Our defence was awful. The amount we concede in our 22 is appalling.
There was _no_ competent structured attack. No line breaks from structured play. There was a couple of off loads that worked very well, but none of those were part of our game plan.
Our defence was awful. The amount we concede in our 22 is appalling.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:09
Last 2 games average points conceded 44 time to get Shaun Edwards perhaps? We need that sort of shake up, a Cockerill or Diamond to add some steel. What we are seeing is just odd, entertaining but odd.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:12
Oh come on, no positives? Bath scored over 40 points?! Yes the defence was awful but that doesn't take away from the fact that there was some good attacking play on show. Exeter scored 5 against them last week.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:12
Quote:Agreed, enjoyable rugby to watch. Disappointing not to get the win and only come away with one point. Lots of errors, but giving it a lash and trying things feels more positive than some game plans we use.BathMatt53Quote:merc
The only good thing about tonight’s game is that I am beginning to feel that I don’t want to watch any more of this and that I will not renew my season ticket.
I think the club will struggle to get its fan base back unless or until there is a belief that the management have a believable plan.
I am surprised I am saying this.
I would pay double for mine if all of the games at the Rec were that entertaining...
Concerned that Rhys failed another HIA only weeks after the last one, hopefully he will be ok and rested for the next few weeks - maybe Bailey will get a go??
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:12
We conceded 52 points at home! How is anyone possibly happy with this?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:20
Disunited has a point.
Both errors were IMHO because Bath were impatient.
We scored 3 good tries and grabbed one in familiar style at the last.
I will be astonished if Wasps are not finalists at season's end and they will give Exeter a real challenge. That said, a few of their tries owed something to fortune.
Both sides tried to play attacking rugby, but opened themselves to counter attack as a result. Wasps were more comfortable with that scenario and made the most of it.
PG
Both errors were IMHO because Bath were impatient.
We scored 3 good tries and grabbed one in familiar style at the last.
I will be astonished if Wasps are not finalists at season's end and they will give Exeter a real challenge. That said, a few of their tries owed something to fortune.
Both sides tried to play attacking rugby, but opened themselves to counter attack as a result. Wasps were more comfortable with that scenario and made the most of it.
PG
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Coalminer (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:20
The defence needs a bit of work for sure but if we can do that and still score 44 (against the form team in the league) then we will be getting towards where we all want to be.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Armchair Fan (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:21
Quote:hasta
<snip>Our defence was awful. The amount we concede in our 22 is appalling.</snip>
There was very little doubt that every Wasps visit to the 22 was going to garner some sort of reward. I mean, this risks the appearance of failing to praise the visitors for taking their chances, and they should be lauded.
I don't have any suggestions. What I <b>don't</b> want to see is any changes in the coaching, funnily enough. We've had a decade (plus?) of chop and change, to no effect. Coaches stay, and we have to hope that they turn a corner, imo. Or we just get another three ineffective years of A. N. Other leading to two years of Hugh Disguy etc. etc. Hooper is a long term plan or what is the point?
_____________________________________________________
I like turtles.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:22
The aim of any game of rugby is first & foremost to score more points than your opponents. In so doing you may see entertaining rugby but whilst attacks dominating defences might provide that I find tight, competitive, high quality matches far more enjoyable particularly when my side wins. I cannot enjoy my team losing 7 times on the trot. That is hopeless & depressing particularly when you look at the players in our lineup.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:27
The point was to build on late last season's set piece and defence with a layered attack. Not throw it all out for a mediocre attack.
I'm not asking for chop and change with coaches. I'm asking for a game plan that gets the best out of the players we have. I'm frustrated with being less than the sum of our parts.
I'm not asking for chop and change with coaches. I'm asking for a game plan that gets the best out of the players we have. I'm frustrated with being less than the sum of our parts.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:28
Odogwu. Joseph. Who's getting value for money there?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:29
The entire set-up should be embarrassed by this utter shambles of a club.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:30
Quote:Bath Hammer
The aim of any game of rugby is first & foremost to score more points than your opponents. In so doing you may see entertaining rugby but whilst attacks dominating defences might provide that I find tight, competitive, high quality matches far more enjoyable particularly when my side wins. I cannot enjoy my team losing 7 times on the trot. That is hopeless & depressing particularly when you look at the players in our lineup.
We’ve lost 3 on the trot and had to concede one we did not ply because of Covid.
PG
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:35
People must be absolutely shellshocked to see us score so many tries. It's making them delirious/delusional thinking that was an acceptable performance. It's like when Cokanasiga plays like a liability against Newcastle... but he scored a try so that means he had a good game.
I hope you're not just noticing this now. It's been the case for YEARS. Good to see some people finally start to accept it.
Quote:hasta
The point was to build on late last season's set piece and defence with a layered attack. Not throw it all out for a mediocre attack.
I'm not asking for chop and change with coaches. I'm asking for a game plan that gets the best out of the players we have. I'm frustrated with being less than the sum of our parts.
I hope you're not just noticing this now. It's been the case for YEARS. Good to see some people finally start to accept it.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: bathstigg (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:38
Quote:ballsout
People must be absolutely shellshocked to see us score so many tries. It's making them delirious/delusional thinking that was an acceptable performance. It's like when Cokanasiga plays like a liability against Newcastle... but he scored a try so that means he had a good game.Quote:hasta
The point was to build on late last season's set piece and defence with a layered attack. Not throw it all out for a mediocre attack.
I'm not asking for chop and change with coaches. I'm asking for a game plan that gets the best out of the players we have. I'm frustrated with being less than the sum of our parts.
I hope you're not just noticing this now. It's been the case for YEARS. Good to see some people finally start to accept it.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:44
Quote:P G TipsQuote:Bath Hammer
The aim of any game of rugby is first & foremost to score more points than your opponents. In so doing you may see entertaining rugby but whilst attacks dominating defences might provide that I find tight, competitive, high quality matches far more enjoyable particularly when my side wins. I cannot enjoy my team losing 7 times on the trot. That is hopeless & depressing particularly when you look at the players in our lineup.
We’ve lost 3 on the trot and had to concede one we did not ply because of Covid.
PG
Fair point. We’ve won once out of the last 7 we have played.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:48
We've one of the last 8 we've played.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:22:49:13 by hasta.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:08:22:49:13 by hasta.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: bathstigg (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:54
Entertaining game but as a Bath supporter its obvious Hooper is out of his depth as a DOR. Hatley and Charteris look good appointments Dempsey seems anonymous and the side need a captain with a clear strategy. We seem a long way from winning anything but we won't be relegated so let's get Bailey into the squad at least we might have a kicker at the end of the game.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: D s & t dad (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 22:59
I had to give up playing rugby in 1978 due to a serious injury, I decided at that time to support Bath Rugby and became a member.
Along with my rugby mates, I have enjoyed countless games following Bath through the good and bad times, travelling all over Europe winning and losing along the way.
I’ve always been a half full kind of person but after the last 5 or 6 games I’m finding it difficult to continue to support my team at the present time and wondering if I will renew my season ticket I’m the future.
Is it poor coaching or player malaise that we are in the position that we are, we have some of the best players in the league, what’s going wrong.
Along with my rugby mates, I have enjoyed countless games following Bath through the good and bad times, travelling all over Europe winning and losing along the way.
I’ve always been a half full kind of person but after the last 5 or 6 games I’m finding it difficult to continue to support my team at the present time and wondering if I will renew my season ticket I’m the future.
Is it poor coaching or player malaise that we are in the position that we are, we have some of the best players in the league, what’s going wrong.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 23:13
But at least fan interest and engagement is as high as it's ever been. CoochieCoo told me, coz stats, so it must be true.
No culture, badly coached, uninterested players. Take your pick. It's been a decade of underachievement.
Quote:D s & t dad
Is it poor coaching or player malaise that we are in the position that we are, we have some of the best players in the league, what’s going wrong.
No culture, badly coached, uninterested players. Take your pick. It's been a decade of underachievement.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: steve from cov (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 23:28
What a crazy game. I thought we were lucky to be honest and you played very well in patches..
I hope you stick with Hooper and your luck turns very soon.
I hope you stick with Hooper and your luck turns very soon.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 23:39
All I would say immediately after the game is something has got to change and change Now - 50 points conceded at the Rec after what has gone before. No excuses.
We look completely shot.
We look completely shot.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 23:40
One of the things Eddie Jones does well is to bring in short term coaches to instruct in specific areas, he has done that for attack issues, breakdown specialists, fitness etc.
We are clearly sticking with the Hooper coaching team at the moment but I don't see that we can't do the same to look at our defence, or backs issues or whatever.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
We are clearly sticking with the Hooper coaching team at the moment but I don't see that we can't do the same to look at our defence, or backs issues or whatever.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2021 23:41
Thanks for telling us that we played well in patches. Good to know.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: TomReagan (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 00:32
Quote:Didn't see the game-don't have BT, but that was one of the more positive posts and he's a Wasps fan. Rather like being commiserated to after a game you're watching, it seems like a nice thing to do. He also said he thought we were a bit unlucky. Perhaps I'm interpreting your post incorrectly, in which case sorry, but I doubt it.ballsout
Thanks for telling us that we played well in patches. Good to know.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 00:45
Just watched the game. C’est magnifique, mais ce n’est pas la rugby: c'est de la folie.
