THE DEVIL IN THE DETAIL? LA ROCHELLE v BATH
Ojomoh- spark.
By PG Tips
January 11 2022
The devil will be in the detail for Bath in their European Champions Cup tie at La Rochelle on Saturday. While the French authorities have announced exemptions from travel restrictions for the next round of Pool games to proceed, clubs are waiting for clear detail on how isolation and testing rules are to be applied in practice. Meanwhile Bath, fresh from their first win of the season, must attend to masses of detail in both defence and attack to stand a chance against their hosts.
Newcastle DOR Dean Richards has summed up the questions which must be answered urgently. “It’s not as simple as EPCR just coming out and saying the games are going ahead.” he said. “There’s still a 48-hour isolation period for people entering France, and there’s been no clarity on what that means. Does it mean we’re locked in a hotel room for 48 hours, and you’ve got to take a test before the game to get out of your hotel? There has so far been no relaxation from the French government regarding the 48-hour isolation requirement, and it’s very much up in the air. We just don’t know where we stand.” On 9 Jan BT Sport’s “Rugby Tonight” announced that visiting teams would be permitted to train in France but a risk of surprising last -minute changes remains. EPCR’s handling of Will Muir’s eligibility to play in Bath’s recent fixture against Worcester does not inspire confidence. The Judgement Form from Muir’s hearing summarised his sanction as “4 weeks (namely 4 meaningful matches)” and gave a Free to Play date of 4 January 2022. Four weeks from the date of the offence would actually be 8 January, but anyway, having given clearance for him to play, this was rescinded at the last moment, shortly before kick-off on 9 January. Amid this uncertainty The Times reports that English clubs are considering a boycott of fixtures in France unless isolation restrictions are eased.
Regulatory niceties aside, what chance for Bath, recently boosted by their first win in 7 months? La Rochelle, last season’s beaten finalists are a big step up from Worcester Warriors. Under Ronan O’ Gara, for “Les Corsaires” “le diable est définitivement dans le détail.” He has a strong squad at his disposal -Bourgarit, Atonio, Skelton, Vito and Alldritt among the forwards to name a few- but it is their unity, purpose and preparation that makes them such a potent challenge. Currently 6th in the Top 14 table after enjoying runner-up status both domestically and in Europe last year, they will be as stern a test as Saracens or Leinster. Who they will field though is currently uncertain as a dozen of their players tested Covid positive last week, forcing the postponement of their game in Toulon. Should either Kerr-Barlow or West take their usual places at half -back, Bath may be tempted to approach either or both to reinforce their squad for next season.
Having shifted the monkey from their back, will Bath find they are grappling with a mountain gorilla? For all the euphoria of a first win some truths cannot be avoided. An early red card and a fortunate TMO decision enabled a very narrow win against opponents who showed much more cohesion. Here again, detail is the issue. Bath’s defence, much improved at lineout and in the maul, lacked depth and cover in midfield. Hopefully Brent janse van Rensburg can shore up the porous backline defence this week. In attack try scorers Rokodoguni, Ojomoh and De Glanville were not the only bright sparks, but the passing movements lacked subtlety and breaks frequently faltered for lack of support. Confidence is a wonderful tonic though and youngsters like Richards and Bailey will fear no-one. As so often this season there will be an anxious wait for medical reports. Chief concerns are Will Stuart and Tom de Glanville, with Captain Charlie Ewels another to depart the scene early against Worcester with a knock. I would choose Will Spencer to partner Josh McNally for this match – his arrival last Sunday brought extra oomph in set piece and loose. Hopefully his namesake is fit to play at scrum half. Otherwise I expect most changes to be injury or Covid driven, unless Faletau, Reid or Cipriani are ahead of schedule in their recovery.
A win -unless La Rochelle are decimated by the virus – seems an impossible dream. The squad will not be thinking like that though and will aim to build on the boost of Sunday’s result. Let us hope they have done their homework in detail and can produce a performance to be proud of.
Possible Bath Team:
Bath (Covid permitting): Boyce, Du Toit, Rae, W Spencer, McNally (Capt.), Ellis, Underhill, Bayliss. B Spencer, Bailey. Muir, Ojomoh, Joseph, Rokodoguni. McConnochie.
Replacements: Doughty, Schoeman, Jonker, Richards, De Carpentier. Simpson, Clark, Prydie.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:01:18:20:00:53 by P G Tips.

