Birds Flying High You Know How I Feel - Bristol vs Bath
Big Dave - forever Bath
By hasta
September 5 2022
While it's a crying shame that the 2021-22 Premiership Rugby Season was cancelled for no apparent reason and there are no records of it, we can put that absence behind us and look forward, finally, after so long, to a new season!
So, what should Bath fans expect? After finishing 7th in the last season that actually happened, and squeaking into the Heineken Cup... hang on it seems like we're not in the Big Cup this year. Huh. OK what's this message I'm getting from PG Tips, it says that I 'can't possibly keep this fiction up for long' and I should 'stop talking nonsense and just get on with previewing the season opener against Bristol so he can enjoy a well-earned holiday'. Not quite sure what he's on about there, but I guess we'll crack on with the preview.
Bath have had a lot of comings and goings over the summer. A youthful, academy-heavy squad has been added to with weight and experience. And South Africans. Loadsa South Africans.
The most important South Africans though are the new men in charge, Johann van Graan and JP Ferreira. After a slightly ropey defensive season in 2020-21, it's great to see that we've got an experienced defense coach in JPF, it would certainly have been unthinkable to start a season without a dedicated defense coach!
At set piece, the Bath pack against Bris looks improved on last year, more weight in the second row and great experience in the tight five. Great to see the likes of Beno and Boyce both back, Attwood and McNally looks class, as does Dunn/Annett at Hooker. Perhaps some lack of depth at tighthead until Will Stuart is back from England rest duties.
Back-row looks balanced if lacking an out-and-out power no. 8 of the likes of Nathan Hughes late of Bris and definitely never of Bath. I would rather build a balanced pack where roles are fulfilled by multiple players, but there's no doubt that while we have an improved set of ball-carriers and breakdown specialists, it's occasionally useful to have a player who'll just grab the game by the scruff of its neck.
While there's certainly indications that Piers Francis might take the starting 10 spot (and while I'm slightly concerned about that decision, there's no doubt that we are focussing on him as a 10) I think it would still be good to keep Orlando Bailey there for his goal-kicking if nothing else. Ben Spencer's incredible multitool skillset does cover that a little, he remains the most important player at the club.
The midfield and outside backs look decent, if perhaps lacking absolute top gas or real power. Expecting that they'll be doing a lot of kickchase though, I think we can see a lot of Gabe Hamer-Webb and Gallagher on the wings (with McConnochie and Muir easily slipping in). Perm one from Mojo/Redpath and one from JJ/Butt at centre and the class of TdG 15 and you've got yourselves a decent backline.
So a solid team with a lot more depth than recently, if lacking the star power names of Watson and Faletau, and with experienced coaches with a clear game plan. Honestly it feels like a pretty solid base to start from.
Bris are harder to predict. A fantastic 2020-21 saw them top the table before absolutely imploding in the semi-final to Champions Harlequins playing absolutely on tilt. While you might think that game would be easily written off, it feels like it's still niggling deep in Pat Lam's psyche. I guess that's what happens when you have an entire subsequent season cancelled for no apparent reason with no records or games played.
Bris still have stardust in their squad with the likes of Piutau and Sinckler in particular. Genge returning will bring them a fantastic first-choice front row, if they can ever get it on the park at the same time. Semi Radrada is magic, but struggles badly with injuries.
AJ McGinty might be the signing of the premiership season. A class operator at 10 who won't miss much rugby for internationals, the question is how quickly can he bed in? Other than that, I really like the likes of Magnus Bradbury and Luke Morahan.
Bris won their last pre-season game away at Scarlets by scoring two late tries - which is very much always a possibility for them and feels very on brand.
This match is likely to play out as a clash of styles. Lam will tweak a bit, but still stick with his core gameplan - a strong maul, superb offloading and getting the most magic he can out wide. Van Graan has been very clear that he will build from a power defence and kicking game - Mojo or Redpath are unlikely to see much ball.
I rarely see Bath performing well in the first match. Or at Bristol. I had a horrible nightmare last year where we had a game totally robbed from us despite excellent performances from Bailey and Ojomoh. But that game definitely didn't happen.
I like the squad we're starting with here - and I definitely think we've got a chance. I'm excited to see Chris Cloete play Premiership Rugby. I think there's a reasonable chance that we grind out a win. Equally we could get pipped by some Piutau magic, but I'm gonna go for a Bath win by 8. Three tries shared between Dunn and Annett.
Bristol (possible): Piutau, Morahan, O'Connor, Bedlow, Lane, McGinty, Randall; Woolmore, Thacker, Sinckler, Holmes, Vui, Jefferies, Heenan, Bradbury
Bath (possible): DeGlanville, Gallagher, Joseph, Ojomoh, Hamer-Webb, Bailey, Spencer; Obano, Dunn, A Coetzee, McNally, Attwood, Bayliss, Cloete, J Coetzee
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Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:15:22:12:50 by hasta.
The question might be which club have made the most progress between seasons it's between Jordan Crane at the Bears and our JP Ferreira, we may not win at the weekend but long term I'm backing our man.

Widcombe Garçon
Wright, Reid and Ellis out.
Roux and JJ under observation (Roux suffered concussion during training).
Everyone else available - including Muir
Some tough selection decisions- really tough!
Quote:hasta
That injury update is sooooo much better.
+1
Quote:hasta
That injury update is sooooo much better.
+1
Bristol Post saying Genge is available for Friday, so does that mean Will Stuart will be in contention for us?
Genge/Sinkler/Thacker(?) vs Stuart/Beno/Dunnie could be quite the battle! Could really do with Unders being available for this one too.
Looking forward to seeing Cloete in action too. Quite a few 'season preview' articles naming him as one of the best/most significant signings.
Quote:dr.bath1865
Apparently Genge will be available for Bristol. Wonder if that means Stuart might feature, too?
Sounds like its special dispensation for Genge?
“We put a plan in for Ellis, and it started on the basis that he arrived here and saw the first game and said: ‘It is non-negotiable. I am playing that game. No-one is stopping me playing that game’.
“That was his mindset, so then we had to put a plan in place about how we would manage his game-time going into November (internationals) and then going into the Six Nations.
“I was able to share that with Eddie (England head coach Jones), and he was very happy, and then it went to the game management board and they all signed it off.
“Ellis is highly-excited for the game, and there are still a few seats left if people want to get down and see the impact he will make for Bristol on his homecoming.”
So, Ellis made it clear that he was a special case and that's all fine (and dandy) then.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Without wanting to get too controversial, it's the likes of Genge who have been banging the drum about respecting players/listening to them more/playing them less/paying them more etc, then he's first to break the RFU's rules that are trying to protect the players. I see everyone from EJ up and down signed it off, but there's got to be more to it than a player saying "No-one is stopping me playing that game".
Anyhoo, likely me just being a disgruntled Bath fan, as I feel Genge playing seriously tips the balance in Brizzle's favour. And that's a compliment to the guy, I suppose.
Always thought he acted entitled and this just proves he thinks he’s better than everyone else.
Shame Bath couldn’t get this special status for our England squad players.
Quote:OutsideBath
Always thought he acted entitled and this just proves he thinks he’s better than everyone else.
Irrespective of this particular situation, in all of the interviews I have ever read or heard with Genge I would consider him the absolute opposite of this.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Bristol Live interview
England players who toured Australia this summer, and played in the Tests, must have a mandatory 10 weeks of rest off, but while the popular conception is that means consecutive weeks following the tour, Bears director of rugby Pat Lam explained the process is in fact far more nuanced than that, allowing Genge, scrum-half Harry Randall and flanker Sam Jeffries all to be in selection contention to face derby rivals Bath having spent their summers Down Under.
If this isn't spin on our part, then the process is available for any other player to play - submit the player plan to the welfare board and if it gets signed off, happy days...
I know it diminishes our chances but hey ho fair play to him, it shows his passion to play for his home town club against their nearest & dearest
Widcombe Garçon
Quote:Bristol Ian
Ease up a little on the Genge-bashing - quote from the rest of the interview:Quote:Bristol Live interview
England players who toured Australia this summer, and played in the Tests, must have a mandatory 10 weeks of rest off, but while the popular conception is that means consecutive weeks following the tour, Bears director of rugby Pat Lam explained the process is in fact far more nuanced than that, allowing Genge, scrum-half Harry Randall and flanker Sam Jeffries all to be in selection contention to face derby rivals Bath having spent their summers Down Under.
If this isn't spin on our part, then the process is available for any other player to play - submit the player plan to the welfare board and if it gets signed off, happy days...
Yep , it's a decision by genge and bris that he will take rests at different points in the season I assume so we will have same option of putting a case forward for stuart etc.
Just a case of managing workloads through the year.
What I don't understand is how injuries come into play. If that counts as rest you may aswell play these guys whenever available as they will pick up injuries and miss games naturally.
We need to try and move away from being so reliant on stuart and hopefully coetzee helps with that but with rae out would need jonker on bench.
Don't think rushing underhill back is a priority personally but never upset to see him on the teamsheet as class act.
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:OutsideBath
Always thought he acted entitled and this just proves he thinks he’s better than everyone else.
Irrespective of this particular situation, in all of the interviews I have ever read or heard with Genge I would consider him the absolute opposite of this.
Actions speak louder than words and treating himself as a special case speaks volumes about him.
As hasta says, it's the 'picking and choosing' that rankles a tad. All players who played in the tests v Oz should be forced to behave the same. Ok, some may be on different programmes, feel different, have individual niggles etc, but I'm sure if you asked a doc whether it's better for a player to have 7-week or a 10-week break, 10 is always better for a player's welfare, regardless of personal circumstances/wants. The fact it's Bath at home for your hometown club shouldn't be a deciding factor.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:BathMatt53Quote:OutsideBath
Always thought he acted entitled and this just proves he thinks he’s better than everyone else.
Irrespective of this particular situation, in all of the interviews I have ever read or heard with Genge I would consider him the absolute opposite of this.
Actions speak louder than words and treating himself as a special case speaks volumes about him.
Aah bless, you bitter little man