I can only surmise that the DoRs have been told there will be no relegation this year and so we're just not going to bother with defence. I'm sure it was great fun for the neutrals but I'm not one of those.
MotM - Rhys
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:09:01:08:03 by joethefanatic.
I can only surmise that the DoRs have been told there will be no relegation this year and so we're just not going to bother with defence. I'm sure it was great fun for the neutrals but I'm not one of those.
MotM - Rhys
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:09:01:08:03 by joethefanatic.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 01:11
I thought we made considerable progress in ending up 5th last season. We had improved in a number of areas including developing a winning mentality. The one area which needed considerable improvement was our attacking play. That has still not been achieved but now we are playing like raw amateurs in all areas & losing consistently. What is the point of paying for all these highly rated internationals if this is what they produce.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:09:01:13:32 by Bath Hammer.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:09:01:13:32 by Bath Hammer.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 01:13
Quote:shipwrecked
One of the things Eddie Jones does well is to bring in short term coaches to instruct in specific areas, he has done that for attack issues, breakdown specialists, fitness etc.
We are clearly sticking with the Hooper coaching team at the moment but I don't see that we can't do the same to look at our defence, or backs issues or whatever.
Great, so just need to get temporary attack, defence, forwards, and skills coaches in! Sorted.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 02:52
Quote:ballsoutQuote:shipwrecked
One of the things Eddie Jones does well is to bring in short term coaches to instruct in specific areas, he has done that for attack issues, breakdown specialists, fitness etc.
We are clearly sticking with the Hooper coaching team at the moment but I don't see that we can't do the same to look at our defence, or backs issues or whatever.
Great, so just need to get temporary attack, defence, forwards, and skills coaches in! Sorted.
Within the existing framework what other solutions are you suggesting then BO. Or are you only considering replacement? Bath are going the home grown route like Exeter did with Baxter, Hooper is staying so let's hear it.
You can't hide behind criticism all the time, there comes a point when you have to do something or you just become part of the problem yourself!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: ballsout (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 03:31
I don't know what your last paragraph means, but putting that aside, there's no easy solution. That's what's so depressing, we'll likely be stuck in this rut for years. Not amounting to anything as usual.
Oh and just because it worked with Exeter/Rob Baxter doesn't mean it will work for Bath. For every Baxter, there's a Nick Kennedy.
Oh and just because it worked with Exeter/Rob Baxter doesn't mean it will work for Bath. For every Baxter, there's a Nick Kennedy.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 08:09
BO - you have now been asked a number of times for your solution to all the issues you see, but not once have you come up with a single suggestion, but all you do is to continue to be the chief doomster.
When someone comes up with a suggestion that could possibly help, all you do is shot that down with a snide sacrastic comment. They've offered more than you ever have.
So what suggestions do you actually have to make the Bath squad and the club as a whole perform to at least the sum of their parts?
Anything?
When someone comes up with a suggestion that could possibly help, all you do is shot that down with a snide sacrastic comment. They've offered more than you ever have.
So what suggestions do you actually have to make the Bath squad and the club as a whole perform to at least the sum of their parts?
Anything?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 08:42
I often agree with many of BO's specific points, less so the generic rants and get frustrated he never offers any constructive options but each to their own.
I personally would stick with hooper and hatley but bring in 1 or 2 more experienced coaches in, 1 ideally dealing with skills and attack. Something need freshening up. if dempsey has to go then so be it.
On the playing side i would continue to place huge focus on the academy and the beechen link up. I would to try move slightly more players up through to senior game time sooner but we do an ok job on that.
I think we need to pivot away from having quite so many home nations internationals on large wages and accept its may be prudent to have a few players with more availability, or availability at different times of the season if there isnt a global calendar. Likes of luatua and piatua are 100% committed to their club and add huge value.
In terms of recruitment i think we do ok, as we always all say 'thats a good 23 ....on paper'. We all know the couple of problem positions.
Selection i think needs looking at, players seem to get away with coasting and are almost undroppable. I like continuity but at some stage good performance needs rewarding and bad needs to result in being left out.
Although we are very dim and naive often at least last night there was a few bits of great attacking rugby and some players actually looked like they enjoyed it at times. Often our games are soul sapping.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:09:08:44:50 by charlieboa.
I personally would stick with hooper and hatley but bring in 1 or 2 more experienced coaches in, 1 ideally dealing with skills and attack. Something need freshening up. if dempsey has to go then so be it.
On the playing side i would continue to place huge focus on the academy and the beechen link up. I would to try move slightly more players up through to senior game time sooner but we do an ok job on that.
I think we need to pivot away from having quite so many home nations internationals on large wages and accept its may be prudent to have a few players with more availability, or availability at different times of the season if there isnt a global calendar. Likes of luatua and piatua are 100% committed to their club and add huge value.
In terms of recruitment i think we do ok, as we always all say 'thats a good 23 ....on paper'. We all know the couple of problem positions.
Selection i think needs looking at, players seem to get away with coasting and are almost undroppable. I like continuity but at some stage good performance needs rewarding and bad needs to result in being left out.
Although we are very dim and naive often at least last night there was a few bits of great attacking rugby and some players actually looked like they enjoyed it at times. Often our games are soul sapping.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:09:08:44:50 by charlieboa.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 08:59
Never thought I’d thank Boris for anything, but thanks to him I wasn’t there last night so dodged that bullet. I’m stunned to read posts stating they enjoyed the game.
We are apparently waiting for the right 10 to come along before making a move so why not use the same reasoning for the DOR? Solution for Bath’s continuing decline is to get rid of Hooper now, put Hats in charge for the rest of the season whilst we search for a DOR. Waiting until Hooper’s contract finishes is a recipe for disaster and just delaying the inevitable.
We are apparently waiting for the right 10 to come along before making a move so why not use the same reasoning for the DOR? Solution for Bath’s continuing decline is to get rid of Hooper now, put Hats in charge for the rest of the season whilst we search for a DOR. Waiting until Hooper’s contract finishes is a recipe for disaster and just delaying the inevitable.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: terracehugger (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 09:08
Is anyone really bothered anymore? It is all so predictable and depressing. We can only hope that our future opponents call off the games so we can get some points awarded to us, without supporters having to witness such hopeless mediocrity.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 09:18
As I said in my previous post there has to be some change and now.
Let us not kid ourselves there is no magic fix the change in fortune will not happen overnight, however there is clearly something very wrong in our squad, that includes players and coaching set up.
What the problem is I don't know, it is not as simple as saying our defence is the problem, because as we have shown we can tighten that up and other areas of our game fail such as our inability to attack or our basic skills fail. The result stays the same whether it is 52-44 or 8-0 it is still a loss and the issues still remain but with every game they get that bit deeper and more difficult resolve.
It is almost like the players cannot concentrate on all facets of play and can only focus on one area (if that makes sense).
The longer this goes on however history tells us it is harder to fix. Bruce Craig has some tough decisions to make, but make them he must and Now or we will end up back at square one once again. Like I said the players looked shot, almost broken.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:09:09:40:55 by Ali1969.
Let us not kid ourselves there is no magic fix the change in fortune will not happen overnight, however there is clearly something very wrong in our squad, that includes players and coaching set up.
What the problem is I don't know, it is not as simple as saying our defence is the problem, because as we have shown we can tighten that up and other areas of our game fail such as our inability to attack or our basic skills fail. The result stays the same whether it is 52-44 or 8-0 it is still a loss and the issues still remain but with every game they get that bit deeper and more difficult resolve.
It is almost like the players cannot concentrate on all facets of play and can only focus on one area (if that makes sense).
The longer this goes on however history tells us it is harder to fix. Bruce Craig has some tough decisions to make, but make them he must and Now or we will end up back at square one once again. Like I said the players looked shot, almost broken.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:09:09:40:55 by Ali1969.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: redneck17 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 09:31
I'm really struggling to find any positives after conceding 7 tries at home. Our defence is awful and we haemorrage points at an alarming rate.
Our points difference for the season is -41, and had we played London Irish, it could've been worse as they are more than capable of racking up a few points. I believe our average points conceded per GP played game is nearly 33.
Bristol will absolutely be licking their lips. That could easily be another 40+ conceded.
Our points difference for the season is -41, and had we played London Irish, it could've been worse as they are more than capable of racking up a few points. I believe our average points conceded per GP played game is nearly 33.
Bristol will absolutely be licking their lips. That could easily be another 40+ conceded.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hantssabre (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 09:35
As Charlieboa has already touched upon, the starting line up for the last 2 games has consisted of 13 English and 2 Welshman with the majority of the replacements English too. Whilst it is to be applauded we have so many British players at the Club (and to be fair Wasps did too) we must be in the minority in this respect in the Premiership and might not a couple of burley South Africans or Pacific Islanders not go amiss to give the team a bit more of a hardened edge?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Kidney Stone (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 09:40
Yes it was an exciting game, but would have preferred an ‘up the jumper’ grind if we had won by a single point.
Positives, Redpath is beginning to look really special, best game I remember seeing TF play in the BBW, Beno another huge shift.
