PRIDE AND PERFORMANCE PLEASE. BATH V EXETER CHIEFS

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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:04:12:20:23:08 by P G Tips.

Great summary PG.
Weather forecast does look good so would be great to see some positive, expansive rugby. Would love to see Redpath on song.
The players have had a breather and some time together so here's hoping...

Article title says it all for me, thank you PG

Great summary, PG. Perfectly put.

The lack of interest in the match thread (granted, it's only Wednesday) speaks volumes. Usually, on a game week, we'd be piling in with team and tactical suggestions. The apathy amongst even the ere faithful is deafening.

As ever, the optimist in me thinks, at home, we've a chance. I see a picture of Ewels was used in the preview on the website – obviously, the picture was taken from the 2019 win, but wonder if he might be back in the mix? The club captain returning to bring some lineout nouse and onfield leadership could be the boost we desperately need...

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dr.bath1865
Great summary, PG. Perfectly put.
The lack of interest in the match thread (granted, it's only Wednesday) speaks volumes. Usually, on a game week, we'd be piling in with team and tactical suggestions. The apathy amongst even the ere faithful is deafening.

As ever, the optimist in me thinks, at home, we've a chance. I see a picture of Ewels was used in the preview on the website – obviously, the picture was taken from the 2019 win, but wonder if he might be back in the mix? The club captain returning to bring some lineout nouse and onfield leadership could be the boost we desperately need...

Nothing about the game on the Chiefs forum also. Both clubs in the doldrums, Exeter fans despair about losing players and Bath's form adding to the general malaise surrounding English rugby. Not much to enthuse about but surely our players must see this as a winnable game. They certainly owe us a performance after the dross of the last 2 home games. I hope Ted Hill is back and would like to see Tom Ellis involved.

If Exeter are in the doldrums perhaps Bath should aspire to that as they have a realistic chance of top 4.

Their 5 point win on Sunday will keep them in a good position for the playoffs so surprised their fans aren’t talking about that.

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OutsideBath
If Exeter are in the doldrums perhaps Bath should aspire to that as they have a realistic chance of top 4.
Their 5 point win on Sunday will keep them in a good position for the playoffs so surprised their fans aren’t talking about that.

Sunday's match was in the Prem Cup so no Prem points gained!

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OutsideBath
If Exeter are in the doldrums perhaps Bath should aspire to that as they have a realistic chance of top 4.
Their 5 point win on Sunday will keep them in a good position for the playoffs so surprised their fans aren’t talking about that.

Sunday was the Premeiership Cup Final. But we aren't getting too excited about the Bath fixture because we spend most of our time getting fixated on whether the tune of the chop is making us hated throughout the Rugby world and how useless our coaches are. This for a club that has a game in hand and winning which would put us in the playoff frame; whose seconds have just won the Prem Cup and who have a home round of 16 in Europe where a win would ensure a home quarter final in the HC. Terrible times at Exeter.

Realistically however I don't think we'd stand a chance in an away Prem S/F at any of Saracens, Sale or Quins so can't get too worked up about the remaining League fixtures personally.

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plymptonchief

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OutsideBath
If Exeter are in the doldrums perhaps Bath should aspire to that as they have a realistic chance of top 4.
Their 5 point win on Sunday will keep them in a good position for the playoffs so surprised their fans aren’t talking about that.

Sunday's match was in the Prem Cup so no Prem points gained!

I’m referring to the 5 points you’ll get this Sunday!

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OutsideBath

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plymptonchief

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OutsideBath
If Exeter are in the doldrums perhaps Bath should aspire to that as they have a realistic chance of top 4.
Their 5 point win on Sunday will keep them in a good position for the playoffs so surprised their fans aren’t talking about that.

Sunday's match was in the Prem Cup so no Prem points gained!

I’m referring to the 5 points you’ll get this Sunday!

I'd love to think that will be the case but doubt it!

So we have Karl D in charge, with Tempest and Foley on the Flags. Can only hope those two keep "red card Karl" in check!

IMHO the hierarchy of the refereeing (notably, no, mainly around KD) is insane.

Foley and Tempest are infinitely better refs, yet they're running the touchline on Sunday and neither have ever (to my knowledge) been involved in an international. What is the obsession with KD? What do others see in him?

I think he is the worst ref on the Prem rota

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nick holder
I think he is the worst ref on the Prem rota

I thought the same of Carley a few years back and he’s now he’s a decent ref.

Either way KD will have no bearing on Bath losing on Sunday and we can’t use him as the excuse.

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OutsideBath

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nick holder
I think he is the worst ref on the Prem rota

I thought the same of Carley a few years back and he’s now he’s a decent ref.

Either way KD will have no bearing on Bath losing on Sunday and we can’t use him as the excuse.

Yes he used to be awful, now quite good

Interesting thought experiment: If Finn Russell started at 10 for us on Sunday, would we win?

(Obviously a complicated experiment due to the fact that Finn wouldn't be up to speed with calls etc but let's say he joined us Monday this week and so had a week to get up to speed-ish).

My thought is that, yes, we'd win. I think his presence would galvanise us in so many ways, bringing direction, creativity and, most importantly, confidence. I think elements of our game like the set piece, our carrying, maybe even our defence would improve as an indirect consequence. I'm not blaming our crop of 10s for all of our ills, and the coaches have a lot to answer for, but it's consider whether bringing in one world-class, unique player, like Finn, might improve a lot of things 1% and we'd all of a sudden be a completely different beast, a much better sum of our parts.

Thoughts?

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dr.bath1865
Interesting thought experiment: If Finn Russell started at 10 for us on Sunday, would we win?
(Obviously a complicated experiment due to the fact that Finn wouldn't be up to speed with calls etc but let's say he joined us Monday this week and so had a week to get up to speed-ish).