PG
HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP
The results of the following Round 2 fixtures are recorded as 0-0 draws with two match points awarded to each club:
Bath Rugby v Stade Rochelais
Sale Sharks v ASM Clermont Auvergne
Scarlets v Union Bordeaux-Bègles
Stade Toulousain v Wasps
Stade Francais Paris v Bristol Bears
EPCR CHALLENGE CUP
The results of the following Round 2 fixtures are recorded as 0-0 draws with two match points awarded to each club:
Worcester Warriors v Biarritz Olympique
London Irish v CA Brive
So I think that means refunds / credits for both of the home matches vs La Rochelle and Exeter?
Edit: confirmed
[www.bathrugby.com]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:01:11:17:52:37 by BathMatt53.
Welcome to the putative squad Will!
Sorry Gabriel- your time will surely come.
PG
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:01:11:19:01:00 by P G Tips.
Quote:dcsh
Great write up PG. It feels like this competition is on a knife edge after the covid enforced forfeits and now the cancellation of previously postponed matches.
Wouldn't lose any sleep personally. Think a postponement/ cancellation will serve us well.
Shame to go from first win to incredibly tough away fixture having racked up a few more injuries. Some of those looked short term and the cavalry are coming over the hill in the form of faletau, coetzee, schoeman, redpath, coko etc.
Nice little break for a few weeks not end of the world, usually want every game to be on but think this season has worn me down!
Quote:Totally agree from a Bath perspective, but European Rugby should be the pinnacle of club rugby, so if the best teams go out due to not playing for health or political reasons that would be a real shame.charlieboaQuote:dcsh
Great write up PG. It feels like this competition is on a knife edge after the covid enforced forfeits and now the cancellation of previously postponed matches.
Wouldn't lose any sleep personally. Think a postponement/ cancellation will serve us well.
Shame to go from first win to incredibly tough away fixture having racked up a few more injuries. Some of those looked short term and the cavalry are coming over the hill in the form of faletau, coetzee, schoeman, redpath, coko etc.
Nice little break for a few weeks not end of the world, usually want every game to be on but think this season has worn me down!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:01:12:09:02:48 by dcsh.
Quote:hemington
Will Valery Morozov be registered for European games?
Added to squad in place of archie maggs
[www.bbc.co.uk]
I wonder if this comes too late for the rugby, surely it does for Munster and Newcastle Falcons, as they play tomorrow? Bath would have to basically land and get their boots on.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Sale announced they got their SA players fast tracked through Schengen visas for instance.
PG
Quote:BathMatt53
.........Bath would have to basically land and get their boots on.
Reminds me of 7s and NFL where the match ball has been delivered by a parachutist - just get the whole team to arrive that way.
Quote:BathMatt53
Looks like the rules in France are relaxed from friday.
[www.bbc.co.uk]
I wonder if this comes too late for the rugby, surely it does for Munster and Newcastle Falcons, as they play tomorrow? Bath would have to basically land and get their boots on.
Given the Novak Djokovic craziness this is interesting.
"From Friday morning, vaccinated UK travellers will no longer need a compelling reason to enter France or self-isolate on arrival.
It will not apply for non-vaccinated travellers."
Good job Exeter aren't away in France!