Concerned that some of our bankers seemed anonymous, Tom Dunn seems off colour, McNally and Mercer were not their industrious norm. JM may be a decent midfielder but he is not adequate as a back up 10.
Finally for years I have been hyper critical of Carley, but I thought he had another good game and is fast becoming one of our better referees.
Positives, Redpath is beginning to look really special, best game I remember seeing TF play in the BBW, Beno another huge shift.
Concerned that some of our bankers seemed anonymous, Tom Dunn seems off colour, McNally and Mercer were not their industrious norm. JM may be a decent midfielder but he is not adequate as a back up 10.
Finally for years I have been hyper critical of Carley, but I thought he had another good game and is fast becoming one of our better referees.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 09:43
Quote:OutsideBath
I’m stunned to read posts stating they enjoyed the game
Why? I enjoyed a lot of our play. I enjoyed a lot of Wasps’ play. I enjoyed seeing Odogwu at it, partly because I remember him as a 12-year old doing much the same to my son’s team (which I enjoyed then). I enjoyed Underhill’s try. Ewels’ pull-back pass off his left hand that set up Redpath. I enjoyed the fact that I had to put my phone down during the game because you never really knew what was going to happen next. I enjoyed the drama at the end. I was fully engaged with the final acts of the game because the try carried a league point, and then the conversion carried another one.
Great sport, rugby!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 09:45
Quote:TomReaganQuote:Didn't see the game-don't have BT, but that was one of the more positive posts and he's a Wasps fan. Rather like being commiserated to after a game you're watching, it seems like a nice thing to do. He also said he thought we were a bit unlucky. Perhaps I'm interpreting your post incorrectly, in which case sorry, but I doubt it.ballsout
Thanks for telling us that we played well in patches. Good to know.
Agreed and he was warned about this last week as well so BO is banned.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 09:51
Quote:OptimistQuote:OutsideBath
I’m stunned to read posts stating they enjoyed the game
Why? I enjoyed a lot of our play. I enjoyed a lot of Wasps’ play. I enjoyed seeing Odogwu at it, partly because I remember him as a 12-year old doing much the same to my son’s team (which I enjoyed then). I enjoyed Underhill’s try. Ewels’ pull-back pass off his left hand that set up Redpath. I enjoyed the fact that I had to put my phone down during the game because you never really knew what was going to happen next. I enjoyed the drama at the end. I was fully engaged with the final acts of the game because the try carried a league point, and then the conversion carried another one.
Great sport, rugby!
Winning is absolutely the icing on the cake but +1 to the above
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 09:52
Quote:Kidney Stone
Positives, Redpath is beginning to look really special, best game I remember seeing TF play in the BBW, Beno another huge shift.
Concerned that some of our bankers seemed anonymous, Tom Dunn seems off colour, McNally and Mercer were not their industrious norm. JM may be a decent midfielder but he is not adequate as a back up 10.
Agree, redpath is class and hope he is able to kick on in our set up.
TF just need an injury free run, the guy is a top international.
I love beno's appetite for work, got a great engine these days. never has a bad game bar the rare struggles in the scrum.
On mcnally i thought his hands were better than sometimes and solid on restarts.
Not too many positives beyond that tho thought tdg looked a threat at times.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 09:57
Quote:OptimistQuote:OutsideBath
I’m stunned to read posts stating they enjoyed the game
Why? I enjoyed a lot of our play. I enjoyed a lot of Wasps’ play. I enjoyed seeing Odogwu at it, partly because I remember him as a 12-year old doing much the same to my son’s team (which I enjoyed then). I enjoyed Underhill’s try. Ewels’ pull-back pass off his left hand that set up Redpath. I enjoyed the fact that I had to put my phone down during the game because you never really knew what was going to happen next. I enjoyed the drama at the end. I was fully engaged with the final acts of the game because the try carried a league point, and then the conversion carried another one.
Great sport, rugby!
I couldn't have expressed this better tbf. It was a game of rugby, which is a sport to be watched for enjoyment. Was I entertained and enthralled by the topsy turvey all out attack game, definitely. I'm sure the tactical purist was choking on their beer, but after weeks of comment s about how boring premiership games can be, this was a refreshing change. On the basis that you aren't watching the games OB you missed a fantastic spectacle and maybe even you would have enjoyed this game until the very end.
For those who are saying how can I (and others) be happy with the result, that is a different thing. As a Bath fan it clearly isn't ideal to lose so many games.
Agree Carley was good. Odogwu should be looked at for England but as a short wasps winger won't be. We need a (proper) backup 10 and fast. Watson needs to regain his mojo. Redpath and TDG could be properly good in a couple of years. Congratulations to Wasps.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Rich. (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 09:58
Quote:hasta
. What attack through the backs are you talking about? One great break from deep, one good outside break from Redpath.
There was _no_ competent structured attack. No line breaks from structured play. There was a couple of off loads that worked very well, but none of those were part of our game plan.
.
This is so true! There was some great individual stuff from backs but it almost looked like they had to try things individually because they had not trained together on how to attack. On paper one of the best back-lines in the country but never looks like it on the pitch. Main reason (and this is main reason for poor last 20s) is most of the forwards are not skilled athletes who can help create (& they run out of puff 2nd half) - so the backs are left to themselves (& Faletau) to create against a wall of 12 - 15 defenders. It just ain't gonna happen.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 10:04
Bayliss is a skilled athlete and I thought that Bath looked better with him (and Stooke) on.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 10:06
Wasps played some excellent rugby - no surprise after beating Exeter 5 tries to 1 last week.
The team are not going to find their way out of this slump by being despondent about it but by clear headed attention to yhe issues and hard work.
While doing that they should continue the positives in attack.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
The team are not going to find their way out of this slump by being despondent about it but by clear headed attention to yhe issues and hard work.
While doing that they should continue the positives in attack.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 10:13
If you’re incapable of getting enjoyment from anything other than the result; if you’d rather watch a terrible match that your team wins than an entertaining match they lose .... why not just do the Pools?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 10:21
Quote:Optimist
If you’re incapable of getting enjoyment from anything other than the result; if you’d rather watch a terrible match that your team wins than an entertaining match they lose .... why not just do the Pools?
Quite simply the only thing that matters in sport is winning trophies, although money does play some part for professionals.
I respect your view that you enjoyed watching Bath lose in a high scoring game, I just don’t share your losing mentality.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: A (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 10:30
Seems the same old posters think the pack is wonderful and its all down to the 10 and the backs that we lose. I don’t think that RP can be blamed for people catching a kickoff and stepping onto the touchline, for moonwalking into a kickoff chaser and giving away a penalty, for pulling down a maul and giving away a penalty try and getting a yellow card, for the first out defender at the ruck diving into the ruck and leaving a gap for them to run through for scores ( twice), or even for scoring the last try wide on the left leaving a difficult kick for the lbp. Never mind the rolling maul that goes nowhere and the ineffective one out pick and drive.
And why are they knackered in the second half when most of them have only been on the pitch for 20minutes? Do we belive that "forwards decide who wins..".etc?
We seem a lot more suited to an offloading game, but that died about 10mins in to the second half and we never looked like we'd win from there.
Perhaps a good analysis session in the week will help.
That said some of the 'star' backs were invisible and they do all seem to be individuals rather than a team . Why pick backs because they are “good on defence" but we still ship 50pts and they haven’t offered anything going forward for years. Got to agree with the idea that Hooper seems to be signing lots of mediocre players who never play; signing up new players or re-signing current players in his image and that any new “manager" will be stuck with the wrong squad for the current game and little flexibility in the cap or in playing style. That said if all games are like that we should win a few and at least it was entertaining even if the result felt inevitable once they got 2 scores up. Bottom four after seven games unless the Irish win of course....
And why are they knackered in the second half when most of them have only been on the pitch for 20minutes? Do we belive that "forwards decide who wins..".etc?
We seem a lot more suited to an offloading game, but that died about 10mins in to the second half and we never looked like we'd win from there.
Perhaps a good analysis session in the week will help.
That said some of the 'star' backs were invisible and they do all seem to be individuals rather than a team . Why pick backs because they are “good on defence" but we still ship 50pts and they haven’t offered anything going forward for years. Got to agree with the idea that Hooper seems to be signing lots of mediocre players who never play; signing up new players or re-signing current players in his image and that any new “manager" will be stuck with the wrong squad for the current game and little flexibility in the cap or in playing style. That said if all games are like that we should win a few and at least it was entertaining even if the result felt inevitable once they got 2 scores up. Bottom four after seven games unless the Irish win of course....
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 10:38
All you people who didnt get any enjoyment out of that, you should support Exeter, watching them belly flop over the line to win the game every week will be riveting.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 10:40
Quote:BathMatt53
Bayliss is a skilled athlete and I thought that Bath looked better with him (and Stooke) on.
Yes from what I've seen of Bayliss he looks very promising, he's quick too.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 11:11
Quote:OutsideBathQuite simply the only thing that matters in sport is winning trophies, although money does play some part for professionals.
I respect your view that you enjoyed watching Bath lose in a high scoring game, I just don’t share your losing mentality.[/quote
You ’respect my view’ but then call it a ‘losing mentality’ .... bit Trump-lite that.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 11:16
Quote:OptimistQuote:OutsideBathQuite simply the only thing that matters in sport is winning trophies, although money does play some part for professionals.