Widcombe Garçon
Anyway, good motivation for Beno.
You see guys mid season being stood down because of the agreement and appears a bit random from afar.
I think you always see club, player, eng discussing exact nature of when players should rest.
Straight block of 10 weeks may work for some but not be ideal for others for a physical and mental wellbeing perspective? How simple it is for us to understand is a bit secondary?
Quote:hasta
Genge is a superb player and I have a lot of time for him. It's just the inconsistency. Either the rest period is mandatory or it's not.
Anyway, good motivation for Beno.
The rest period is mandatory, just not necessarily in consecutive weeks.
However it does feel a bit more evenly matched* if all England players are unavailable together, otherwise you could have teams aiming to rest their players against weaker opposition. I'm sure we wouldn't be moaning if Genge has to rest on the return fixture whilst Stuart is available.
If Attwood and McNally are fit our front row will have good drive to back them up.
Quote:EverOptimisticQuote:hasta
Genge is a superb player and I have a lot of time for him. It's just the inconsistency. Either the rest period is mandatory or it's not.
Anyway, good motivation for Beno.
The rest period is mandatory, just not necessarily in consecutive weeks.
Then it's not a period. This is the first time this has come up post summer tours.
Looking at this first game, i think the back row replacements and tight-head replacement might be where Bristol edge us. (would like to see Richards on the bench) However with Stuart, Reid,Ellis,Underhill all due back shortly im not overly worried past this game.
Good luck boys! Come on you barf lets get the city jumping again!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:07:10:48:38 by Bushman.
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.
And of course all the England players are training with their clubs now anyway (not same as big game of course)
We don't need to win, and I would be delighted with a LBP
I know it is very hackneyed but, in this game for me anyway, it is all about the performance
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:OutsideBath
I agree if we are extremely lucky a LBP is possible, but it’s sad that we’ve fallen so far that winning seems out of the question.
We got a LBP away last year and beat them at home, but sure, play on player.
Quote:hastaQuote:OutsideBath
I agree if we are extremely lucky a LBP is possible, but it’s sad that we’ve fallen so far that winning seems out of the question.
We got a LBP away last year and beat them at home, but sure, play on player.
In a game that the ref (and his idiot side kicks) gave Bristol a 20 point advantage through blatant errors and incompetence.
Sort of summed up a lot of what was good and horrendously bad about our season. Some moments/phases of Dave Williams-“style game”-inspired and Orlando-Mojo-executed absolute magic… but the softest underbelly, awful defence (esp up front) and idiotic errors. Yeh, the ref was a menace, but Ellis should’ve passed inside to Muir, etc.
Either way, we should’ve won and didn’t. And in the return fixture, despite every bit of help from their disciplinary idiocy, we did our best to lose that one, too, only winning in the 157th minute or somesuch.
But let’s look forward! I pray for a dull 9-6 win on Friday.
Quote:hastaQuote:OutsideBath
I agree if we are extremely lucky a LBP is possible, but it’s sad that we’ve fallen so far that winning seems out of the question.
We got a LBP away last year and beat them at home, but sure, play on player.
Yes, we got a LBP last year but I recall coming away feeling it was a very flakey LBP. Could have won with some kinder ref decisions and there were as drB says a few magic moments but it didn't feel like we were building from a secure base
That's the difference I want to see from tomorrow's performance
Wow, don't see that to be honest
Shouldn't it be here for the money raising thing?


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:08:12:32:34 by shipwrecked.
PG (from the banks of the Chobe river, 50M above Victoria Falls).

Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
Quote:Rampant
No outside backs on the bench is a very significant pointer to how this match is going to be approached!
I don’t mind Francis starting - we have to have 2 viable starters at 10, and I’d much rather Francis was considered an out-and-out 10, so that he’s always training for it, rather than being a utility 10/12 shunted back and forth. There will be plenty of game time for two 10s across the season.
Referee: Matthew Carley (122 nd Premiership game).
Assistant Referees: Greg Macdonald and Jonathan Healy.
TMO: Rowan Kitt.
Citing Officer: Greg Garner
Decent squad
Surprised that JJ wasn't fit, and GHW was heavily strapped against Jersey - maybe a little worrying considering we've gone for a 6:2 bench.
Quote:Malco
No outside backs on the bench is a very significant pointer to how this match is going to be approached!
Who needs outside backs when you have Bayliss and Chippy in the squad? ⚡️
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
Quote:by
Less change from Jersey than I thought. Going to be real corker, can't wait to watch!
Surprised that JJ wasn't fit, and GHW was heavily strapped against Jersey - maybe a little worrying considering we've gone for a 6:2 bench.
Given the wet weather it's fair to say that I don't think our backs will be seeing much of the ball tomorrow. Obano vs Sinckler will be a really key battle.
Quote:RampantQuote:Malco
No outside backs on the bench is a very significant pointer to how this match is going to be approached!
Who needs outside backs when you have Bayliss and Chippy in the squad? ⚡️
Ewan Richards on the wing?
Quote:MalcoQuote:by
Less change from Jersey than I thought. Going to be real corker, can't wait to watch!
Surprised that JJ wasn't fit, and GHW was heavily strapped against Jersey - maybe a little worrying considering we've gone for a 6:2 bench.
Given the wet weather it's fair to say that I don't think our backs will be seeing much of the ball tomorrow. Obano vs Sinckler will be a really key battle.
Good point, weather will certainly play a part.
The Key will be when we don't have the ball and whether Aranos can lock out Genge in the scrum and if we can stop their carriers on the gain line. If we knock em down/back, Cloete, Bayliss and Redpath should have some joy over the ball, especially given their injuries in the back row.
I just hope we're competitive and that there's a clear plan - even if that plan is extremely pragmatic/boring.
Perhaps it is more about what he does around the pitch
Thoughts on 'impact players' term? I am a old school 'replacements' man tbh
Jvg has made no secret of his priorities and plans - won't be pretty but I am ready for some pragmatism

We will front up in the forwards but Carley will send off Beno Obano for wearing the wrong coloured socks after 20 minutes, De Glanville after 25 minutes for being a bit posh and Ben Spencer on the hour for failing to understand that the RFU would really like Bristol to win the Premiership this season.
Van Graan will then order Aranos Coetzee to moer die doos, Carley will leave the field on a stretcher and Bristol will be awarded a bonus point win.
15. Charles Piutau (64 apps), 14. Luke Morahan (98 apps), 13. Piers O'Conor (108 apps), 12. Sam Bedlow (47 apps), 11. Rich Lane (5 apps); 10. Callum Sheedy (132 apps), 9. Harry Randall (85 apps); 1. Ellis Genge (23 apps), 2. Bryan Byrne (32 apps), 3. Kyle Sinckler (32 apps), 4. Joe Joyce (151 apps), 5. Chris Vui (93 apps), 6. Sam Jeffries (54 apps), 7. Jake Heenan (c) (65 apps), 8. Magnus Bradbury (debut).
System players: 16. Will Capon (59 apps), 17. Jake Woolmore (108 apps), 18. Max Lahiff (40 apps), 19. Ed Holmes (85 apps), 20. Sam Lewis (debut), 21. Andy Uren (135 apps), 22. AJ MacGinty (debut), 23. Jack Bates (21 apps).
Quote:P G Tips
Thanks sw. Yes. Could someone with desktop access please edit the title?
PG (from the banks of the Chobe river, 50M above Victoria Falls).
Thanks CC!
I have merged Rampant’s team up thread with this to ensure all is one place.
Quote:gaz59
Surprised that Dunn got the nod to start. Against Jersey the lineout was rock solid with Annett throwing in. Dunn came on and we immediately lost/fumbled a couple
Perhaps it is more about what he does around the pitch
For me, Dunn is a more aggressive scrummager as well as giving us more artillery in the carry.
We are going to need that against Genge
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
Quote:RampantQuote:gaz59
Surprised that Dunn got the nod to start. Against Jersey the lineout was rock solid with Annett throwing in. Dunn came on and we immediately lost/fumbled a couple
Perhaps it is more about what he does around the pitch
For me, Dunn is a more aggressive scrummager as well as giving us more artillery in the carry.
We are going to need that against Genge
Don't worry about Ellis Genge he'll be one Carley's Cards before half-time !!

Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
The pack looks good. The backline looks like there's about 15 players missing (not 3 or 4) but I think they'll do what's asked of them.
Pretty buzzed about this now. Can't wait!
Quote:Optimist
Genge got 1 YC last season for Tigers.
... and should have had a red for hair-pulling of all things.
Looks like two really good teams for the opening game of the Premiership. Congrats for being top of the table right now!
Have a good season

Quote:The Bear
Hope Aranos and Beno can 'paint the picture' early on, otherwise I could see this an area dominated by reputation.
The pack looks good. The backline looks like there's about 15 players missing (not 3 or 4) but I think they'll do what's asked of them.
Pretty buzzed about this now. Can't wait!
Indeed. Genge and sinckler are 2 of the best referees in the prem! Hope carley has the ear plugs in
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:08:15:43:58 by charlieboa.
Quote:OldMarovianQuote:Optimist
Genge got 1 YC last season for Tigers.
... and should have had a red for hair-pulling of all things.
Wasn't that Hill? I though Genge was pushing Nic White's head into the floor.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
RAEBURN SHIELD
RIP Queen Elizabeth II
A decision to be made for events of all kinds across the country.
As the saying goes "the queen is dead, God save the king"
Quote:CoochieCoo
I understand that clubs are awaiting guidance from Premier Rugby.
RIP Queen Elizabeth II
This is what I have heard too and that Prem Rugby themselves are waiting on gov/crown guidance.
Quote:TomReagan
Think the funeral's next Sunday so presumably those games will be postponed which must be a factor in the Prem organisers' thinking. No one's opinion really matters of course, but I'm a bit unclear how playing sport, with a minute's applause/singing of the National Anthem first is disrespectful.
Don’t think it will be a Sunday. It’s an Anglican funeral after all.
If it’s Saturday no way the Sale game will be on. Monday then I reckon we will play.
J
Ben Spencer's left foot and Horse's ability to run faster and jump higher are the keys to this season.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:joethefanatic
In its review of the up coming season, The Guardian has Joe Cokanasiga as our key player. I mean lovely guy, good player when fit but if JC4 is our "key player", we've got more problems than I thought. Do they just phone this stuff in? "I've heard of him so he must be key" style of thing?
Ben Spencer's left foot and Horse's ability to run faster and jump higher are the keys to this season.
Yeah no offence to Cokanasiga, but that writer has just clearly demonstrated they don't know what they're talking about.
Quote:joethefanatic
Ben Spencer's left foot and Horse's ability to run faster and jump higher are the keys to this season.
I don't think so, both were factors last season and we came last. For me its:
- the ability of the front 5 engine room to compete and give everyone behind them some front foot ball to play off.
- not be leakier than a sieve in defence.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[www.telegraph.co.uk]
Progressive Rugby (non profit lobbying group for safer rugby) is of the view that:
the game should be focussed on demonstrating that player welfare is the number one ‘non negotiable’ priority.
[twitter.com]
Irrespective of the players involved it's hard to argue otherwise.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

I would be staggered if tonight, or any other matches this weekend go ahead.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:09:08:12:03 by shipwrecked.
I'm with you Tom, don't think they should be cancelled for the reasons you articulate so well. However, if you take the maxim that funerals are for the living and not the dead, there are a lot6of people for whom this is momentous and maybe as a society we need to respect that.