Quote:B4thB4ckQuote:BathMatt53
.........Bath would have to basically land and get their boots on.
Reminds me of 7s and NFL where the match ball has been delivered by a parachutist - just get the whole team to arrive that way.
Many the time I had to change on coach on journey then straight out onto pitch
Quote:gaz59Quote:B4thB4ckQuote:BathMatt53
.........Bath would have to basically land and get their boots on.
Reminds me of 7s and NFL where the match ball has been delivered by a parachutist - just get the whole team to arrive that way.
Many the time I had to change on coach on journey then straight out onto pitch
Maybe they should take you with them Gaz, they probably havn't left yet get yerself down there!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Brings to mind a game away v Rotherham, at Clifton Park I think, when the ball was being delivered by a parachutist who always looked like he was heading on a rather low trajectory and sure enough he hit the stand and broke his leg to the amusement of the hardy Yorkshire fans. I'm sure I'm not imagining it but can't find anything on Google.B4thB4ckQuote:BathMatt53
.........Bath would have to basically land and get their boots on.
Reminds me of 7s and NFL where the match ball has been delivered by a parachutist - just get the whole team to arrive that way.
Quote:Quarantine rules for France relaxed for those vaccinated they don’t need to isolate. From tomorrow morning. So game on it would appear.annie blackthorn
So, ......... any news? Surprised we don't have an hourly update from those 'in the know'!!! LOL!
Quote:B4thB4ckQuote:BathMatt53
.........Bath would have to basically land and get their boots on.
Reminds me of 7s and NFL where the match ball has been delivered by a parachutist - just get the whole team to arrive that way.
That would be awesome! I can picture it now. The receiving team parachute in landing exactly in their positions to take the kick off with an army of water carriers running on to remove the parachutes. The ball rises through a concealed mechanism on halfway, and the ref plus assistants jet pack into position.
Quote:dr.bath1865
I guess selection today (if you pick through the injuries) will give us an indication of the vaccination status of individual players. I think I read somewhere a few months back Hooper saying that the squad was +80% vaccinated, so hoping it won't affect us too badly.
There was a Telegraph story on the topic of unvaccinated players going to France which suggested it wouldn't impact us: "Both Bath and Newcastle Falcons, who face La Rochelle in the Champions Cup and Biarritz in the Challenge Cup respectively, were not set to be affected."
Quote:dr.bath1865
I guess selection today (if you pick through the injuries) will give us an indication of the vaccination status of individual players. I think I read somewhere a few months back Hooper saying that the squad was +80% vaccinated, so hoping it won't affect us too badly.
Either that or Bath are using the lawyer representing Novax Djokovic on how to ignore covid immigration rules and get away with it.

Quote:OutsideBathQuote:dr.bath1865
I guess selection today (if you pick through the injuries) will give us an indication of the vaccination status of individual players. I think I read somewhere a few months back Hooper saying that the squad was +80% vaccinated, so hoping it won't affect us too badly.
Either that or Bath are using the lawyer representing Novax Djokovic on how to ignore covid immigration rules and get away with it.
He hasn't got away with anything.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:dr.bath1865
I guess selection today (if you pick through the injuries) will give us an indication of the vaccination status of individual players. I think I read somewhere a few months back Hooper saying that the squad was +80% vaccinated, so hoping it won't affect us too badly.
Only 80%! That means there are about 8 or 9 of the senior squad unvaccinated, thats really poor!
Perhaps they might change their mind when the see Novak Djokovich thrown out of Australia, if he gets deported chances are it will be for good!

Bath Rugby team to play Stade Rochelais
15 Ruaridh McConnochie, 14 Tom Prydie, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Max Clark, 11 Will Muir, 10 Cameron Redpath, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Juan Schoeman, 2 Tom Doughty, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 4 Josh McNally, 5 Charlie Ewels ©, 6 Tom Ellis, 7 Ewan Richards, 8 Josh Bayliss
Replacements
16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Valery Morozov, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Will Spencer, 20 Mike Williams, 21 Joe Simpson, 22 Will Butt, 23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
At the time, I was impressed it was +80%.
Quote:Last man standingby
Starting Redpath out of position after 8 months out with no back up on the bench, seems like a really bad decision.
Quote:Not sure he’s registeredby
Go for Worboys, we're not progressing in this competition. Rather keep Redpath fit.
Quote:by
Starting Redpath out of position after 8 months out with no back up on the bench, seems like a really bad decision.
I would agree, but i'm guessing Warboys isn't registered to play in Europe? Which hampers us, as to register him we'd have to drop another player who we will be hoping will be back from injury before Leinster?
"It's all right, Andy! It's just bolognaise!"
Quote:by
Go for Worboys, we're not progressing in this competition. Rather keep Redpath fit.
Sit very deep in the pocket and ship it on Cam. Absolutely nothing to be gained from this.
Quote:hasta
Orlando Bailey, Danny Cipriani, Tian Schoeman, Max Ojomoh and Tom de Glanville all unavailable due to injury.
Blimey, how has that progressed from the Chron report yesterday!
Not knocking Redpath, but first game back after a long term injury and he's starting out of position.
We're just going to get mashed, aren't we?
But my contention last week that it is CHAOS when the team is announced each week seems to be holding firm. Redpath won't last the 80 so who (Spencer?) goes to 10? Prydie starts ahead of GHW and he's been at the club 2 weeks? Where is Underhill (our best player) who was supposed to be fit? Only 2 of the backline from last week – hard/impossible to build any sense of cohesion. I'm afraid that front row versus Priso and Antonio may be, to use the technical term, minced.
It's depressing, really. And I try to be an optimist. And I realise this might actually be the best/only team physically able to take the field. But given the XVs, I'm struggling to actually gather the strength to watch what should have been one of our most exciting fixtures of the season. Sigh.
Quote:SJS
Why no Bailey? No indication he was injured against Wuss was there?
I saw both Orlando and Tom DG at hospital the other day. Both going in for scans. Hope it’s only minor and a week off is what they need. Way to important long term to us.
Le XV de départ : Dany PRISO, Pierre BOURGARIT, Uini ATONIO, Romain SAZY, Rémi PICQUETTE, Paul BOUDEHENT, Rémi BOURDEAU, Greg ALLDRITT (cap), Tawera KERR-BARLOW, Pierre POPELIN, Raymond RHULE, Jonathan DANTY, Jérémy SINZELLE, Dillyn LEYDS, Brice DULIN
Le banc : Facundo BOSCH, Léo AOUF, Guram PAPIDZE, Thomas LAVAULT, Mathieu TANGUY, Jules LE BAIL, Jules PLISSON, Pierre BOUDEHENT
Quote:dr.bath1865
I think that +80% figure, sw, was a good few months ago now. I presume it would be a lot higher, given that the rollout at that point was likely only moving to the younger ages.
At the time, I was impressed it was +80%.
Not sure I agree, these guys are surrounded by educated and trained health professionals, every bit of 'fake news' or 'anti vax' stuff can be explained immediately.
The travel the country and indeed Europe so are susceptible to catching and transferring the virus.
Most ant vaxers change their mind when its explained to them clearly and truthfully. To my mind someone should have been aiming for only the medical exempt to be unvaccinated.