I respect your view that you enjoyed watching Bath lose in a high scoring game, I just don’t share your losing mentality.[/quote
You ’respect my view’ but then call it a ‘losing mentality’ .... bit Trump-lite that.
Apologies, no offence meant maybe a bit clumsy wording, but not sure how else to describe fans that are happy after losing. I don’t believe in taking positives from defeat, last night Bath were nothing more than losers.
Sounds like Carley continues to improve though so that’s got to be a good thing.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 11:31
Quote:woodpeckerQuote:BathMatt53
Bayliss is a skilled athlete and I thought that Bath looked better with him (and Stooke) on.
Yes from what I've seen of Bayliss he looks very promising, he's quick too.
I was going to post the same, second time he has chased down a winger!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 11:35
Quote:CoochieCooQuote:TomReaganQuote:Didn't see the game-don't have BT, but that was one of the more positive posts and he's a Wasps fan. Rather like being commiserated to after a game you're watching, it seems like a nice thing to do. He also said he thought we were a bit unlucky. Perhaps I'm interpreting your post incorrectly, in which case sorry, but I doubt it.ballsout
Thanks for telling us that we played well in patches. Good to know.
Agreed and he was warned about this last week as well so BO is banned.
Just to add the ban is One Month.
ballsout- as you were warned specifically about this last week any breach of rules on your return will result in a permanent ban.
PG
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 11:50
Lost for words after that game ! ...............move on, who are we playing next ? 
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 11:58
OB - I don’t derive any happiness from losing. But we will not go through a season without losing some games - and hypothetically, if I’d been at last night’s game, I’d have felt like I got my money’s worth of entertainment. It also doesn’t/didn’t stop me criticising and tearing my hair out at some of the terrible decision-making and skill deficit on display.
There are also fantastic 9-6 games .... even 6-9 games. But there are too many unwatchable games of rugby around at the moment (Eddie Jones’ presence at the game was a reminder of that), so I’m happy to celebrate a genuinely watchable one even when it goes against my team.
There are also fantastic 9-6 games .... even 6-9 games. But there are too many unwatchable games of rugby around at the moment (Eddie Jones’ presence at the game was a reminder of that), so I’m happy to celebrate a genuinely watchable one even when it goes against my team.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: bathwickboy (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 12:01
Going back quite a few years we had an Australian coach (forget his name) and we played pick and go, pick and go, pick and go every single game. Yes we won many matches but it was the dullest most boring games to watch imaginable. I want Bath to win every single game possible but if they are to lose, I would rather it be as a team that is trying to play the game and be entertaining. Some people seem to forget that the game is played as entertainment with highs and lows, for me it is not a way of life, it does not determine my day to day living, so yes I want us to win and I want to be entertained and that entertainment can be drawn from both sides trying to play attractive rugby. A neutral watching that game on a cold January evening cannot help but be impressed by the skill, speed, ferocity of tackling etc etc of the players on show and we need to attract people to our game, it will not survive (except to the purist) with 6-3 wins based on penalties. Bath showed enough last night to give me hope for the future.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 12:04
John Connolly Knuckles!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 12:14
Stuart Hooper’s assessment- he must be getting fed up with after game loss ‘it hurts ‘statements!
[url=http://[www.bbc.co.uk]]Here[/url]
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
[url=http://[www.bbc.co.uk]]Here[/url]
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 12:27
OB - as Opti says, no one will be happy / pleased with the result of the match, but if we are going to lose, it's far better to lose playing that way than plenty of other loses that have been suffered. For the neutral that will have been one of the most entertaining games for a very long time.
Some can separate the result from the game - unhappy and diaappointed to concede so many points, but to have enjoyed the action of the game.
Having not bothered to watch any Bath games for a long time, I'm not sure you are in a position to make any comments on the performance or entertainment value of any matches. Again as Opti says, you may as well be doing the pools.
We do seem to make silly / stupid individual errors just after scoring that then result in 5/7 pointers for the opposition immediately after and that is killing us at the moment.
Some can separate the result from the game - unhappy and diaappointed to concede so many points, but to have enjoyed the action of the game.
Having not bothered to watch any Bath games for a long time, I'm not sure you are in a position to make any comments on the performance or entertainment value of any matches. Again as Opti says, you may as well be doing the pools.
We do seem to make silly / stupid individual errors just after scoring that then result in 5/7 pointers for the opposition immediately after and that is killing us at the moment.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 12:39
Quote:Dorset Boy
Having not bothered to watch any Bath games for a long time, I'm not sure you are in a position to make any comments on the performance or entertainment value of any matches. Again as Opti says, you may as well be doing the pools.
I’m not making comments on the performance or entertainment value, the fact remains we lost and in fact have only won once this season. I guess I’m alone in this, but can take zero pleasure from hearing the game was good in defeat.
Even the eternal optimists amongst you cannot deny the results are relegation form and the DOR has to be held solely responsible for that. The question is how many more defeats can we sustain before something is done to improve matters?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 12:46
I think if you'd been watching the games you could have enjoyed yesterday's match though not the result.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: warrenball (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 13:07
I do not think that last nights game signified anything positive about Bath's future or the ability of the coaching staff, but I still enjoyed the game. The previous week we played against a poor team, except for Ford, and should have won comfortably, so I didn't really enjoy one much of that game whereas this was a bit like watching Keeghan's Newcastle side, never going to win but great entertainment. My view is possibly coloured by a view that this season is all about Exeter, Wasps and Bristol, so exactly where Bath come (from 4th to 8th) doesn't't worry me one bit.
The interesting thing about last night was that De Glanville and Redpath outplayed JJ and Watson.
The interesting thing about last night was that De Glanville and Redpath outplayed JJ and Watson.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Danchinho (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 13:30
If I go onto another board (in any sport) after just watching my team cricket score their team I’d get a few salty responses. Doesn’t matter if I’m polite it’s to be expected. Also, BO was not rude.
I find this weak, precious attitude to a dissenting voice just as tedious as (at times) BO’s relentless pessimism but at least his has some justification.
You make this board pale and diluted by this haughty prefect school boy modding.
It’s almost as bad as watching the rugby at times.
I probably don't know what i'm talking about.
I find this weak, precious attitude to a dissenting voice just as tedious as (at times) BO’s relentless pessimism but at least his has some justification.
You make this board pale and diluted by this haughty prefect school boy modding.
It’s almost as bad as watching the rugby at times.
I probably don't know what i'm talking about.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 13:36
Quote:Old Bath Tub
Lost for words after that game ! ...............move on, who are we playing next ?
It was going to be La Rochelle but rumour has it that Europe is going to be cancelled but it is up to the French Government if they allow teams to visit France or French teams to travel.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: bathwickboy (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 13:42
Quote:Danchinho
If I go onto another board (in any sport) after just watching my team cricket score their team I’d get a few salty responses. Doesn’t matter if I’m polite it’s to be expected. Also, BO was not rude.
I find this weak, precious attitude to a dissenting voice just as tedious as (at times) BO’s relentless pessimism but at least his has some justification.
You make this board pale and diluted by this haughty prefect school boy modding.
It’s almost as bad as watching the rugby at times.
Certainly do not want to hijack this thread by discussing temporary bans etc, but putting aside the constant negativity from Ballsout, I find his response to be rude and discourteous to people from other clubs who 'dare' to come onto our board. We should be welcoming to all even if we do not necessarily share the same opinion. I support the Moderators in their action in keeping this board a place for even handed discussion and welcoming to all.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: bardofavon (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 14:08
Quote:bathwickboy
Going back quite a few years we had an Australian coach (forget his name) and we played pick and go, pick and go, pick and go every single game. Yes we won many matches but it was the dullest most boring games to watch imaginable. I want Bath to win every single game possible but if they are to lose, I would rather it be as a team that is trying to play the game and be entertaining. Some people seem to forget that the game is played as entertainment with highs and lows, for me it is not a way of life, it does not determine my day to day living, so yes I want us to win and I want to be entertained and that entertainment can be drawn from both sides trying to play attractive rugby. A neutral watching that game on a cold January evening cannot help but be impressed by the skill, speed, ferocity of tackling etc etc of the players on show and we need to attract people to our game, it will not survive (except to the purist) with 6-3 wins based on penalties. Bath showed enough last night to give me hope for the future.
a positive decent post. i agree that entertainment is vitally important otherwise only the diehards will turn up to watch and there arent enough of them to keep the club solvent. i would rather lose and enjoy the game than sit through maulathon and pick and go dross. i reckon the players probably think the way i do.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:09:14:11:48 by bardofavon.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: TomReagan (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 14:09
Quote:Never mind reading BO's posts personally and it would be disrespectful to comment on BO or the mods, but I don't agree with you that 'it's to be expected' that polite posts will get 'salty responses'. Is it that difficult for people to be courteous? As has been said before, this is like a pub (admittedly not quite as good!) where people chat about all sorts of stuff (I like the variety of topics on this board, which isn't found on many other forums). If people are going to come on here in good numbers they need to know that dissenting voices will be respectful. Since when did good manners become political correctness?Danchinho
If I go onto another board (in any sport) after just watching my team cricket score their team I’d get a few salty responses. Doesn’t matter if I’m polite it’s to be expected. Also, BO was not rude.