My thought is that, yes, we'd win. I think his presence would galvanise us in so many ways, bringing direction, creativity and, most importantly, confidence. I think elements of our game like the set piece, our carrying, maybe even our defence would improve as an indirect consequence. I'm not blaming our crop of 10s for all of our ills, and the coaches have a lot to answer for, but it's consider whether bringing in one world-class, unique player, like Finn, might improve a lot of things 1% and we'd all of a sudden be a completely different beast, a much better sum of our parts.

Thoughts?

I don't think it would make much difference with FR at 10, our pack is usually dominated by the opposition and we have no lineout. FR would be getting the ball under too much pressure to weave his magic.

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OutsideBath

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dr.bath1865
Interesting thought experiment: If Finn Russell started at 10 for us on Sunday, would we win?
(Obviously a complicated experiment due to the fact that Finn wouldn't be up to speed with calls etc but let's say he joined us Monday this week and so had a week to get up to speed-ish).

My thought is that, yes, we'd win. I think his presence would galvanise us in so many ways, bringing direction, creativity and, most importantly, confidence. I think elements of our game like the set piece, our carrying, maybe even our defence would improve as an indirect consequence. I'm not blaming our crop of 10s for all of our ills, and the coaches have a lot to answer for, but it's consider whether bringing in one world-class, unique player, like Finn, might improve a lot of things 1% and we'd all of a sudden be a completely different beast, a much better sum of our parts.

Thoughts?

I don't think it would make much difference with FR at 10, our pack is usually dominated by the opposition and we have no lineout. FR would be getting the ball under too much pressure to weave his magic.

If that's the case, then we have a serious problem. Russell's magic needs to be able to survive pressure ball (and what sets him apart is that it does) but he will need players around him who understand that and can play accordingly.

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:23:17:23:02 by joethefanatic.

Carley may be better than he was, but he's tediously pedantic and a million miles from Barnes and Pearce.

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hasta
Carley may be better than he was, but he's tediously pedantic and a million miles from Barnes and Pearce.

Interesting. I find Pearce far too "matey" and Wayne is starting to fall into the Nige trap of becoming a parody of himself. Carley, Tempest and Foley all seemed to come on the scene at about the same time (other memories are available) but its Carley who has matured the best IMHO). Dickson is marmite. I think his judgements are empathic to the flow of a game (contrast Peyper) but he does miss a lot and doesn't listen to the TMO much once he's made up his mind. TBH that latter is probably a good thing in a ref. But he should *never* be asked to ref Quins.

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu

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OutsideBath

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dr.bath1865
Interesting thought experiment: If Finn Russell started at 10 for us on Sunday, would we win?
(Obviously a complicated experiment due to the fact that Finn wouldn't be up to speed with calls etc but let's say he joined us Monday this week and so had a week to get up to speed-ish).

My thought is that, yes, we'd win. I think his presence would galvanise us in so many ways, bringing direction, creativity and, most importantly, confidence. I think elements of our game like the set piece, our carrying, maybe even our defence would improve as an indirect consequence. I'm not blaming our crop of 10s for all of our ills, and the coaches have a lot to answer for, but it's consider whether bringing in one world-class, unique player, like Finn, might improve a lot of things 1% and we'd all of a sudden be a completely different beast, a much better sum of our parts.

Thoughts?

I don't think it would make much difference with FR at 10, our pack is usually dominated by the opposition and we have no lineout. FR would be getting the ball under too much pressure to weave his magic.

A top quality 10 will adjust to that situation. Not over try something when under pressure like@#$%&ball from retreating scrum or dodgy lineout but there will be plenty of other opportunities for Finn to receive ball with space and time to work some openings - Chiefs kick the ball deep as much as other Prem teams

oh look - a very strong looking side to face Exeter!

Actually - with Lawrence in the side, I suspect we may actually go well. And really happy to see big Joe back in quite quickly - whenever he gets injured I wince at the thought that it could be a long lay off for the lad.

That exeter 23 looks strong to me!

Bath Rugby team news
Bath Rugby: 15 Matt Gallagher, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Ruaridh McConnochie, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Ben Spencer ©; 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Josh McNally, 5 GJ van Velze, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Chris Cloete, 8 Miles Reid

Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Lewis Boyce, 18 D’Arcy Rae, 19 Fergus Lee-Warner, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Piers Francis, 23 Tom de Glanville

-------------------

Exeter Chiefs: 15. Josh Hodge, 14. Jack Nowell ©, 13. Henry Slade, 12. Solomone Kata, 11. Olly Woodburn, 10. Harvey Skinner, 9. Sam Maunder; 1. Scott Sio, 2. Dan Frost, 3. Marcus Street, 4. Jack Dunne, 5. Dafydd Jenkins, 6. Dave Ewers, 7. Christ Tshiunza, 8. Sam Simmonds.

Replacements: 16. Jack Yeandle, 17. Alec Hepburn, 18. Patrick Schickerling, 19. Mike Williams, 20/ Aidon Davis, 21. Jack Maunder, 22. Joe Simmonds, 23. Ollie Devoto.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Good to see full strength teams back after the 6Ns. And for us a great team.....on paper. TdG unlucky to be dropped, and RMac lucky to be included. Would have been great to have either Coetzee or Barbeary available, a lot of carrying work for Ted to get through.

A really decent Bath team, perhaps would have FLW in front of GJVV, having said that the Ex side is seriously good. Can see their loosies dominating at the breakdown.

I would like to think that we could remain competitive for the full 80.

COYB

Agreed KS, I think that we need a significantly larger backrow on a heavy Bath pitch. I mean, Christ Tshiunza is 6'6" and 115kgs...for an openside! Their locks are also very young and mobile...ours definitely aren't. Not feeling optimistic I'm afraid.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

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BathMatt53
Agreed KS, I think that we need a significantly larger backrow on a heavy Bath pitch. I mean, Christ Tshiunza is 6'6" and 115kgs...for an openside! Their locks are also very young and mobile...ours definitely aren't. Not feeling optimistic I'm afraid.

Agreed, it's a worry (that we appear to not be sorting for next season either)

5/3 split on the bench encouraging.

