INTO THE SWARM. WASPS v BATH
Hughes: hard driving
By PG Tips
February 8 2022
Bath can expect to head into a swarm at the Ricoh Stadium on Saturday. Opponents Wasps, buoyed by a bonus point win at Exeter and the return of talisman Joe Launchbury, have been notable for a high tempo game of aggressive rucking and multi-layered attack since Lee Blackett took over. They have got the better of Bath in the past 5 encounters and their injury list is shrinking. Bath, depleted at lock and fly half must recover from a battering at Saracens, in a season where challenges come at them in swarms.
Wasps know that Bath’s last victory against them came under Todd Blackadder. That psychological edge, as much as home advantage, will give them the confidence to attack from all areas as they have in their victories over the past two and a half seasons. They will be without Launchbury, who is a late call up to England’s squad for Rome. In his place Gaskell should join a set piece that mangled Bath’s scrum and edged the lineout at the Rec in October. Barbeary adds wrecking ball carry, while Fekitoa put in a dominant shift in the last encounter. In that match Brad Shields seemed to be “coaching” the referee in the approved Dallaglio manner to some effect. Add in the motivation of Stooke and Oghre to get one over their old employer and the home side’s pack look a daunting proposition.
Behind the scrum, expect Gopperth to pull the strings from inside centre, he and Dan Robson will guide promising fly half Charlie Atkinson, a rival to Orlando Bailey in last year’s England U20 squad. On the wings Wasps have the pace of Bassett and the trickery of Odugwu, ably backed up by centre Fekitoa and lively full back Marcus Watson. This is a backline made for counter -attack which they did so devastatingly to Bath last season.
Against that collection of hard -nosed experience and young talent, Bath must once again patch together a squad while about half their players are unavailable. Of the injured, Taulupe Faletau may be close to a return, but it is probably too soon still for Joe Cokanasiga. Orlando Bailey, released from England’s preparations for the Calcutta Cup with a hamstring issue may be touch and go, but if fit could be called straight back. The alternative would be to stick with the Ojomoh/Redpath axis at 10/12.
In search of another elusive win, Neal Hatley may chose to tweak selection only where necessary but he will be pleased with the contributions last week of Jaco Coetzee (who will definitely be needed as Mike Williams’ injury looked serious), Valery Morozov and Tom Dunn. Morozov’s experience could be invaluable, but I suspect Dunn may have to settle for a bench spot, Jacques du Toit having seized his chance and taken ownership of the No2 shirt.
Bath’s first task will be to stop the Wasps’ swarm. After an aggressive defensive display against Quins, old habits crept back against Saracens with too many tackles missed or shrugged off. In possession they will need to play canny rugby and get onto the front foot before playing fast and loose. Hard driving from Hughes and his backrow colleagues and control from Spencer is needed as well as quick ruck ball to set Redpath and Joseph at gaps in Wasps defence. Hopefully the forwards have been sharpening their driving maul (including finishing) in case those gaps do not appear, and Bath must seize every chance of points as against Quins, kicking their goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Bath last away win in the Premiership was almost a year ago- in March 2021. Could this be their first away win of this season? Only if they can swarm all over Wasps for 80 minutes.
Possible Teams:
Bath: Cordwell, Du Toit, Rae, W Spencer, McNally (Capt.), Coetzee, Richards, Hughes. B Spencer, Bailey. Muir, Redpath, Joseph, Hamer -Webb. Rokodoguni.
Replacements: Dunn, Morozov, Verden, Dingley, Merigan. Simpson, Butt, Prydie.
Wasps; West, Cruse, Alo, Stooke, Gaskell, Fifita, Shields (Capt.), Barbeary. Robson, Atkinson. Bassett, Gopperth, Fekitoa, Odogwu. Watson.
Replacements: Oghre, Hislop. Miller-Mills, Cardall, Carr. Porter, Spink, Miller.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:16:09:40:40 by P G Tips.
PG
Any idea what the injuries are to the likes of schoeman and jonker?
Don't think de carpentier and tdg are far off fitness?
Wonder if bayliss will play for Scotland, us or neither. Sounds like he isn't training with Scotland this week.
Is there any chance ewels will be released with launchburys call up?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:08:20:51:05 by charlieboa.
We might get Ewels back I suppose - depending who Eddie wants at 6 for England.
The others mentioned may not be far off - but no news. None were named in the 25 Jan Members Event.
PG
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Bailey likely to feature. Cipriani "on the mend", Williams out, JJ a doubt with a head knock.
No mention of Schoeman, Jonker, TdG.
PG

Quote:P G Tips
Injury update:
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Bailey likely to feature. Cipriani "on the mend", Williams out, JJ a doubt with a head knock.
No mention of Schoeman, Jonker, TdG.
PG
Not much positive news in there!
Let's hope we get s few positive surprises!
Quote:shipwrecked
Cipriani has had 1 start and a couple of substitutions, feels to me his rugby career is rapidly ending!
