TIME FOR A RESET; BATH v HARLEQUINS
Dunn: leader
By PG Tips
February 2 2021
Bath Rugby need an urgent reset before hosting Harlequins on Saturday. The impression left by Friday’s heavy defeat at Bristol is one of multiple failings and almost no consolations. From lackadaisical body language in the warmup, through lack of physicality in collision, basic errors and repeatedly gifting Bristol possession and points, the essential repairs list seems endless. With Harlequins rampant after hammering Wasps, this is another dauntless prospect, another must win game.
The sudden departure of DOR Paul Gustard looked to have thrown Harlequins into disarray, but how they responded! Barely a week later, away at one of the Premiership’s most dynamic and attack—minded clubs they produced a performance of almost total dominance, notching 6 tries to their hosts 2. Even without that resurgence, they have too much pedigree and promise in their squad to be taken lightly. Veteran internationals Marler, Care and Brown provide the core of experience, Marcus Smith the class to control tempo and territory, Evans the dynamism at the breakdown to keep them on the front foot. Lewis Lynagh’s pace and adventure earned him 2 of Quins tries – the latest in a group of promising players, joining Dombrandt and Marchant as danger men running with the ball.
Bath should study tapes of their last two defeats and coming opponents this week, less for the litany of their own failings, more for the lessons to be learned from other approaches. Bristol showcased the virtues of “old fashioned” rugby: move the ball from the base swiftly, pass crisply, create and exploit space, run good support lines. If the skills are there, tries will come. Wasps showed the value of invention, snatching tries by doing what was least expected and attacking without fear from any part of the pitch if a gap appeared. Harlequins, initially, were all determination and defiance, unsettling Wasps with the ferocity of their onslaught, before finishing with a flourish of their own flowing attacks. Rugby can be a simple game, played as much with heart as mind, as these three teams have shown. Analysis and systems have their place, but right now, Bath most need something of spirit.
Even with changes enforced by international calls and injury there is enough class and talent in Bath’s squad to show much more than on Friday night. Something basic is wrong somewhere in the approach, squad culture or game plan- perhaps all three. Plenty of reasons for the slump in results have been posed on this board, as have possible solutions, so I will not repeat them, except to urge an immediate embrace of change. 7 wins in the last 9 regular season fixtures last season shows the squad have it in them. It must be found again or a relegation battle results.
In team selection, the coaches will be wary of change for change sake. I am not advocating that, but Friday’s mood suggests an injection of new blood, unembarrassed enthusiasm is needed. Is Tian Schoeman ready to show what he can do and bring some much needed, hard-nosed Springbok competitiveness? Is this the moment to introduce the pace and power of Alex Gray? Should Bath trust a youngster like Orlando Bailey, Ethan Staddon or Nahum Merrigan to light up the Rec as Zach Mercer and Semesa Rokodoguni did in the recent past? With both locks injured in a clash of heads and other blows taking their toll, Bath will probably be forced into changes anyway. Mercer, Bayliss and Reid were tireless in
their efforts to stem the tide last week. Their battered bodies may need a rest. The question is who is fit (and match hardened) to take their place? With so much unknown about fitness and availability, I will not offer my usual selection prediction this week and instead await the team announcement.
If Josh McNally fails his HIA protocols another Captain will be needed. For me that should be someone whose own commitment and example cannot be faulted and I would opt for Tom Dunn. Other too must step up. This is a time for leaders in all areas of the team. For a new attitude: defiance, determination, desperation, devilment, call it what you will. Bath must do to Quins what Quins did to Wasps. Turn the tables on them, force errors, make them chase the game.
Go out and win Bath. Put the smile back on your faces and ours!
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:09:08:03:35 by P G Tips.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
To be honest its not at all obvious this week with injuries, performances and Internationals causing chaos. Will Stuart Hooper plug last weeks gaps or will he just go for as many fresh faces as possible, knowing Mr Hooper, probably the former.