Strong looking Bath team at home and with nothing to lose. I hope we have the weather and game plan for an entertaining performance and something to make me think renewing the season ticket wasn’t crazy!

How many times this season have we had a strong looking team only to comfortably lose?

Chiefs coaching setup far superior to Bath so there can only be one result in what is a training run for Chiefs.

Oh look, another strong-looking team selection...

Team is probably as strong as it will realistically ever be as there will always be injuries.

The issues in selection are at lock where we have struggled all season, we have no natural number 8, the 2 we have being permanently injured and then an out of sorts fly half. Everyone knows all of that though including Exeter.

Because of the above the game plan has to change against Exeter, if we play with no ambition we will lose (maybe by a lot, maybe by a little but we will lose) we simply do not have the players to play it.

I hope the 5-3 split on the bench and Bailey ahead of Francis suggests we are going to have a go, in which case I think we have a chance. We could really do with Bailey regaining some confidence, giving him a bit of licence to play I think will help though as it suits his game far better

I think we have seen enough this season to know that nothing will change as it never does no matter what line up we put out. I put my ticket on the exchange but there were no takers so I might drag myself along & see how long I can put up with their boring & ineffective game plan.

Bath forum half full posts 3 times more than half empty
Exeter forum half full posts 3 times more than half empty
I predict a draw

The day we put out a well balanced back row - what a world that will be.

4, 5, 7 and 8 apart, strong team.

Falcons have beaten Glaws. Home side full of passion Glaws full of mistakes and dropped balls when in the red zone, Glaws in a terrible run of form. Falcons win means it is even more likely we will finish bottom for the 2nd season in a row as I honestly can't see where will will get another win from or enough points, 5, to overhaul Falcons.

We beat Exeter by 1 point scoring 4 tries not that hard is it Nick?


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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bathonian80
4, 5, 7 and 8 apart, strong team.

Bit harsh on Cloete? Not sure he's found his rhythm yet, was pretty effective at Munster.

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shipwrecked
We beat Exeter by 1 point scoring 4 tries not that hard is it Nick?

Judging by the way they have played in the last few games in which they seemed to have regressed I would say that is very hard, particularly as Exeter have impressed recently. We are so slow & predictable it is untrue. We will have to depend on individual efforts as the backline as a group has been totally ineffective & you can be sure we will cough up possession & concede penalties & cards as per usual. If they have had a transformation maybe but otherwise definitely not!

If we can avoid cards and the line out works just a bit I think there is a win in this team, we are different with the ex Warriors.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Returning to comments about the team selection. Personally I am disappointed but not surprised Ellis is not in the 23. Apart from our two centres, he is the only experienced squad member who has played in a winning side this year and I thought his experience of winning might have galvanised our team. The two locks we have are hardly tyros, and look injury prone and lumbering to me. I guess it shows us all very clearly what JvG thinks of Ellis and his time at Sarries. I bet Mike Williams comes of the bench, steals a line out and sets up the TBP for Exeter.

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JK7

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bathonian80
4, 5, 7 and 8 apart, strong team.

Bit harsh on Cloete? Not sure he's found his rhythm yet, was pretty effective at Munster.

I think he will come good but from what I have seen so far he has been poor imho- missed tackles and penalties conceded rather than turnovers won.

Agree that he needs a run of games to find his rhythm

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nick holder
Returning to comments about the team selection. Personally I am disappointed but not surprised Ellis is not in the 23. Apart from our two centres, he is the only experienced squad member who has played in a winning side this year and I thought his experience of winning might have galvanised our team. The two locks we have are hardly tyros, and look injury prone and lumbering to me. I guess it shows us all very clearly what JvG thinks of Ellis and his time at Sarries. I bet Mike Williams comes of the bench, steals a line out and sets up the TBP for Exeter.

Although they have been good honest pros, (I remember Ellis was an exciting prospect under Blackadder), I cant really understand this love in Williams and Ellis are now getting since their excursions to foreign pastures. They have both copped plenty of grief on here in recent seasons especially with discipline.
It is not unusual for a player to excel and a new club (Gallagher, Hill, Lawrence etc). Whatever happens to Ellis I wish he and Mike Williams both well, but I do wonder what the feeling would be like on here if we let FLW or Roux go when Williams got fit or didnt sign Hill because of Ellis playing 6.

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.

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shipwrecked
If we can avoid cards and the line out works just a bit I think there is a win in this team, we are different with the ex Warriors.

There’s only a win if the game plan (assuming there is one) is different to the other games this season.

As that’s unlikely the Chiefs will just overpower us and find spaces all over the pitch to run through.

Chiefs to score more than 40 pts and win by more than 20 pts.

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copester
It is not unusual for a player to excel and a new club (Gallagher, Hill, Lawrence etc).

Hill and Lawrence were always quality. But they'll soon be assimilated into the Bath way, if it hasn't happened already.

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OutsideBath

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shipwrecked
If we can avoid cards and the line out works just a bit I think there is a win in this team, we are different with the ex Warriors.

There’s only a win if the game plan (assuming there is one) is different to the other games this season.

As that’s unlikely the Chiefs will just overpower us and find spaces all over the pitch to run through.

Chiefs to score more than 40 pts and win by more than 20 pts.

Wow, your confidence in a resounding Exeter win isn't even shared by the fans on their Forum. Majority think the'll sneak it by less than 10 points but about a third of them expecting a Bath win albeit by a very small margin.

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Francis Allen

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OutsideBath

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shipwrecked
If we can avoid cards and the line out works just a bit I think there is a win in this team, we are different with the ex Warriors.

There’s only a win if the game plan (assuming there is one) is different to the other games this season.

As that’s unlikely the Chiefs will just overpower us and find spaces all over the pitch to run through.

Chiefs to score more than 40 pts and win by more than 20 pts.

Wow, your confidence in a resounding Exeter win isn't even shared by the fans on their Forum. Majority think the'll sneak it by less than 10 points but about a third of them expecting a Bath win albeit by a very small margin.

I doubt any of them have seen JvG's Bath this season.

