Gloucester v Bath : Points to Prove
Finn
By Rokobilly
November 8 2023
Recent visits to Castle Grim have not been dull. The lowest of the lows for many Bath fans with short memories will be the 64-0 humiliation at the end of the 21-22 season. A horror show of unimaginable proportions. I gave up the TV coverage after 20 minutes and went to watch some local cricket up at Lansdown. I think Gloucester scored more than any of the batsmen that day.
Last April saw some redemption. Gloucester ran into an early 3 score lead only for Bath to peg them back and overhaul them with five tries of our own. Miles Reid and Sam Underhill were immense that day as Bath sparked a mini late season revival. More of this please.
My favourite recent - ish - memory of us at Kingsholm is a weaving Tom Homer some 5 years ago as we ran up 43 points. I had to look up the other try scorers that day as not all of them were as memorable as Tom's jinxing run - Dunn, Priestland, Brew, Vuna, James Wilson were the correct answers. 1 point for each you could name.
Aled and Super Cooper on the wings? Loved them both - but what, on reflection, a strange period that was for the squad.
The aforementioned Tom Dunn, Beno Obano and Charlie Ewels all played that day. As did another then Bath forward who may well be on the pitch come Friday, injury permitting.
I suspect many Bath fans will grimace if we see Zach Mercer run out in the Cherry and White. Zach was a talisman for us for several seasons and, in another dimension, might have been a blue black and white one-club legend. It wasn't to be.
Having wished him well and enjoyed his success at Montpellier, I can hardly begrudge him continued career success back in England. But, if fit, I hope he has a stinker on Friday.
In a curiously short and compressed season, we are both barely getting going and half way through the first half. Our early season optimism has been dented by losing two very winnable games. The fears that old habits are creeping back in are growing. Gloucester fans will be thinking the same.
Had Coetzee and Ojomoh caught balls they actually knocked on, we could be 4 from 4 and clear at the top. They didn't. We're not.
A win on Friday and we stay Top 4 and take confidence into a visit from Bristol a week later. Lose and we will feel desperate to stay in touch.
What needs to change from last week? I could write discipline again but I wrote that last week. Taking our chances? Ditto. Listening to the ref? Same old story. The coaches at Fairleigh must feel like a broken record.
We have been our own worst enemies this season. No one has cut us open or dominated us in open play. It may not feel like it, but compared to losing by 64 at Gloucester, it is definitely progress. The problem is we are all, rightly, impatient for more. A lot more.
I sincerely hope JVG goes strong with his selection on Friday. And strong the week after too. Rotation is a fact of modern rugby but these are must wins. Gloucester away and Bristol at home simply matter more.
Coming as they do with the season and the table in such delicate balance we have a chance to combine bragging rights with genuine competitiveness at the top.
The opposite doesn't bear thinking about.
COYB.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:15:10:55:11 by hasta.
Interesting read as always.
Pretty sure Mercer confirmed as missing.
Think I would go along the lines of:.
Tdg
Coko
Lawrence
Redpath
Muir
Finn
Spencer
Tdt
Dunn
Stuart
Roux
Ewels
Reid
Underhill
Barbeary
Bench: beno, annett, jonker, richards, coetzee, schreuder, bailey, gallagher
Give stuart a chance to redeem himself from the start in a strong front 5.
Hope Roux is fit- jmc has sounded a bit of a liability last few weeks.
Redpath played every game so maybe due a rest but would love to see that midfield.
Quote:As are Ackermann and VRR.redmix
Mercer definitely out - link
A real shame - especially Zach, much as it hurts seeing him in cherry & white.
I always think it says a huge amount about the quality of a player when they move club, but fans of the old club still support the player and champion them for international recognition.
Zach and George Ford stand out in that regard for ex-Bath.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:09:09:54:14 by Quel Carreleur.
I hope we field a really strong outfit and take it to them from the start and keep our foot on their throat.
Matt Carley officiating - he has had a really poor and frustrating time at the RWC and I believe only officiated 2 games in the last 2/3 months - I pray he has not regressed back to his old self. I am aware that NZ made official complaints in relation to his pedantic, stop/start officiating following the warm up match at Twickenham, then Fiji also made a complaint in relation to his perceived favouritism and officiating in their game against Wales.
I would go
Gallagher, Joe C, Lawrence, Redpath, Muir, Russell, Spencer - Du Toit, Dunn, Stuart, Ewels, Roux, Reid, Underhill, Barbery - Finishers Annett, Obano, Jonker, FLW, Coetzee, Schrueder, Bailey, TdG.
Come on Bath.
Despite the back row injuries, it seems as if we've got a better handle on injuries this year. JvG stated he wanted to improve this – and rightly so given how it had been a joke for many seasons – so well done to him, the medics and S&C for putting us in this position. Fingers crossed it continues.
I guess conditioning and injuries compound. If you've got < 5 injuries and a near-fit squad, you can rest and rotate (JCok, Finn, Gallagher last week), whereas if you've > 15 in the treatment room, guys need to play every week, perhaps carrying knocks, leading to more injuries. Hence, vitally important to start the season with a clean-ish slate and keep the injury number as low as possible.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Fergus Lee-Warner, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Miles Reid, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Max Ojomoh, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville
Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Josh McNally, 20 Jaco Coetzee, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Sam Harris, 23 Matt Gallagher
If the front 5 win ball those backs could do very well, if they catch the ball that is!