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
I wonder if the Smith, Brown, Dombrandt (and Care) talk of leaving was a threat that helped force their board into a change with Gustard off and now they will all announce they are staying after all? All just assumptions mind you.
Would still like to get Marcus Smith among us - reckon he could pull our backline together - and play a more pragmatic game if the match demands. Hope we can.
PG
The coaches are the same so the “game plan” is the same, the available squad is weaker, the lackadaisical body language won’t be resolved in a week. The defence certainly can be improved, but where are the tries going to come from? We are not going to beat Quins by kicking penalties.
After Friday there will be question marks over McNally, Stooke and McConnachie. Clearly call ups mean we will not have Faletau and Redpath in addition to Obano, Stuart, Ewels and Watson. Long term injuries seem to include Underhill, Batty and Boyce. I suspect that Rokoduguni, Ellis and Will Spencer must also be injured. I don't think Tian Schoeman or Jacques Du Toit will be ready to join up from isolation yet.
The squad is looking stretched to breaking point and Quins are looking almost full strength and fired up.
I fear this really could get ugly.
We could be looking at:
Bhatti
Dunn (c)
Judge
Williams
Cattell
Bayliss
Reid
Mercer
Spencer
Priestland
Hamer-Webb
Matavesi
Joseph
Cokanasiga
De Glanville
Walker, Schoeman, Thomas, Jeanes, Merrigan, Chudley, Wright, Gray
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:02:15:07:39 by malco.
Then, there are the players whose ambitions might be confined to 'playing regular GP rugby' (or possibly even, 'to be removed from the missing persons list') - Wright, Walker, Vaughan, Green, Fox, Doughty, Atkins. What are we doing to these people!
I'd even be mildly worried if I was SU ... he's never played a bad game for England so he has a lot of credit in the bank. But, you wouldn't have picked him out as a star if you'd only known him from his recent Bath performances. Earl and Willis aren't going to die wondering over the next couple of months, that's for sure.
I believe Schoeman is OK for isolation - completed- but is he up to speed in Bath's patterns?
Maybe a good reason to throw him on, tear up the script and susrprise Quins?
PG
Quote:P G Tips
is he up to speed in Bath's patterns?
No more and no less than he's up to speed on what Scotch mist is, I would suggest.
Quote:hantssabre
Perhaps Hooper might be strapping his boots on this week if we’re a bit short of second rows!
I'd far rather we pick up the phone to Danny Grewcock.
We need to hope that at least one and preferably both of McNally and Stooke pass their protocols or failing that Will Spencer makes a heroic return from wherever it is that he has been hiding.
Quote:malcoQuote:hantssabre
Perhaps Hooper might be strapping his boots on this week if we’re a bit short of second rows!
I'd far rather we pick up the phone to Danny Grewcock.
We need to hope that at least one and preferably both of McNally and Stooke pass their protocols or failing that Will Spencer makes a heroic return from wherever it is that he has been hiding.
Yes Danny and Justin Harrison!
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
Paddy Power has Bath at 13:10, generous
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:02:17:51:08 by joethefanatic.
Adopted player
2023/24 Tom de Glanville
2021/22 Danny Cipriani
2020/21: Jonathan Joseph
2019/20: Tom Ellis
This week is a big mental test. Build a scratch team and make it competitive using the same coaches who haven't delivered consistency yet. It will certainly be interesting and the response might hint at whether the seasons problems are cultural and high up the club or the finer detail of coaches delivering the right message.

Quote:Optimist
It’s got all the ingredients for a similar horror show this one. I can’t see any middle ground between an absolute drubbing for us, or one of those ridiculous against all odds very narrow wins or losses. If we go a couple of scores behind - well, I’m going to hide a few cans of beer behind the sofa in preparation.
I think you'll be watching it alongside the beers.

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
Quote:LSAR
I think quins will have had a huge boost after their win against Wasps. Their upheavals seems to have galvanized them, they out played Wasps in all departments . If they play anything like that and there's no dramatic improvement in our defence and attack, it will be another long and painful day at the office. Would / could SH survive another result like that...
1 win all season, worst points difference, worst tries against, humiliated last game. Hooper has survived that, he seems to be untouchable in Bath’s low aspiration environment.
I suspect we could lose 40-0 and nothing will happen.
Quote:shipwrecked
Have to say I'm worried. Our best team would have a good chance of a win. We don't have that, we don't have anything close to that we have are at least missing half a team. Southampton FC had 4 key players out last night and lost 9-0!
Maybe Southampton did SW but they got two players sent off, one in the first five minutes so that is not really a fair comparison unless you think we are going to get 2 players sent off. Very unlikely to get sent off that early in rugby remember Owen Farrell. I’ve only seen it once at the Rec, Bath v London Scottish I think when we needed to beat them by 50 points to qualify and we did. We had a policy of not kicking the ball away that day rumour has it there were fines if you did.. a very enjoyable afternoon.
Does my 2020/21 season Membership also put me into the ballot as a backup player?
Quote:Rawce
Chron reporting that Mike Williams is our first choice lock for Saturday. Ewells England, Stooknally out with concussions, Wencer not back from neck surgery and some of the academy lads injured as well. Ellis not back from shoulder injury so can’t fall into his old role. Can we put two flankers into a trenchcoat?
Stooknally - made I larf!
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:TG KesmoQuote:shipwrecked
Have to say I'm worried. Our best team would have a good chance of a win. We don't have that, we don't have anything close to that we have are at least missing half a team. Southampton FC had 4 key players out last night and lost 9-0!
Maybe Southampton did SW but they got two players sent off, one in the first five minutes so that is not really a fair comparison unless you think we are going to get 2 players sent off. Very unlikely to get sent off that early in rugby remember Owen Farrell. I’ve only seen it once at the Rec, Bath v London Scottish I think when we needed to beat them by 50 points to qualify and we did. We had a policy of not kicking the ball away that day rumour has it there were fines if you did.. a very enjoyable afternoon.
The game I remember was October 98 against Bedford Blues when Ben Sturnham got a Red card for stamping about seven minutes in on the dubious report from the linesman Andy Melrose as Ref. Ashley Rowden was nowhere near the incident . I remember he literally ran over a defender , didn’t warrant a red card IMO. Bath still went on to win 57-19 . Rory Underwood at 14 for Bedford and a certain Neal Hatley at 1 for Bedford . I remember the incident clearly as I was on the touch line taking photographs for the then press and public relations officer Ken Johnstone ( great character) for those that remember him.