Tend to agree and wonder if he feels the same
He has prob played more games than anyone this season
Quote:shipwrecked
Cipriani has had 1 start and a couple of substitutions, feels to me his rugby career is rapidly ending!
Wow, on a pay to play basis that is a serious bit of 'piece rate'
Would love to see him confident and on the field for us before the season is out. As you say, Opti, perhaps 15 is the answer? Through no fault of his own (IMHO), it just hasn't worked, and that is a great shame as I think he's still got "it", although it sounds like he's struggling to show it.
Quote:Optimist
Cips has had bad luck with concussions - partly the result of being targeted. Really can't help feeling that there is more to it than just GRTP. Still hold out hope that we'll see a bit more of him this season - would love to see him and Bailey on the pitch together - 10/12, or 10/15 combo.
Completely agree with that. I know it was a long time ago but recall him ripping us up from 15 when with Wasps
Quote:gaz59Quote:Optimist
Cips has had bad luck with concussions - partly the result of being targeted. Really can't help feeling that there is more to it than just GRTP. Still hold out hope that we'll see a bit more of him this season - would love to see him and Bailey on the pitch together - 10/12, or 10/15 combo.
Completely agree with that. I know it was a long time ago but recall him ripping us up from 15 when with Wasps
I'm afraid that his best days are well behind him and Bath Rugby (and the player) need to move on. There are about half a dozen combinations I would play before Cips and Bailey on the pitch together at 10/12, or 10/15.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I was very much meh on his signing in the first place and haven’t seen anything to change my mind.
I’ll just go and cover my chips.
Quote:Optimist
Did you leave your chips unattended for a minute BathMatt!! You're in a very unforgiving mood today!
I'm afraid that I have just come to the view (as Borwick did for Tigers) that there are those which are worth playing and developing for the next season(s) and those who aren't, given that this season is effectively dead from a league perspective now. I wasn't unhappy to see Cips at Bath but at this point I see far more value in playing others who are on an upward trajectory (and a steep one in some cases). When available Orlando B, Cameron R and Tom TDG are firmly my 10, 12 and 15 choices for this season for that reason. Butt and Max O fairly closely behind. Could do with another 15 but that would be RMc before Cips this season.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Optimist
Did you leave your chips unattended for a minute BathMatt!! You're in a very unforgiving mood today!
I'm afraid that I have just come to the view (as Borwick did for Tigers) that there are those which are worth playing and developing for the next season(s) and those who aren't, given that this season is effectively dead from a league perspective now. I wasn't unhappy to see Cips at Bath but at this point I see far more value in playing others who are on an upward trajectory (and a steep one in some cases). When available Orlando B, Cameron R and Tom TDG are firmly my 10, 12 and 15 choices for this season for that reason. Butt and Max O fairly closely behind. Could do with another 15 but that would be RMc before Cips this season.
I’m in agreement, I’d go further, if fit Bayliss and Reid into my side and play Richards as much as possible.
Then you have the likes of Dougherty and Cordwell putting their hands up.
In my view you have to have a meritocracy if Watson is better fine!

Quote:shipwrecked
In my view you have to have a meritocracy if Watson is better fine!
Next season won't be dead for Bath at this stage of the season hopefully, whilst there are things to play for then I'm fine with that SW - play your best team. As for this season, Watson won't be playing anyway. As Cips presumably won't be here next season then I'm not sure I see the value unless Orlando B is unavailable.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
It should be viewed as a great opportunity imho- most other teams have the pressure of trying to qualify for champions Cup/top 4. We can literally be all about planning for next season.
I did think get faletau back in ASAP as he's a class act but dragged on so long now I would probably only play him if it benefitted others e.g. we have loads of young guys who are going to get absolutely battered by a much bigger, better, more experienced team which isn't great when it keeps happening (like accepting hughes playing a few games ahead of merigan when missing so many others).
Likewise with cips- this season is gone and he won't be here next. I would play bailey, redpath, mojo, worboys and tdg at 10 ahead of him cos what is the point frankly.
I am.sharing matts unforgiving mood I think!
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:shipwrecked
In my view you have to have a meritocracy if Watson is better fine!
Next season won't be dead for Bath at this stage of the season hopefully, whilst there are things to play for then I'm fine with that SW - play your best team. As for this season, Watson won't be playing anyway. As Cips presumably won't be here next season then I'm not sure I see the value unless Orlando B is unavailable.
We do seem to have had bad luck with several signings recently in terms of VFM, Faletau, Cipriani, T Schoeman, Joe Cokanasiga, Rhys Webb, even Beno and AW.

So exactly how many of the above are not up to it? I don’t actually want to single players out but surely others can see the contradiction?
FLAP
Quote:sid the seagull
Love on here for Reid, Bayliss, Richards, Doughty, Ellis and Cordwell. Add in that McNally and Spencer are sizeable fellows but . . . . it is this group of regular participants that keep getting out-played by nearly every other oppo pack. There is constant comment on here about needing to ‘beef up our pack’ ‘ getting a dominant set of forwards’ etc etc.