Several of the teams we have played have assumed it will be a hard game & likely Bath win until they realise how wrong they were & why we are propping up the table!

Good luck Bath. Two strong looking teams and my feeling is having the Wuss boys back is massive for this game as is your front row.

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OldMarovian
Good luck Bath. Two strong looking teams and my feeling is having the Wuss boys back is massive for this game as is your front row.

Thanks OM, a lot of rain yesterday and overnight so pitch will be heavy, not sure who that will suit best. Hoping for a much improved performance than our last 2 home games, I'm feeling confident although many of our supporters quite negative about our chances. All not perfect at Exeter however so anyone's game. It's on tv, just hope we can entertain the viewers, unlikely to match your game yesterday which was excellent. Good to see London rugby fans support what seemed to be a great occasion. Better turnout for Irish as well which is encouraging. Newcastle put on a good show for the ladies international which was good to see. After all the doom and gloom yesterday was a breath of fresh air. Fingers crossed for today.

Just arrived at the ground. Bit of a buzz building and not raining at the moment. I’m sure the team have been going well in training (lol) but time for us to be at least equal to the sum of our parts. Bath to sneak a win…

A try apiece can't be bad.

3 tries before 1/2 time!!? Don't they realise who they're playing?

5 tries to Exe 2. 33-14 after 55mins ... Haven't seen us play as well as this for a looonnnggg time

OB fails HIA.

Blooky Hell!! Well done Bath!!

36-19 FT! Great performance from Bath

Sneaked it by 17! COYB!

I thought OB might be the weak link for us today but how wrong I was. A great result for us, thrilled to bits. The Wuss boys have made such a difference. Well played all.

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

Great result, congrats to the team and coaches. Hope the faithful supporters enjoyed that.

Woooo! That was worth paying £7 for in flight WiFi!

Really good performance and a thoroughly deserved win. Shame TdG blew the one at the end, but they then had the sense to kick points to take it out to 17.

Surprised Exeter didn't have at least one more yellow given just how many penalties on the bouce they gave away with quite a few in the red zone.

That was as good a performance as I can remember since not sure when. We were a touch lucky to be ahead in the first half - individual brilliance masking a disjointed team performance. 2nd half we were excellent.

Cloete was my MOTM. The player we were promised when he signed. Tireless work rate and expert jackaling. Hill immense. Redpath looked as good as we know he is. OB's best game of the season. Joe C destructive. Tom Dunn being his very best Tom Dunn.

I expect the Chiefs board may have a few comments on Dickson's officiating but the best team won.

A final plus point? I didn't see a single Native American headdress.

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OutsideBath
How many times this season have we had a strong looking team only to comfortably lose?
Chiefs coaching setup far superior to Bath so there can only be one result in what is a training run for Chiefs.

Hope they found it useful! Well, it is often said you learn more in defeat!😀

PG

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shipwrecked
If we can avoid cards and the line out works just a bit I think there is a win in this team, we are different with the ex Warriors.

Bath 36-19 Exeter! Only saw the first half but loved Cam Redpath's try. Not only that we survived 2 yellows, Well 1¹/₂ yellows.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Brilliant from all players and staff. Line out must’ve been +95% and we outmuscled a team for the full 80 for the first time in years. We’ve done it in patches this season - but today we were on it from first minute to (pretty much) last. As a result, they, not us this week, lost their discipline and (unfortunately) picked up the injuries.

Agree that Cloete was superb, and I think he was freed up to be that good by Hill doing so much of the hard graft at 6. Van Velze also put in a full 80 and ran the lineout well, and the starting front row were immense both sides of the ball in the loose and in the scrum.

One good win does not anything too good make, but enjoyed it hugely and loved the last 5 minutes with COME ON YOU BATH rolling round the old Rec, although still couldn’t relax until the clock had gone red! Hopefully gives us some confidence. Certainly gave me some cheer!

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Dorset Boy
Really good performance and a thoroughly deserved win. Shame TdG blew the one at the end, but they then had the sense to kick points to take it out to 17.
Surprised Exeter didn't have at least one more yellow given just how many penalties on the bouce they gave away with quite a few in the red zone.

Hard on TDG there DB the pass was right in front of Gallagher he just bounced it off his arm.

Dickson saw everything and gave 2 warnings but no defensive card.

Where's OB with his pearls of wisdom?

Ah, don’t blame OB. We’ve been rubbish. His analysis has, for the most part, been spot on.

One pretty good win that moves us one place off the foot of the table doesn’t invalidate all of the negativity that’s quite rightly been going on on ere.

One of the more entertaining bits was listening on ref link to Rosey as TMO shouting for "Dicko" when they lost comms.

Well that was fun! For me Ted Hill’s influence was immense. His defence, lineout, mauling was excellent but more important he brought leadership to the forwards which I believe was the most important factor of all.

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dr.bath1865
Ah, don’t blame OB. We’ve been rubbish. His analysis has, for the most part, been spot on.
One pretty good win that moves us one place off the foot of the table doesn’t invalidate all of the negativity that’s quite rightly been going on on ere.

This is very true. Just because we won a game and the clocks are going forward, one swallow dive from Cam does not a summer make. Halcyon days these are not.

But we did win, we looked so so much better and there is hope. Let's enjoy the day without kidding ourselves our woes are behind us.

I hope JVG enjoys an excellent bottle of Stellenbosch's finest with his roast tonight.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:26:18:25:43 by Rokobilly.

Not long back from the game. Best performance of the season by far. Well done to all the team.

Admin don’t know if there is a problem with the site. There seems very little commnents available after a game 🙂

"It's all right, Andy! It's just bolognaise!"

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Griff
Not long back from the game. Best performance of the season by far. Well done to all the team.
Admin don’t know if there is a problem with the site. There seems very little commnents available after a game 🙂

SN Technical Team have detected stunned silencevirus. 😃

PG

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Rokobilly

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dr.bath1865
Ah, don’t blame OB. We’ve been rubbish. His analysis has, for the most part, been spot on.
One pretty good win that moves us one place off the foot of the table doesn’t invalidate all of the negativity that’s quite rightly been going on on ere.