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
I might be missing something, but are McNally and Stooke confirmed as unable to play or do they still have a chance of making the squad, if they pass the return to play protocols prior to Saturday?
At this rate, the back 5 of the scrum could have some very young faces in it.
Quote:I’m assuming they are now one entity having merged through the clash of heads.joethefanatic
Stooknally - made I larf!
Dr, I read it as protocols mean they’re out out for this weekend.
Quote:RawceQuote:I’m assuming they are now one entity having merged through the clash of heads.joethefanatic
Stooknally - made I larf!
Dr, I read it as protocols mean they’re out out for this weekend.
The protocols aren’t complete yet they take a specified time to complete so there would be no answer yes or no before Friday.. either or both (?) of stooknally could still pass or fail these.
Quote:Rawce
Chron reporting that Mike Williams is our first choice lock for Saturday. Ewells England, Stooknally out with concussions, Wencer not back from neck surgery and some of the academy lads injured as well. Ellis not back from shoulder injury so can’t fall into his old role. Can we put two flankers into a trenchcoat?
Sounds like we may need to go shopping on Championship/S Hemisphere for medical jokers?
PG
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Rawce
Anyway, more on injuries (finally) here - [www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Does my 2020/21 season Membership also put me into the ballot as a backup player?
As I feared. The worst possible scenario.
Quote:malcoQuote:Rawce
Anyway, more on injuries (finally) here - [www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Does my 2020/21 season Membership also put me into the ballot as a backup player?
As I feared. The worst possible scenario.
No cases of Covid in the Premiership either to bail us out. All rather fraught!

Quote:Yep, was your team based on ears to the ground or worst case planning?malcoQuote:Rawce
Anyway, more on injuries (finally) here - [www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Does my 2020/21 season Membership also put me into the ballot as a backup player?
As I feared. The worst possible scenario.
Either way, I hope we take an opportunity to put some youngsters in and make it clear that they’ll gain a lot of experience so go out and enjoy it.
(*maybe they have been tbf).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
There must be some decent Championship players kicking their heels right now?
Quote:BathMatt53
If we knew we were down to our last 2 locks why weren't they looking for some medical jokers before now*? There is no way that both could survive the next month playing every minute?
(*maybe they have been tbf).
I think to be fair Ewells late England call up and 2 knocking themselves out at the same time may have been on the unlikely to happen scenario play list. The injury to Spencer was known about but the academy injuries may also have been recent. So I don’t think they would have had any plans in motion. I think jokers are only allowed for long term injuries not call ups or HIA short term failures.
Quote:Optimist
Going to be a bit like one of those United matches of recent memory, where the team-list has *guest against several names.
Sounds like we are really short of numbers for this weekend, so you up for the challenge of being a guest player Opti?
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Optimist
Going to be a bit like one of those United matches of recent memory, where the team-list has *guest against several names.
Sounds like we are really short of numbers for this weekend, so you up for the challenge of being a guest player Opti?
.... in the second-row? Think i might have just tweaked a hammy ....
Quote:TG KesmoQuote:BathMatt53
If we knew we were down to our last 2 locks why weren't they looking for some medical jokers before now*? There is no way that both could survive the next month playing every minute?
(*maybe they have been tbf).
I think to be fair Ewells late England call up and 2 knocking themselves out at the same time may have been on the unlikely to happen scenario play list. The injury to Spencer was known about but the academy injuries may also have been recent. So I don’t think they would have had any plans in motion. I think jokers are only allowed for long term injuries not call ups or HIA short term failures.
Hats did mention in the event last night that squad depth to cover international absences and injuries is the policy. He said Academy lock recent injuries wre unfortunate timing.
PG
Quote:Rawce
Can we have Ewells back now or is he still part of the England Covid bubble?
Nope they are in the bubble for the whole of the 6 nations
Just don't tell your family Stuart, wear a scrum cap or something as a disguise.
Quote:Luke Charteris is a more recently retired and higher quality second row option I would have thought.B4thB4ck
If we are looking for a recently retired 2nd row then surely that would be........ Stuart Hooper? Looks in shape, knows his own game plan inside out (come on, work with me here) so line out calls are all good.
Just don't tell your family Stuart, wear a scrum cap or something as a disguise.