I find this weak, precious attitude to a dissenting voice just as tedious as (at times) BO’s relentless pessimism but at least his has some justification.
You make this board pale and diluted by this haughty prefect school boy modding.
It’s almost as bad as watching the rugby at times.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 14:16
Quote:warrenball
The interesting thing about last night was that De Glanville and Redpath outplayed JJ and Watson.
That's a very good point wb - and maybe something for us to hang on to. On the evidence available to me - which doesn't extend beyond watching our matches - I don't see that Hooper is the right person for the job. But it's also possible that there is an underlying current that will bring the benefits in 2-3 seasons.
Maybe it's an all EQ, mostly Bath bred backline of:
Spencer, Bailey
Redpath, Ojomoh
Cokanasiga, TdG, GHW
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 14:19
Quote:OutsideBath
I’m not making comments on the performance or entertainment value, the fact remains we lost and in fact have only won once this season. I guess I’m alone in this, but can take zero pleasure from hearing the game was good in defeat
+ 1 I also take zero pleasure from a defeat so you are not alone. I do not, though, agree in getting rid of Hooper. You cannot keep chopping & changing the top management. However, we have many problems to address & I would be happy to see a change of attack/backs coach.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: stephen4944 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 14:25
Re taking enjoyment from the game.
During the first half and start of the second, l was getting enjoyment from the flashes of good play we showed, followed by a slap to my forehead when Wasps immediately replied with a score of their own.
However, when the basketball style, you score we score, ended, I could see the writing on the wall, and frankly slowly slid towards another rather more downhearted state of mind.
During the first half and start of the second, l was getting enjoyment from the flashes of good play we showed, followed by a slap to my forehead when Wasps immediately replied with a score of their own.
However, when the basketball style, you score we score, ended, I could see the writing on the wall, and frankly slowly slid towards another rather more downhearted state of mind.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 14:27
Quote:OptimistQuote:warrenball
The interesting thing about last night was that De Glanville and Redpath outplayed JJ and Watson.
That's a very good point wb - and maybe something for us to hang on to. On the evidence available to me - which doesn't extend beyond watching our matches - I don't see that Hooper is the right person for the job. But it's also possible that there is an underlying current that will bring the benefits in 2-3 seasons.
Maybe it's an all EQ, mostly Bath bred backline of:
Spencer, Bailey
Redpath, Ojomoh
Cokanasiga, TdG, GHW
You could add Baylis to that as well. You have to ask what harm could be done picking that backline, not sure it would be the best defence mind but its about getting rid of demons now isn't it?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 14:51
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:OutsideBath
I’m not making comments on the performance or entertainment value, the fact remains we lost and in fact have only won once this season. I guess I’m alone in this, but can take zero pleasure from hearing the game was good in defeat
+ 1 I also take zero pleasure from a defeat so you are not alone. I do not, though, agree in getting rid of Hooper. You cannot keep chopping & changing the top management. However, we have many problems to address & I would be happy to see a change of attack/backs coach.
Do you believe a change on attack/backs coach will fundamentally change the downward direction Bath are heading in?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Danchinho (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 15:05
People consider what BO said, which I thought was nothing more than sarcy as rude? Discourteous? Really?
How do you achieve anything in life with one hand constantly clutching your pearls?
I come from football boards which can be a bit over the top at times but so are people in real life. Not some Victorian aristocratic construct of what ‘’good form’ should be.
How do you achieve anything in life with one hand constantly clutching your pearls?
I come from football boards which can be a bit over the top at times but so are people in real life. Not some Victorian aristocratic construct of what ‘’good form’ should be.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 15:14
Quote:What is acceptable in football in not in rugby, rugby aims for higher standards both on an off the pitch.Danchinho
People consider what BO said, which I thought was nothing more than sarcy as rude? Discourteous? Really?
How do you achieve anything in life with one hand constantly clutching your pearls?
I come from football boards which can be a bit over the top at times but so are people in real life. Not some Victorian aristocratic construct of what ‘’good form’ should be.
In the same way the referees decision in final and must be respected, so must that of the Mods, without them we would have no board.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:09:15:16:49 by dcsh.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: TomReagan (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 16:06
Quote:Agree to a point. I go on the Pink Un, the Canaries website and it's sometimes in your face aggressive, often very informed (on many topics, besides football) and very witty and entertaining, but on that site different rules apply in terms of how posters communicate. Watching Norwich away I can't usually even go into pubs where home fans are. On this site it's always been a bit more respectful and reserved, mirroring the way rugby tends to be, and I think most people prefer it that way. I don't think it's about being delicate or precious, just different. The mods have a tough job and have to call it based on the atmosphere they think we want. (On a much more mundane level this is rather a topical issue right now!).Danchinho
People consider what BO said, which I thought was nothing more than sarcy as rude? Discourteous? Really?
How do you achieve anything in life with one hand constantly clutching your pearls?
I come from football boards which can be a bit over the top at times but so are people in real life. Not some Victorian aristocratic construct of what ‘’good form’ should be.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Danchinho (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 16:07
You have missed the point. Perhaps deliberately perhaps not. Anyway, I’ve said what I think and I’ll leave it there.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 17:01
Quote:Danchinho
You have missed the point. Perhaps deliberately perhaps not. Anyway, I’ve said what I think and I’ll leave it there.
I think he has understood your point but just takes a different view as
do I.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:09:17:02:51 by Bath Hammer.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 17:10
Quote:OutsideBath
Do you believe a change on attack/backs coach will fundamentally change the downward direction Bath are heading in?
Hopefully, but nothing is guaranteed. The point is he was brought in to improve our back line after a long period of mediocrity. In my view, nothing in that department has improved overall. Hooper, on the contrary, has only recently appointed a head coach & has done a great deal pretty well including achieving an unlikely 5th place last season.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 17:17
Quote:We finished 4th last season, that’s why we were in the playoffs ;-)Bath HammerQuote:OutsideBath
Do you believe a change on attack/backs coach will fundamentally change the downward direction Bath are heading in?
Hopefully, but nothing is guaranteed. The point is he was brought in to improve our back line after a long period of mediocrity. In my view, nothing in that department has improved overall. Hooper, on the contrary, has only recently appointed a head coach & has done a great deal pretty well including achieving an unlikely 5th place last season.
Granted it probably would have been 5th had it not been for Sales cancelled match, but let’s not take away from Hooper a top 4 finish in his first season in charge whatever the circumstances.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 17:21
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:OutsideBath
Do you believe a change on attack/backs coach will fundamentally change the downward direction Bath are heading in?
Hopefully, but nothing is guaranteed. The point is he was brought in to improve our back line after a long period of mediocrity. In my view, nothing in that department has improved overall. Hooper, on the contrary, has only recently appointed a head coach & has done a great deal pretty well including achieving an unlikely 5th place last season.
Interesting point, I guess we disagree on the root cause of our problems then. Either way I believe action should be taken within the coaching setup before our next PL game.
I worked in an environment where failure was not tolerated and I would certainly not have got away with this level of poor performance, so I struggle to understand why it’s acceptable at an elite rugby club.
Now would be a good time for the club to engage with supporters to explain such a poor run of results.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 17:21
Good point dcsh.
If inclined to argue with the final table people could also point to “if Saracens had not been punished”!
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
If inclined to argue with the final table people could also point to “if Saracens had not been punished”!
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 17:46
Quote:You could look at the tables over the last 5 years and ask “what if Sarries hadn’t cheated?” :-oP G Tips
Good point dcsh.
If inclined to argue with the final table people could also point to “if Saracens had not been punished”!
It seems likely that we could have a few weeks off if Europe is cancelled/postponed, which unlike the previous break would be known and the training can be planned for. Clearly some defensive work ons from last night, but I was encouraged by the offloading game, so hopefully that can develop further too.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: sid the seagull (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 18:21
OB in response to your suggestion re buying the club.
I suggest you read my post properly, I was not implying any criticism of the owner whose patience and financial commitment is approaching the heroic. We have extremely gifted players whose qualities (IMHO) are somehow being inhibited by a coaching/DR regime that with the exception of Hats/Charteris looks at present to be out of it’s depth. I mean no ill but experience gained elsewhere would surely have been beneficial.
HOP
I suggest you read my post properly, I was not implying any criticism of the owner whose patience and financial commitment is approaching the heroic. We have extremely gifted players whose qualities (IMHO) are somehow being inhibited by a coaching/DR regime that with the exception of Hats/Charteris looks at present to be out of it’s depth. I mean no ill but experience gained elsewhere would surely have been beneficial.
HOP
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: bathstigg (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 19:27
Sid you are right about Hooper but the Owner did appoint him. One area the owner could spend money on is the coaching dept. Lansdowne at Bristol got Pat Lam we get Hooper. The organic homegrown player philosophy is good but we mustn't limit our coaching capabilities. Yes we finished well last season because the forwards and Spencer played out of their skins.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 19:28
Quote:sid the seagull
OB in response to your suggestion re buying the club.
I suggest you read my post properly, I was not implying any criticism of the owner whose patience and financial commitment is approaching the heroic. We have extremely gifted players whose qualities (IMHO) are somehow being inhibited by a coaching/DR regime that with the exception of Hats/Charteris looks at present to be out of it’s depth. I mean no ill but experience gained elsewhere would surely have been beneficial.