This is very true. Just because we won a game and the clocks are going forward, one swallow dive from Cam does not a summer make. Halcyon days these are not..

Maybe not, but one reason for cheer is that that performance was something like what we were promised when JvG arrived.

PG

Great start, then very nervous as next 10-15 minutes we looked extremely vulnerable. Maybe a a tad fortunate to be up at halftime but after that clearly the better team. Hats off to all but special mention to Obano, Van Velze, Dunn, Hill, and Cloete,



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:26:19:45:38 by BathIron.

Watched on TV (Granddaughters birthday). There lots of positive especially up front with a lot of muscle on show. Thought big Joe's try was good - am immense hit only briefly slowed him down and then he ran over two Exeter players. Cloete, Hill, Laurence, Obano, Reed very strong. It was for once a team played as a team.👍

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Francis Allen

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OldMarovian
Good luck Bath. Two strong looking teams and my feeling is having the Wuss boys back is massive for this game as is your front row.

Thanks OM, a lot of rain yesterday and overnight so pitch will be heavy, not sure who that will suit best. Hoping for a much improved performance than our last 2 home games, I'm feeling confident although many of our supporters quite negative about our chances. All not perfect at Exeter however so anyone's game. It's on tv, just hope we can entertain the viewers, unlikely to match your game yesterday which was excellent. Good to see London rugby fans support what seemed to be a great occasion. Better turnout for Irish as well which is encouraging. Newcastle put on a good show for the ladies international which was good to see. After all the doom and gloom yesterday was a breath of fresh air. Fingers crossed for today.

OM got it spot on, Lawrence and Hill outstanding today as was the front row.

Just watched the game Yes, boys! We played as a team, we didn't give away dumb penalties and we finished our chances off. In short, we played good rugby and we won and that is just so satisfying. We all knew there was a team in there somewhere and there is - its just JvG's job to find it every week.

Yes, it helps if you've got your best players available. Yes, we got the rub of the green from the ref. Yes, we didn't keep it going for 80 minutes.

But those are quibbles. If we play like that again for the next few weeks we won't be bottom and that, after this season, is our Cup Final.

My MotM - Beno. Just freakin' immense.

And a shout-out to Griff and the boys who were at the game. I was there in spirit, lads, and one day I'll be there in person.

I've just had 2 impacted wisdom teeth removed so I can barely smile let alone shout. But I'm smiling inside.

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:26:20:20:29 by joethefanatic.

Before the match I was concerned about lock, no 8 and 10. For once this season I had no need to be. Lineout I think may have been 100% and locks did well around the park. Reid controlled the ball well at the base of the scrum and did a good impression of a no8 elsewhere. Bailey was a little quiet but did ok.
Pleased with so much of what we did today. We have to keep that going. Watching Exeter though was a bit like watching us every other week. Awful lineout, terrible discipline, some serious injuries and to be honest played like a bottom of the table team

Well done Bath. Cracking performance. Not heard Obano speak before. What a joy his post match MotM interview was

The difference having many (most?) of your best players available and playing with a smile is considerable.

Thanks FA. I am like the proverbial stopped watch! Even I can be right sometimes



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:26:21:19:45 by OldMarovian.

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P G Tips

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OutsideBath
How many times this season have we had a strong looking team only to comfortably lose?
Chiefs coaching setup far superior to Bath so there can only be one result in what is a training run for Chiefs.

Hope they found it useful! Well, it is often said you learn more in defeat!😀

PG

Not often can one be so happy to get something spectacularly wrong! 😁. Even happier that I went to the game after not being able to give my tickets away.

Not a fan of any of our coaches, but have to congratulate them today on a job well done.

First time since Mike Ford’s 2015 team can I remember us putting in an 80 minute performance! Really impressed with the effort at the end to deny them a TBP.

Fully caught up now, on coaches I thought clear evidence that JPF is being effective, defence and turnovers at the breakdown was impressive. As was Ted Hill at 6.

Behind a pack going forward our backs looked incisive, the hit on Bailey was very cheap and very close to red. Clear evidence that the attack was working as well, kicks from Redpath, Bailey and Gallagher were all away from set positions and designed to hit grass first rather than an Exeter shirt. Distinct ploy that should be attributed to Joe Maddock I'd suggest.

Technically the fact that the first choice England 12 was shipped to 13 and that we didn't play the 12 up the middle tactic led to a far more exciting game. I love the way that Lawrence doesn't become passive when tackled and shrugs people off, that has rubbed off on Joe C. Slade and Devoto just couldn't handle them.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Great game, and super atmosphere. Solid(ish) set piece made a massive difference, our T5 in particular worked really well. Total effort and performance from the entire team, Beno, Dunner, Hill and Cam stood out.

This was a demonstration of what these individuals can do as a confident, positive collective.

Front 3 was very effective, will be stronger again next year.

Reid did a great job impersonating a proper number 8. You'd have to go some to find a better collective of backrowers than Hill/Reid/Richards, Underhill/Cloete/Bayliss, Barbeary/Coetzee (admittedly a bit of blind faith in his case), plus whoever else stays/is promoted next season.

Spencer wasn't perfect (didn't seem to know what to do for Kata's try) but gave a reminder of his strengths. Similarly some very good moments from Bailey.

Redpath and Lawrence is a centre combo with everything, to state the obvious.

Throw Finn Russell into that team and we're on to something.

Absolutely delighted to be proved wrong. I didn’t see that coming after recent performances. It’s nice to bask in a win, such a rare event. Wouldn’t it be nice to manage another before the end of the season to prove that wasn’t a fluke!

The players looked like they enjoyed it!

Oh by the way the reason we won today was because my good friend whom I have sat next to for many years and who has been very ill came back after three years (maintained his ST through the piece) so it was all down to him.....