Quote:dr.bath1865
Also, what is up with Cipriani?
I imagine a combination of repeated concussions plus the palaver earlier in the week have meant he’s in no state to play.
Quote:BarnoidQuote:dr.bath1865
I guess selection today (if you pick through the injuries) will give us an indication of the vaccination status of individual players. I think I read somewhere a few months back Hooper saying that the squad was +80% vaccinated, so hoping it won't affect us too badly.
There was a Telegraph story on the topic of unvaccinated players going to France which suggested it wouldn't impact us: "Both Bath and Newcastle Falcons, who face La Rochelle in the Champions Cup and Biarritz in the Challenge Cup respectively, were not set to be affected."
Good lads, so all vaccinated.
We really should be trumping this out from the rooftops.
J
The 80% figure was long enough ago that, by now, I completely agree with you that it would be very disappointing if we had any unvaccinated in the squad without a medical exemption.
Quote:dr.bath1865
I know injuries... I know COVID... I know [ insert something every team is dealing with here ].
But my contention last week that it is CHAOS when the team is announced each week seems to be holding firm. Redpath won't last the 80 so who (Spencer?) goes to 10? Prydie starts ahead of GHW and he's been at the club 2 weeks? Where is Underhill (our best player) who was supposed to be fit? Only 2 of the backline from last week – hard/impossible to build any sense of cohesion. I'm afraid that front row versus Priso and Antonio may be, to use the technical term, minced.
It's depressing, really. And I try to be an optimist. And I realise this might actually be the best/only team physically able to take the field. But given the XVs, I'm struggling to actually gather the strength to watch what should have been one of our most exciting fixtures of the season. Sigh.
It’s lining up for another day on the sofa watching through my fingers.
Gutted as if all went according to plan we’d be having lunch in La Rochelle’s pretty harbourside by about now.
French ban
Flight cancelled
Air B&B cancelled
Ticket refund incoming.
Still be some great trips in the Challenge Cup next season. Surely we can’t have another year of this nonsense?!?
J
Quote:ChippenhamRoman
Still be some great trips in the Challenge Cup next season. Surely we can’t have another year of this nonsense?!?
J
Krasny Yar Krasnoyarsk? 19 hours flight with KLM / Aeroflot assuming that they actually play them at Krasny Yar Stadium. Take mittens.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
HOP
Quote:sid the seagull
What palaver with Cips?
HOP
The media doorstepping him for no reason.
I think that Hoops said that it was concussion and then when he was ready to play after that he caught Covid?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Morozov on bench good to see. Assume boyce rested? If so decent decision as played loads of minutes since beno's injury.
V pleased to see richards keeping Williams on the bench.
Big fan of rmc at 15- v little option but pleased.
Spencer getting next to no game time over the last 2.5 months when finally fit is nuts to me. He is a beast
Great to see redpath fit but v unfair to put him at 10 away to la rochelle as first game back. Have no issue with him being 4th choice 10 but I would have played worboys this game. Maybe use cam at 12 or give him another week til hopefully bailey or cips back.
Prydie over ghw seems v short term thinking unless they plan to keep him next season.
I would question the ‘fairness’ of putting Worboys in at fly half away in Europe against one of last years finalists. I think he has only played a few Prem Cup matches and don’t recall him even sitting on the bench from a proper Premiership match, to start today would certainly be throwing him in the deep end.
It’s certainly an ask for Cam, but he is a clear first team player (when fit) and an international (yes only 1 cap, but looked a natural). With Orlando Bailey, Danny Cipriani, Tian Schoeman, Max Ojomoh and Tom de Glanville all unavailable due to injury tough call had to be made.
Real rock and a hard place re 10. Can see it both ways. Impossible task for either really, just horrible to throw cam into that situation after 8m out. Would at least have had worboys in 23.cam has to go 80 now unless we want to rejig whole backline?