HOP
To be honest I’m not criticising the owner either, just suggesting that you have the obvious solution to get Bath improving and just need to be a place to implement it. Perhaps you can find a way to have a word with Bruce instead.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 19:35
Does anyone know if there is a mandatory rest/no contact period after a number of failed HIAs or is that only if a concussion is diagnosed? That’s 2 HIA failures for Rhys so far this season, not sure if there were others last season.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2021 20:07
Quote:Danchinho
People consider what BO said, which I thought was nothing more than sarcy as rude? Discourteous? Really?
How do you achieve anything in life with one hand constantly clutching your pearls?
I come from football boards which can be a bit over the top at times but so are people in real life. Not some Victorian aristocratic construct of what ‘’good form’ should be.
In terms of what was said this time I agree it was fairly mild. In the context of the rules, a number of warnings and an explicit warning literally 5 days ago it was inevitable.
Ballsout's opinions are not an issue, and I certainly don't disagree with a number of them. Being rude to guests (totally unnecessarily I might add) is not part of the community rules for the board.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Danchinho (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 01:12
I’d just like to add, my post was aimed at dcsh not Tom Reagan who made a fair point.
Sorry Tom, I didn’t type quick enough and you got there before me.
Sorry Tom, I didn’t type quick enough and you got there before me.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: TomReagan (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 02:19
No offence had been taken anyway, but thanks!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 09:58
See Montpellier have announced the signing of Zach. Really sad but understandable for the young man who clearly was getting more and more frustrated in Bath and England.
On another note really sad that following a call with my sons all four of us have decided we will not be renewing our season tickets next year. We all agree that we could not justify paying money to watch the product that is currently being produced and now in January with no change in sight we have made that incredibly hard decision. My sons have all said their respective kids have no interest in Bath rugby and find them really boring and clearly with kids not wanting to go it has an impact on us.
We will all remain Bath FC fans because it runs I our veins but it will be from afar and the odd trip as and when.
Really really upset.
On another note really sad that following a call with my sons all four of us have decided we will not be renewing our season tickets next year. We all agree that we could not justify paying money to watch the product that is currently being produced and now in January with no change in sight we have made that incredibly hard decision. My sons have all said their respective kids have no interest in Bath rugby and find them really boring and clearly with kids not wanting to go it has an impact on us.
We will all remain Bath FC fans because it runs I our veins but it will be from afar and the odd trip as and when.
Really really upset.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: warrenball (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 10:04
Having said how much I enjoyed watching the Wasps match, even if the result went against us, I have just finished watching the Exeter/Bears match. Will not give score away for those who may have recorded but not watched it, but I can remember a couple of years ago watching Bristol beat us at Ashton gate in their first game back in the premiership and we were rightly up set not to have beaten them. Since then Bristol (and Exeter) have just carried on improving whereas we seem to be treading water, watching yesterdays game rammed home the difference - another most enjoyable game to watch, full of skill and commitment which I am sure most lovers of rugby will have appreciate. I think their is a difference between 'fans' to whom the result is all important and those of us who just enjoy watching good rugby.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 10:16
Quote:warrenball
Having said how much I enjoyed watching the Wasps match, even if the result went against us, I have just finished watching the Exeter/Bears match. Will not give score away for those who may have recorded but not watched it, but I can remember a couple of years ago watching Bristol beat us at Ashton gate in their first game back in the premiership and we were rightly up set not to have beaten them. Since then Bristol (and Exeter) have just carried on improving whereas we seem to be treading water, watching yesterdays game rammed home the difference - another most enjoyable game to watch, full of skill and commitment which I am sure most lovers of rugby will have appreciate. I think their is a difference between 'fans' to whom the result is all important and those of us who just enjoy watching good rugby.
I think if you listen to Lee Blackett's comments whilst he was happy with their win he was really annoyed by their performance and in that whilst I agree with some of your comments Warrenball, where I do disagree with you is the difference between exciting and good rugby.
The game on Friday was not in my opinion and clearly not in Lee Blackett's opinion good rugby. Yesterdays game was good rugby big difference between exciting and good IMHO.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:10:10:18:04 by Ali1969.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 10:21
Quote:warrenball
Having said how much I enjoyed watching the Wasps match, even if the result went against us, I have just finished watching the Exeter/Bears match. Will not give score away for those who may have recorded but not watched it, but I can remember a couple of years ago watching Bristol beat us at Ashton gate in their first game back in the premiership and we were rightly up set not to have beaten them. Since then Bristol (and Exeter) have just carried on improving whereas we seem to be treading water, watching yesterdays game rammed home the difference - another most enjoyable game to watch, full of skill and commitment which I am sure most lovers of rugby will have appreciate. .
I remember thinking that Bristol were about to do the same as Exeter when they were promoted & it has proved to be so. & this will no doubt be rammed home in our next Premiership match. However, if you look at our respective line ups man for man we are just as strong. Ourselves & Gloucester have been treading water for years. It is very dispiriting
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 10:57
Opti
Why can't we play your "two years time" backs now?
Who do Odogwu (sp?) play for that you saw him as a 12 year old?
Why can't we play your "two years time" backs now?
Who do Odogwu (sp?) play for that you saw him as a 12 year old?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 11:01
I was going to come on 'ere and pose the sacreligous question "Can we afford to play the luxury player of Zach Mercer"?
However it sounds like that has already been sorted with his departure to Montpelier.
Great in parts with the ball but amongst other things the crass error of catching a kick off when you are six inches from the touchline is not even as good as a schoolboy error......
However it sounds like that has already been sorted with his departure to Montpelier.
Great in parts with the ball but amongst other things the crass error of catching a kick off when you are six inches from the touchline is not even as good as a schoolboy error......
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 11:02
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Opti
Why can't we play your "two years time" backs now?
Who do Odogwu (sp?) play for that you saw him as a 12 year old?
Paolo Odogwu looked like a young Josh Matevesi or Roko, so hard to tackle!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:10:11:03:30 by shipwrecked.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 13:14
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Great in parts with the ball but amongst other things the crass error of catching a kick off when you are six inches from the touchline is not even as good as a schoolboy error......
Unfortunately that wasn’t the only error he has made in recent times. Also, although he breaks the game line regularly, a great asset, there is rarely an end product. That maybe due to team problems or not seeing the opportunities.. What we really need are one or two turnover specialists following the departure of Flo. I thought that was Underhill’s speciality but that doesn’t seem to be the case. The best we have had in recent years apart from Flo was F’otoalite (excuse the spelling) in his prime. Hately or one of his team needs to train up up a couple of our players who seem to have that capability.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:10:13:16:06 by Bath Hammer.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 13:25
Fair points BH, Mercer is elusive no doubt but he always end up going to ground, the game nowadays needs the offload as the end of the move to capitalise on the yards. Re Underhill, I think he needs to partner up he was devoting with Tipuric, Lydiate and Cracknell at Ospreys, Baylis might be that partner.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Kidney Stone (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 13:34
Disappointing to hear that Zac is leaving, more disappointing to read posters citing the foot in touch as some sort of heinous crime.
Of course it was not ideal, but Mercer’s contributions over many years outweigh that mistake dozens and dozens of times over.
Along with the likes of Stooke and Tom Dunn, Zac’s contribution, commitment and work rate have been astonishing.
And to class him as a ‘luxury’ player is like calling a Toyota Hilux a luxury vehicle.
Of course it was not ideal, but Mercer’s contributions over many years outweigh that mistake dozens and dozens of times over.
Along with the likes of Stooke and Tom Dunn, Zac’s contribution, commitment and work rate have been astonishing.
And to class him as a ‘luxury’ player is like calling a Toyota Hilux a luxury vehicle.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 16:22
Quote:Kidney Stone
Disappointing to hear that Zac is leaving, more disappointing to read posters citing the foot in touch as some sort of heinous crime.
Of course it was not ideal, but Mercer’s contributions over many years outweigh that mistake dozens and dozens of times over.
Along with the likes of Stooke and Tom Dunn, Zac’s contribution, commitment and work rate have been astonishing.
And to class him as a ‘luxury’ player is like calling a Toyota Hilux a luxury vehicle.
Totally agree, sometimes I get the feeling that when a player chooses to leave our club they are often vilified by some.
Zach has been outstanding for us as has Stooke, if they chose to leave they deserve plaudits and thanks that their efforts deserve. Perhaps we should be asking why they are leaving rather than highlighting historic errors.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Old Bath Tub (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 16:58
Agree, but would you be told the ‘real reason’ ?
Stooke supposedly fallen out with senior coach ?
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Stooke supposedly fallen out with senior coach ?
Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 17:07
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
Opti
Why can't we play your "two years time" backs now?
Who do Odogwu (sp?) play for that you saw him as a 12 year old?
Only the coaches know if the youngsters are ready now.
Odogwu was playing for Walsall on tour at Weston Super Mare in a 3-way with us - Odogwu was built like an outhouse then - one of our lads ended up with a broken arm trying to tackle him - not great at the time, but a decent story over a pint now!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: TG Kesmo (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 17:11
[quote Kidney Stone]Disappointing to hear that Zac is leaving, more disappointing to read posters citing the foot in touch as some sort of heinous crime.