15. Santi Carreras
14. Jonny May*
13. Chris Harris
12. Seb Atkinson
11. Ollie Thorley*
10. George Barton*
9. Stephen Varney*
1. Mayco Vivas
2. George McGuigan
3. Fraser Balmain
4. Freddie Clarke*
5. Matias Alemanno
6. Jack Clement*
7. Lewis Ludlow* (C)
8. Albert Tuisue
Replacements
16. Santi Socino
17. Jamal Ford-Robinson
18. Kirill Gotovtsev
19. Freddie Thomas*
20. Ben Donnell
21. Micky (not Michael) Young
22. Max Llewellyn
23. Louis Rees-Zammit*
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:09:12:23:49 by Shadders.
Quote:shipwrecked
Three backs on the bench including TCS over Schreuder, Sam Harris over Orlando Bailey. I'd like to see Ewels have a big game. I like the back row.
If the front 5 win ball those backs could do very well, if they catch the ball that is!
Bailey is under concussion protocols according to the team announcement.
Even if Redpath is due a rest I’m surprised Muir isn't on the bench ahead of Harris or Gallagher.
Pleased to see TCS get a look in though. Schreuder has been a real disappointed for me after seeming like a shrewd pick up at the time and we need better options for keeping Spencer fresh
Quote:theredseatQuote:shipwrecked
Three backs on the bench including TCS over Schreuder, Sam Harris over Orlando Bailey. I'd like to see Ewels have a big game. I like the back row.
If the front 5 win ball those backs could do very well, if they catch the ball that is!
Bailey is under concussion protocols according to the team announcement.
Even if Redpath is due a rest I’m surprised Muir isn't on the bench ahead of Harris or Gallagher.
Muir starting so not on bench in form so why rotate? I’m not sure that all this rotation helps with continuity and familiarity especially in the backs.
Pleased to see TCS get a look in though. Schreuder has been a real disappointed for me after seeming like a shrewd pick up at the time and we need better options for keeping Spencer fresh
Quote:theredseatQuote:shipwrecked
Three backs on the bench including TCS over Schreuder, Sam Harris over Orlando Bailey. I'd like to see Ewels have a big game. I like the back row.
If the front 5 win ball those backs could do very well, if they catch the ball that is!
Pleased to see TCS get a look in though. Schreuder has been a real disappointed for me after seeming like a shrewd pick up at the time and we need better options for keeping Spencer fresh
Agree re TCS big improvement this year, this might be unfair but I've noticed Schreuder and Bailey simply doesn't work the same as Spencer. Schreuder's pass is not as snappy and its slower through the air, seems to stilt Bailey so I also agree.

Quote:theredseat
Even if Redpath is due a rest I’m surprised Muir isn't on the bench ahead of Harris or Gallagher.
Not sure I understand - Muir is playing at 11. Do you mean that you would like him on the bench and Harris or Gallagher on the wing in the 15?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Looks a good team/squad......but then I think that every week!
Quote:shipwrecked
Three backs on the bench including TCS over Schreuder, Sam Harris over Orlando Bailey. I'd like to see Ewels have a big game. I like the back row.
If the front 5 win ball those backs could do very well, if they catch the ball that is!
Agree SW.
I have been critical of our blooding of youngsters in the past ' play them when we have an injury crisis' but we are filtering in the likes of TCS, Harris and hennessey into strong match day squads.
Could easily have picked worboys (pretty young himself still) , tried to keep francis, or used mojo and redpath as 10 cover but are backing Harris.
Could have gone 6:2 split last week rather than include hennessey.
Assume schreuder fit this week but want to give TCS a go.
Quote:Barfboy
With the exception of Hill, Redpath and Roux, our strongest team. This should be some game
Agree. These are the only changes I would make for a cup final team (would squeeze tdt in on either side on scrum- on form in place of stuart)
Quote:theredseat
Schreuder has been a real disappointed for me after seeming like a shrewd pick up at the time
I always think that 'shrewd' signings are only actually apparent long after they've arrived. At the time, they tend to be 'low-key' or 'back-up' or 'was out of favour'.....
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:theredseat
Even if Redpath is due a rest I’m surprised Muir isn't on the bench ahead of Harris or Gallagher.
Not sure I understand - Muir is playing at 11. Do you mean that you would like him on the bench and Harris or Gallagher on the wing in the 15?
Wrong Will - meant to say Butt
Quote:Woodpecker
So it wasnt a schreud signing then......
Not funny, Ewels have to do better than that.