So exactly how many of the above are not up to it? I don’t actually want to single players out but surely others can see the contradiction?
FLAP
Yes Sid but they are all young, green and need game time, take Bayliss, fill in back row now Scottish international after a year or so.
Richards will be a similar player for sure.


PG
Quote:dr.bath1865
Sort of sums up our season that the week we play Wasps they have a stack of players returning to form and fitness and not one player away with England. Given their sky high levels of confidence post Exe nail biting win, a drubbing it shall be. Could be +50.
Yep, not ideal for several reasons. No matter how awful we are we always lose plenty to England. Had assumed launchbury may replace ewels in the 23 tbh
Quote:charlieboa
Mojo injured or just giving him a rest in that selection?
He has prob played more games than anyone this season
Thought he might need a rest. Looks like he will play as Scotland have, after all, chosen Redpath -on the bench.
PG
Quote:P G TipsQuote:charlieboa
Mojo injured or just giving him a rest in that selection?
He has prob played more games than anyone this season
Thought he might need a rest. Looks like he will play as Scotland have, after all, chosen Redpath -on the bench.
PG
Yep, typical bath luck this season having another player called up for duty as the opposition get all their players released back....
Quote:charlieboaQuote:P G TipsQuote:charlieboa
Mojo injured or just giving him a rest in that selection?
He has prob played more games than anyone this season
Thought he might need a rest. Looks like he will play as Scotland have, after all, chosen Redpath -on the bench.
PG
Yep, typical bath luck this season having another player called up for duty as the opposition get all their players released back....
Maybe we just have too many players in the squad likely to be called up for AI's/6N.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:charlieboaQuote:P G TipsQuote:charlieboa
Mojo injured or just giving him a rest in that selection?
He has prob played more games than anyone this season
Thought he might need a rest. Looks like he will play as Scotland have, after all, chosen Redpath -on the bench.
PG
Sort of OB, problem is its our young players rather than the seasoned internationals that are being head hunted now! Can't win it seems.
Yep, typical bath luck this season having another player called up for duty as the opposition get all their players released back....
Maybe we just have too many players in the squad likely to be called up for AI's/6N.

Quote:Optimist
Give Worboys a game fgs. He's 20 and at 5' 10 and nearly 14 stone he's actually 7 inches taller, 5 stones heavier and 6 years older than Worcester's Fin Smith appeared to be when he debuted for Wuss last year and got absolutely scragged.
Six years older! Are we considering a 12 year old 5'6'' waif at 10 then!


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:10:16:37:35 by shipwrecked.
9 Spencer 10 Bailey 11 G-HW 12 Mojo 13 Venter 14 JCok 15 TdG
That backline would be exciting, and one for the future, although I'm not sure how much ball they'll get.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53
Not even sure if Venter prefers inside or outside centre? At 96kgs (over 15st) he is a strong lad, never seen him run though so no idea of his pace? Anyone know or is he a straight Max Clark / Wright type replacement (although slightly shorter and lighter)?
I thought I read he has played lots of 7s and is more a 13/wing. May be wrong



[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:charlieboa
Is that David hasslehoff!?
yes, they cloned him! When he's in the maul Jordan shouts:
You've gotta reach out
Take hold of my hand
You've gotta reach out
Till you're safe on dry land
You've gotta hold on
Baby never give up
You've gotta reach out
When you're caught in the current of love
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
So we were discussing de Allende…..,.why?

Quote:dr.bath1865
I would be very interested to see Venter given a run.
9 Spencer 10 Bailey 11 G-HW 12 Mojo 13 Venter 14 JCok 15 TdG
That backline would be exciting, and one for the future, although I'm not sure how much ball they'll get.
Don't get too excited. Not a lot they can do without the ball and that Wasps pack with the likes of Launchberry, Barbeary and Shields back is gonna dominate, let's face it
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.
Quote:shipwrecked
Six years older! Are we considering a 12 year old 5'6'' waif at 10 then!
Getting Arwell Thomas out of retirement I understand. He always looked like he had a rugby shirt on which was several sizes too big - like your first PE lesson at Senior school when you were bought something to 'grow into'.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Still got that track suit my Mum was persuaded to buy me for first year at KES with those very words and can still fit into it without too much bulge!
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:shipwrecked
Six years older! Are we considering a 12 year old 5'6'' waif at 10 then!
Getting Arwell Thomas out of retirement I understand. He always looked like he had a rugby shirt on which was several sizes too big - like your first PE lesson at Senior school when you were bought something to 'grow into'.
Aaah is the the guy who knocked out a big French bloke?
🔵 Faletau returns to start in the back row
⚫️ Orlando Bailey back in at 10
⚪️ First start for Valeriy Morozov
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:11:12:01:40 by BathMatt53.