People have been offering me condolences all day!
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
I am disappointed not to watch the match tonight (although it may even do Bath a favour) but it seems sad if we are unwilling to postpone a couple of rugby matches to show respect for her passing.
“ Britain's entire sporting schedule is suspended on Friday as national mourning begins after the death of the Queen. ”
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:09:08:46:36 by CoochieCoo.
Quote:warrenball
Tom, sorry but completely disagree about the Queen. Whilst lots of people may not be monarchists, I think even amongst those they would agree that she has given so much to this country during her reign. Whilst here today, gone tomorrow, politicians have tried to run the country there has always been the stability of the Queen behind them. Her breath of knowledge and influence in countries and amongst people all around the world was unique and we will only really fully appreciate her through the lens of history.
I am disappointed not to watch the match tonight (although it may even do Bath a favour) but it seems sad if we are unwilling to postpone a couple of rugby matches to show respect for her passing.
+1 As a person the Queen would have been a remarkable leader of people even if she wasn't born to it, that deserves respect I think.

For many she was like a mum, always there, never taking sides. Would you play sport when your mum died? Its only a week off after all.

Quote:Rugby union
Friday's opening Premiership Rugby fixtures look all-but-certain to be postponed. Sources close to the competition say that, like football, a final decision will be made on Friday morning over weekend fixtures. Scottish Rugby confirmed late last night that all domestic competitive matches this weekend are off. Thursday's Premiership Rugby Cup match between Northampton Saints and Saracens was also immediately called off.
If some don't like the inconsequential postponement of a sporting event, they can opt out of being a citizen of the United Kingdom as far as I am concerned.
Quote:Fair points, but I'd say she wasn't my mum, which is pretty key! A nation is being told to behave as if she was 'our mum' and given the Queen's lack of arrogance I suspect she'd not want it (The royals have suffered on several occasions IMHO, through what I regard as well-intentioned intrusiveness). Incidentally, I would play sport/shop/go to the pub regardless of a parent dying as long as I played my part in doing all of the necessary 'stuff'. I don't see what's to be achieved by, well, wallowing in misery isn't quite right, but hopefully you know what I mean! Increasingly, funerals are now celebrations of life and that's a very good thing I believe, but I recognise it's a sensitive topic. Did say I'd stop, but just felt I should reply!shipwrecked
Every one is different Tom, there are some people's lives that inspire like Mandela, Ghandi and JFK as a result people connect to them. Time enhances that greatly as well and for an awful lot of people in the UK and Worldwide that connection exists.
For many she was like a mum, always there, never taking sides. Would you play sport when your mum died? Its only a week off after all.
Quote:Oh, I get it now, thanks Annie. It's about showing the world how sad we are by not watching sport. I hope they're impressed! Incidentally, I don't really care if sport is cancelled as I suspect we'd begin our season with a loss to our closest rivals, Norwich were not going to beat Burnley and if Somerset's relegation game with Warwickshire is cancelled we're one game closer to avoiding relegation. It's the principle that we're being told how to behave/ controlled over something that should be a matter of personal choice and I've yet to have anyone do anything other than cite the same mantra about 'respect' without explaining this. Also, it does have a huge impact on many people's lives other than disappointed spectators. Think of the money wasted on food at grounds, businesses in towns and cities going under will be affected, low-paid workers at grounds, eg catering staff and stewards. Another example of the impact this need to be seen doing the right thing-MacMillan cancer charity has cancelled its national fund-raising hikes this weekend. Personally, being told I must do something out of patriotic duty as a UK citizen doesn't win me over, but each to their own! (Promise I'll stop now as won't read the thread or I'll get drawn too far in!).annie blackthorn
We are in a period of 10 days of National Mourning. Our identity as a nation is being demonstrated to the world.
If some don't like the inconsequential postponement of a sporting event, they can opt out of being a citizen of the United Kingdom as far as I am concerned.
I'm saying for a lot of people due to time and consistency of approach people developed that sort of "mum" feeling for her. Not everyone of course, but in a democracy if a large percentage of the population, not necessarily the majority, have a view then it should have room to exist shouldn't it?
You and others don't hold that view but giving up a week's rugby or football isn't a massive hardship is it?

I offer no comment on my views on the above : )
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:09:10:35:55 by Rokobilly.
Sport can be played at anytime, I'm as disappointed as anyone that games are off, but this is a momentous time in the history and future of the United Kingdom, so I think certain other things can take a back seat just for a few days.
Quote:Dr Q in Ilkley now!
We seem to have sadly lost a Queen, but gained a couple of drama queens instead!
Sport can be played at anytime, I'm as disappointed as anyone that games are off, but this is a momentous time in the history and future of the United Kingdom, so I think certain other things can take a back seat just for a few days.
I'm with Tom. I can't possibly see how sitting around at home is any more respectful than celebrating her life before all sporting events. I genuinely don't think that she would be a fan of cancelling all the horse racing, for example, which she obviously adored. Each to their own.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Assume mortimer and Whitehouse on the beeb won't be showing so that clash I was facing goes away....
Quote:callmeMrTibbs
I'm hearing tonight's games rescheduled, others going ahead. (?)
Yes tweet from Chris Foy
“ Breaking: Tonight’s Prem rugby games to be rescheduled. Rest going ahead.”
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:09:12:00:17 by CoochieCoo.
Quote:Susanne
Premiership site shows the Saints' game postponed, although as they say it's Saints v Sarries not sure how clever they are being!
I'm with you Tom, don't think they should be cancelled for the reasons you articulate so well. However, if you take the maxim that funerals are for the living and not the dead, there are a lot6of people for whom this is momentous and maybe as a society we need to respect that.
Yes it was last nights little cup game Susanne rather than their first Perm game which is agains Quins on the 17th (they had a bye 1st round).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:CoochieCooQuote:callmeMrTibbs
I'm hearing tonight's games rescheduled, others going ahead. (?)
Yes tweet from Chris Foy
“ Breaking: Tonight’s Prem rugby games to be rescheduled. Rest going ahead.”
Seems the most bizarre option of all available.
Rescheduled to later in the weekend?
Just don't understand that decision to postpone tonight but play over the rest of the weekend.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:09:12:07:27 by charlieboa.
Quote:callmeMrTibbs
I'm hearing tonight's games rescheduled, others going ahead. (?)
Well that would certainly feed into their lack of consistency. Personally I think it should all go ahead and agree with Tom's very well articulated reasoning. But if they do postpone it should be all the first round, otherwise the 4 teams that are affected are at an increased disadvantage when trying to fit these 2 games back into a busy season. Postponing games one day into 10 days mourning and not 2 or 3 days doesn't make sense to me.
Bizarre.
If we have to fit the game in midweek for example that's a huge disadvantage
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH 2022
Bristol Bears can confirm that tonight’s Gallagher Premiership clash with Bath Rugby has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 10th (5.30pm KO).
Following the decision from the Premiership Rugby Board to postpone Friday night fixtures, tickets for Friday night remain valid for the rescheduled date.
The occasion will pay tribute to the memory of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.
Further information to match purchasers will be communicated shortly. We thank supporters for their continued patience.
We continue to send our thoughts and condolences to The Royal Family at the loss of Her Majesty.
Match ticket purchasers who cannot attend the rearranged fixture and require a refund should complete the following steps:
Email 'matchticketrefund@bristol-sport.co.uk'
Include the ticket purchaser’s name
Include the Supporter I.D or Transaction I.D which can be found on your confirmation email or match ticket
Refunds will be processed back to the original payment card within 7 working days
The cut off to claim your match ticket refund is 10pm Friday, September 9th
(doesn't give you much time to claim the refund if you haven't already seen the news and / or are travelling)
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:09:12:53:12 by BathMatt53.
Quote:by
Game rescheduled to be played tomorrow evening now.
Are there still tickets? I can go now.
J
As per usual though those in charge of rugby have come across as lacking any real leadership.
Is the game going to be on BT sport still do we know?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Where did this silly idea of clapping come from, is it just an extension of people nowadays just not being able to tolerate silence? It seems a more suitable end to a pop song, not the life of the Queen.
Quote:It has come from football and the given reason is that it celebrates someone's life. I'm sure that the real reason is that it makes booing within a minutes silence less obvious though. I don't find clapping helps you to reflect at all, and don't really like it.warrenball
Where did this silly idea of clapping come from, is it just an extension of people nowadays just not being able to tolerate silence? It seems a more suitable end to a pop song, not the life of the Queen.
I always find the events before the remembrance day game very poignant and make me think about the sacrifices that people have made for us.
I am not really a monarchist and for me going to the rugby and observing a well done tribute to the queen amongst a crowd of people is more than I would otherwise probably do, and so whilst I understand for some that playing sport is disrespectful, for me it gives people a chance to come together and pay respects in a way that they might otherwise not have done
Quote:Trawling
BT Sport have the game on their schedule for tomorrow evening.
BathRugby states on Twitter
“ Hi Henry, the match will no longer be on BT Sport.”
Quote:BathMatt53
Yes whatever your views it seems odd that to play tonight would have been disrespectful but to play tomorrow is perfectly acceptable. Very disruptive to a lot of fans but for no obvious benefit to the memory of Her Majesty that I can see.
This
"Bristol understood to be pretty hacked off at having to reschedule their game. They argued the case to play tonight but were outvoted in the board meeting, a decision that could cost them up to £200k"
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
Quote:charlieboa
If it isn't on bt do I get the opportunity to spend even more money watching on prl TV?
PRTV seems to suggest it's still on BT Sport, though BT Sport themselves don't appear to know as it isn't on any of their schedules yet.
Quote:Bathmatt53
t seems odd that to play tonight would have been disrespectful but to play tomorrow is perfectly acceptable.
What a shambles. A whole bunch of unnecessary inconvenience with no discernible benefit.
Quote:charlieboa
If it isn't on bt do I get the opportunity to spend even more money watching on prl TV?
No Lewis Hancock has confirmed not on Prtv either!
Seems to be have been handled fairly shambolically all round and the fans are messed around for no real benefit in my view.
Not sure why it wasn't a simple 'leave the weekend schedule' alone' or ' postpone whole weekend schedule'. Either of which I would have been absolutely fine with.
I am clearly missing the point on why its not OK to play today but fine to play tomorrow - seems to be the case for the cricket and racing as well.
Championship rugby games are on this eve I think?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:09:14:45:57 by charlieboa.
Quote:ilovebathtimeQuote:It has come from football and the given reason is that it celebrates someone's lifewarrenball
Where did this silly idea of clapping come from, is it just an extension of people nowadays just not being able to tolerate silence? It seems a more suitable end to a pop song, not the life of the Queen.
The first instance of this that I remember was when George Best died, and I thought it was pretty fantastic. I still think it's great in many instances - and I would guess that generally speaking it is a result of the family's expressed preference - against which, I would say, it's hard to argue.
Quote:The Bear
This has not been handled well. Postponing at short notice, postponing for only 1 day and then remove alternative ways to watch the game. Very poor of Prem Rugby.
Whether its PR or the RFU its not the only instance of rugby being out of touch I'm afraid remember the homophobia delay before they decided it was wrong? More recently cutting the international rest period just feels like exploiting the debut of Genge rather than giving him some time off.
I'm struck by the players with EOD stating that despite wanting to play they feel they should have been protected by the authorities.