Adopted Player 2018/19 Ross Batty
Adopted Player 2019/20 Jack Davies
Adopted Player 2020/21 Cam Redpath
Adopted Player 2021/22 Darren Atkins
Adopted Player 2022/23 Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Adopted Player 2023/24 Tom Carr-Smith
Adopted Player 2024/25 Max Ojomoh
"AN OUNCE OF ACTION IS WORTH A TON OF THEORY"
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
Quote:Optimist
I'm Dunn with these puns.
Please no Muir...


To be in with a shout of top 4 I reckon we will need at least 3 wins on the road. One surprisingly already in the bag and with Falcons being an obvious target this match has to be the next one on the radar
Quote:gaz59
In many ways it is a 'must win
I would agree tonight is a must win game, lose and top 4 is pretty much a pipe dream.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:10:13:58:32 by OutsideBath.
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:nick holder
I honestly hope I am proved wrong but I can see us losing our next 4 league games, including tonight. Glaws (a) Brizz (h) Sale (a) Exeter (h), which is not a great run in to the Euro match on 9th Dec. Those 2 last minute knock ons in the last 2 weeks will prove crucial.
If we lose both of those next two home games we really will be struggling.It will be a season of serious under-performance and there will be hard questions given the quality of our squad.
The difference in the quality between Prem first choice game squads is even closer than before so no game is going to be easy but any team with the calibre we have must expect to win a minimum of 6 if not more of home games
What are the various sets of eyes doing?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:10:19:54:43 by Dorset Boy.
Really loathe to do this but seems like Carley and his team are getting an awful lot wrong so far. Hopefully it evens up.
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
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Carley continuing from his inept world cup.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Frustrating half. I think Ewels is playing well!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Big, big second half needed.
We aren't quite at it, not really helped by Carley but even with that Glos are edging it, but it does have the feel of a game we can take control of if we can just get a grip...
...cue a lineout being lost in a good position.

Carley is really not helping either. This is still winnable but we need to score next
We’re right in it and hopefully TDT can bring some power off the bench. Next 10 minutes is massive (as always lol).
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
We need to tighten up massively, and take Carley out of the game by giving him nothing to ping.
We can still do this, but it'll need better discipline than we've seen for a long time.
RAEBURN SHIELD
De Glanville has seemed very skittish tonight
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
PG
We can’t score - but we’re great fun.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:10:21:04:09 by Maeght.
Long way to go but this has been a memorable 15 minutes.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
So far away from where we've been the last couple of years. This is a proper team.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:10:21:27:07 by Maeght.
Quote:JK7
Du Toit - difference maker
He's the prop W Stuart could/should be. Thank god we've got him. Gloucester are welcome to WS if that's where he ends up. He was excellent in his early days but seems to have completely lost his mojo.
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:JK7
Du Toit - difference maker
Definitely was this game. Underhill very good too.
Talk about a game of two halves.
Quote:It's a shame as Du Toit off the bench may be the ultimate weapon. But on the start to the season, he has to start over StuartClarkey3kQuote:JK7
Du Toit - difference maker
He's the prop W Stuart could/should be. Thank god we've got him. Gloucester are welcome to WS if that's where he ends up. He was excellent in his early days but seems to have completely lost his mojo.
Quote:A.M 180
Kay giving Muir MoTM is...odd. Underhill immense and Reid superb
Muir was very good as well tbf. I wondered if TdT might get it despite only playing 30
Quote:OldMarovianQuote:JK7
Du Toit - difference maker
Definitely was this game. Underhill very good too.
Talk about a game of two halves.
5 second half tries 💪
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
Given what was left out there in the first half, a great night.
And an excellent game to watch, so good to see both sides wanting to play rugby.
Quote:Like that!Quel Carreleur
We managed, once again, to @#$%& off the ref - meaning that we lose all the 50/50 calls... and then some.
We need to tighten up massively, and take Carley out of the game by giving him nothing to ping.
We can still do this, but it'll need better discipline than we've seen for a long time.
Carley seemed to forgive us at HT, and may even have tried to make amends (TDT's try must have been close to a double movement), which helped. A few other things where he'd have penalised us in the 1st half. Still managed a 5-minutes of stupidity though, thankfully whilst Glos were down to 14, and couldn't capitalise.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:10:21:47:09 by Quel Carreleur.
MotM for me was Ewels. Often unsung but he was involved in everything, smashing people in attack and defence and leading an excellent forward effort. Although TDT’s 30 mins was very special.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Classic!
I note Barbeary went off at 61 mins, was he injured? If so did it look serious?
Quote:OutsideBath
Happy days a TBP at Glos is always good.
I note Barbeary went off at 61 mins, was he injured? If so did it look serious?
He took an off the ball tackle which looked nasty but played on for a while after that so I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.
Quote:OutsideBath
Happy days a TBP at Glos is always good.
I note Barbeary went off at 61 mins, was he injured? If so did it look serious?
His knee was hit in an off the ball tackle 7-8 minutes earlier, but seemed to run it off, so a tactical change. JvG not wanting to overplay him.
Quote:Dorset BoyQuote:OutsideBath
Happy days a TBP at Glos is always good.
I note Barbeary went off at 61 mins, was he injured? If so did it look serious?
His knee was hit in an off the ball tackle 7-8 minutes earlier, but seemed to run it off, so a tactical change. JvG not wanting to overplay him.
OK thanks, hopefully he is fine as he’s key to Bath being successful.
Barbeary is special, but hopefully we can cover for him when he needs a break.
PG
Bit surprised at Muir being given man of the match but it an all round good team performance it’s difficult to make a choice.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Quote:dr.bath1865
MotM for me was Ewels. Often unsung but he was involved in everything, smashing people in attack and defence and leading an excellent forward effort.
Very glad to hear that.
My observations:
I’ve never really got Ewells but without him that would have been a different game
Finn Russel is very very good. Nobody else is close for Lions
Du Toit is a fantastic signing. I pointed him out when warming up to my Glos supporting friend to keep an eye on him and he was extremely impressed
"It's all right, Andy! It's just bolognaise!"
# Ojomoh is developing into a seriously good centre with Finn's distribution
# The team cohesion when things don't go right is brilliant - example when we went wide in the second half and Joe fumbled the pass. Ollie Lawrence and then several others went up to him and gave him encouraging gestures of support
# Just the love the calmness of the team even when 10 points down away and playing to a baying Shed. Gave me echoes of "Never in doubt" mindset we had with Spurrell and co
# TdT must be prem signing of the season. Unbelievable the difference he has made
# Very effective substitutions at key moments. JvG is light years above the quality of DoR we had before
# Just love the impishness of Russell gesturing to the Shed to be quiet after he had nailed the conversion despite the sledging he got
# The joy of seeing many Bath players after the match milling with supporters of both team and gifting selfies and signing shirts of both teams - absolute class and a great advert for the game
# Possibly the one and only only Glos player I would swap into our team is Carreras. Don't get me wrong I love what Tdg and Gallagher bring but that that guy is just unbelievable in defence and attack
#Finally, and perhaps surprisingly coming from me a 10 sometimes 12, my immense admiration for the shift that FLW put in. Immense. Would have loved to have kept him but wish him and his family
Putting Lawrence in the backs seems to up the physical intensity massively and Russell’s cheeky smile lifts the whole team. You have to love him shushing the “shed”.
My only concern is Joe C, if he is not in the game he doesn’t go looking and he has too many handling errors for me. I just don’t think he uses his power effectively. 10m out I’d he Muir over Joe every time.
Best thing ever is we could have been loads better!