15 Rob Miller (131)
14 Paolo Odogwu (27)
13 Sam Spink (15)
12 Jimmy Gopperth (143)
11 Josh Bassett (166)
10 Charlie Atkinson (23)
9 Dan Robson (145)
1 Robin Hislop (14)
2 Gabriel Oghre (57)
3 Biyi Alo (29)
4 Joe Launchbury (162) (c)
5 Elliott Stooke (15)
6 James Gaskell (147)
7 Ben Morris (49)
8 Brad Shields (69)
Replacements
16 Tom Cruse (110)
17 Tom West (63)
18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (57)
19 Vaea Fifita (12)
20 Alfie Barbeary (22)
21 Will Porter (43)
22 Ryan Mills (7)
23 Marcus Watson (63)
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
On paper two very good, reasonably balanced sides
Quote:Shadders
We need to be a few points up at 60mins when comparing the benches! We shouldn't be out-muscled in the back row, but will our three 8s win any turnover ball??
Their bench is fairly crazy isn't it!
The dropping of merigan is an example of something that annoys me. Everyone on here said it was a coming of age last week, really good in adversity etc....then isn't in the 23 the next week...dropped for 2 people who prob be here next season.
He may be injured or have covid, it prob improves our chance of winning but I just find our approach is always short term, next game, must win the next game mindset
Quote:gaz59
So what are the odds on Faletau having a stormer, gets called up for Wales then injured and the last we see of him in BBW?
if it wins us the game I'll go with that since he hasn't been part of the team for so long - but certainly not wishing injury on him
Quote:hemington
Thanks Charlie. Don't look too many till you start adding them up!
I thought the same!
Coko has been close for a while now! Guess with roko and muir with tdg covering back 3 from bench he isn't really needed but a concern he is listed as injured still....
Quote:charlieboaQuote:hemington
Thanks Charlie. Don't look too many till you start adding them up!
I thought the same!
Coko has been close for a while now! Guess with roko and muir with tdg covering back 3 from bench he isn't really needed but a concern he is listed as injured still....
I watched the Coaches Check in earlier with BJVR, Coko was in it a fair amount running around looking a bit unfit, but certainly moving freely and injury free to me. A bit like with Faletau I guess, he may just suddenly appear back on a team sheet without warning maybe, without the traditional route of 20 minutes from the bench to loosen up before starting?
Either way, don't think he is a million miles away from being back. Also good to see Cipriani in the video - to me, certainly seemed like he was more in a coaching role than playing role. Didn't spot him running with ball in hand, but was certainly talking very animatedly it seemed
Quote:gaz59
So what are the odds on Faletau having a stormer, gets called up for Wales then injured and the last we see of him in BBW?
I cant remember the last time I saw him have a stormer for Bath, Wales or Lions tbh
Quote:charlieboa
Is that David hasslehoff!?
With Hasslehoff and Tom Cruse on the pitch I might have a chance of getting my wife to a game.
Let's hope they both hit the ground running. When is prem Cup? May be a good option to get coko back involved?
Quote:charlieboa
It's interesting that in the past faletau seems to get up to speed again v quickly whereas coko takes a long time to return to full match fitness and form.
Surely its down to injury type? TF has had a few arm problems (break and Joe C seems to have leg and muscle injuries.
[www.walesonline.co.uk]
But injuries have plagued him since he made the move to Bath from the Dragons in 2016.
Before then he had a reputation for being almost unbreakable on a rugby pitch.
Others seemed to need games off for injuries or finish matches before the final whistle. Faletau rarely did so, relentlessly reporting for duty and demonstrating remarkable durability. He started every Wales Six Nations game between 2012 and 2016. When he missed two games on the tour of Australia in the summer 2012 people were shocked. There again he did have a broken bone in the hand.
His move to Bath in 2016 heralded a change in his injury fortunes, though. Underlining that point, he won 61 Wales caps in the five or so years before he headed for England; he has pulled on the red jersey just 25 times in the half-decade since.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I still think faletau is naturally better at getting up to speed. Slightly smaller frame and his position doesn't rely as much on out and out pace. Guess we will see as it's been an ankle injury since July so must have hampered his aerobic training significantly so sure he will be puffing first few games back.
I think it's tough for coko being such a big man for an outside back, tends to look like he is running in quick sand for a while after lay offs. Really really hope he has better luck over the next few years, I think it's a young man's game being a brute of an outside back so fear he is losing his best years to injury. If he could get back to player he was in his first season with us when the attacking strategy seemed to be 'give it to roko or coko' he will be such a big asset.
Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe (9th Premiership appointment)
ARs: Adam Leal & Rob Warburton
TMO: Rowan Kitt
"This week we see the return of Taulupe Faletau to the striating XV,"
From what I recall of my A level Geography, striations are the gouge marks left in rocks by the passage of a glacier. Is this a comment on the speed of our forwards to the breakdown or power in contact?
Discuss.
PG
Quote:B4thB4ckQuote:charlieboa
Is that David hasslehoff!?