"Originally scheduled as a live BT Sport match, a lack of broadcast trucks and staffing issues has meant the fixture will now be covered by one camera. It also means there will be no PRTV Live coverage."
Surely with there being no football on this weekend there should be a lot of broadcast trucks and staff available to work on it?
Quote:shipwrecked
Whether its PR or the RFU...
Looks like the club's with Sat/Sun games voted to postpone the Friday games...
Quote:The Times
It is understood board members whose clubs were not in action tonight voted to postpone the games as a mark of respect. Bristol could lose up to £200,000 as a consequence. Sale will also be hit financially by the decision.
Quote:by
Championship rugby goes ahead though, very very strange.
That suggests that it is a Premiership Rugby and not an RFU decision.
I think those that voted to postpone by a day should be sharing the cost of doing so. It's all very easy to take a position when it is not your income at stake.
If Bristol and Bath wanted to play and there was no firm directive that they shouldn't, what to be honest has it got to do with the other clubs. If the other clubs felt that strongly then they would have voted to cancel their fixtures tomorrow. If they had then I would have less of an issue with it
Quote:The BearQuote:shipwrecked
Whether its PR or the RFU...
Looks like the club's with Sat/Sun games voted to postpone the Friday games...
Quote:The Times
It is understood board members whose clubs were not in action tonight voted to postpone the games as a mark of respect. Bristol could lose up to £200,000 as a consequence. Sale will also be hit financially by the decision.
I bet they did.
Apparently no tmo tomorrow so let's hope nothing vaguely controversial happens. Tbf they had a tmo at this fixture last season and the officials still managed to balls up every major decision
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:09:16:55:33 by charlieboa.
Quote:The Bear
The Telegraph article has a different slant. They suggest the RFU had agreed for the match to go ahead but two Prem clubs not involved in Friday's game objected and that because Prem Rugby couldn't get unanimity they decide to postpone the games. Kind of overshadows the respect they were planning to show in a fashion that only Prem Rugby could manage.
Pretty much the whole sporting calendar is cancelled for this weekend so rugby has badly misjudged the situation. The powers that be have made a mess of things once again.
Although it won't favour some teams, postponing is the right thing to do. Not much different to a frozen pitch or flooding, both events that have affected Bath in the past.
I am sorry that it means some can't make the game now and it could have been handled better, it feels unfair, but some things are more important.
Quote:B4thB4ck
I may be in a minority posting today but I am glad the game is not being played. The football is all off and I don't want this sport to be held in a bad light by media sound bites making comparisons.
But rugby isn't off, just today's not saturday/Sunday and the comparison you wanted to avoid is still able to made. Therefore what purpose has it served?
Quote:RinkadinkQuote:B4thB4ck
I may be in a minority posting today but I am glad the game is not being played. The football is all off and I don't want this sport to be held in a bad light by media sound bites making comparisons.
But rugby isn't off, just today's not saturday/Sunday and the comparison you wanted to avoid is still able to made. Therefore what purpose has it served?
As I said, it could have been handled better, probably by doing what football has done. I am only saying I am glad they are not playing tonight. Last nights football was unavoidable, the players were probably warming up when the announcements were still getting heard. To play tonight would have been pretty crass IMO.
Going to be more chaos next weekend when they have to rearrange fixtures that fall on the funeral.
Quote:B4thB4ck
I may be in a minority posting today but I am glad the game is not being played. The football is all off and I don't want this sport to be held in a bad light by media sound bites making comparisons.
Although it won't favour some teams, postponing is the right thing to do. Not much different to a frozen pitch or flooding, both events that have affected Bath in the past.
I am sorry that it means some can't make the game now and it could have been handled better, it feels unfair, but some things are more important.
+1
Does make it easy to not care that much about the results this weekend though.
[www.bathrugby.com]
But “ The club will cover the match at Ashton Gate via its Match Centre and social media channels.”
Disappointing that they have ended up with this solution. Even a single camera via PRTV would have been something.
Quote:B4thB4ckQuote:RinkadinkQuote:B4thB4ck
I may be in a minority posting today but I am glad the game is not being played. The football is all off and I don't want this sport to be held in a bad light by media sound bites making comparisons.
But rugby isn't off, just today's not saturday/Sunday and the comparison you wanted to avoid is still able to made. Therefore what purpose has it served?
As I said, it could have been handled better, probably by doing what football has done. I am only saying I am glad they are not playing tonight. Last nights football was unavoidable, the players were probably warming up when the announcements were still getting heard. To play tonight would have been pretty crass IMO.
So you're equally upset that tomorrow's games are going ahead, right?
Quote:B4thB4ck
I may be in a minority posting today but I am glad the game is not being played. The football is all off and I don't want this sport to be held in a bad light by media sound bites making comparisons.
Although it won't favour some teams, postponing is the right thing to do. Not much different to a frozen pitch or flooding, both events that have affected Bath in the past.
I am sorry that it means some can't make the game now and it could have been handled better, it feels unfair, but some things are more important.
+1 Agreed.

Quote:B4thB4ck
I may be in a minority posting today but I am glad the game is not being played. The football is all off and I don't want this sport to be held in a bad light by media sound bites making comparisons.
It is what it is and we'll all have to deal with it. But Prem rugby have made headlines and drawn negative attention onto themselves.
Also the implication that we should disadvantage certain fans to avoid headlines really goes to show where the power lies.
And, as others have said, it's only the beginning of the disruption.
Quote:RinkadinkQuote:B4thB4ckQuote:RinkadinkQuote:B4thB4ck
I may be in a minority posting today but I am glad the game is not being played. The football is all off and I don't want this sport to be held in a bad light by media sound bites making comparisons.
But rugby isn't off, just today's not saturday/Sunday and the comparison you wanted to avoid is still able to made. Therefore what purpose has it served?
As I said, it could have been handled better, probably by doing what football has done. I am only saying I am glad they are not playing tonight. Last nights football was unavoidable, the players were probably warming up when the announcements were still getting heard. To play tonight would have been pretty crass IMO.
So you're equally upset that tomorrow's games are going ahead, right?
That's a pretty daft comment, why on earth make an argument out of all this, its about personal choice!