I liked that a lot. We had to problem solve, we had to create, Glaws played well and yet throughout the game you felt we would find the answers and would win. Finn was just majestic. In previous seasons we've had the forwards and we've had the backs but you never felt the two parts were connected. They are now and it frees up *so* much space.
My MotM - Thomas Du Toit. Not for the try but for the immense defensive solidity in tight and loose when Glaws were threatening to come back at us. A rallying point and it was just what was needed.
I don't like artificial pitches but there's no denying that game would have been much, much harder for both sides on grass.
I hope Alfie's knee is OK. He's a brave boy but I think JvG should have hooked him for his own safety.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:11:07:40:14 by Bath Hammer.
- Stuart didn’t make a huge impact and his first scrum was a pen against. But he didn’t get pinged off the park and he worked to satisfy the ref. Right call by JvG to start him as TDT then turned the game.
- Coetzee made one error at the base of a scrum but he fixed that and then had a storming 20 minutes. He looked international class. Knock on v Tigers forgotten. Confidence restored.
- The big one for me was McNally, who made a massive impact, enormous workrate, but most importantly tidied his discipline. At one point he was caught on the wrong side of a ruck, left the ball and did his best to move, and I heard Carley say “good decision” (which is what school tells my 5 year old). Also, it was his impact in the final plays and the final ruck, where he battled through and rucked the ball back, that made the last try. Huge impact. Perfect discipline.
Players listening to the ref and taking responsibility etc and whilst it felt a bit like we weren’t progressing during Leicester and Saints weeks, back to the Hooper era some said, last night shows that these guys are zoned in, are up for it, are thinking, are getting better.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
As others have said consistency is the next step and being able to produce a similar level whilst rotating the squad. I am not sure how strong glouc are, but they certainly came out fired up.
I was pleased the coaches were decisive early in the second half in taking de Glanville off. A great player but it was not his day and the errors were causing us problems. Hopefully as with others that have made mistakes recently he will be given a chance soon to put it right
As others have noted, Ewels was excellent. He owed a big performance, he gave it and some last night. Underhill showing his class as well, I still struggle to comprehend why Borthwick dropped him for the RWC.
We definitely appear more self assured with Finn at the helm, he clearly loves playing and you can sense it's infectious within the squad. Though I will say that I did think Bailey played well last week.
Redpath is still first choice for me, but Ojomoh is continuing to build on a strong partnership with Lawrence. Lawrence was rusty early on, few missed tackles but grew into it, and I thought both handled a strong Gloucester backline fairly well.
Finally, TdT gets the plaudits for our second half fightback, though Gallagher was just as impactful in the backfield.
Quote:Woodpecker
What i thought was interesting was despite the score, when the team came out for the second half it looked like they knew they had the measure of glos, very confident!
Agree Woody, what's more Ewels on occasion got the senior players together and was issuing instruction.