With Hasslehoff and Tom Cruse on the pitch I might have a chance of getting my wife to a game.
Plus London Irish have Lovejoy.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:12:15:36:57 by CoochieCoo.
Still, be nice if we could stop conceding dumb penalties and the ensuing tries on the stroke of half time every week.

Beaut touchline conversion from Bailey, too.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:12:16:26:30 by CoochieCoo.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:12:16:56:42 by CoochieCoo.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:12:16:54:20 by CoochieCoo.
But Wasps bench was always going to tell, and 2 men down the spaces were always going to be there to be found.
But we're still fighting for everything.
The boys have done us proud today.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Really frustrating and seems a lack of fintness, bith physical and mental.
From radio commentary it was borderline.
Or are we saying it had no bearing on the game?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:12:17:02:41 by dcsh.
Changed the game in my opinion. We were always clinging on from then on. JJ went to the wing and we box kicked everything.
Not giving yourself much of a chance.
Any ideas on whether we are top of the league for cards last season and this?
Can think of 2 reds for beno, 2 reds for dunn, 2 reds for williams and a red for roko just off the top of my head! Again....not giving yourself much of a chance.
Tbf jvg must be thinking if he can keep less than 25 on the treatment table and keep at least 14 on the pitch all game every game he could get us way up the league.
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
This team bear Exeter away last week..........
Take your point but Exeter are 6th, nearly lost as many as they have won and think have already lost 3 or 4 at home?
It's not like the Exeter of the last 5 years so far this season
* just seen they won today. Good result
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:12:17:55:44 by charlieboa.
Second half, and a man down, I really expected Wasps advantage in the tight 5 to tell - but they kept playing to our strengths, and we tightened up and looked in control, even if we couldn't quite make it tell whilst a man down.
Then TdG goes for the intercept - if that sticks then we're 14 points up with 10 to play and a TBP in the bag. But if you go for it, you HAVE to make it stick - and he didn't.
Wasps suddenly had room out wide as well as dominance close in - and there was only ever going to be 1 result from that.
Both cards were harsh-but-fair for me. Last year, Roko's was a yellow, Tom's seemed a genuine attempt, fumbled.
But them's the breaks, and that 10 minutes cost us hugely.
We went down fighting - which is a significant step up from earlier in the season.
Biggest disappointment for me was Du Toit's throwing - 2 significantly overthrown, and 1 not even close to straight, so we had to throw to the front from then on, and sacrifice our ability to play to our strengths.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Finn Russell is plenty good enough to make that attempt stick earlier but he gets clattered before he can have a second go at it and it's a yellow.
I hate cynical play but every call seems to go against the player going for the intercept. I guess a smart team doesn't bother. Smart is one thing we are not....we still haven't learnt to drop height in tackles despite 5+ red cards over the last year or so
Quote:I think several of those reds were last season, Beno and Dunn. But certainly not a good record and it doesn’t seen that they are learning from them.charlieboa
Any ideas on whether we are top of the league for cards last season and this?
Can think of 2 reds for beno, 2 reds for dunn, 2 reds for williams and a red for roko just off the top of my head! Again....not giving yourself much of a chance.
Quote:Agreed probably all in the last 12 months, plus so many yellows. We just seem to make so many mistakes that cost us and the cards are mistakes that change matches as a poor team just can’t cope player ing with reduced numbers.charlieboa
Yep, over the last year or so (at a guess). Think it may be 'only ' 2 reds this season
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.
Normal service resumed
There’s no doubt Bath are in a much better place than they were a few weeks back. Eventually you’re going to properly ‘click’ and when you do the team will be a proper handful.
Good luck for the rest of the season.
Quote:WaspieMatt
Thought we were lucky to come away with the win today. If you’d kept 15 on the pitch throughout you’d have made it very difficult for us and frankly there’s every chance you’d have won. Wasps were poor today for long periods but equally there was some really good stuff on the pitch from Bath. I thought Hughes had a great game and his kick through for the try was sublime. Ultimately we only put the game to bed when you were down to thirteen players on the pitch.
There’s no doubt Bath are in a much better place than they were a few weeks back. Eventually you’re going to properly ‘click’ and when you do the team will be a proper handful.
Good luck for the rest of the season.
Thanks for your comments, it's good to have the positivity from supporters of other clubs to balance up the repetitious negativity from some even as the club has made the changes to improve things for next year!.... and yes I am aware of the current issues with our coaching set up and how long this has been the case and how far we have fallen from the glory years of which I was lucky enough to have been able to witness.
“This machine kills fascists”
Woody Guthrie's guitar.
Maybe things will be marginally better next season.
Quote:OB what would say is the point of this post apart from trolling {which has obviously been successful as I am reacting to it) but "an embarrassment to rugby", really?!OutsideBath
Think the result was totally as expected given that Bath are an embarrassment to rugby. However there’s no relegation so nothing to get over worked up about.
Maybe things will be marginally better next season.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:12:21:49:15 by Long Term.