For me it wasn’t the error everyone makes a wrong one sometimes it was the fact that he was being called by several,players to leave it and he didn’t. That indicates either he doesn’t trust his team mates or he thinks he knows better. Hmm maybe a little more maturity and experience will help him reach his potential.
For me it wasn’t the error everyone makes a wrong one sometimes it was the fact that he was being called by several,players to leave it and he didn’t. That indicates either he doesn’t trust his team mates or he thinks he knows better. Hmm maybe a little more maturity and experience will help him reach his potential.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 18:55
May I please amplify my comment above. Also please note that I wrote "sacrilegious" as I recognised and recognise that it is a controversial point of view on this board.
At the moment I also question the value of JJ and Anthony Watson to the Bath present and future.
I have watched all of the games this weekend and have seen a lot of very talented players I have never heard of before. There is undoubtedly a lot of very talented young players around whom I imagine would not be terribly expensive, would be available (subject to injury) every match and would not be going away to play for England (or other countries) and seemingly always returning injured.
Don't get me wrong Zach Mercer is an excellent player, however his reluctance to sign a new contract last year (on reduced terms) set himself apart from the rest of the squad. I don't recall reading any similar stories about the Exeter, Bristol or Wasps squads. One of the commentators on the Exeter match said how much emphasis the coaching team at Exeter placed on character when they were recruiting and relied on the views of previous Exeter Australian players when looking at introductions.
I am afraid I consider his error of catching a kick off on the touchline as a serious error. In rugby there is so little in your control that when you have a situation which is entirely in your control, and you have all the time on the world, a professional person should not get it wrong. As someone points out above his fellow players were shouting "leave it". In a full Rec I could make an excuse that he could not hear this. In an empty Rec he chose to ignore his teammates.
In Hooper's interview after the game he highlighted Bath's poor exits as one of the main reasons for Bath's defeat. It is also worth pointing out that Wasps scored from the line out conceded by Mercer above.
I am very disappointed by the apparent lack of leadership and leading by example from the senior Bath players. I look at all the other teams from the comfort of my sofa and I see senior players at other clubs who although earning tonnes of money and are very famous and illustrious names, they appear to be completely committed to the team above all else.
At the moment I also question the value of JJ and Anthony Watson to the Bath present and future.
I have watched all of the games this weekend and have seen a lot of very talented players I have never heard of before. There is undoubtedly a lot of very talented young players around whom I imagine would not be terribly expensive, would be available (subject to injury) every match and would not be going away to play for England (or other countries) and seemingly always returning injured.
Don't get me wrong Zach Mercer is an excellent player, however his reluctance to sign a new contract last year (on reduced terms) set himself apart from the rest of the squad. I don't recall reading any similar stories about the Exeter, Bristol or Wasps squads. One of the commentators on the Exeter match said how much emphasis the coaching team at Exeter placed on character when they were recruiting and relied on the views of previous Exeter Australian players when looking at introductions.
I am afraid I consider his error of catching a kick off on the touchline as a serious error. In rugby there is so little in your control that when you have a situation which is entirely in your control, and you have all the time on the world, a professional person should not get it wrong. As someone points out above his fellow players were shouting "leave it". In a full Rec I could make an excuse that he could not hear this. In an empty Rec he chose to ignore his teammates.
In Hooper's interview after the game he highlighted Bath's poor exits as one of the main reasons for Bath's defeat. It is also worth pointing out that Wasps scored from the line out conceded by Mercer above.
I am very disappointed by the apparent lack of leadership and leading by example from the senior Bath players. I look at all the other teams from the comfort of my sofa and I see senior players at other clubs who although earning tonnes of money and are very famous and illustrious names, they appear to be completely committed to the team above all else.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathIron (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2021 19:40
I just watched the game again, and sometimes you do have to have sympathy with the coaches over the crass stupidity of players i.e. nothing related to spirit or tactics or skills.
We conceded two really silly tries immediately after scoring - one where Stuart foolishly blocked out Bassett just before half-time, a second after Zach caught the re-start with his foot in touch when the ball would have gone directly out.
On top of that there were bounces of the ball that went against us such as Cruses's first try and Basset's try in the corner.
TF had a great game, and Obano, Spencer, de Glanville, Ewels, Dunn, Priestland, Underhill and Redpath all stood up.
I am surprisingly not as depressed as I was late Friday night.
We conceded two really silly tries immediately after scoring - one where Stuart foolishly blocked out Bassett just before half-time, a second after Zach caught the re-start with his foot in touch when the ball would have gone directly out.
On top of that there were bounces of the ball that went against us such as Cruses's first try and Basset's try in the corner.
TF had a great game, and Obano, Spencer, de Glanville, Ewels, Dunn, Priestland, Underhill and Redpath all stood up.
I am surprisingly not as depressed as I was late Friday night.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Danchinho (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 00:41
All those lambasting Zach.......Priestland’s done worse tbh.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 07:46
I've always thought Zach is a great player, but he does always seem to think he's going to score by himself, nevertheless, it's a shame he's going.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 08:35
Danchinho
I agree!!
I agree!!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 08:38
I wouldn't lambast any individual for that result tbf. None of the players were perfect or terrible on the day, especially Zach. Those who were anonymous were so because the ball didn't come to them. Wasps just attacked well and in Paolo Odogwu had perhaps the form player in the league on fire on the night.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 08:42
Quote:woodpecker
I've always thought Zach is a great player, but he does always seem to think he's going to score by himself, nevertheless, it's a shame he's going.
Woodpecker is that because he has always felt he has had to prove himself to the coaches/DoR because he has never been able to nail down being first choice No8 even when he was at the height of his game couple this with his size which like Sam Simmonds so many appear to think this is a huge disadvantage?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: bardofavon (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 11:58
well on the subject of mercer, this young man divides opinion. no doubt he is a rare talent but there are problems with his personality. i suspect eddie has picked up on this- a coach of his experience will always do so. he has seen something there he doesn't like.
mercer has always been full of himself, a bit of an egomaniac if the truth be told. time and again we have seen him butcher opportunities by failing to make a simple pass. it is as if he wants to do everything himself.
as for his objecting to a wage cut, i take great exception to that. the circumstances with the club having no revenue required the players to make a small sacrifice. that he refused shows considerable selfishness.
a move to france at his age is a big mistake. he is shutting off the possibility of a future england career. but if he doesnt want to stay at bath, as a bath fan i don't want him in the side. with more and more of this thing happening i just think there should be transfer fees involved. bath has not has a big enough return out of mercer given everything the club has done to make him the player he is.
with the present season pretty much lost dues to covid i want to see the coaches play more youngsters. it is a good time to blood them. we have no shortage of back row options which include reid, bayliss, merigan, read and staddon in the younger cohort. i want to see these guys playing and mercer sidelined.
mercer has always been full of himself, a bit of an egomaniac if the truth be told. time and again we have seen him butcher opportunities by failing to make a simple pass. it is as if he wants to do everything himself.
as for his objecting to a wage cut, i take great exception to that. the circumstances with the club having no revenue required the players to make a small sacrifice. that he refused shows considerable selfishness.
a move to france at his age is a big mistake. he is shutting off the possibility of a future england career. but if he doesnt want to stay at bath, as a bath fan i don't want him in the side. with more and more of this thing happening i just think there should be transfer fees involved. bath has not has a big enough return out of mercer given everything the club has done to make him the player he is.
with the present season pretty much lost dues to covid i want to see the coaches play more youngsters. it is a good time to blood them. we have no shortage of back row options which include reid, bayliss, merigan, read and staddon in the younger cohort. i want to see these guys playing and mercer sidelined.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: nick holder (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 12:00
I am not sure whether stupidity from the players, Stuart's block and Mercer's foot in touch, is just that they were stupid. However, it could indicate a lack of trust in team mates, a lack of trust in the systems they are playing or a complete lack of interest in winning the match. Or indeed any other reasons. The fact is Stuart made a conscious decision to block Bassett and Mercer made a conscious decision to ignore his team mates. To me both acts come across as being arrogant as if they knew better. Not sure if this something the coaches should be blamed for, but both of these crass acts cost us 7 points on each occasion. I am still very annoyed about this.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 12:04
Quote:bardofavon
there are problems with his personality.
mercer has always been full of himself, a bit of an egomaniac if the truth be told.
with more and more of this thing happening i just think there should be transfer fees involved.
Wow BoA lots of nonsense here! I have spoken to Zach a few times and have friends who know him well and he is a great young man, you couldn't be more wrong IMO. Besides which, lets not turn this into an attack on a players character, no matter what he has done to offend you personally. If someone offered you double your wage (as Malco suggested) to play in the south of France at the age of 24 wouldn't you be tempted?
Why would there be transfer fees involved? If they move in contract then there are transfer fees. You have to go back to Bosman to see why there aren't any at the end of a contract.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:11:12:05:25 by BathMatt53.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: jayeatman (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 12:26
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Optimist
If you’re incapable of getting enjoyment from anything other than the result; if you’d rather watch a terrible match that your team wins than an entertaining match they lose .... why not just do the Pools?