From that point it really did feel like 'never in doubt'
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
I loved it how the young Gloucester supporters wanted selfies with Finn...........he is pure box office
Did you see the young lad getting Finn to sign his Gloucester shirt! Very brave of him on live tv. Hope he doesn't have to go into hiding. Best to sell it on Ebay and buy another. In these grim times for English Rugby Union the match was a great advert for the game, packed ground, passionate home crowd, exciting rugby, Bath irresistible, Finn Russell is box office. I couldn't go to the game so watched on tv and thought coverage was pretty good but strange in these PC days that the presenter, Orla, was not wearing a poppy.
The only downside is that not being there ,one couldn't hear the growing silence of the Shed and Stands (the psychos sit there as well), as Bath went ahead - always such a pleasure.
What I would say is that the vast majority there were appreciative of Finn’s skill. The Glos supporter by us commented in his opinion Finn is the best 10 in the world, he stated his all round play is amazing and wished us well for the season.
Quote:Ali1969
To be fair Glos supporters are great - when Alemmano went over they genuinely thought a fight back was on the cards despite Bath having totally bullied Glos since half time - I honestly can say I have never felt so comfortable watching Bath let alone at Kingsholm after DuToit’s try just got the feeling we had the measure of them especially up front and more importantly we had painted such a positive picture for Matt Carley he was onside as well.
What I would say is that the vast majority there were appreciative of Finn’s skill. The Glos supporter by us commented in his opinion Finn is the best 10 in the world, he stated his all round play is amazing and wished us well for the season.
Ali, have you ever been in the shed? From my two experiences it's a horrible place. And not in a rivalry banter kind of way at all. They pour out of the local pubs to get there about two hours or more before ko to get their favourite spot, get even more beered up and then then the bullying, booze-fuelled threatening, foul mouthed and misogynistic stuff starts. As close as you can get to the testosterone fuelled footy terraces
😀Scots tend to think that Russell is misunderstood in some quarters. I think Bath fans are beginning to see the breadth of what he brings to a team.
He is well known up here for his detailed analysis, the amount of time he spends working with other players, and his delight in using whatever skill he has to lift a team. His benefit to a side is not just the plays he can pull off, but is far wider, especially the way he communicates to teammates all the time (and latterly refs).
Racing 92 coaches have commented on this, and it is one of the reasons he fell out with Townsend who was a notorious control freak and was not prepared to listen to anyone. As anside, that falling out helped Scottish rugby, and Townsend, as to get Russell back on board Townsend had to loosen up and be more consultative.
He is no magician, and is prone to off days when it all goes wrong. But you will see days when he spends the match in the pocket, playing a steady, controlled game, days when he'll strut the flash, but above all what he'll bring to Bath will be a much wider package than just his own play on the pitch.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Best winger on the field by a mile. Muir took his opportunities well but Mays work rate is a different thing in attack and defence. If he still had his top end speed he'd have many years in him.
It's always interesting to see the different ways teams play. Both Glaws wingers given licence to roam both of Baths not. I'm not sure that means either approach is right or wrong, it's what works for the team but you feel both Muir and Coka (and Bath) would benefit from them having more time on the ball.
Spencer/Russell looks like a fabulous combination. Both good leaders and intelligent players. Tbf I though the much junior Varney/Barton did decently for Glaws but the difference is significant (as it was against Sarries)
Quote:makeitagem
Shedweb message board is in meltdown, calling for Skivington to go, always a good read😀
I can't access Shedweb but it must make interesting reading this morning. Gloucester fans are very passionate and make themselves very vocal in their support. Apart from the embarrassing ones their loyal and admirable fans deserve better results than they are getting under Skivington. We have been there, so know what it's like, but this weekend we Bath fans can bask in the absolute delight of a stirring comeback for the second year running at a stadium where we are not particularly welcome.
Quote:OldMarovian
Interesting comments about Side-Mays aboveBest winger on the field by a mile. Muir took his opportunities well but Mays work rate is a different thing in attack and defence. If he still had his top end speed he'd have many years in him.
Where are the May comments?
To suggest May was the best winger on the pitch is utterly baffling. Did you notice how Muir brushed aside Carreras (your man of the match) to score his try.