Quote:Long TermQuote:OB what would say is the point of this post apart from trolling {which has obviously been successful as I am reacting to it) but "an embarrassment to rugby", really?!OutsideBath
Think the result was totally as expected given that Bath are an embarrassment to rugby. However there’s no relegation so nothing to get over worked up about.
Maybe things will be marginally better next season.
It’s my opinion based on the games I’ve been to this season and the thrashings we have been given all season.
I assume I am allowed an opinion?
Quote:copester
. Not overly disappointed as signs of improvement are showing.
I realise that negativity is much frowned upon but we have lost the last two games 40-3 & 41-24 so compared to having lost games by 50, 60 & 70 points that can be said to be an improvement but we have only managed to win 2 games this entire season, one against 14 men. I had hoped that with a reasonable quota of quality players available for training & selection, the appointment of an experienced defence coach & the anticipation of huge changes next season the team would manage a greater level of “improvement” or rejuvenation than this. I listen to Hatley cheerfully announcing the team each week & sounding very positive but I’d much rather know what they have addressed in training that is likely to make the team capable of actually winning games, or only being narrowly beaten. I know the Club is addressing most of the coaching issues but surely we are not going to stumble on until the end of the season in this abysmal way & just leave the new coaching team a mountain to climb in the close season! or is that completely beyond them?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:13:00:22:57 by Bath Hammer.
We could well have got 5 pts there and yet we got nothing. Again. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different results is not the definition of madness, its the definition of stupidity and, until we learn not to do dumb things, we are going to keep losing. What really hurts is that we played some really nice rugby while we had 15 and some good stuff when we had 14 but 13 players is just too few to paper over. Wasps (primarily Jimmy Gopperth) saw the space and exploited it. Smart rugby. Discuss.
I thought OB2 and Faletau played really nicely (until OB2 started freelancing in the 22 at the end) and Ewan Richards looked every inch a Prem lock. Nathan Hughes kick thru for Spenno was a thing of joy and wonder and his general play was excellent. I hope we can keep him longer than just this season - I imagine JvG would get him fitter than he's ever been.
My MotM - Mojo. Encapsulated everything that was good about us. A bitter-sweet pill because he's going to be a full international before very much longer and then we'll lose him when we need him most.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Was worried for Bath after the botched line out after a minute, which Wasps scored from, but came back well in a fairly low quality encounter. Think they were able to re-group during the pause for Shields' injury/treatment which helped.
In Spencer-Bailey-Ojomoh you've got a great spine to carry forward. Bailey kicked off the tee really well in tricky conditions - particularly first half (better than Gopperth, who's normally pretty good!). Ojomoh really impressive, his work leading up to Faletau's try was really good. I think Spencer was trying to play a Sarries-lite gameplay from a few years back, which Wasps used to struggle against - particularly given the conditions.
If you can sign Hughes, he could work out well. His fitness is an interesting one - I think he dropped a bit of weight during his England involvement and move to Bristol which reduced his effectiveness.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Long TermQuote:OB what would say is the point of this post apart from trolling {which has obviously been successful as I am reacting to it) but "an embarrassment to rugby", really?!OutsideBath
Think the result was totally as expected given that Bath are an embarrassment to rugby. However there’s no relegation so nothing to get over worked up about.
Maybe things will be marginally better next season.
It’s my opinion based on the games I’ve been to this season and the thrashings we have been given all season.
I assume I am allowed an opinion?
Of course you are allowed an opinion, which you share with us on a regular basis, I am questioning the point of this one and in particular the' embarrassment to rugby' statement
Thanks also the bath fans who have posted their thoughts- i listened on the radio and did sound like the usual suspects went well....richards, spencer, bailey, mojo....along with hughes having another good game.
The struggles at scrum are a worry as not sure the players we are missing other than Stuart will strengthen us much there (will spencer always helps tbf though)
Quote:Long TermQuote:OutsideBathQuote:Long TermQuote:OB what would say is the point of this post apart from trolling {which has obviously been successful as I am reacting to it) but "an embarrassment to rugby", really?!OutsideBath
Think the result was totally as expected given that Bath are an embarrassment to rugby. However there’s no relegation so nothing to get over worked up about.
Maybe things will be marginally better next season.
It’s my opinion based on the games I’ve been to this season and the thrashings we have been given all season.
I assume I am allowed an opinion?
Of course you are allowed an opinion, which you share with us on a regular basis, I am questioning the point of this one and in particular the' embarrassment to rugby' statement
There’s no point engaging anymore as we don’t like one another, so I’ll finish by saying look at the results this season. If you don’t think they are an embarrassment then you have lower standards than me.
Quote:charlieboa
Thanks to the waspies for posting- always interesting to get a different perspective.
Thanks also the bath fans who have posted their thoughts- i listened on the radio and did sound like the usual suspects went well....richards, spencer, bailey, mojo....along with hughes having another good game.