Quote:RinkadinkQuote:B4thB4ckQuote:RinkadinkQuote:B4thB4ck
I may be in a minority posting today but I am glad the game is not being played. The football is all off and I don't want this sport to be held in a bad light by media sound bites making comparisons.
But rugby isn't off, just today's not saturday/Sunday and the comparison you wanted to avoid is still able to made. Therefore what purpose has it served?
As I said, it could have been handled better, probably by doing what football has done. I am only saying I am glad they are not playing tonight. Last nights football was unavoidable, the players were probably warming up when the announcements were still getting heard. To play tonight would have been pretty crass IMO.
So you're equally upset that tomorrow's games are going ahead, right?
I detect being drawn into a unedifying argument! I refer the honourable gentleman (?) to the answer I gave before (....some things are more important....)
But yes, it would have been more equal to call off the weekend.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:hasta
If they choose to postpone, they choose to postpone. If they do so in such an incompetent way that they can't even have a TMO then I have problem with it. Postpone it to later in the season.
The problem is when later in the season? There are no free weekends.
Quote:RinkadinkQuote:hasta
If they choose to postpone, they choose to postpone. If they do so in such an incompetent way that they can't even have a TMO then I have problem with it. Postpone it to later in the season.
The problem is when later in the season? There are no free weekends.
I'm sure that a weekend will become free at some point. I guess it depends on progress in the little domestic cup and little euro cup for both teams. I'm with Hasta, the solution that they have gone for (and the lateness that they came up with it) seems sub-optimal at best.
This is interesting:
[www.bbc.co.uk]
"This has been a difficult decision - we have taken into account the desire expressed by players and clubs at community level to come together to share their grief, and to celebrate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II"
This is also the view taken by my club and many others.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:09:19:58:20 by BathMatt53.
Unquestionably the weekends games should have been postponed, but in the event of it going ahead it would be nice to know why Bath Rugby agreed to this? And why can they not have a video feed? There are plenty of men and equipment that could put a live feed together if the clubs really wanted it - another slap in the face of supporters of both clubs.
If you are going to postpone, at least postpone properly so effective alternative arrangements can be made, not in such a half-a$$ed way as could possibly be conceived.
PRL is a joke.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Only Prem Rugby could conclude a partial postponement is better than a full one or none at all. Only Prem Rugby would happily disadvantage some fan bases and not others.
It's darkly humorous and, no doubt, they'll just cite external circumstances for their incompetence. But this could, and should, have been handled differently.
Quote:And they accuse the RFU of being incompetent amateurs!joethefanatic
PRL is a joke.
RAEBURN SHIELD
we shall see later !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:Having a TMO last season didn’t prevent several bad decisions being made the had a profound effect on the result favouring the home side!Old Bath Tub
No TMO .......is that going to favour the home side ?we shall see later !
This just feels like more evidence in the case that Premiership Rugby needs a total rebuild of the way it is run and managed.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:10:10:03:03 by dcsh.
Quote:dcshQuote:Having a TMO last season didn’t prevent several bad decisions being made the had a profound effect on the result which favoured the home side!Old Bath Tub
No TMO .......is that going to favour the home side ?we shall see later !
Indeed- truly dreadful officiating in that game. We scored some lovely tries in that match. Felt like a breakout game for landy and mojo.
It is nuts though- none of the players or officials will have been involved in a meaningful game with no tmo. Totally unknown territory these days and pretty farcical how we have got here IMHO.
Lack of TV coverage bit of a joke aslo....saying that there were times last season where a TV blackout would have been fantastic news!
Might have a listen on the radio personally
Either postpone it and do so to a time when it can be properly rescheduled or don't.
As a 'soft' republican I get and respect the views that many people want quiet time to pay respects and do their reflection/mourning thing. In which case postpone, fine with me
Or don't and the match is then an opportunity for those people who want to express their emotions, respects etc and come together with other like-minded people
Either way doing it in such an incompetent way is hardly a mark of respect
Quote:by
We’ll have to agree to disagree on that one.
Going to be more chaos next weekend when they have to rearrange fixtures that fall on the funeral.
I’m taking it as the King announcing a Bank Holiday that the funeral will be Monday the 19th. So absolutely no way the game on the 17th vs Sale should be cancelled.
J
Quote:ChippenhamRomanQuote:by
We’ll have to agree to disagree on that one.
Going to be more chaos next weekend when they have to rearrange fixtures that fall on the funeral.
I’m taking it as the King announcing a Bank Holiday that the funeral will be Monday the 19th. So absolutely no way the game on the 17th vs Sale should be cancelled.
J
Indeed, should go ahead.
It will take a while to get used to referring to a King. Looks odd just seeing it written in this post and will seem even odder still the next time the national anthem is sung. I feel no special affinity with Her Majesty but everything feels oddly displaced. She was a constant in an ever changing world and her absence will take a while to get used too.
No issue with the game being postponed. Just take issue with the PRL using it as an excuse to demonstrate once again their blinding incompetence. She was 96 years old for goodness sake, surely they could have had a plan prepared.
Not exactly a dream start to the season…
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Sounds like we are fronting up where we can but still a way off a concise unit. I guess it’s to be expected but will get there as the season progresses our systems become second nature and our internationals come in to the squad.
Stretcher out for Obano (but walking off), Cloete out after 10 mins. Echoes of last season.
J
Quote:ChippenhamRoman
Beno doesn’t look good. Looks like his knee again.
J
Is this the knee that was injured at a high intensity England training camp a couple of seasons ago?
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Quote:Old Bath Tub
No TMO .......is that going to favour the home side ?we shall see later !
FARCE !!! No surprise 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
Who would have thought no tmo would have an influence....oh yeah, all of us before the game....
Sounds like basics much improved but same issues as last season in terms of terrible luck with injuries and crazy lack of discipline. We must be one of the few clubs whose players get in trouble multiple times when not even playing at the time!
I was hoping for a calmer dare I say more boring season, one where we won a few and lost a few. Looks like little chance of that.
Not sure about the option of Orlando bloom on the bench (according to coochie on radio bris)
Quote:Old Bath TubQuote:RampantQuote:gaz59
Surprised that Dunn got the nod to start. Against Jersey the lineout was rock solid with Annett throwing in. Dunn came on and we immediately lost/fumbled a couple
Perhaps it is more about what he does around the pitch
For me, Dunn is a more aggressive scrummager as well as giving us more artillery in the carry.
We are going to need that against Genge
Don't worry about Ellis Genge he'll be one Carley's Cards before half-time !!![]()
More to come ?

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
Whatever happens, chuffed with this effort thus far. Not sure if our forwards have it in em to hold out, given the injuries, but they’ve certainly fronted up and put some pride back in the shirt.
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Gallagher now injured. Orlando on.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:10:19:19:30 by CoochieCoo.
Sounds like two try attempts by us which the TMO could have helped with and we were awarded one so about right.
Seems only Dunn is allowed to tackle Genge who’s in for his second while we were caught sleeping. 24-26 with 7 to go. FFS.
Sounds like any doubts Attwood might have had have been niggled out of him by his old team mates. Someone needs to tell Coochie that he would have stayed if Bristol hadn’t messed up their admin.
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!
I guess better than I expected and a lot to build on. Just gutted over the injuries.
Coochie clearly happy for the win for his team.
Still, wherever we are in ‘our journey’, we should’ve closed that out. Gutting.
Lots of things sounded like they were improved from last season.
Same old though in terms of defence (5 tries, some of them sounding v soft), 5 injuries and finding a way to lose.
Real, real concerns with the injuries. That’s 3 of our top players, all sound as though they’ll be out for an extended period of time.
Quote:OutsideBath
Did we pickup any serious injuries?
Yes.
Cloete out in the first 10 minutes, with a nasty ankle injury.
Obano went 10 minutes later, coms reckoned he’s blown his knee again.
Jaco Coetzee out around 65 minutes. Didn’t hear what he had injured but radio reckoned it was a significant injury.
Gallagher and Jonker both went off and presumably failed their HIAs. Radio said Jonker was holding his shoulder so could be a longer spell out if true.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:10:19:44:26 by by.
Quote:OutsideBath
Did we pickup any serious injuries?
Stretcher brought on for Obano but he managed to limp off, I think he is our biggest worry tonight. Don't know about the others yet...
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Quote:The Bear
Do we even get highlights?
There was no TV coverage was there, so how would there be highlights?
Quote:The Bear
Do we even get highlights?
I thought I read that there will be highlights and the replay will be available on the PRTV site tomorrow. All coverage will just have been from 1 camera.
Quote:byQuote:OutsideBath
Did we pickup any serious injuries?
Yes.
Cloete out in the first 10 minutes, with a nasty ankle injury.
Obano went 10 minutes later, coms reckoned he’s blown his knee again.
Jaco Coetzee out around 65 minutes. Didn’t hear what he had injured but radio reckoned it was a significant injury.
Gallagher and Jonker both went off and presumably failed their HIAs. Radio said Jonker was holding his shoulder so could be a longer spell out if true.
So no change in luck for Bath then.. 🙁
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:byQuote:OutsideBath
Did we pickup any serious injuries?
Yes.
Cloete out in the first 10 minutes, with a nasty ankle injury.
Obano went 10 minutes later, coms reckoned he’s blown his knee again.
Jaco Coetzee out around 65 minutes. Didn’t hear what he had injured but radio reckoned it was a significant injury.
Gallagher and Jonker both went off and presumably failed their HIAs. Radio said Jonker was holding his shoulder so could be a longer spell out if true.
So no change in luck for Bath then.. 🙁
No it’s concerning. Last season started with lengthly injuries to Spencer and Cipriani. Hopefully we’ll fair better with our increased depth, but still not great to see 3 of our best players go down in the first round.
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. Fail to deliver a genuine concensus decision on what should happen and do so in way which allows the mechanics of that decision to be leaked to the media. Apparently including the facts that the Saints players were already on the coach to Sale when a decision was made and that two sets of match officials found out at the same time we did.
2. Make the decision but fail to announce that the clubs directly affected will be compensated.
3.Pretend to defend some commercial/competitive high ground when it comes to ground capacity/finance but completely fail to hold a line when it comes to player welfare(if a player says he wants to put himself in danger that's fine); officiating (no requirement to have a full set of angles for a TMO); the paying public(can't watch the game even by paying for a live stream).
It's a Mickey Mouse league.
If Briz are genuinely 200k down on the game good luck to them for winning.
JvG was never going to flick a switch and all would be fine, dandy and we’d be winning away from home in local derbies. He’s said as much himself. Sure, we got some injuries tonight but we’ll be welcoming back some class and depth in the next week or two. Gutted to lose, yes, but, on reflection, heartened by 95% of that performance.
As an aside- Interesting to see a photo on Twitter of JvG, Bruce and Flouw on the touchline post game. Wonder if Flouw is just there as a spectator?!
Quote:OutsideBath
Did we pickup any serious injuries?
If Obano has done his knee again it could well be career ending.
I’d be a lot more positive had we not had the injuries we suffered happen today.
Anyways I’m still gutted that as fans we were robbed of watching the game live due to the complete shambles which occurred yesterday.
I thought Bath were very good tonight, really deserved the win and i think it will come. A much better performance than last years but they need to back it up next week.
Personally think the drop off from beno is significant so that is a huge blow, coetzee cannot string 2 games together, cloete injured on prem debut.... it gets a bit demoralising.
In terms of individual pluses aranas sounded rock solid, dunn sounded back on song, attwood made the pack more solid in combo with mcnally and we stole some lineouts, francis kicked well and ghw did some good bits in defence.
Nice to hear the scrum was fine against englands props and that we can actually survived a few mauls defensively and cause some damage with them in attack.
All in all if there has been no serious injuries it would have been a positive night despite finding a way to lose. They need to change that losing habit as we started last season like a half decent team whose confidence got eroded by continual losses , the first few being v close and unlucky
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:10:21:18:23 by charlieboa.
Quote:ollyshep
I was sat very close to the Bath bench and Obano was in serious pain. I believe he will now retire, this will be his 3rd serious knee injury.
I thought Bath were very good tonight, really deserved the win and i think it will come. A much better performance than last years but they need to back it up next week.
I was at the back of the stand and you could see his gritted teeth. Not nice.
J
Quote:charlieboa
Elements of the performance sounded v encouraging but the injuries are a major concern. Also concerning we conceded 5 tries after a summer focusing on defence but was always likely to take time for that to bed in. The discipline is infuriating- annett comes in and his first act is to get sent off without even playing. Crazy. Sure dunn did something similarly daft last season when off the pitch.
Personally think the drop off from beno is significant so that is a huge blow, coetzee cannot string 2 games together, cloete injured on prem debut.... it gets a bit demoralising.
In terms of individual pluses aranas sounded rock solid, dunn sounded back on song, attwood made the pack more solid in combo with mcnally and we stole some lineouts, francis kicked well and ghw did some good bits in defence.
Nice to hear the scrum was fine against englands props and that we can actually survived a few mauls defensively and cause some damage with them in attack.
All in all if there has been no serious injuries it would have been a positive night despite finding a way to lose. They need to change that losing habit as we started last season like a half decent team whose confidence got eroded by continual losses , the first few being v close and unlucky
Yes, very much like the way we started last season before it all fell apart. A lot of areas seem to have been addressed but if errors are made & lapses occur at this level you don’t win matches & confidence erodes. We have to win next week I feel.
I only got scores on my newsflash thingy, but was pleased with the result. That was Bristol we were playing fgs. Very very much closer than the final close score suggests. Well done Bath Boys. Don't take any notice of the over analyticalists.
Quote:annie blackthorn
Goodness again ................................ what short memories many of you have. Moan moan moan. Last season we would have been incredulous jumping with joy at that result.
I only got scores on my newsflash thingy, but was pleased with the result. That was Bristol we were playing fgs. Very very much closer than the final close score suggests. Well done Bath Boys. Don't take any notice of the over analyticalists.
We lost 20-25 to them last season & they ended up 10th!
It seems our passivity and lack of concentration at the end of tight game remains and we could really do with holding on to one just to build belief.
It's a shame a good game was overshadowed by regulation oddities (Genge playing, no TMO etc.) and we'll played Bristol but it definitely isn't a game the fans should have been deprived of.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:hasta
WOW. Both Genge tries are really, really poor. The second one is an abomination. We should have won that.
Both are awful. Really sort. But definite signs of green shoots. Telegraph reports us having by far the more dominant pack. I don't think anyone said thatsst season at any point.
Quote:RokobillyQuote:hasta
WOW. Both Genge tries are really, really poor. The second one is an abomination. We should have won that.
Both are awful. Really sort. But definite signs of green shoots. Telegraph reports us having by far the more dominant pack. I don't think anyone said thatsst season at any point.
Let's see how dominant our pack is next week when we'll be missing Obano, Annett, Stuart, Rae, Jonker, Ewels, Cloete, Underhill and Coetzee.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:11:07:35:57 by Malco.
Quote:MalcoQuote:RokobillyQuote:hasta
WOW. Both Genge tries are really, really poor. The second one is an abomination. We should have won that.
Both are awful. Really sort. But definite signs of green shoots. Telegraph reports us having by far the more dominant pack. I don't think anyone said thatsst season at any point.
Let's see how dominant our pack is next week when we'll be missing Obano, Annett, Stuart, Jonker, Ewels, Cloete, Underhill and Coetzee.
Agree the injuries and suspension are a huge blow game one but v nice to read we dominated the tight exchanges.
Saying that we have spoken about the improved depth and this is an early test.
A pack of boyce, dunn, aranas, attwood, mcnally, richards, rdc, bayliss still looks decent to me.
They may also relook at whether to rest stuart and underhill for another week now I guess.
The beno injury is a huge blow. We are well equipped to cope with setbacks in the backrow but losing out and out specialists is far harder to cover
Beno- was his acl last year same knee as eng training injury? Was it definitely knee again? Same knee? Hoping it could be something painful but less serious (acl not always that painful)- live in hope for the poor bloke.
Annett- imagine he will cop a decent ban for his stupidity.
Cloete- did it look like rolled ankle/ligaments?
Coetzee- was that again rolled ankle/ligaments?
Jonker- hia but possible shoulder injury as well?
Gallagher- hia?
After all the talk of focusing on physical prep of players to manage down injury rates and on improving discipline I think it will have been a chastening day for jvg and team.
As above I think we have better depth this season and sounds like schoeman, rae, reid, ellis, muir, rmc not far away at all now (in fact most available)
Quote:hasta
WOW. Both Genge tries are really, really poor. The second one is an abomination. We should have won that.
Yeah, some of my positivity drained away watching thos highlights tbh.
The 2 genge tries were genuinely embarrassing. I know he is a cheeky chap, with good explosive pace for a prop etc etc but come on.....
I wouldn't fancy meeting up with jpf tomorrow morning who is on record as saying he can be pretty brutal in his analysis.
Redpath was being a bit of an idiot to lead the fracas that caused annett for be sent off so limiter sympathy there.
Hadn't realised the winning try maul was from 15 metres out!
One positive was benos carrying , that sadly we prob won't see again for ages!
Nice carries from some other guys Inc dunn and rdc who continues to exceed expectations and look a real asset.
Aranas is a big boy!
Decent effort by francis at the end - 40 yds out and didn't miss by much.
Lovely try by spencer- if he could make regular breaks he really becomes all round top drawer 9.
In summary it's better to have massively improved basics and make a few crazy errors leading to a loss than to still have no foundation at all. Frustrating though!
Quote:MalcoQuote:RokobillyQuote:hasta
WOW. Both Genge tries are really, really poor. The second one is an abomination. We should have won that.
Both are awful. Really sort. But definite signs of green shoots. Telegraph reports us having by far the more dominant pack. I don't think anyone said thatsst season at any point.
Let's see how dominant our pack is next week when we'll be missing Obano, Annett, Stuart, Rae, Jonker, Ewels, Cloete, Underhill and Coetzee.
Fair point, Malco. I was trying to be glass half-full on the first Sunday morning of the season having spent most of last year smashing the glass into smithereens in anger.
Quote:Malco
Let's see how dominant our pack is next week when we'll be missing Obano, Annett, Stuart, Rae, Jonker, Ewels, Cloete, Underhill and Coetzee.
So the pack did well with only Obano (played 20 mins), Jonker (Sub played 2 mins), Cloete (played 7 mins) and Coetzee (played 53 mins) involved from that selection. Annett, Stuart, Rae, Ewels, Underhill not involved. As such, in that entire group only 81 mins were on the pitch combined. Yes its a huge blow to have the injuries but I wouldn't take that as an indication that they will necessarily go backwards next match.
Fingers crossed for Obano, that the last thing the lad needs after the last couple of years. If it's as bad as it sounds I am fearful for the future - lets hope its not.
I would have taken a 2 point loss and 2 points on the table before the match. Let's hope that they can keep it up against a tough Sale side.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Beno, well here's hoping.
On the cards thing, well at least it shows they are fired up for one another!