Bath is a funny place. Small. Insular. Rugby built upon the past. Old ground in the shadow of the abbey. Steeped in history. Finn doesn’t seem to care for any of that- he’s merely thinking about the next play. I liked a lot of the players from the last decade, but especially the players in the clutch positions, have looked so weighed by the expectation of playing in Bath for Bath. I’m not saying we’re the greatest, biggest club on earth- but there’s something about the history, and the lack of success over years, that must weigh heavy.
In short, Finn is the opposite in so many ways of Priestland. Whilst I liked watching Rhys, he’s a great player, Finn almost single-handedly seems to have unshackled us from the weight of the past. He’s made it fun.
Yes hyperbolic. He’s only been here 5 weeks and we’ve lost 2 games etc. but there’s just something super refreshing about his skills set of course but more so his attitude. It seems to be freeing up and energising club stalwarts, like Dunn, Ewels, and Reid, too. Can only imagine the fun it would’ve been to see him paired with JJ and Watson- but then again Lawrence and TDG/Gallagher doing fine.
Of course, winning is more fun than losing. But even in defeat the guys are playing with a smile and a bit of a strut. It’s fun in the stands, too. Long may it continue.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Gaz - Yes many times as a plyaer and supporter - I have been spat at as I ran out representing Somerset in the old days - however whilst that behaviour is disgusting and has no part in any sport or even humanity - I will never criticise unwavering passion for your side - I was there on Friday night and yes one or two Glos supporters let themselves down as they always will and we have a similar number at home games who do the same - the vast majority despite deep disappointment in relation to their teams capitulation (God have we not experienced that recently) but they do accept and celebrate in their own way class players performing - such as Finn Russell - and collectively our second half performance was better than Gloucester and as I said the vast majority of their supporters whilst being distraught to losing to us - were accepting - certainly the lifelong Glos fans sat next to us - through "Gritted" teeth stated we were a class side - they actually did not think Gloucester were that bad just we were so much better in the second half - which I would tend to agree with.
Quote:Ali 1969
but they do accept and celebrate in their own way class players performing - such as Finn Russell
I'd suggest they might even have been amused by the Finn Russell shushing!

There is a big difference between making your home stadium a bear pit for opposition teams and sinking into abusing their fans
Quote:dr.bath1865
The thing I most like about Finn - and there is a lot to choose from - is his attitude. The smiles when a move breaks down. The pats on the back for others when they knock on. The shushing the shed. The strolling out before KO. It adds up to an air of self confidence, both for him and those around him, that has been lacking from Bath for decades- largely due to the huge success of the hugely self confident (Guscotty, “never in doubt”) team of the 90s.
Bath is a funny place. Small. Insular. Rugby built upon the past. Old ground in the shadow of the abbey. Steeped in history. Finn doesn’t seem to care for any of that- he’s merely thinking about the next play. I liked a lot of the players from the last decade, but especially the players in the clutch positions, have looked so weighed by the expectation of playing in Bath for Bath. I’m not saying we’re the greatest, biggest club on earth- but there’s something about the history, and the lack of success over years, that must weigh heavy.
Finn almost single-handedly seems to have unshackled us from the weight of the past. He’s made it fun.
Exactly this. Many of his traits and characteristics remind me of Stuart Barnes in his prime with us. Finn has brought a bit of swagger back to the BBW. Win or lose he does it in style and I love that
.
The following season we got our own tickets, I was verbally abused by a man outside the ground in front of his young son and my Dad, who was Glos born but also a neighbour of John Palmer so a Bath fan, had a drink tipped down the back of his neck when Bath scored a try.
A strange place which has so many rugby strengths and great sausages but also let's itself down with the idiots.
In my honest opinion, yes Bath has had some similar idiots, they are usually stag groups and students rather than long term rugby fans. Bristol fans are not exempt from this.
As with football fans, I believe excess alcohol is responsible and this means the later the kick off, the worse the behaviour. Some love the evening games but that means more drunks IMO.
I have to admit I have mellowed and it was not always the way when I was playing - for the first 30 minutes after a loss I was an absolute misery.
Oh for the love of sport.
Sadly, I have to agree with the above statement although I would add that my last visit to Kingsholm was a few years ago and hopefully things have improved.
At away matches I always expect a certain amount of banter and stick from the locals but I stopped going to Gloucs because I felt both verbally and physically threatened from some so called supporters. It was a really hostile environment and completely took away any possible enjoyment. I am thick skinned and certainly don't draw attention to myself but the constant barrage of threats and expletives coming my way for wearing a Bath hat was way over the top. I do not put all Gloucs supporters in the same bracket as those yobbos but I have a freedom of choice as to whether I continue to go there or not. I decided against.
I might also agree that the Rec also has its small group of morons who seem to know little about the game and even less about the core values of rugby.
Quote:OldMarovian
As always Bath board a great read and the regular comedy act is great too.
Not brave enough to name names then OM?
If its me I can't see what's funny about correcting you when you say Jonny May was the best winger at Kingsholm yesterday when Muir made 170m forwards compared to May's 40m sideways!