The struggles at scrum are a worry as not sure the players we are missing other than Stuart will strengthen us much there (will spencer always helps tbf though)
The scrum wasn't too bad yesterday, I thought the first one could of gone either way. We did have a big scrum penalty in the first half when Mirozov had Alo popped up. It wasn't until late on when they had an all black tight head against our academy we struggled. Think Rae is steadily improving and Morozov could be a astute signing.
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.
Rae looks decent to me , though arguably a bit on the small side for a tighthead?
Remember sale fans saying morozov just needed a bit of time to get up to speed on scrummage interpretations and then was dominant more often than not.
Cordwell struggling against jt-a no huge surprise as you say
Quote:I think a fit Beno and Boyce would make a difference at the scrum. Possibly a fit Dunn as well.charlieboa
The struggles at scrum are a worry as not sure the players we are missing other than Stuart will strengthen us much there (will spencer always helps tbf though)
Agree that Rae seems to be better than at the start of the season, possibly due to game time (and coaching??) or it could be our expectations have dropped further!
Quote:dcshQuote:I think a fit Beno and Boyce would make a difference at the scrum. Possibly a fit Dunn as well.charlieboa
The struggles at scrum are a worry as not sure the players we are missing other than Stuart will strengthen us much there (will spencer always helps tbf though)
Agree that Rae seems to be better than at the start of the season, possibly due to game time (and coaching??) or it could be our expectations have dropped further!
I think they would help a bit but we have still struggled with them about from memory. I love beno but seemed to become a bit of a penalty liability at the set piece. Maybe I am being unfair.
Maybe just part of overall our pack being badly coached over the last 12-18 months. We had a dominant maul and a dominant scrum most weeks with largely the same group of players (tbf back when that was hats focus).
Its been years.
Not to be.
Could’ve would’ve should’ve.
Quote:Kidney Stone
I was listening live on the admittedly one eyed Radio Briz, whilst in constant contact with aWasp supporting fried in the US who was watching live on Peacock (?). Before Roko’s red, he was convinced they we had the game in the bag.
Not to be.
Could’ve would’ve should’ve.
Peacock Iis the NBC streaming service. Its very good.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
You also have some really good young talent coming through, good times ahead I reckon.
And from what I've read, the answer to that question seems to be a strong "yes" so I will take
I can't see us being able to sign Hughes but it sure does show how much we need his kind of player at 8 especially with Faletau leaving. Even with my sunny yellow ever the optimist hat on I can't see Bayliss filling that role much as I like his style of play , his energy and pace
Quote:Long TermQuote:OB what would say is the point of this post apart from trolling {which has obviously been successful as I am reacting to it) but "an embarrassment to rugby", really?!OutsideBath
Think the result was totally as expected given that Bath are an embarrassment to rugby. However there’s no relegation so nothing to get over worked up about.
Maybe things will be marginally better next season.
Tend to agree about the ‘embarrassment’.
S Hooper & Co have presided over possibly Bath Rugby’s Worst ever season ! It can only get better

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:gaz59
The only thing that matters to me is does it give me hope for a far better season next year
And from what I've read, the answer to that question seems to be a strong "yes" so I will take
I can't see us being able to sign Hughes but it sure does show how much we need his kind of player at 8 especially with Faletau leaving. Even with my sunny yellow ever the optimist hat on I can't see Bayliss filling that role much as I like his style of play , his energy and pace
I totally agree. We have been needing that type of player for years. We don’t have enough players who really make a difference in any particular way. I find all our England players pretty underwhelming, though they look good when playing internationals. JJ is a mystery. I’ve seen him play very few games when he has made a real difference since he joined us.
Quote:Long Term
repetitious negativity
It's certainly repititious and negative that Bath keep losing and conceding 40+. Maybe a positive is that they only rarely lose by conceding 60+ and have hardly broken any records for worst performance and scoreline this season?
Quote:Old Bath Tub
Tend to agree about the ‘embarrassment’.
S Hooper & Co have presided over possibly Bath Rugby’s Worst ever season ! It can only get better
Their performances and position and points in the table are pretty embarrassing for those involved, however I wouldn't say that the club is 'embarrassement to rugby' given that the whole point of the sport is that teams win and teams lose every week. It's not like they have behaved in any way that it is inappopriate. Or not bothered to turn up. Tigers and Gloucester weren't an embarrasment to rugby in the last couple of season either, they just weren't very good.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Hmm Tigers were pretty embarrasing, George Ford saved our bacon from being demoted with that win at Falcons, we had to bite the bullet, clean sweep, board of directors, coaches and players not buying into the club all went, we do seem to have turned a corner, but we've won nothing yet, so work to do, starting this weekend coming.BathMatt53Quote:Long Term
repetitious negativity
It's certainly repititious and negative that Bath keep losing and conceding 40+. Maybe a positive is that they only rarely lose by conceding 60+ and have hardly broken any records for worst performance and scoreline this season?
Quote:Old Bath Tub
Tend to agree about the ‘embarrassment’.