So IMO it's not just about entertaining for the sake of it, it's also about being unpredictable and creating the space out wide that the forwards can create. The kicks from Spencer also led to a lot of dangerous counter attack from Bristol.
Yes Bristol's weakness to exploit did look to be up front but that doesn't mean you forget to use your backs.
Hopefully the game plan will develop but the moans from Munster fans and ex-players suggest maybe not too much. Here's hoping JvG learns from that.
Cloete looked like he hurt his knee on the side but tried to play on. Hopefully its isnt too serious, leg wasnt in a brace at the end of the game and didnt have ice on his knee.
Coetzee looked to have been either knocked out or replaced as he was tired. He walked off the pitch looking a bit groggy and the medics didnt see to him once he sat on the bench.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:11:12:53:33 by ollyshep.
[video.premiershiprugby.com]
RAEBURN SHIELD
Quote:hasta
I think a red card is an automatic one match ban. We'll see. His immediate contrition might help there. Not sure his record.
Bris supporter here. From the highlights it looked to me like he was trying to calm things down. Not sure if red card is automatic for interfering as a sub, but thought it was harsh.
Quote:hasta
I think a red card is an automatic one match ban. We'll see. His immediate contrition might help there. Not sure his record.
What was the card actually for? On the highlights it is clear he ran across to get involved and obviously shouldn't but there didn't seem to be anything dangerous in his contact
I really hope your injuries aren't too bad, best wishes to all for full and speedy recoveries. A couple didn't look good but let's all hope for the best.
I wasn't sure about your signing Francis as he's had fairly significant concussion issues but he and Spencer played very well. I thought Attwood looked good on his return too.
Quote:Surely the first Genge try was from a forward pass by Sinckler, would have been picked up by TMO, makes no sense no me playing without one!hasta
WOW. Both Genge tries are really, really poor. The second one is an abomination. We should have won that.
Quote:beastieboyQuote:Surely the first Genge try was from a forward pass by Sinckler, would have been picked up by TMO, makes no sense no me playing without one!hasta
WOW. Both Genge tries are really, really poor. The second one is an abomination. We should have won that.
Cooch mentioned the forward pass in commentary and as I said before either all matches should be played with a TMO or all without. It seems to me that unless we have consistency in all matches there is not a level playing field.
Quote:gaz59Quote:hasta
I think a red card is an automatic one match ban. We'll see. His immediate contrition might help there. Not sure his record.
What was the card actually for? On the highlights it is clear he ran across to get involved and obviously shouldn't but there didn't seem to be anything dangerous in his contact
You arent allowed to enter the field and get involved if you are not actually playing hence the red card. He didnt do anything apart from grab some Bristol players by the shirt.
Also, several issues referred to TMO in the glaws game that may well have been different had there been no TMO. One try that was given on overturning ref's on field decision
Quote:gaz59
Def agree CC. There was also something that Chilcot picked up - said to be illegal stuff on Dave Attwood that would have ruled out one try if there had been a TMO
Also, several issues referred to TMO in the glaws game that may well have been different had there been no TMO. One try that was given on overturning ref's on field decision
Yes he stated that there was foul play on Attwood by two Briz players which involved his scrum cap being pulled off.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:11:20:12:17 by Malco.
Does anyone know how long Reid is out for ?
It is plain wrong to have one match with no TMO and all the others with one. That is not a level playing field and totally unfair on both Bristol and Bath.


Quote:shipwrecked
Bit misleading as for some reason you've drawn a trajectory from Sinckler's back, obviously he didn't pass from there.
Ball is in line with Sinckler's hands so we know why you didn't draw it from there.
Fancy circling the grounding of the ball on the one ref called held up, whilst you're feeling motivated?
Quote:RinkadinkQuote:shipwrecked
Bit misleading as for some reason you've drawn a trajectory from Sinckler's back, obviously he didn't pass from there.
Ball is in line with Sinckler's hands so we know why you didn't draw it from there.![]()
Fancy circling the grounding of the ball on the one ref called held up, whilst you're feeling motivated?
So are you saying its not a forward pass then? The lines are on the pitch for goodness sake.