Assume spencer goes to 10.
Cam 100% shouldn't be playing a whole game
Just hope Bath get through the next two matches without any more injuries!
Quote:dcsh
The absence of Worboys from this 23 or any other for a meaningful matches perhaps demonstrates were the coaches see his readiness for top level rugby. Probably needs match time at a lower level as with many others.
Just hope Bath get through the next two matches without any more injuries!
I'd normally agree with you on that one dish but don't you think a few 20 minute outings in the Prem are desirable first.? Champions Cup against La Rochelle is a big step up in terms of pace, physicality, pressure and intimidation.
Having said that there is not much difference in age between him and Orlando Bailey.

As I say rock and a hard place.
Agree SW that a few runs off the bench in the prem would be useful to understand if he is a viable third choice next season
Quote:I’d agree that a few 20 minute Prem cameos would be great for development, but if the coaches don’t pick a player for that, which they haven’t, then surely the experience/development needs to be gained elsewhere.shipwreckedQuote:dcsh
The absence of Worboys from this 23 or any other for a meaningful matches perhaps demonstrates were the coaches see his readiness for top level rugby. Probably needs match time at a lower level as with many others.
Just hope Bath get through the next two matches without any more injuries!
I'd normally agree with you on that one dish but don't you think a few 20 minute outings in the Prem are desirable first.? Champions Cup against La Rochelle is a big step up in terms of pace, physicality, pressure and intimidation.
Having said that there is not much difference in age between him and Orlando Bailey.
Now, given the injuries and lack of relegation, one might argue that if you don’t give players a bit of experience this season then when would you. But that clearly has to be balanced against a season of record losses, which looks immediately worse for coaches rather than developing players for the next regime.
Now, given the injuries and lack of relegation, one might argue that if you don’t give players a bit of experience this season then when would you. But that clearly has to be balanced against a season of record losses, which looks immediately worse for coaches rather than developing players for the next regime.[/quote]
Its a really good point.
I personally think the coaches need to get past their egos on this and be using this as a prolonged pre season even if it means we lose for example 20 matches rather than 17.
Appreciate many will feel differently.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:charlieboa
I personally think the coaches need to get past their egos on this and be using this as a prolonged pre season even if it means we lose for example 20 matches rather than 17.
Appreciate many will feel differently.
I think that's dcsh's point as well CB, not sure we disagree. Lets see how it goes but I have to agree first game back from a knee op without an obvious back up 10 could go wrong but then does it matter. Just hope CR doesn't get hurt.