S Hooper & Co have presided over possibly Bath Rugby’s Worst ever season ! It can only get better
Their performances and position and points in the table are pretty embarrassing for those involved, however I wouldn't say that the club is 'embarrassement to rugby' given that the whole point of the sport is that teams win and teams lose every week. It's not like they have behaved in any way that it is inappopriate. Or not bothered to turn up. Tigers and Gloucester weren't an embarrasment to rugby in the last couple of season either, they just weren't very good.
conceding 71 points ! and also conceded 71 points against Gloucester on the 12th November last year . as well as other embarrassing results. I am not saying the club i have supported for decades is an embarrassment to rugby but must be to the DOR and coaches .

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
Edit: OBT our posts hit at the same time - point taken the results have been awful and nobody at the top has really taken the responsibility for that which must make them feel sheepish when they arrive at the ground every week.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:14:11:07:11 by BathMatt53.
"It wasn't a wedgie. That's when your pants are pulled up your @#$%&. I think I know the difference between a wedgie and someone sticking their finger up my bum"
Quote:woodpecker
I looked up John Hopoate, found this classic quote:
"It wasn't a wedgie. That's when your pants are pulled up your @#$%&. I think I know the difference between a wedgie and someone sticking their finger up my bum"
Eeewww!

and
"Well, we were in the game right up until 65 mins even with a player down then with such a young, inexperienced bench coming on compared to theirs and down to 13 on the pitch I guess the score was inevitable and I'll take the positives in building for next year"
Quote:gaz59
I'm torn between "Jeez, another 40 + point hammering"
and
"Well, we were in the game right up until 65 mins even with a player down then with such a young, inexperienced bench coming on compared to theirs and down to 13 on the pitch I guess the score was inevitable and I'll take the positives in building for next year"
I agree with both of those but I would never call anyones efforts on the pitch an embarrassment .
If the players are embarrassed for themselves which they shouldn’t be it’s not for anyone here to tell them.. so if some one is embarrassed it must be to be a Bath supporter then perhaps they should go support someone or something else.
'Bath missed 49 tackles against Saracens last weekend, the joint most of any side in a single game so far this season, alongside Gloucester in Round 5.'
49!! That is embarrassing.
Quote:TG KesmoQuote:gaz59
I'm torn between "Jeez, another 40 + point hammering"
and
"Well, we were in the game right up until 65 mins even with a player down then with such a young, inexperienced bench coming on compared to theirs and down to 13 on the pitch I guess the score was inevitable and I'll take the positives in building for next year"
I agree with both of those but I would never call anyones efforts on the pitch an embarrassment .
If the players are embarrassed for themselves which they shouldn’t be it’s not for anyone here to tell them.. so if some one is embarrassed it must be to be a Bath supporter then perhaps they should go support someone or something else.
This is way too metaphysical for a Monday... If a player is embarrassed and they shouldn't be, does that mean a fan should disappear?
I'm kind of in the "another 40 point drubbing" camp. I feel bad (not embarrassed) for the young guys thrown into this situation and there comes a point where the club need to focus on the fundamentals and get them right. It is entirely possible not to shift 40+ points a game, even with youngsters.
Quote:The Bear
I'm kind of in the "another 40 point drubbing" camp. I feel bad (not embarrassed) for the young guys thrown into this situation and there comes a point where the club need to focus on the fundamentals and get them right. It is entirely possible not to shift 40+ points a game, even with youngsters.
This one is of course a bit different, a 40 point drubbing wasn't on the cards until there were 13 players left vs 15. In that event it wasn't the guys on the pitch fault by any means (it was the 2 who were off it). Not much you can do against that really.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Optimist
Just saw this stat:
'Bath missed 49 tackles against Saracens last weekend, the joint most of any side in a single game so far this season, alongside Gloucester in Round 5.'
49!! That is embarrassing.
That is extraordinary. Almost worth watching just to see if it is true
But round 5 for Glaws, wasn't that the draw with Irish? If so a draw away at Irish is hardly embarrassing
Quote:Optimist
Just saw this stat:
'Bath missed 49 tackles against Saracens last weekend, the joint most of any side in a single game so far this season, alongside Gloucester in Round 5.'
49!! That is embarrassing.
Its embarassing on one hand, but on the other its also incredible, it must have been almost comical to watch.
If you have set piece ascendancy and gainline dominance in attack and defence you will usually win. We have not once had any of that.
If you don't you are constantly under pressure, your decision making goes haywire, your structures are out the window and your discipline becomes a huge issue.
Thankfully jvg has a rep for building from the front row back, hats has made our pack strong in the past, and jpf will sort defence.... get that in place and mad dogs job becomes infinitely easier.
Need to get our retention and recruitment absolutely spot on though
PG
Quote:P G Tips
Has Mad Dog been confirmed?
PG
Someone on ere said it was a done deal so must be true!
PG
Quote:annie blackthorn
Let's hope Joe is playing hardball!
Why?