Quote:Malco
I'm cynical enough to think that if the game involved Saracens, Harlequins or Leicester it would never have taken place without a TMO.
I agree with this, no way that certain clubs would have been forced to play without a TMO. Sadly Bath are not afforded such special treatment.
The shambles this weekend proves those in charge at the PL are not fit for purpose.
Although, for what it's worth, I thought it was forward, but I wasn't quite in line with it.
And frankly the absence of a TMO made the game quicker. No endless breaks while the TMO says 'I'll get another angle mate' or says he is looking at potential foul play only to decide there wasn't any. Don't forget that incidents get reviewed and the officials still make incorrect decisions or that the TV cameras don't give clear evidence one way or the other. The absence of the 4th official was a positive in my, and many others, opinion
Quote:Dorset Boy
I thought Sinckler's pass to Genge was forward from the highlights, and Genge took his second, as a tap penalty some way in front of the mark.
If the D had been better on both scores it wouldn't even have been an issue. Doesn't matter now.
Agree with the comments above that playing without the correct referreing / TMO set-up wasn't fair on either team in a Premiership game - but we and the Bristol fans knew this as soon as the (ill judged in my view) 22 hour postponement was announced. Hopefully they now have some sort of written Policy for when other unexpected things happen in the future (assuming that someone who was 96 and in poor heath passing on is unexpected).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Gr@y_Lensman
And frankly the absence of a TMO made the game quicker.
Interesting perspective and also topical given VAR. But as Shearer says in that case, its not the VAR (or TMO) that is the issue, it's the way that it is applied / run. IMO TMO has got a lot better, only really stopping for exended periods when dangerous foul play or a dubious score. For the former I think that they should always be able to take as much time as they need, for the latter apply the 'clear and obvious' rule a bit more maybe.
I am definitely in the 'keep TMO' camp but maybe continue to refine it further.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Gr@y_Lensman
Go and look on YouTube for the illustration with lines across the pitch that shows absolutely clearly that a flat or backwards pass can be caught by a player 'in front'.
Although, for what it's worth, I thought it was forward, but I wasn't quite in line with it.
GL in this instance it doesn't apply as the circumstances were different, its history but thanks for being honest.

Incidentally can anyone tell me why Bath were penalised in the lead up to Bristol's last try at 1:34:30.
[video.premiershiprugby.com]
Ref saying man taken without the ball but must have been off camera?
It looked a bit late, but not horrendous.
The lack of a TMO didn't help and there should be consistency in the Premiership but that isn't the reason we lost.
Congratulations Bristol, savvy enough to benefit from our errors. Remember this in the reverse fixture.
Move on.
As for the Annett's red card he was a bit of a wally being sent off and deserves a ban. However for a player who's never played a Prem game for us and is on the bench and went over to standby his new team mates, that's the attitude and type of player I want in my team
Onwards and upwards
"It's all right, Andy! It's just bolognaise!"
The lack of a TMO didn't help and there should be consistency in the Premiership but that isn't the reason we lost.
Congratulations Bristol, savvy enough to benefit from our errors. Remember this in the reverse fixture.
Move on".
There have been other threads where you, Mr Malco, have not been agreement with an important person, me! However, this is spot on!!