Quote:shipwreckedQuote:charlieboa
I personally think the coaches need to get past their egos on this and be using this as a prolonged pre season even if it means we lose for example 20 matches rather than 17.
Appreciate many will feel differently.
I think that's dcsh's point as well CB, not sure we disagree. Lets see how it goes but I have to agree first game back from a knee op without an obvious back up 10 could go wrong but then does it matter. Just hope CR doesn't get hurt.
Yeah I think we are all weighing up the same challenges and broadly aligned.
That's my concern re cam, don't get him injured by playing on knackered after 50 mins in an ultimately meaningless game (no game is meaningless but sure you understand the gist)
Quote:hasta
Just seen the jerseys for the game. Thatchers on the back has become 'Tacklers'! You love to see it.
Shame they can't blend in with the mist.
Quote:Woodpecker
If only it was a bit more foggy…
It could get worse ! The fog and the game……..too many penalties…..again !
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:Rawce
Is it traditional to play in milk in France or have my cataracts come a few decades early?
It could be Pastis?
Last play - if it was the same maul, La Rochelle pulled it down. If it wasn't, then it was a tackle and La Rochelle had to release. It cannot be both.
Miuch better last 15 from Bath and deserved something and a referee with some balls.
Barely a penalty.
Utter joke after all the penalties given away by LaR at the end of the first half.
Quote:Dorset Boy
OMG, yellow for Ellis for that?
Barely a penalty.
Utter joke after all the penalties given away by LaR at the end of the first half.
Stupid stupid decision, as soon as a screen comes up someone is going to miss game 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
Welsh officials claim no foul play, yet Scoeman is down hurt.
Unbelievable again.
So one sided these officials. Not fit for purpose.
Simpson at 9.
Aldritt is some player (even if his last break was because Ellis was held back.
Also, if hes that quick to card, then where was a yellow at the end of the first half. 7 cynical penalties on their own line.
Jon Chess
Cynical not rolling away again 3m out by LaR.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:01:15:18:56:53 by Dorset Boy.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:01:15:19:03:45 by Mike the Taxi.
3 in 5!
Great score again.
the doomsayers will say LaR have taken all their feet off the gas.

Two of them coming from some great maul defence which is unusual! had to do a double take to make sure I was actually seeing this
So disrespectful.

Quote:Dorset Boy
Fab steal by du Toit, 50m break, onto Butt and Simpson finishes it off.
Excellent ! 39 - 21 now some really good offloads .
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:Optimist
Right, I’m off to the football on the other channel.
Timing?

Almost caught again wide, but forward pass.
Long shots in the fog don't work.
Quote:CoochieCooQuote:Optimist
Right, I’m off to the football on the other channel.
Timing?
Missed 3 Bath tries, and now United have shipped a 2-0 lead on my watch. I’m having a ‘mare.
Quote:OptimistQuote:CoochieCooQuote:Optimist
Right, I’m off to the football on the other channel.
Timing?
Missed 3 Bath tries, and now United have shipped a 2-0 lead on my watch. I’m having a ‘mare.
Get back to the football Opti.
Joke ref, after 3 good scrums, now yellows a Bath porp.
Another celtic ref we don't need to see again.
Bath unsurprisingly underpowered, but they showed a lot of fight and won the second half.
Awful coverage. Not sure who was worse, the ref or the TV director!
Quote:Just been back to watch that again and again…shipwrecked
Mike Williams nearly red carded for shoulder to the head ...... of the ref!
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
JJ... Feels like Clark or Butt deserves a run now.
Quote:hasta
Butt deserves a run now.
Agree, took his chance well then set up Simpson, he is a big lad!

There are players who want to play for Bath but we just don't have the spirit across the squad that we need. Might be being a bit of a sourpuss but just fed up of writing off seasons half way through.
Don't really understand what's going on with head shots. Their prop raised his level in to the tackle and cracked schoemans jaw for me. Schoeman removed from the game a minute later.
Should have binned a la rochelle player before half time but copped out by letting them illegally change bind and collapse.
Ellis was a stupid decision but you do stupid things and you risk it.
Mike Williams is so clumsy he even manages a high shot on the ref!
Showed some spirit and scored some lovely tries at the end- hard to read too much into that other than we can look like a competent attacking force when the shackles are off.
Some nice little cameos from various guys.
Delighted cam got through 55 and they then took him off- he looked classy after 8 months out. Encouraging.
Get some more guys back and reasons for optimism over the coming weeks. On a hiding to nothing really this eve and could have gone a lot worse.
Quote:Grumpy_Uncle _Iroh
Max Clark will be a huge loss if he goes. Should have been Bath's 13 for several seasons now if injuries were kinder.
Don't understand this, what impact has Max Clark had in the centre? Fails to impress as far as I'm concerned, Ojomoh and Redpath make breaks and look good even when we are losing! Even an out of form JJ keeps him out so why is he a huge loss?