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
'Blood on the walls!'
Theyve got Irish, havent paid much attention to them this term?
1. Juan Schoeman
2. Tom Dunn
3. Christian Judge
4. Josh McNally (c)
5. Mike Williams
6. Josh Bayliss
7. Miles Reid
8. Zach Mercer
9. Ben Spencer
10. Rhys Priestland
11. Joe Cokanasiga
12. Josh Matavesi
13. Max Clark
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
15. Tom DeGlanville
REPLACEMENTS
16. Jack Walker
17. Jamie Bhatti
18. Kieran Verden
19. Ewan Richards
20. Ethan Staddon
21. Will Chudley
22. Tian Schoeman
23. Will Muir
18. Kieran Verden
19. Ewan Richards
20. Ethan Staddon
22. Tian Schoeman
23. Will Muir
Lots of new faces!
On paper probably the 'weakest' (and certainly youngest) 23 I've seen Bath put out in a long time, like a little cup team on paper. BUT, give that the more experienced guys haven't been performing then why not let them have a chance. COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:05:12:07:31 by BathMatt53.
Quote:woodpecker
I thought McNally was out
He was having his return to play tests. Guess he passed his and Stooke didn't.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
The write up says Alex Gray could make his debut, but then he isn’t listed in the squad... [www.bathrugby.com]
Good to see Max Clark get a start.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:05:12:12:38 by dcsh.
Good luck to the lads on the bench, and interesting to see what Schoeman and Muir offer.
Most eye-popping selection for me is no JJ. Don't think it's an enforced rest and can't remember him carrying an injury last week (although it looked like it when SR breezed past him). For my mind, looks like a straightforward dropping, which is good to see. Clark deserves a chance (at last) and JJ couldn't have looked less interested last week if he'd tried.
Well, let's give it a go. Can't be worse than last week... can it?!
Quote:bardofavon
the backline has more defensive holes in it than a colander.
Thankfully that Smith kid is rubbish so I can't see him exploiting them.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:dr.bath1865
Who would you have picked instead bard?
Is JJ injured or just dropped / rested? A 12 and 13 of Clark and an on-form JJ would have been preferable if possible. I worry about Smith nipping up the inside of RP and JM tbh.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
After his performance last week, I think it's the right call to drop him. Not that JM did much better, but I've always preferred Clark at 13.
Quote:bathwickboy
Probably the best team that we could put together at the present time.On a negative note, I fear it could be a very very long night!
Starting at 2.15 PM. If we are still playing in the dark it will be!
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Quote:P G TipsQuote:bathwickboy
Probably the best team that we could put together at the present time.On a negative note, I fear it could be a very very long night!
Starting at 2.15 PM. If we are still playing in the dark it will be!
Having realised my faux pas I have logged back in to change my post, but you have beaten me to it. How can I beat a hasty retreat out of this? Naturally PG, I was only citing the timing of the match in a metaphorical context
Not too sure the timing of the match will change the result but fingers crossed.Quote:P G TipsQuote:bathwickboy
Probably the best team that we could put together at the present time.On a negative note, I fear it could be a very very long night!
Starting at 2.15 PM. If we are still playing in the dark it will be!
I wonder if he meant a very long night on this forum board...
I have spices in my cupboard older than some of the bench! Great opportunity for them.
16. Jack Walker (usual)
17. Jamie Bhatti (new to the team, on loan)
18. Kieran Verden (academy)
19. Ewan Richards (academy D.O.B April 2002!)
20. Ethan Staddon (academy D.O.B July 2002!)
21. Will Chudley (usual)
22. Tian Schoeman (new to the team, from SA)
23. Will Muir (new to the team, from 7s)
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:dr.bath1865
Who would you have picked instead bard?
good question. i have for a number of years complained about our lack of midfield resources on this board. the club has spent the square root of diddly squat on improving that part of our team until a few months ago when they forked out 120k for redpath. jj has never had any competition for the 13 shirt which explains why he rarely bothers to turn up. clark has failed to progress (believe it or not he and marchant used to play in the sam england u20 team) and wright was a freebie that andy rock brought with him from carnegie. he looks good in flashes but has been injured too often and, like clark, his defence is suspect. matavesi is a guy i like- great attitude, plays with a smile and gives it his best shot, but his limitations are easy to see. he could be kept on as a mentor for the academy guys, other than that i would probably let him go at the end of the season.
so given that, i would probably give the 12 shirt to ojomoh and the 13 to butt (those guys played a lot of age group rugby together). alternatively i would have groomed gray for the 13 shirt (no point having 6 wingers and only one outside centre) and given him a run.
the coaches must know that they are unlikely to hold on to jj and redpath throughout the season so should have laid in credible reserves. they havent which is hooper's fault as DoR.
Quote:bardofavon
so given that, i would probably give the 12 shirt to ojomoh and the 13 to butt (those guys played a lot of age group rugby together).
With makeshift forwards and a dodgy platform I think that it would have been 100% wrong to chuck two young centres for a hammering off the back foot. Totally agree that they could do with some game time but this weekend is not the weekend.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Maybe it wasn't just the wave by incident, I would have like to have seen that from a different angle to the highlights video I saw.
Throwing the youngsters in could be the start of a siege mentality that is required on any bad run. The academy boys will know each other and take heart from playing together whatever happens. Good luck to them, enjoy it and give 100%.
Quote:malco
I predict another walloping.
Unfortunately with Sale (away) it could well be the same next week as well. This makes the following home game against Glos on 19th February pretty crucial, we could well find ourselves at the bottom after that game. I wonder what the management speak responses would be like at that point? (let's hope we don't have to find out).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:malco
I predict another walloping.
Unfortunately with Sale (away) it could well be the same next week as well. This makes the following home game against Glos on 19th February pretty crucial, we could well find ourselves at the bottom after that game. I wonder what the management speak responses would be like at that point? (let's hope we don't have to find out).
Relegation battle looks to be between Bath, Worcester and Gloucester. With only 1 win all season and no plan, no form and probably no confidence we don't go into any game as favourites.
We are the team that everyone wants to play.
Let us see the performance tomorrow not necessarily the result the performance I personally wish to see the players reaction that will tell us whether they believe in Hooper.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:05:22:25:07 by Ali1969.
Really interested to see how verden, staddon, richards, muir go- hope they all get on and go well. Suggests muir ahead of gray in his transition? Has been with us longer tbf.
Bit disappointed that chudley still getting the bench spot but I guess throwing even more inexperience into the 23 this week may not be wise.
6 and a 7 at lock now.
Ouch.
Hooker covering backrow from bench
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:06:14:11:25 by charlieboa.