He has promised to be at the Saracens game

Quote:

Bath Supporter Jack
Oh by the way the reason we won today was because my good friend whom I have sat next to for many years and who has been very ill came back after three years (maintained his ST through the piece) so it was all down to him.....

He has promised to be at the Saracens game

Good man. It would have made seeing a win that much more poignant.

Brilliant day and performance. 1 to 23 gave everything. Obvious stand outs but Van Veltze got through some work today and ran the lineout well. You could see his leadership at every break and the whole pack seemed to be listening.
Even better result with an Exeter squad including the brilliant Mike Williams.

adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.

Quote:

copester
Brilliant day and performance. 1 to 23 gave everything. Obvious stand outs but Van Veltze got through some work today and ran the lineout well. You could see his leadership at every break and the whole pack seemed to be listening.

I thought V Veltze was excellent in the lineout too, it ran really well and gave us control of that set piece. I think we also nicked a couple of theirs.

One moment that stood out for me was when 2-3 Bath players who were offside when the ball landed near them in loose, congested play. All put their hands up and tried to retreat from the area. In the past we would have grabbed it and given them a penalty. Clear thinking in the heat of the battle, so good to see.

It was a truly ace performance, and really nice that there wasn't a bad performance among the 23.

I think one thing that was particularly heartening was how balanced the performance was - we kicked with purpose and to gain field position or regather the ball, we kept it tight when we needed to consolidate and reload (and generally made yardage too!), we ran and played open rugby when the opportunity to break the game open was there (and didn't feel like we were throwing the ball around without purpose). I think Ben Spencer was probably my MoTM for this (although hard to pick one individual amongst a great team performance), he managed things really well, as per usual his box kicking was great and I think he probably heard the criticism of his speed of service and there were some moments where he really picked things up and got us moving quickly when there was blood in the water.

Monday feels so much better with a Bath win at the weekend.

Bosh.

For me that's the first game where we have dominated up front and look at the difference in the backs performance, knock Baileys's kicking all you want together with Redpath they can really get the backs going. Imagine Redpath and Lawrence interchanging with Russell at 10, mouth watering.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Cloete was MOTM for me. Absolute menace at the breakdown and just being a real niggly nuisance in and around the tackle area. Probably the best game Hill has played for us as well.

Interesting points from the post match interviews:

- Beno spoke about having players on the pitch who were able to reset them back to their processes and plan. Wonder who?

- JVG pointed out that there is more change to come to the squad - sounded like it could mean new players which contradicts what he said in the season holders event. More likely referring to coaching changes.

- Baxter was confident that they had identified areas where they thought they could really cause Bath problems but his players didn't stick to the game plan and let themselves down.

I must say that Exeter is the most satisfying team to beat. Which pains me to say because I want to support South West clubs over any other region but they are so unlikeable. Probably doesn't help that they've had Bath's number for the past 3 or 4 years.

Quote:

shipwrecked
For me that's the first game where we have dominated up front and look at the difference in the backs performance, knock Baileys's kicking all you want together with Redpath they can really get the backs going. Imagine Redpath and Lawrence interchanging with Russell at 10, mouth watering.

Yep, young gifted 10 in 'looks better in go forward, winning team' shocker - poor bloke has held it together v well in a losing team that is on the back foot all the time. Glad he got a chance to play behind a dominant team for once. Well done landy.

Agree SW, throw Russell into mix with him as a v able back up and it's an exciting prospect

Quote:

Clarkey3k
I thought OB might be the weak link for us today but how wrong I was. A great result for us, thrilled to bits. The Wuss boys have made such a difference. Well played all.

Does make you wonder what state we’d be in without the Wuss and Wasps demise?

J

I wasn’t very impressed with Baxter post match blaming the players - not very supportive should leave that sort of stuff for the team debrief. Funny when they were winning was because they had a good game plan. This time the plan was still good but the players didn’t do it right. May be just maybe they’d got the plan wrong identified weaknesses that weren’t there on the day or perhaps they got beaten by a better team I guess we’ll never know.

Quote:

TG Kesmo
I wasn’t very impressed with Baxter post match blaming the players - not very supportive should leave that sort of stuff for the team debrief. Funny when they were winning was because they had a good game plan. This time the plan was still good but the players didn’t do it right. May be just maybe they’d got the plan wrong identified weaknesses that weren’t there on the day or perhaps they got beaten by a better team I guess we’ll never know.

Similar to Conte at Spurs and his post Southampton rant. If its a one off seems to be scapegoating but sometimes the players do need a wake up call. This seems to be often when players get too comfortable at a club having been there a long time and ignore the coach seemingly knowing better. You can see perhaps why Baxter is looking to refresh the squad. I do think though that the recent law changes (goal line drop out) have removed Exeter's USP.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

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shipwrecked

Quote:

TG Kesmo
I wasn’t very impressed with Baxter post match blaming the players - not very supportive should leave that sort of stuff for the team debrief. Funny when they were winning was because they had a good game plan. This time the plan was still good but the players didn’t do it right. May be just maybe they’d got the plan wrong identified weaknesses that weren’t there on the day or perhaps they got beaten by a better team I guess we’ll never know.

Similar to Conte at Spurs and his post Southampton rant.

Not sure it really compares with Conte's total hissy fit, which as a Gooner was great to watch..

Two additional things I'll mention:

1. I've been very down on Bailey (perhaps too critical, labelling his form as a cause rather than a symptom) but he was very good yesterday. His kicking was inventive and his speed of passing to his midfield runners was the most effective its been in months. As said, much easier when Obano and Hill are breaking the gain line and Cloete is clearing up the breakdown, but he executed well. I'd still love to see him kicking the line and at goal. Think that will be a big moment for him if he begins to take full control again and does it well.