Quote:shipwrecked
The other thing to remember is that there were concerns that JvG might bring a turgid forwards game, no evidence of that yesterday, just fun, tries and smiles.
Was thinking exactly that and wondering what Munster fans are making of it as many of them were very critical of their team's apparently limited gameplan under JvG
Quote:gaz59
Was thinking exactly that and wondering what Munster fans are making of it as many of them were very critical of their team's apparently limited gameplan under JvG
They were probably thinking "if only he could have signed a bunch of quality SA forwards and Finn Russell for us!!"
Some really good rugby this weekend and a derby weekend to come

Quote:OldMarovian
As always Bath board a great read and the regular comedy act is great too.
Think of yourself as the bloke in the pub who overhears a conversation between a bunch of mates and then joins in and starts pontificating ad nauseam, while everyone is exchanging little glances to indicate, ‘it was funny and friendly momentarily, but, er, who the hell is this?’
Quote:OptimistQuote:OldMarovian
As always Bath board a great read and the regular comedy act is great too.
Think of yourself as the bloke in the pub who overhears a conversation between a bunch of mates and then joins in and starts pontificating ad nauseam, while everyone is exchanging little glances to indicate, ‘it was funny and friendly momentarily, but, er, who the hell is this?’
I think that's being a tad unfair, Opti. For me, OM brings an interesting, (generally) reasonable and balanced outsiders view to these, and most of the other, SN pages. I do wonder sometimes whether he's an SN AI tasked with generating clicks... I mean his opinion on Owen Farrell surely can't be sincere

... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:12:22:23:25 by joethefanatic.
Tough to pick a motm as so many excellent performances. Probably settle on Underhill.
Loving Alfies barrelling runs, and TdT’s consistent high standards, and Finn/Ben at 1/2 back so exciting.
Lots to enjoy at the Rec this season, already looking forward to Friday and Brizz.
Quote:Optimist
If you’re in someone else’s ’pub’ don’t disrespect the locals.
That's our job.
Quote:hastaQuote:Optimist
If you’re in someone else’s ’pub’ don’t disrespect the locals.
That's our job.
Hasta, that unfair on Optimist. I've PM'd you.

Quote:joethefanatic
I do wonder sometimes whether he's an SN AI tasked with generating clicks... I mean his opinion on Owen Farrell surely can't be sincere
01100100 01100001 01101101 01101110 00101100 00100000 01110010 01110101 01101101 01100010 01101100 01100101 01100100 00100001 00001010*
*damn, rumbled!
Tks Joe

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:13:09:54:50 by OldMarovian.
Quote:Optimist
If you’re in someone else’s ’pub’ don’t disrespect the locals.
He may not be a local, but OM is definitely a regular. Always interesting to hear the views of visitors to the Bath board.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Optimist
If you’re in someone else’s ’pub’ don’t disrespect the locals.
He may not be a local, but OM is definitely a regular. Always interesting to hear the views of visitors to the Bath board.
Agree completely Matt but where do you you stand on a recidivistic lack of respect?

Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Optimist
If you’re in someone else’s ’pub’ don’t disrespect the locals.
He may not be a local, but OM is definitely a regular. Always interesting to hear the views of visitors to the Bath board.
He's not from round these parts