Quote:charlieboa
Mcnally out.
6 and a 7 at lock now.
Ouch.
Hooker covering backroom from bench
Wow, not sure if two flankers in the second row or the hooker having to cover the backroom staff is more surprising! ;-)
Bath
15De Glanville
14Rokoduguni
13Clark
12Matavesi
11Cokanasiga
10Priestland
9Spencer
1Schoeman
2Dunn
3Judge
4Bayliss
5Williams
6Staddon
7Reid
8Mercer
Substitutes (revised see below)
16Walker
17Bhatti
20Doughty
21Chudley
Harlequins
15Brown
14Lynagh
13Marchant
12Esterhuizen
11Morris
10Smith
9Care
1Marler
2Baldwin
3Louw
4Symons
5Lewies
6White
7Evans
8Dombrandt
Substitutes
16Elia
17Els
18Kerrod
19Young
20de Carpentier
21Landajo
22Lang
23Green
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:06:14:07:52 by CoochieCoo.

Quote:shipwrecked
That pack looks borderline dangerous to me!
I genuinely fear that this could destroy a couple of young careers. It is a complete mismatch and a complete farce of a situation.
Quote:malcoQuote:shipwrecked
That pack looks borderline dangerous to me!
I genuinely fear that this could destroy a couple of young careers. It is a complete mismatch and a complete farce of a situation.
I agree, is that right? Just four subs, what happens if there is an injury, which is highly likely or at 60 minutes, the final quarter could be a total disaster.

16Walker
17Bhatti
18Verden
19Richards
20Doughty
21Chudley
22Schoeman
23Muir
Lineups
Bath
15De Glanville
14Rokoduguni
13Clark
12Matavesi
11Cokanasiga
10Priestland
9Spencer
1Schoeman
2Dunn
3Judge
4McNally
5Williams
6Staddon
7Reid
8Mercer
Substitutes
16Walker
17Bhatti
18Verden
19Richards
20Doughty
21Chudley
22Schoeman
23Muir
Harlequins
15Brown
14Lynagh
13Marchant
12Esterhuizen
11Morris
10Smith
9Care
1Marler
2Baldwin
3Louw
4Symons
5Lewies
6White
7Evans
8Dombrandt
Substitutes
16Elia
17Garcia Botta
18Kerrod
19Young
20de Carpentier
21Landajo
22Lang
23Green
Quote:CoochieCoo
Final BBC line ups
Lineups
Bath
15De Glanville
14Rokoduguni
13Clark
12Matavesi
11Cokanasiga
10Priestland
9Spencer
1Schoeman
2Dunn
3Judge
4McNally
5Williams
6Staddon
7Reid
8Mercer
Substitutes
16Walker
17Bhatti
18Verden
19Richards
20Doughty
21Chudley
22Schoeman
23Muir
Harlequins
15Brown
14Lynagh
13Marchant
12Esterhuizen
11Morris
10Smith
9Care
1Marler
2Baldwin
3Louw
4Symons
5Lewies
6White
7Evans
8Dombrandt
Substitutes
16Elia
17Garcia Botta
18Kerrod
19Young
20de Carpentier
21Landajo
22Lang
23Green


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
3-3
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!

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
Probably will do if Quins score again!
15mins in!!!
Something has to change rapidly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:06:14:33:20 by plong.
Quote:plong
Thick penalty Bath!!!
3-3
And another !
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
Quote:OutsideBath
Hooper’s tweaks not working then?
Unless you're talking about the "slang term for the compulsive, disorganized behavior that methamphetamine users exhibit", I don't think so!!!!!
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!
Quote:OutsideBath
Hooper’s tweaks not working then?
No, too much twerking instead !

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
Bath - accept that you are categorically inept at cheating and get caught doing mindless stuff ALL the time, so DON'T '#'#'#'#'ing DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!
Smith off with head injury ,
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
Quote:hasta
Our attack is just hopeless.
It's not that good! Our attack goes backwards and then gives up penalties
Quote:hasta
Can anyone honestly tell me that Priestland/Matavesi are adding anything to the team right now?
Been saying it for months, how matavesi can come in from a championship club and walk into our 23 every week, starting most games a little embarrassing I think. Doesn't say much for wright and clark etc (not that I rate them either, would rather see ojo)
I'd rather watch Wasps v Saints!!!
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!
Plan B anyone ?
Just going backwards - consistently, sad to see

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
Let us wait for the book of excuses to be opened post match - trained well and a few tweaks for next week.
Quote:Ali1969
Pathetic again, have we forgotten we have a duty to protect and develop players not feed them to the lions.
Let us wait for the book of excuses to be opened post match - trained well and a few tweaks for next week.
You forgot that McNally didn't make the start of the game as though that would make all the difference to the pack
Quote:No about as inspirational as an airline salad! Having said that that's a step up from Hooper.Bath Blues
Stuart Lancaster fancy a new challenge?
Any who’s the annoying bloke advising the ref on every little Bath misdemeanour ?
Quote:Bath Blues
Stuart Lancaster fancy a new challenge?
Anybody ?
Will we score more than 3 points any game ?