Quite simply the only thing that matters in sport is winning trophies, although money does play some part for professionals.
I respect your view that you enjoyed watching Bath lose in a high scoring game, I just don’t share your losing mentality.
I went into that game fully expecting us to lose, so that fact is turned out to be a try-fest was a bonus of sorts. But it's the hope that kills. A 13-pt lead gave you hope even though there was a creeping inevitability in the squandering of it. That just made the wasted red-zone opportunities in the 2nd half all the harder to take.
BATH supporter since 1975
Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 12:43
Quote:Ali1969Quote:woodpecker
I've always thought Zach is a great player, but he does always seem to think he's going to score by himself, nevertheless, it's a shame he's going.
Woodpecker is that because he has always felt he has had to prove himself to the coaches/DoR because he has never been able to nail down being first choice No8 even when he was at the height of his game couple this with his size which like Sam Simmonds so many appear to think this is a huge disadvantage?
Possibly, I make no judgement. Like anything there's a balance, he's often thinking and moving quicker than his team mates, but it's not colts, you can't win games on your own. If you see what Ive said about him over the years I'm very positive about him, but as for a lot of the players, they dont seem to be playing as a team.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 12:48
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 18:43
The general consensus across the boards (and the papers) seems to be that it will turn out to have been the game of the season. It's nice to be involved but it would have been nicer to win it. I think it's fair to say that Wasps got one piece of good fortune with the Bassett try whereas we made 2 unforced errors which cost us dearly. Fine margins, as always.
When we learn how to be on the plus side of those, we'll be contenders as well. How we learn to do that is a different question!
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
When we learn how to be on the plus side of those, we'll be contenders as well. How we learn to do that is a different question!
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 18:52
Do we still employ a mind coach? If so it’s her job to stop mental errors.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 19:02
Quote:OutsideBath
Do we still employ a mind coach? If so it’s her job to stop mental errors.
Katie Warriner, but she's a psychologist OB, not a miracle worker!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: TomReagan (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 19:49
Quote:Agree BM53. Always totally committed and rarely has a poor game, although he is sometimes reluctant to pass to team mates in better positions. As you say, a move to a lovely city on the Med, a big pay rise, perhaps a game plan better suited to his style, and he's young enough to come back to play in England should he want-all makes perfect sense to me.BathMatt53Quote:bardofavon
there are problems with his personality.
mercer has always been full of himself, a bit of an egomaniac if the truth be told.
with more and more of this thing happening i just think there should be transfer fees involved.
Wow BoA lots of nonsense here! I have spoken to Zach a few times and have friends who know him well and he is a great young man, you couldn't be more wrong
IMO. Besides which, lets not turn this into an attack on a players character, no matter what he has done to offend you personally. If someone offered you double your wage (as Malco suggested) to play in the south of France at the age of 24 wouldn't you be tempted?
Why would there be transfer fees involved? If they move in contract then there are transfer fees. You have to go back to Bosman to see why there aren't any at the end of a contract.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 20:15
Wasn’t it Zach’s offload that put Priestland away? Did everything right iirc - and isn’t one of our problems tbit that we don’t make half-breaks, but that we too rarely have players steaming on to a line like that in support of a half-break and in anticipation of an offload.. Pretty sure if we had more games like that Zach would be prominent.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 20:26
Faletau to Underhill similar off load for try
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:11:20:27:04 by Mike the Taxi.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:11:20:27:04 by Mike the Taxi.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathIron (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 22:50
Quote:joethefanatic
The general consensus across the boards (and the papers) seems to be that it will turn out to have been the game of the season. It's nice to be involved but it would have been nicer to win it. I think it's fair to say that Wasps got one piece of good fortune with the Bassett try whereas we made 2 unforced errors which cost us dearly. Fine margins, as always.
When we learn how to be on the plus side of those, we'll be contenders as well. How we learn to do that is a different question!
Very well put!
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2021 08:32
Quote:BathIronQuote:joethefanatic
The general consensus across the boards (and the papers) seems to be that it will turn out to have been the game of the season. It's nice to be involved but it would have been nicer to win it. I think it's fair to say that Wasps got one piece of good fortune with the Bassett try whereas we made 2 unforced errors which cost us dearly. Fine margins, as always.
When we learn how to be on the plus side of those, we'll be contenders as well. How we learn to do that is a different question!
Very well put!
Agree from a viewers point of view - not from coaches and clearly not from Eddie Jones who I believe labelled it Appalling.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2021 09:05
Appalling defence ...yes. Appalling entertainment ... clearly not.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2021 09:36
Quote:Ali1969
Agree from a viewers point of view - not from coaches and clearly not from Eddie Jones who I believe labelled it Appalling.
I find it appalling that Eddie Jones thought that it was an appalling game. At which point do you think he stopped enjoying exciting rugby? Its not even like he supported either team, should he have been writing down the names of those who did well rather than having all of his focus on the negatives? In the words of Bing:
You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between
You've got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith or pandemonium
Liable to walk upon the scene
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2021 10:33
Eddie's personal obsession is winning the World Cup - it's the big gap on his CV. In the mean time, it's going to cost England a lot of fans - existing ones who walk away, and potential ones who are instantly turned off. Should he win it, then of course it will be good - in the moment - for the game in this country. But, it won't do anything for the wider, worldwide game. And, of course, that assumes that he doesn't get a bad bounce of the ball, an inspired NZ/France/South Africa/Argentina, or an injury to Maro Itoje. He's an idiot, and the RFU should tell him that his remit includes people enjoying watching rugby union.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2021 11:55
My biggest criticism of Eddie is he spends his whole time talking about the future, how rugby is going to be like trampolining or handball then spends his time with the England team living in the past. He's about as innovative as my ar$e. Sorry in advancce if that's a big swear.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OBinFiji (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2021 07:27
I'm amazed that any of you take Eddies comment as serious.
Surely he was being facetious when he said that.
You'll be telling me Nick Easter meant it when he bemoaned the loss of cash on losing the quarter finals.
OBinFiji
Surely he was being facetious when he said that.
You'll be telling me Nick Easter meant it when he bemoaned the loss of cash on losing the quarter finals.
OBinFiji
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2021 09:47
Quote:OBinFiji
I'm amazed that any of you take Eddies comment as serious.
Surely he was being facetious
If he was being serious, he's an idiot. If he was being facetious, he's a facetious idiot.
Surely, an England head coach can find the middle ground between Stuart Lancaster's ultra-earnest 'journey/values speak and Eddie's pathological need to wind people up.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2021 12:41
I was always a bit more of the Kevin Keegan approach, not the "I'd love it I'd really love it" phrase but the, "you score three and we'll score four" approach.
But to do that you have to have the ball and generally be in their half, or better still 22. Therefore giving away a penalty from their KO is not ideal (!), or giving them a lineout near your 22 from a KO is also not helpful.
But to do that you have to have the ball and generally be in their half, or better still 22. Therefore giving away a penalty from their KO is not ideal (!), or giving them a lineout near your 22 from a KO is also not helpful.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2021 13:15
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
I was always a bit more of the Kevin Keegan approach, not the "I'd love it I'd really love it" phrase but the, "you score three and we'll score four" approach.
But to do that you have to have the ball and generally be in their half, or better still 22. Therefore giving away a penalty from their KO is not ideal (!), or giving them a lineout near your 22 from a KO is also not helpful.
Did you have the same hairstyle?
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Buzzer (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2021 18:58
Wasps fan in peace. (Is it safe now BO has been sent to the naughty step? I had the misfortune of getting on the wrong side of him once here myself) Good to be able to have some chat with opposing fans on these forums, especially in these socially distance times.
It was a very entertaining game and of course better to be on the winning than the losing side. But it takes two teams to play a match and both should feel proud for the part in it despite some failings, if I can say that.
Thanks for the nice comments about our performance. A poor first 20 minutes but we sorted things out and “turned the screw.“
I’ve read all 15 pages of this thread out of interest and even listened to the BBC podcast commentary after watching the match live. Just a fascinating game for so many reasons. And why I love rugby. But usually someone has to lose. On this occasion it was your good selves and in the future I’m sure it will be us. Good luck for the rest of the season and keep the faith.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:13:19:01:13 by Buzzer.
It was a very entertaining game and of course better to be on the winning than the losing side. But it takes two teams to play a match and both should feel proud for the part in it despite some failings, if I can say that.
Thanks for the nice comments about our performance. A poor first 20 minutes but we sorted things out and “turned the screw.“
I’ve read all 15 pages of this thread out of interest and even listened to the BBC podcast commentary after watching the match live. Just a fascinating game for so many reasons. And why I love rugby. But usually someone has to lose. On this occasion it was your good selves and in the future I’m sure it will be us. Good luck for the rest of the season and keep the faith.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:13:19:01:13 by Buzzer.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2021 19:15
Glad you enjoyed the game buzzer, but it’s difficult to keep the faith when the club has taken a wrong turn and is heading down a dead end. Hope you can deny Bristol/Exeter winning the PL.
Re: VENOMOUS VISITORS. BATH v WASPS - Teams’ up
Posted by: Buzzer (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2021 22:31
Cheers OB. Bath is THE best place to come for a game and I look forward to my next visit, when things allow. Too much history and talent for you not to rise again...
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