# our god awful fumbling fielding restarts. One in the first half so easily could have led straight to a second Glaws try that could have been a game changing score instead of a 22 drop out
# no one chasing up the Finn pen miss on the possibility of a rebound from posts
# not only failing to score when Glaws were down to 14 in second half but even conceded a 7 pointer
Quote:shipwrecked
Agree completely Matt but where do you you stand on a recidivistic lack of respect?
If I knew what it meant I'm sure I would be very much for / against it!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Optimist
I'd add to that gaz that Miles Reid butchered a try for the second time this season by running with his head down. One was a 'great work in the first place, shame he didn't lift his head up', two was an 'oh boy, he's not going to enjoy the replay of that', three would be a worrying trend.
I'm sure the communication was there on the inside in both cases (surely?). I suspect the issue is he backed himself to make it. As athletic as he is, that might need reappraising but, it must be said, the Carreras tackle was outstanding (the side entry directly after less so).
They are so clinical with their handling and basic decision making. 2 on 1 rarely , if ever gets butchered
Good that be has a 'work on' - generally been outstanding for the last couple of seasons
Quote:Optimist
I'd add to that gaz that Miles Reid butchered a try for the second time this season by running with his head down. One was a 'great work in the first place, shame he didn't lift his head up', two was an 'oh boy, he's not going to enjoy the replay of that', three would be a worrying trend.
Totally agree Opti, probably like you I was screaming for the straight forward inside pass for a 7 pointer. I think he just misjudged how fast Carreras was coming at him but like you say, so hope there isn't another one like that any time soon
Tho if there is one piece of redemption there wasn't any sense of oh [expletive deleted] from his team mates. There does seem to be a lot of evidence of the "we go again" mindset even when someone does balls up
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:11:13:17:14:07 by CoochieCoo.
Think this is the game Richards comes in an I think maybe at 6 with either Reid or Underhill getting completely rotated. This is the game you can afford to go lighter in the pack and suit a more open game plan.
Although TDG did not have the greatest game he was not by any means poor. And when Gallagher came on I’m not sure he did anything at all ?? Would stick again with TDG and bring Redpath in at 23 with Bailey at 22, both will be nice additions off the bench.
Of the last 50 or so games that we've lost, I'm pretty sure we'd have won about 35 of them with the simple addition of Finn Russell. How can you not feel better about yourself when one of the world's best players just shrugs his shoulders and smiles when he makes a mistake, and then very often goes back and does something absurdly brilliant a few minutes later. And all of that neanderthal white-line fever that has cost us so many tries, and so many games over the course of our lost years .... Finn wouldn't have stood for that.
The other plaudits have to go to all the coaches especially Lee Blackett and Richard Blaze - our attack and yes it helps if you have one of the best if not the best distributing 10's in World rugby running the show but the speed in which we are developing and producing is staggering.
Ben Spencer's game also I think really compliments Finn's and brings our abrasive mobile back row into the game producing fast ball - I would expect this week for Redpath to return and Max O have a break and also Matt Gallagher to play at 15 to give TdG a rest - he seemed quite heavily strapped (TdG) on his leg and hand and took another heavy knock just before he was replaced on Friday - I know JvG is very keen to allow players to recover and not play with niggles or knocks.
We are nowhere near the finished article - I am shocked how much we have improved this season and I think our additions in coaching and especially Finn has much to do with it.
Bristol will represent a serious challenge on Friday with the weather at the MOMENT appearing to be dry we want to be seriously dominating Bristol up front and slowing their mobile back row down.
Quote:gaz59
# no one chasing up the Finn pen miss on the possibility of a rebound from posts
I cannot remember anyone being designated to this basic task since Tom Biggs left the club.
Quote:Woodpecker
Tom Biggs blast from the past!
And he sure was a blast with the barnet to go with it
A very tough call if simply on merit in my view
Quote:Kidney Stone
Stick with Max IMO.
I quite like the rotation KS, then you build familiarity with two different 12's in case of injury. Having Redpath and Mojo available gives great depth in the squad.

Quote:Kidney Stone
Stick with Max IMO.
Im a vote for bring back Cam.
What a wonderful problem to have!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Ironically our worst time during the game was in the second half when Glos were down to 14.
Hopefully Barbeary is ok for Friday as I thought it was an unnecessary and cheap hit to his knee.
Quote:BathOtter
Jonny May has been cited from the game. Not sure what for, and can't recall any high tackles from him?
Running side ways at speed without due care and attention?
Quote:Francis Allen
What makes that more annoying was that it was missed by the officials as indeed was the knock on seconds later. Had either been noticed Ben Spencer would not have received his yellow card.
Not relly a clear out more like off the ball stuff happens at speed!
Here at 10.43 on the video and also later.


Quote:Devonport Boy
Surprised it’s not Ludlow for that disgraceful off the ball hit on Barbeary’s knee.
+1
Quote:Francis Allen
What makes that more annoying was that it was missed by the officials as indeed was the knock on seconds later. Had either been noticed Ben Spencer would not have received his yellow card.
Nor was Varney's shove off the ball and from an offside position on Ojomoh as he about to collect the ball from Reid 3 metres out after the admittedly brilliant Carreras tackle
There were quite a few big decisions that didn't go our way that night
Quote:Francis Allen
Finn mentioned it to Carley who dismissed it. Pretty poor officiating.
Yeah it was really poor, I was annoyed about it at the time (less so 90 minutes later). TMO asleep all match maybe.
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Kidney Stone
Stick with Max IMO.
Im a vote for bring back Cam.
What a wonderful problem to have!
You love cam!
He is class tbf.
Pretty relaxed either way- as you say nice problem!
Quote:Devonport Boy
It was Finn who drew Carley’s attention to the incident. “Nothing clear to me” (or something very similar) he said. I didn’t spot it the first time I watched the game - it’s in the edge of the TV picture. But when you’re looking for it it’s clear. May could be in trouble. He’s upright and it looks like shoulder to head.
Thing is the ball is on the floor though, it's like he just decided to take him out!

3:10 on the match clock (YouTube).
Hard to know for sure where the point of contact is, and the fact that Mojo isn't, in the end, badly hurt makes me think it might just LOOK bad rather than actually be head/shoulder to jaw/head, but he's certainly out of control and hitting up (and beyond the ruck, but that's sort of beside the point).
Either way, amazed they didn't check it and Carley's "there's nothing clear for me" on field is OK, as it was a chaotic passage of play, but the TMO should be on it, especially as Mojo goes down receiving treatment to what looks like his jaw/mouth.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Thought the incident was out of character, although he also had an altercation with Muir at one point and seemed pretty fired up all game… so fired up he lost his sense of direction in the second half.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