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
Lucky we worked on defence in the week ..... Clueless, mechanical and dispirited.
This is Bath Rugby Whoever is playing .
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
Quote:Never In Doubt
Firstly, I have no issue with the pack effort given the lack of experience in key positions but once again we continue to demonstrate that almost all inventiveness and creativity have been stripped out of this team. We have no idea how to attack our even think about how to attack.
Lucky we worked on defence in the week ..... Clueless, mechanical and dispirited.
That’s absolutely not the game as I see it. It’s the lack of power and defensive organisation that’s hurting us in this one, some of which may be due to having no locks on the pitch. When we get the ball we’re trying to do something with it, probably trying too hard.
We’re definitely getting humped but anyone who posts on here about lack of effort should hang their head.
Bayliss doing OK, Reid having a go then.........?


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
Quote:hantssabre
In all fairness did anybody really expect anything better given the team we have had to put out?
+1, I cannot see the game, I do not expect a win but was hoping for a good performance from COML in terms of explaining what they are seeing in the context of effectively a Bath 3rds.

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
Quote:BeergogglesQuote:Never In Doubt
Firstly, I have no issue with the pack effort given the lack of experience in key positions but once again we continue to demonstrate that almost all inventiveness and creativity have been stripped out of this team. We have no idea how to attack our even think about how to attack.
Lucky we worked on defence in the week ..... Clueless, mechanical and dispirited.
That’s absolutely not the game as I see it. It’s the lack of power and defensive organisation that’s hurting us in this one, some of which may be due to having no locks on the pitch. When we get the ball we’re trying to do something with it, probably trying too hard.
We’re definitely getting humped but anyone who posts on here about lack of effort should hang their head.
I don't disagree we are underpowered and our defence is shocking but based on this game and the last we could play until the end of the world and we would never create an attacking opportunity. For me the pack have tried to front up but they lack experience, power and if we never keep possession or attack then they will always be ground down as the points stack up against us.
We have terrible short term problems in morale, organisation and power but all I am highlighting is that even if we solve these we have even bigger longer term problems in our inability to attack and for me that is due to the style and emphasis imposed by Hooper and Hatley.
Quote:OutsideBath
Never thought I’d say this but I’d like to thank the PM, if it weren’t for him I might have been at the rec today!
Yes, it is a massive relief. We should be able to put up a decent performance whatever team we put out, not necessarily win but be competitive. There needed to be a reset but has anything changed for the better? I couldn't bring myself to watch!
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:OutsideBath
Never thought I’d say this but I’d like to thank the PM, if it weren’t for him I might have been at the rec today!
Yes, it is a massive relief. We should be able to put up a decent performance whatever team we put out, not necessarily win but be competitive. There needed to be a reset but has anything changed for the better? I couldn't bring myself to watch!
No change , we still don’t have any cutting edge or penetration or if we do go forward 20 metres we end up going backwards 50 metres !
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
Never in a month of Sundays !
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
Laughable decision
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:06:15:34:46 by charlieboa.
_____________________
Quote:hasta
Yellow card for that?! What the hell.
Yep. Once again the laws make an ass of themselves...
Still all helps for Stuart’s excuses!
10- 28.
Perhaps there needs to be another midweek Questions and fluffy answers session ?

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
Kind of feel like they're going the extra mile to find any infringement by Bath...
Quote:The BearQuote:hasta
Yellow card for that?! What the hell.
Yep. Once again the laws make an ass of themselves...
That ones not on the laws, squarely poor decision from the ref and the bloke he met at the bus stop on the way to the game.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:06:15:42:17 by Never In Doubt.
Could really do with him getting his attacking confidence back.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:06:15:52:50 by Bath Blues.
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
Also impressed with Baylis at lock and Reid, better second half!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:06:16:18:16 by shipwrecked.

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
Quote:hasta
Well. It's better than last week. Positives TdG, Bayliss, Reid, bit more from Roko.
I'd add Muir and T. Schoeman's promising debut showings to that.
Credit to the scrum and lineout as well: given we're missing something like 6 locks, both functioned fairly well, I thought.
Quote:The Bear
Is Muir the 7s guy?
One of them yes.

Quote:Agreed, some positives in terms of getting more experience in the squad and hopefully no injuries.BarnoidQuote:hasta
Well. It's better than last week. Positives TdG, Bayliss, Reid, bit more from Roko.
I'd add Muir and T. Schoeman's promising debut showings to that.
Credit to the scrum and lineout as well: given we're missing something like 6 locks, both functioned fairly well, I thought.
Just wanted to say congratulations to the kids who have come up through school levels and made their Bath debuts today. None of them let themselves or the team down and I'm sure have very bright futures ahead of them. Well done!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
We were poor to rubbish in the first half but that second half was almost rugby!