Also Carding our front row at the scrum for a third pen was a bit much after their 4or 5 consecutive ones in the red zone. Not even warned.
I don’t have a problem with the yellow for Ellis it was stupid and he probably knows it. The tackle on Schoeman was a head contact and should have been a card. If the law makers are sincere in trying to reduce head injuries they need to ensure consistency in applying the same interpretation of the law in all games.
How the hell was Josh Bayliss allowed back on the field after that head injury in a nothing game we'd already lost? That is just p1ss poor management of one of our best players.
My MotM. - the fog. It drew a merciful veil over a pointless mismatch.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Agree that will spencer again had a good impact off the bench
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:Grumpy_Uncle _Iroh
Max Clark will be a huge loss if he goes. Should have been Bath's 13 for several seasons now if injuries were kinder.
Don't understand this, what impact has Max Clark had in the centre? Fails to impress as far as I'm concerned, Ojomoh and Redpath make breaks and look good even when we are losing! Even an out of form JJ keeps him out so why is he a huge loss?
I am v 'meh ' about clark. Feel similar about wright.
Extremely injury prone meaning he has never fulfilled his potential.
Offers good physicality in attack and defence- showed some nice form end of last season and start of this.
Would much rather watch the likes of redpath, mojo and jj personally. Would rather find out how good butt and venter can be also.
Would like to keep him but in reality a lot will have to leave due to the cap changes.
Result not as bad as everyone thought and team kept battling.
Officials were dreadful and not fit for purpose getting multiple decisions totally wrong.
French TV coverage was awful and made the game almost unwatchable.
Was better when the TV coverage realised that having the shots from the relevant side of the ground would help rather than trying to peer through 40 yds of fog....
Quote:nigewing
Grey shirts in a pea souper not a great choice of kit 🤪🤪
Depends how much you want to see I guess!
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:Grumpy_Uncle _Iroh
Max Clark will be a huge loss if he goes. Should have been Bath's 13 for several seasons now if injuries were kinder.
Don't understand this, what impact has Max Clark had in the centre? Fails to impress as far as I'm concerned, Ojomoh and Redpath make breaks and look good even when we are losing! Even an out of form JJ keeps him out so why is he a huge loss?
+ 1
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:Grumpy_Uncle _Iroh
Max Clark will be a huge loss if he goes. Should have been Bath's 13 for several seasons now if injuries were kinder.
Don't understand this, what impact has Max Clark had in the centre? Fails to impress as far as I'm concerned, Ojomoh and Redpath make breaks and look good even when we are losing! Even an out of form JJ keeps him out so why is he a huge loss?
Mojo and Redpath are 12s and didn't look good switching to 13. In JJ the money plays. Clark has been the better player from at least 2019, or from JJ was dropped from England.
He would be a huge loss because fans need to stop hypofocusing on the 23 and Bath need to build a 45. Rotation and quality is required. Injuries are inevitable and excellent squad players should be in high demand.
Quote:charlieboaQuote:nigewing
Grey shirts in a pea souper not a great choice of kit 🤪🤪
Depends how much you want to see I guess!
Maybe we were hoping La Rochelle wouldn't notice all our players!
I would be happy to see if butt and venter can perform the back up roles successfully at centre.
Cap drops significantly, some players need to go is the harsh truth. I don't think we will be offering JJ anything like what he was on 3/4 yrs ago
p.s. did any posters actually go to the match in the end? Hope they had a good weekend as La Rochelle is a nice place.
Quote:Ali1969
Thought Valary Morozov anf Du Toit were very impressive against one of thre best scrums in France.
Things did seem to improve a bit when they came on.
Really not convinced by jonker though.
Spencer always helps the set piece when he comes on.
TV coverage was awful.
Ref wasn't as bad as I expected having read 'ere before actually seeing the match. However, he wasn't the best. A card here or there against LaR should have happened.
Our maul defence has improved dramatically. Thought that against Wuss, but very evident against LaR.
When we have the ball we look threatening (aside from some individual errors), and when it clicks we are really really threatening. If JvG can build on where we are now without reinventing the attack we already have, I think next season should be exciting.
Our biggest problem is still our defence in open play. I did wonder if some of the players were at individual fault, but with an almost a completely different backline this week the problem must be with the system. Until this is fixed we won't win many (if any) more.
Quote:OutsideBath
........French TV coverage was awful and made the game almost unwatchable.
A few people have mentioned that and it fits with previous France 6N games in France when I have tuned in and been very frustrated with all the wrong angles at all the wrong times, no replays of key moments, crowd shots during play etc. It is as though the production team don't know the sport, you see similar things during the Olympics.