Losing tight games is a v dangerous habit to get into and is exactly what started our probs last season.
It isn't a concern at this stage but if we lose a few more close ones then it could be v damaging to confidence and moral on the back of last season.
Winning on Saturday and it's largely put to bed so am feeling a bit frustrated despite the clear positives to be had. Just seemed like a great opportunity squandered.
Let's hope for a win on Saturday and I will allow myself to cheer up!
Lose against Sale at home and already 7th or 8th will look a very tough assignment
Quote:gaz59
Sale will be a very good test. To end up 7th or 8th we probably need to win all bar 3 or 4 max at home and win 3 or 4 away
Lose against Sale at home and already 7th or 8th will look a very tough assignment
Agreed.
Although I thought Butt played well, would be good if JJ is available against Sale. My guess is that JJ, RMC, Boyce? Richards and De Carpentier come into the starting 15. Cordwell possibly preferred over Schoeman on the bench (if fit) given how long he’s been out. Van Velze and Tonks on the bench as well.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:12:13:54:01 by by.
Quote:Malco
Look, we lost because we switched off in defence twice. That is the long and short of it. We had the best of the forward battle despite losing several important players. We had enough of the ball and enough opportunities to have won. We have nobody to blame for the score line but ourselves.
The lack of a TMO didn't help and there should be consistency in the Premiership but that isn't the reason we lost.
Congratulations Bristol, savvy enough to benefit from our errors. Remember this in the reverse fixture.
Move on.
+1
There were some doom mongers on Twitter saying the usual 'same old Bath' etc etc but this felt very different. Fairytale stuff for Genge but if we didn't switch off in those moments, that's a Bath win.
Our forwards - despite the injuries - were on top. I'm assuming that Attwood was blowing, but I do wonder what would've happened in that last line-out if he was still on the pitch.
Feel terrible for Beno, but you just know that's his season done. If it does prove to be the case, is there scope to draft in a replacement? The drop-off in class from him is quite noticeable.
Quote:Barfboy
Feel terrible for Beno, but you just know that's his season done. If it does prove to be the case, is there scope to draft in a replacement? The drop-off in class from him is quite noticeable.
Yes should be injury dispensation available in the cap but I have everything crossed that it looked worse than it is and the dispensation isn't needed.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
He has blown both knees previously and has missed almost the whole of each of the last two seasons. Missing a third season and having a second terrible injury to a knee is not going to be fixable.
Fingers crossed it turns out just to be a muscle or tendon and not a recurrence of the major ligament damage.
Quote:BarfboyQuote:Malco
Look, we lost because we switched off in defence twice. That is the long and short of it. We had the best of the forward battle despite losing several important players. We had enough of the ball and enough opportunities to have won. We have nobody to blame for the score line but ourselves.
The lack of a TMO didn't help and there should be consistency in the Premiership but that isn't the reason we lost.
Congratulations Bristol, savvy enough to benefit from our errors. Remember this in the reverse fixture.
Move on.
+1
There were some doom mongers on Twitter saying the usual 'same old Bath' etc etc but this felt very different. Fairytale stuff for Genge but if we didn't switch off in those moments, that's a Bath win.
Our forwards - despite the injuries - were on top. I'm assuming that Attwood was blowing, but I do wonder what would've happened in that last line-out if he was still on the pitch.
Feel terrible for Beno, but you just know that's his season done. If it does prove to be the case, is there scope to draft in a replacement? The drop-off in class from him is quite noticeable.
I apologise in advance if this post is going to come across as critical of the ref - but then, that's kinda the point of it.
Times on the PRL video, as obviously, there's no match clock
0:53 - forward pass from Sinckler to Genge, resulting in the first try to Genge. Ref is un-sighted as Bath's close defense rushes past him. It's a brilliant line, good hands from both, and identifies a slight dogleg in the Bath defense (which I'd put down to a lack of understanding between McNally and Cloete); but it's still forward, and a TMO would still likely have called that back.
4:00 - mess of collecting a high ball, Bath emerge with it - no idea what's going on from the 1 angle available. Ref is well positioned, but I suspect a TMO would have a look in the background whilst play continues.
6:52 - Bristol player runs into his own man before setting a ruck - immaterial, and nothing comes from it, but I'm amazed the ref doesn't even mention it. Probably more one for Bath's skipper to mention than the TMO.
12:00 - Bristol wing involving himself on the wrong side of a ruck - pretty sure the ref sees it and regards it as immaterial as the ball bobbles out, but is clean away from Spencer - may have been looked at as the recipient of Spencer's pass then has help from an offside man - ref allows both to go, but wonder if he'd have done the same if TMO had been there.
ETA: probably not, as ref has a word with McNally next time the ball goes dead. Obviously considered both to have been accidental and immaterial.
35:50 - Boyce carries into the tackle, and for my money, he gets his timing wrong to push the tackler off, and it becomes a forearm smash - I'd want a TMO to have a look at that. PRTV is not convenient for multiple watches though.
36:19 - Afters at a ruck, the ball is out, and the camera pans away, but an extra Genge is joining the ruck after the ball is gone, and has been called out - he should be helping his scrum half not bundling into the Bath man on the floor (it's Boyce with Genge and 2 other Bristol players, so I wonder if this is payback for 30 seconds earlier). This is exactly what a TMO is there for - foul play is happening, probably by both teams.
38:34 - Genge is choking Attwood in a maul, and emerges with Attwood's scrum cap as a prize - I like to think a TMO would have a word about that, but equally, I like to think Ellis wouldn't have tried it if a TMO had been there. But that's probably me showing why I'm a back, not a forward, Attwood himself doesn't seem particularly fussed about it.
38:51 - Brilliant by Bristol for Morahan's try. No way a TMO doesn't get involved in sorting out the scuffles. Annett trots across and gets involved, well deserving his red - It's stupid, but not the sort I'm unhappy about as a fan - he's helping his mate who's "fighting" 4 on his own, and doing so before the officials establish any control over things. I think this has been brewing since 35:50, and a stronger ref wouldn't have let it reach this point - a TMO would definitely have helped by looking at those 2 incidents 30 seconds apart.
43:54 - Another scuffle - well, 2 scuffles, and again, this is the point of the TMO - and again, this is happening because of weak reffing earlier - players are taking it into their own hands. HT can't come soon enough for the coaches to calm down their charges. TBH, a good long TMO review after the last one would have helped massively and allowed the captains to do so. Ref lays down the law, but it's simply too late.
And that's the half - overall impressions:
1. that Bath away kit is still utterly ghastly - mid-greys just never work.
2. First try, by Genge was brilliant play by Bristol, but it was still a forward pass - TMO would have picked it up. This is probably the only time a TMO would have made a difference on the score board.
3. Lack of TMO, coupled with a ref who wasn't really giving warnings to players to calm down, to not do that again etc etc allowed things to reach boiling point.
4. Once things have reached boiling point, teams just need a bit of time to calm down again, rather going straight at it again - a side-effect bonus of what would inevitably have been a lengthy TMO review of the first scuffle.
5. With a TMO, I think Boyce gives away a penalty and probably a yellow (or it's examined and found innocent) - and Bristol tempers don't flare at 36 minutes, and Bath tempers don't flare in response at 38 minutes.
6. General play, Bath maybe a bit better at going through the middle, Bristol better at going around. But then, we could have said as much from the team announcement. This is miles away from Bath of last season; but if we continue this style of play through the season, there's going to be a lot of bored spectators.
7. Very worried for Beno's health now.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:12:15:31:15 by Which Tyler.
This was a very different Bath performance and watching the bench and all non playing players throughout the game showed this is a different Bath squad to previous years. They seem far closer together and encouraging one another. If this continues we will have a good season no doubt.
Quote:Of course I have - it was the entire point of the post - with warning given in the first line so that no-one needed to waste their time by reading it if they didn't want to.ollyshep
to be honest I think you have over analysed the match which tyler.
RAEBURN SHIELD
1:18:00 - Bath get the ball over the line in the middle of another mess - normally, TMO would check that just in case, but I can't see a way for the ball to get to the ground, given the final carry. Try not given, and I doubt a TMO would have changed that, or taken long to reach the decision.
- Not TMO related - Gods that 2nd try for Genge - Bath were just switched off completely. I know we were tired, yes, I know he took it from 1m in front of the mark, but come on!
1:35:46 - Bristol this time get the ball over the line in the middle of a mess - As before, you'd expect a TMO review, from the one angle, I have no idea if try was good or not, but ref well positioned and a try certainly should have been scored. Try given.
TMO would have been involved the 2nd half, but I'm not convinced he would have changed anything.
General thoughts - much better fro Bath than last year, but still no particular invention, and moments of just switching off. Even the last try seemed like lazy maul defence - from someone who's never knowingly been involved in a maul.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Quote:Rich.
Thing is if Bris lost you'd have people saying that was because two players switched off and were fooled by Spencer and bought his dummy + a try which would have made for an interesting TMO decision.
The second Genge try was straight out of U10s rugby.
Slow it down, walk away with the ball. Drop it behind your feet and knock it away. Everything to allow your defence to get set. Was the front row not gibbing off to the Bristol players at the time. Forget about it. Focus on the job.
That gave them the boost they needed to win that game.
J
Quote:gaz59
Sale will be a very good test. To end up 7th or 8th we probably need to win all bar 3 or 4 max at home and win 3 or 4 away
Lose against Sale at home and already 7th or 8th will look a very tough assignment
We already have a ridiculous serious injury list so I think you can forget about top 8. Lady Luck will have to significantly change for Bath to make any progress.
Quote:OutsideBath
We already have a ridiculous serious injury list so I think you can forget about top 8.
I'm not sure we do really - yes we have a few but only Ewels, Rae and (hopefully not) Obano on the longer terms list. The first 2 of those have injury cover already.
We shouldn't forget the unavailabilty of internationals this year, in my mind this will have just as much effect as a few injuries.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
I actually thought Foley did a good job, with Bath tinted glasses on I could argue that Butt's card was wrong, Sheedy was the first arriving Bristol player and just pounced on him* before the tackle had completed.
And the lead up to Capon's try, I think Foley thought Capon was taken off the ball where actually it was a late tackle which you wouldn't normally see penalised. However I'm sure there were plenty of Bath infringements that were missed/didn't happen.
If Bath are going to be successful they can't put themselves in a position where a couple of bad referee decisions cause them to lose a game.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:09:12:18:47:53 by by.
He has blown both knees previously and has missed almost the whole of each of the last two seasons. Missing a third season and having a second terrible injury to a knee is not going to be fixable.
Fingers crossed it turns out just to be a muscle or tendon and not a recurrence of the major ligament damage.
[quote]
Offy injury update says it is unrelated to previous injuries so let's hope not too serious
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:gaz59
Sale will be a very good test. To end up 7th or 8th we probably need to win all bar 3 or 4 max at home and win 3 or 4 away
Lose against Sale at home and already 7th or 8th will look a very tough assignment
We already have a ridiculous serious injury list so I think you can forget about top 8. Lady Luck will have to significantly change for Bath to make any progress.
My nagging feeling is that least season Bristol were not very good (though obviously streets ahead of us). That was a game we could and perhaps, should have won against a team that kind of played into our hands a little bit. I'm not sure the opposition will get easier but I do trust JvG to deliver improvement.
Quote:by
I
If Bath are going to be successful they can't put themselves in a position where a couple of bad referee decisions cause them to lose a game.
I 100% agree. Decisions go both ways & we have to stop making excuses for our defeats. Bath’s soft
underbelly was exposed yet again yesterday & I was hoping that at least would have been addressed. I always thought that after the calamity of last season we had to come out of the blocks speedily rather than gradually improving. Against an average Bristol team we haven’t done that so it puts even more pressure on winning against Sale. Can we cope with the pressure without imploding. That is the question. Hopefully with JvG & his team in charge we can but we need to rebound quickly.
I am not going to argue about the result as history will show Bristol won and deserved it in all honesty, however it is incomprehensible to believe in professional sport that you play a game without the correct officials in place and I am shocked we consented to play in all honestly.
Genge is becoming very streetwise the fact he effectively "neckrolled" Attwood and tore his head gear off was clearly picked up and the assistant referee on that side needs to explain how he failed to see it only 5 metres from touch - but as the Genge comes round with Attwood he keeps the headgear close to Attwood's body hiding it from Foley's gaze - in the past we have always seen headgear ripped and thrown drawing the officials attention - Clever by Genge. Clever by Bristol they manipulated the fact the Assistant Officials are generally blind to everything despite being qualified - and the lack of a TMO and used it to their advantage - we need to be more streetwise. Well Played Bristol.
Personally I feel somewhat sorry for Foley - he is by no means a favourite official for Bath - however he was on a hiding to nothing without a TMO in a fierce local derby.
The clear forward pass for Genge's first try was missed - Sinckler's hands are clearly forward so the argument by Bristol fans as to whether Shipwrecked's line was "spirit level" correct is pointless.
The Attwood incident would have disallowed Morohan's try which was finished brilliantly and finally and being really pedantic Genge's 2nd try was not actually taken even near to Foley's mark but in front - it is minor but we have seen many a try or quick penalty taken in very similar positions pulled back.
There are many more instances where the TMO would have come in or be asked to adjudicate if available on both sides of the coin.
This really all comes down to consistency and in this modern day and professional arena you simply cannot play a Premiership rugby match without the correct officialdom in place and shows how far we actually are behind other sports such as football. As stated earlier maybe it is indicative of where both teams finished last season - would Tigers v Saints, Sarries v Quins be allowed to be played without a TMO and sufficient cameras - I think we all know the answer to that.
Quote:"There are obviously bumps and bruises but the game was slow, really slow for us as Bath slowed it all down."
Yes TMO should of been there but it wasn't so move on. I doubt they were forced to play without TMO and was probably spoken about when they where rearranging the game. Its irrelevant if other teams would of played without TMO both Bristol and Bath clearly choose to.
Quote:by
Typical LamQuote:"There are obviously bumps and bruises but the game was slow, really slow for us as Bath slowed it all down."
I take that as a complement By I don’t think we were capable of slowing opposition game plans last year, or for sometime 😉
Quote:Widcombe BoyQuote:by
Typical LamQuote:"There are obviously bumps and bruises but the game was slow, really slow for us as Bath slowed it all down."
I take that as a complement By I don’t think we were capable of slowing opposition game plans last year, or for sometime 😉
Surely every team sets out to slow down the ball when the opposition are in possession and to move it quickly when they have it? Some just do it better and differently than others
Quote:Bath Hammer
Matches were played without TMO’s in the past & it worked perfectly well just complying with the referee’s decisions. They go both ways & generally even themselves out. As for Bristol being one of the top teams this season we will have to wait & see but I fear we will have far tougher opponents as the season unfolds so we have to iron out our weaknesses to win against those teams.
Bath Hammer you are right however you cannot play some games with some games without because that gives an unfair advantage to the teams using the technology- If that game was played with a TMO at least 2 Bristol tries would have been disallowed and that would have given a different result.
The second element is that because TMO’s are used referees are trained and deal with things differently and are somewhat reliant on the technology and fail safe so I guess you could say have become de-skilled in certain aspects of refereeing,.
Quote:Ali1969
Bath Hammer you are right however you cannot play some games with some games without because that gives an unfair advantage to the teams using the technology- If that game was played with a TMO at least 2 Bristol tries would have been disallowed and that would have given a different result.
+1
Haven't watched the game so can't comment on the Bristol tries, but it's totally incompetent of those in charge to allow one match to go ahead without a TMO whilst all the others had a TMO.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Ali1969
Bath Hammer you are right however you cannot play some games with some games without because that gives an unfair advantage to the teams using the technology- If that game was played with a TMO at least 2 Bristol tries would have been disallowed and that would have given a different result.
+1
Haven't watched the game so can't comment on the Bristol tries, but it's totally incompetent of those in charge to allow one match to go ahead without a TMO whilst all the others had a TMO.
In the interests of balance I'm not sure that Dunn's try would have been given unless the call was 'any reason I cannot...'
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Ali1969
Bath Hammer you are right however you cannot play some games with some games without because that gives an unfair advantage to the teams using the technology- If that game was played with a TMO at least 2 Bristol tries would have been disallowed and that would have given a different result.
+1
Haven't watched the game so can't comment on the Bristol tries, but it's totally incompetent of those in charge to allow one match to go ahead without a TMO whilst all the others had a TMO.
In the interests of balance I'm not sure that Dunn's try would have been given unless the call was 'any reason I cannot...'
Not really commenting on the outcome as I doubt it will have much bearing on what will probably be the usual season of underachievement for Bath. It was more about the lack of competence and integrity shown by those in charge of the PL.
[quote]"There are obviously bumps and bruises but the game was slow, really slow for us as Bath slowed it all down."[/quote][/quote]
I take that as a complement By I don’t think we were capable of slowing opposition game plans last year, or for sometime 😉[/quote
Quite right WB - typical Bath
[quote]"There are obviously bumps and bruises but the game was slow, really slow for us as Bath slowed it all down."[/quote][/quote]
I take that as a complement By I don’t think we were capable of slowing opposition game plans last year, or for sometime 😉[/quote
Quite right WB - typical Bath[/quote]
😂
Widcombe Garçon
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Ali1969
Bath Hammer you are right however you cannot play some games with some games without because that gives an unfair advantage to the teams using the technology- If that game was played with a TMO at least 2 Bristol tries would have been disallowed and that would have given a different result.
+1
Haven't watched the game so can't comment on the Bristol tries, but it's totally incompetent of those in charge to allow one match to go ahead without a TMO whilst all the others had a TMO.
In the interests of balance I'm not sure that Dunn's try would have been given unless the call was 'any reason I cannot...'
Since the ref gave it as a try you would have to suppose that is exactly what he would have said to the TMO
Quote:Pat Lam: "There are obviously bumps and bruises but the game was slow, really slow for us as Bath slowed it all down."
Yes, how dare Bath slow the game down by having more possession... The very cheek of it!!!
Just watched the match and IMHO thought the officiating was quite poor (not that I expected anything BUT from Tom Foley!). Thought Briz got away with quite a bit of cynicism at the breakdown that probably would have been picked up & advised by the TMO, had there been one!!!
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!