Quote:shipwrecked
You have to say that on that performance, Spencer, Schoeman, Redpath, Muir, McConnachie, TdG and Watson would be a decent back line if fit.
JJ the new water boy then. ;-)
Quote:Yes, TSchoe and Muir looked very handy when they came on. Hope to see more of them, plus I hope the youngsters who played today get some more game time especially if things are ringfenced.shipwrecked
You have to say that on that performance, Spencer, Schoeman, Redpath, Muir, McConnachie, TdG and Watson would be a decent back line if fit.
Quote:Never In Doubt
Matavesi yellow was after TMO and ref had decided that is was a yellow offence as a starting point but with enough mitigants to bring it down to a penalty only. Then the two touch judges persuaded him is was a RED starting point!
But the framework says that a high 'tackle' *starts* at red and is then subject to mitigation. The TMO & ref were wrong and the AR was right. High tackle - red card. Mitigation - player dipping to the line. Takes it to yellow
Low degree of danger - starts at a yellow.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:06:16:58:31 by Trawling.
Quote:Gray_Lensman
Arm round head or neck is a high degree of danger so it starts at a red.
No it's not, the framework is literally right there.

Quote:bathstigg
Interesting watching via red button that you see the losing huddle after the match and Spencer asking questions. Mercer on the outside perhaps already half in Montpellier while Hooper looked dejected again wouldn't be surprised to see him gone in the week.
Hooper’s going nowhere, he’ll be DOR for Bath in the Championship next season.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:06:21:11:51 by dannyf2.
Quote:hasta
Interview with Max Clark... [twitter.com]
Much the same speak as Hooper then, hardly going to criticise other players or coaches or tell it like it really is .
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
1. We trained well all week
2. We didn't follow the gameplan
3. We made too many basic errors
4. ...
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!
But no more Rhys or JoCo, thanks. Let Spencer and Schoemann start to build a partnership, given Clark game time in the centre, let TdG continue to develop and bring Muir and McConnochie into the game from the wings.
Quote:plong
Entries for an Excuses Drinking Bingo game... I'll start:
1. We trained well all week
2. We didn't follow the gameplan
3. We made too many basic errors
4. ...
4. We had everything thrown at us in that game with changes and decisions
1) Sort bathroom lights :-)
2) Fit new doorbell :-)
3) Find missing wellies :-)
4) Watch Bath :-(
5) Watch England :-(
3 out of 5, control the controllables!!!
Quote:hasta
The first half was rubbish, but the second was the best half we've played since 5th December. I'm not saying it was good, or nearly enough, but given the personnel available, the debutants and the pattern of play towards the end, it *was* an improvement.
But no more Rhys or JoCo, thanks. Let Spencer and Schoemann start to build a partnership, given Clark game time in the centre, let TdG continue to develop and bring Muir and McConnochie into the game from the wings.
Agree with all of that but Clark is too slow. In one play RP passed back nearly 12-15 metres followed by JM doing similar. TS made breaks but passed so much flatter, his transfer to TdG was just asking to be taken at pace.
I really do thing pace makes so much difference to back play.

What?? I just don't get Hooper Speak. Proud, to lose? What positives are being clung? What energy? Boys? Came together, what, like in the losing huddle?
How is one supposed to respond to this gibberish? I don't even think its translatable. Is Stu Klingon maybe?
The better option is to remove the source of the smell.
PECK
Quote:Deckchair
"When you are on a run of losing games it's not all about clinging on to the positives, but I'm massively proud of the performance. We need to harness this energy because although we didn't win, the boys came together."
What?? I just don't get Hooper Speak. Proud, to lose? What positives are being clung? What energy? Boys? Came together, what, like in the losing huddle?
How is one supposed to respond to this gibberish? I don't even think its translatable. Is Stu Klingon maybe?
I understand the frustration but someone has to say something to the press and media speak is all we should expect. That's the same in all sports everywhere, win or lose. I would just focus on the game itself, you will never find out any gems of information in a pre or post match interview.
MotM - Roko as recompense for the most ridiculous yellow card I have seen in my life. Especially as the ref then declined to give one to Quins after an identical tackle. CMK did not cover himself in glory.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Game spoilt by CMK, who I always thought was an ok ref. But constant input from TMO, on some quite trivial stuff was frustrating and annoying. Similar thing happened in the first half of the earlier Wasps game, is this going to be the norm going forward? I really hope not.
I thought Bayliss was outstanding as a stand in lock, and Read played as well as I have seen him play.
Excited by the arrival of the Saffa 5/8, good to see him running with the ball. Additionally got stuck into a couple of rucks early on, his arrival along with Chudders coming on changed the tempo immediately.
JC offers little except being the ‘big geezer’ lumbering down the wing that nobody wants to tackle, except anyone is happy to tackle him easily.
Yellow card for Roko was simply idiotic. Muir looks pretty damned rapid.
Sale looks like a tough one.
Should be illuminating for both.
A constant stream of Bath offences being highlighted.
PG
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:07:10:23:38 by OutsideBath.
PG
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:07:10:54:31 by P G Tips.
Quote:OutsideBath
Seems like TMO are poking their nose in too often and in danger of spoiling the game. Would be better if they were restricted to serious foul play interventions only and the rest of the time for the ref to call them in if he wants input.
Agree OB, but CMK was missing loads and seems to rely on his support team. He also blows very quickly, not playing advantage. I've yet to see him have a decent game!