2. I don't think the Van Velze influence can be underestimated. He's being picked (ahead of FLW, one of our standouts this season) for reasons below the surface and Obano's comments in the post-match back up the fact that the pack this season has been missing leaders. He's one of them and I'm hugely impressed that he came out of retirement a few months ago and is now putting in 80 mins v Chiefs. Well done him for both his all-round influence but also the coolness he's bought to our lineout. We kept it simple yesterday, mostly going to 2 and driving. Again, more on-field influence from Van Velze I'd say. This season, we've lost a lot of games in the top two inches. I think we didn't panic when they went 14-7 up, got ourselves ahead at the end of the first half then put our foot down, and then managed the last 20 well because we were thinking correctly (Clive's T-CUP). We kicked at the right moments (Francis even kicked smartly). We kept our discipline. We kept our cool when they started losing theirs. All to do with leadership, and that leadership also meant maximum physicality for the full 80 as we had 15 on the field and were putting our energies into the right activities. So Van Velze's influence can't be underestimated.

Really impressive balance between the rough n tough beef up front and inventive, quick back play

According to reports Finn was at the game and think he would have liked what he saw

Quote - "According to reports Finn was at the game and think he would have liked what he saw"
Yes my daughter saw him yesterday in Larkhall

A performance to remember in what has been another disappointing season and pride restored. As By mentioned above nice to get one over Exeter. Whilst appreciating the clubs success in making the move into the top tier my appreciation of them has never been based on their style of play which I found boring. It seems however now to be less successful partly due to rule changes, so time for a reset. Yesterday was a fabulous day at the Rec, great buzz after the game with the realisation of what the team had achieved in beating a rival west country club. Can't wait for my trip to Kingsholm to see if Bath can follow this up with a similar performance. Nice to read something positive on the Forum, I concur about the positive contribution from Van Velze to the overall performance of the pack.

Weren't those latching law changes made like 3 seasons ago now?

So agree with the comment above when 3 - 4 bath players realised they were offside and began retreating............

Also kicking for goal, sensible and pragmatic

Quote:

Bath Supporter Jack
So agree with the comment above when 3 - 4 bath players realised they were offside and began retreating............
Also kicking for goal, sensible and pragmatic

+1 - notable and sensible. Lots of good decisions made.

Quote:

WasBBWBaaBaa
Quote - "According to reports Finn was at the game and think he would have liked what he saw"
Yes my daughter saw him yesterday in Larkhall

Now I really am impressed with him and even more so if it was in the Larkhall Inn

Quote:

Bath Supporter Jack
So agree with the comment above when 3 - 4 bath players realised they were offside and began retreating............

This 100%. How many times in the past has that happened and a hapless usually front 5 picks it up to a huge, collective groan around the ground

Quote:

Francis Allen
A performance to remember in what has been another disappointing season

Indeed, very pleasing. Particularly the manner of the win and a better kick / run balance.

It's a different team with Ollie L and Ted H, the whole team confidence seems to improve.

Quote:

Francis Allen
pride restored

Not quite yet, but a couple of games left to end on a high (i.e. not bottom).

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Quote:

gaz59

Quote:

WasBBWBaaBaa
Quote - "According to reports Finn was at the game and think he would have liked what he saw"
Yes my daughter saw him yesterday in Larkhall

Now I really am impressed with him and even more so if it was in the Larkhall Inn

I remember the Brains Surgery fondly, if indistinctly...

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:27:18:32:37 by joethefanatic.

[quote Francis Allen] pride restored[/quote]

Not quite yet, but a couple of games left to end on a high (i.e. not bottom).[/quote]

3 ruddy hard games lett.

I think 1 win would be a decent return (glos away doesn't feel a total pipe dream as bit out of nick and only one place ahead of us) unless sarries rest loads



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:27:20:35:11 by charlieboa.

charlie Bath gave us a great game and the StoneX and could have won. With the bulk of your squad available you could have a really tidy end of the season. Maybe catch Glaws or Bristol for some local bragging rights

Quote:

joethefanatic

Quote:

gaz59

Quote:

WasBBWBaaBaa
Quote - "According to reports Finn was at the game and think he would have liked what he saw"
Yes my daughter saw him yesterday in Larkhall

Now I really am impressed with him and even more so if it was in the Larkhall Inn

I remember the Brains Surgery fondly, if indistinctly...

Skull Attack (Brains SA) and Felinfoel (Feelin' foul)!!
Sadly long converted into flats/house. Dave Derrick (wash my mouth out) now owns The Bladuds Head.

A Bath supporting friend sent the following (apologies if it's doing the rounds but thought you might enjoy if you hadn't seen it)

The Bath Chronicle has become so used to the rugby's clubs poor performances that their headline after the weekends great win was: "Bath fail to lose to Chiefs!"

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Mike the Taxi

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joethefanatic

Quote:

gaz59

Quote:

WasBBWBaaBaa
Quote - "According to reports Finn was at the game and think he would have liked what he saw"
Yes my daughter saw him yesterday in Larkhall

Now I really am impressed with him and even more so if it was in the Larkhall Inn

I remember the Brains Surgery fondly, if indistinctly...

Skull Attack (Brains SA) and Felinfoel (Feelin' foul)!!
Sadly long converted into flats/house. Dave Derrick (wash my mouth out) now owns The Bladuds Head.

I’m pretty sure my old science teacher at St Mark’s was a regular. Most afternoons he’d have a whiff of beer and fags about him.

Quote:

Barnoid

Quote:

Mike the Taxi

Quote:

joethefanatic

Quote:

gaz59

Quote:

WasBBWBaaBaa
Quote - "According to reports Finn was at the game and think he would have liked what he saw"
Yes my daughter saw him yesterday in Larkhall

Now I really am impressed with him and even more so if it was in the Larkhall Inn

I remember the Brains Surgery fondly, if indistinctly...

Skull Attack (Brains SA) and Felinfoel (Feelin' foul)!!
Sadly long converted into flats/house. Dave Derrick (wash my mouth out) now owns The Bladuds Head.

I’m pretty sure my old science teacher at St Mark’s was a regular. Most afternoons he’d have a whiff of beer and fags about him.

I used to work nights stacking shelves in the Green Park Sainsburys and then spend my days playing darts and pool in the Surgery. I'm not sure when I slept.