Quote:shipwreckedQuote:OutsideBath
Seems like TMO are poking their nose in too often and in danger of spoiling the game. Would be better if they were restricted to serious foul play interventions only and the rest of the time for the ref to call them in if he wants input.
Agree OB, but CMK was missing loads and seems to rely on his support team. He also blows very quickly, not playing advantage. I've yet to see him have a decent game!
Agree with both posts.
TMO was far too involved yest, there are basically infringements every 2 seconds in a game of rugby.... if you call them all you end up with an awful game.
Likewise hard to stay quiet when the ref is missing lots of blindingly obvious things.
I normally don't mind gm-k but thought the officiating all round was a mess yesterday.
Quote:nick holder
Time for a re-set, what a joke title for this thread, unless you were talking about the DOR? Utterly pathetic
Unacceptable Nick. I realise emotions are high but having a go at PGT, a fellow supporter, who keeps this site alive for all of us is beyond the pale. We are very lucky to have PGT writing his excellent previews which are also acknowledged by COML’s Twitter and FB followers. These previews earn us a few pennies to pay the costs of running the site as well as giving surplus monies to charity.
I think PGT deserves an apology from you.
Quote:Beergoggles
We definitely need the game to tell the TMOs that we don’t want to hear from them unless it’s for serious foul play or unless they’re asked. The constant pedantic wittering about potentially minor infringements is not what we want to hear. We want to focus on the ineptitude of the BBW, not the ramblings of the TMO. Put a sock in it TMO !
Yes I agree, there was even comments like "good job boys".
Incidentally on the commentary I kept hearing "come on Terrence, you know whats coming". Who the heck was Terrence?

However two penalties made me really cross both were Bath players off the ball picked up straight away by the TMO. Neither infringement would have had a positive impact for Bath.
The two players Max Clark and Ellis (?) should be fined a weeks wages.
Palin stupid and brain dead
No wonder it was a circus.
Quote:Sure it wasn’t Ellis he wasn’t playing. The Clark one was silly.Bath Supporter Jack
Bath conceded too many penalties.............bad teams under pressure tend too.
However two penalties made me really cross both were Bath players off the ball picked up straight away by the TMO. Neither infringement would have had a positive impact for Bath.
The two players Max Clark and Ellis (?) should be fined a weeks wages.
Palin stupid and brain dead
Quote:CoochieCooQuote:nick holder
Time for a re-set, what a joke title for this thread, unless you were talking about the DOR? Utterly pathetic
Unacceptable Nick. I realise emotions are high but having a go at PGT, a fellow supporter, who keeps this site alive for all of us is beyond the pale. We are very lucky to have PGT writing his excellent previews which are also acknowledged by COML’s Twitter and FB followers. These previews earn us a few pennies to pay the costs of running the site as well as giving surplus monies to charity.
I think PGT deserves an apology from you.
Nick has contacted me and apologised completely.
Lets move on.
PG
Nick
PG
Emotions do seem high?
I will inevitably take some flack for what I'm about to suggest (it is a forum after all) people love seeing the club play and win games, but here goes.
I can understand the shock of the Bristol game, but the team has been average for a long time. Despite the quality of the players, great support, a good training ground the club seems content with mid-table and a place in any European competition. 2013/14 was probably the last promising season.
Could it be the culture at the club? doing enough but no pressing aspiration of getting a trophy. I can not come up with any other reason after all the different coaches and poor results.
Quote:Kaapstad
Could it be the culture at the club? doing enough but no pressing aspiration of getting a trophy. I can not come up with any other reason after all the different coaches and poor results.
I think that it is mainly about the make up of the squad vs the shape of the season and commitments of the players. All of the best clubs of the last decade have had a strong academy and plenty of opportunities for them all. This means that Sarries basically had 2 competitive teams, then Exeter had 2 competitive team and now Bristol have the same. Guys come in and out and there is barely and drop off in quality whatsoever.
For whatever reason Bath have decided to go for a binary approach. It hasn't worked for any team over the last decade and it won't work for any team in the next decade IMO. Not when your most expensive players are away half the games in the year...doesn't really matter what the coaches do (although blooding the squad whenever possible would help in any normal season) if your backup team is lacking quality and experience.
[I do recognise that we have lost a few games this season when actually the team of superstars has been on the pitch so maybe the short term issue is indeed something else, the longer term one for me is the squad balance]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:02:08:17:25:33 by BathMatt53.
Assuming Bath are relegated do you think the coaches could keep their jobs? Even though the club has setup a low aspiration environment I don’t see how they could stay.
Quote:OutsideBath
With BT wanting to keep relegation I suspect ring fencing won’t be permitted to save Bath from relegation.
Assuming Bath are relegated do you think the coaches could keep their jobs? Even though the club has setup a low aspiration environment I don’t see how they could stay.
I didn't realise it was possible to fit so many assumptions into so few words, that's like an English language exercise. Well done!
Quote:Kaapstad
Could it be the culture at the club?
Ding ding ding. We have a winner.
Quote:ballsoutQuote:Kaapstad
Could it be the culture at the club?
Ding ding ding. We have a winner.
We've missed you babycakes.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