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu

Listened to the game on BBC radio Bristol in France, apart from the really annoying commentary of Sheridan, what a great performance from Bath. Banners on commentary said that Exeter have changed their defensive line and always had two at the back, now only one,
He thought the Bath analysis had spotted this and really attacked the space left

Well done boys a win in Glaws would be lovely!!!

Widcombe Garçon

Only benefited from 4 minutes of highlights - but that kick from Bailey for Joe C's try might qualify as the micro-skill of the season - off his left-foot, on the wrong stride - that was an astonishing bit of hand-eye-foot coordination. (Also fair play to Hodge for the tackle on Joe).

He did it.....it worked..........let's pray he keeps doing stuff like that in good measure.

Pah! Who needs Finn Russell!!

I also particularly liked the way Ben Spencer kept them thinking he was going left but kept both sides open. Are we finally getting somewhere???

I can imagine a situation next year where Bailey slots in at 12/15 on occasions, which could give us some pretty mouthwatering playmaking options!

Better late than not at all.

Astonishing performance and result! There is a light on the horizon. Well done to all. Could say more but nuff has been said, analysed, criticised already!!!!!!! Two very tough games to come, so one swallow does not etc. etc.

Quote:

Optimist
I also particularly liked the way Ben Spencer kept them thinking he was going left but kept both sides open. Are we finally getting somewhere???
I can imagine a situation next year where Bailey slots in at 12/15 on occasions, which could give us some pretty mouthwatering playmaking options!

Genuinely think that all this stems from the pack. If Spencer doesn't have to worry about getting clobbered because the pack is creeping forward he can think about attacking. We had that period around Covid with a dominant pack and him and Bailey were very creative with him making breaks and scoring.

I'd prefer Orlando Bailey to stay at 10 and introduce, on occasion, for say 30 minutes, Sam Harris at full back. Just as good ball in hand with a huge fast pass, very quick to join the line and spot opportunities and super quick.

We are well stocked at 15 with TdG and Gallagher after all.


Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:03:28:12:10:49 by shipwrecked.

Quote:

shipwrecked
Genuinely think that all this stems from the pack. If Spencer doesn't have to worry about getting clobbered because the pack is creeping forward he can think about attacking

Yes - that's a very good point. So much easier for 9 off a rock-solid scrum.

Agree about the other player options, but also just don't want to see Bailey dependent on grabbing the spare leftover minutes after the Finn R show.

Quote:

Mike the Taxi

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joethefanatic

Quote:

gaz59

Quote:

WasBBWBaaBaa
Quote - "According to reports Finn was at the game and think he would have liked what he saw"
Yes my daughter saw him yesterday in Larkhall

Now I really am impressed with him and even more so if it was in the Larkhall Inn

I remember the Brains Surgery fondly, if indistinctly...

Skull Attack (Brains SA) and Felinfoel (Feelin' foul)!!
Sadly long converted into flats/house. Dave Derrick (wash my mouth out) now owns The Bladuds Head.

A long time ago I lived just off Larkhall Square and the Friday night pub crawl around the pubs there was a mighty tough gig

Very encouraging.
Thought after the first 30 that usual service would resume - and exe would run away with it... But dogged defence, much tidier set piece (how good were Obano and Stuart BTW - phewy) and flashes of inspiration in attack leave us all hoping...
Ley this be the turning point.
5 from 22

Two things I noticed:
1. we punished nowell under high box kicks - he's short and heavy and quite poor in the air, which I hadn't realised.
2. they didn't contest our lineout, which was bizarre given our recent performance there

Quote:

dannyf2
Two things I noticed:
1. we punished nowell under high box kicks - he's short and heavy and quite poor in the air, which I hadn't realised.
2. they didn't contest our lineout, which was bizarre given our recent performance there

I haven't watched the saints game but the stat they quoted was that we had 100% success in that game

I have been very critical of Charteris, but there's no doubt our lineout has been better in the last 2-3 games.

Quote:

hasta
I have been very critical of Charteris, but there's no doubt our lineout has been better in the last 2-3 games.

I've not seen the Saints match, but against Exeter we threw almost exclusively to number two.
If memory serves we tried four at one point in the first half, but it was lost.
In the second half we had a flurry of innovation and threw to three (I think) then four before reverting to two again.

Could be that the lifters are more consistent with the 1st choice props back or lots of other little things I guess? Chopping and changing the pack can't help with linout consistency one little bit.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

I thought exeter played like bath have done for 2 seasons.

V pleased with the victory and lots of positives but do feel exeter fed us momentum and confidence via their terrible discipline and decision making.

We need to back it up to prove we have turned a corner imho.

Hats off to cloete - I had a friendly dig at hin last week , whilst acknowledging I thought he would come good, felt he came good on Sunday.

So pleased for beno, the guy is a beast and deserves some luck with fitness now.

Echo other people's comments that just really nice that it was the other team doing really dumb things for once and us making good decisions and being clinical.

Quote:

gaz59

Quote:

dannyf2
Two things I noticed:
1. we punished nowell under high box kicks - he's short and heavy and quite poor in the air, which I hadn't realised.
2. they didn't contest our lineout, which was bizarre given our recent performance there

I haven't watched the saints game but the stat they quoted was that we had 100% success in that game

No we lost a key attacking lineout in the first half around the 10m mark.

Quote:

OutsideBath

Quote:

gaz59

Quote:

dannyf2
Two things I noticed:
1. we punished nowell under high box kicks - he's short and heavy and quite poor in the air, which I hadn't realised.
2. they didn't contest our lineout, which was bizarre given our recent performance there

I haven't watched the saints game but the stat they quoted was that we had 100% success in that game

No we lost a key attacking lineout in the first half around the 10m mark.

Maybe but the stat BT put up was we won 100% of our lineouts in the saints game

Like many stats those for lineout can be misleading as they don’t state how many time the opposing team challenged.

If the opposing team don’t jump to compete the it really is easy to win a line out.

Either way it appears to have been better over the last couple of games.