Comeonmylovers.co.uk - Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 09:21

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:09:09:26:27 by CoochieCoo.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 09:58

Great write up and like your team, personally believe this will be a battle of the backrows/breakdown, I would go for:

Gallagher (think he has established No 1 status in coaches minds)
Joe C
Ollie Lawrence
Cam Redpath
Will Muir
Finn Russell
Ben Spencer

Beno Obano
Tom Dunn
Will Stuart/Du Toit
Charlie Ewels
Elliott Stooke/Quinn Roux
Sam Underhill (Needs games prior to 6N announcement - If fit)
Miles Reid
Alfie Barbeary

Annett
Schoeman
Du Toit/Stuart
Roux/Stooke
Coetzee
Cloete
Schrueder
Bailey

Cloete was back to his best against Tigers IMHO he was outstanding in a beaten pack and if Underhill not fit I would start with Cloete and have Richards on the bench. I would also say Schreuder also looked the best I have seen him, the two of them caused Tigers loads of problems and got right under their skin.

Happy to start with either Stuart or Du Toit - similar with Roux & Stooke - albeit I think Stooke will start given his connections with Glos.

MCNally appeared to me to be a man resigned to this being his last season - he just doesn't seem "at the races" this season.

The power off the bench will I believe be decisive against Glos and I think the 6/2 split given Glos's issues with power could well be the deciding factor.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 10:09

Quote:
Ali1969
Cloete was back to his best against Tigers IMHO he was outstanding in a beaten pack and if Underhill not fit I would start with Cloete

Interesting how different people view the same thing - my view is that Cloete is miles away from being one of Bath's best back row players, he is too small (relatively speaking) to bring any go forward, seems to have lost much of his jackalling ability and just seems to want to fight people. I would have Reid at 7 and Richards at 6 if the others aren't available.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Woodpecker (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 11:18

I cant seem to access TNT schedule ATM, is this game on it?

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 11:27

[www.wheresthematch.com]

TNT Soorts 1

It’s on the tv listings in the link list main menu

https://i.ibb.co/YTDNDCdd/Tyler-Offiah-185.jpg

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: bathonian80 (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 11:41

The comment that Cloete is too small and just wants to fight people is spot on.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 11:48

Excellent review and I especially like the bench choices, very Dutch. "Total Rugby" you could say smiling smiley

This feels like it should be a walk-over but Derbys are funny things. Hoping for good weather and a great game for the neutral.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 12:52

Agree re Cloete comments - Two good turnovers but if that is his best then that still puts him way behind. Pen machine but not in a good way. Bayliss said he will be back End of Jan/Feb who I would much rather at 7. In my eyes he is a bigger quicker, better carrier and now better jackler than Cloete

Think Stuart will get a rest with Griffin on the bench.
Going off the presumption that Underhill is not fit

1. Obano
2. Annett
3. TDT
4. Ewels
5. Stooke
6. Reid
7. Coetzee
8. Barbs
9. Spencer
10. Russell
11. Muir
12. Ojomoh
13. Lawrence
14. Cokanasiga
15. TDG

16. Dunn
17. Schoeman
18. Griffin
19. Roux
20. Richards
21. Schreuder
22. Bailey
23. Redpath

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 13:00

Quote:
HK890
Think Stuart will get a rest with Griffin on the bench.
Going off the presumption that Underhill is not fit

1. Obano
2. Annett
3. TDT
4. Ewels
5. Stooke
6. Reid
7. Coetzee
8. Barbs
9. Spencer
10. Russell
11. Muir
12. Ojomoh
13. Lawrence
14. Cokanasiga
15. TDG

16. Dunn
17. Schoeman
18. Griffin
19. Roux
20. Richards
21. Schreuder
22. Bailey
23. Redpath

I think maybe 6 and 7 swapped and Repath at 12 over Max Ojomoh but then it is also gonig to depend on how hardcore he is going after the Euro games I guess - I assume that we 'just' need to beat Racing on Sunday 14th?

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 13:04

Quote:
BathMatt53
Quote:
HK890
Think Stuart will get a rest with Griffin on the bench.
Going off the presumption that Underhill is not fit

1. Obano
2. Annett
3. TDT
4. Ewels
5. Stooke
6. Reid
7. Coetzee
8. Barbs
9. Spencer
10. Russell
11. Muir
12. Ojomoh
13. Lawrence
14. Cokanasiga
15. TDG

16. Dunn
17. Schoeman
18. Griffin
19. Roux
20. Richards
21. Schreuder
22. Bailey
23. Redpath

I think maybe 6 and 7 swapped and Repath at 12 over Max Ojomoh but then it is also gonig to depend on how hardcore he is going after the Euro games I guess - I assume that we 'just' need to beat Racing on Sunday 14th?

I did think that but JVG has actually favoured Coetzee at either 7 or 8 rarely 6. But for him and Reid wouldn’t mean to much.
Again max and Cam is 50/50 just think Max deserves it. Then let Cam have both Europe games to keep consistency.

I am of the opinion that we are going for both games Racing and Toulouse otherwise tigers wouldn’t have been a rested game. But yea Racing is all that is needed for a home knockout

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 13:50

Quote:
BathMatt53
Quote:
Ali1969
Cloete was back to his best against Tigers IMHO he was outstanding in a beaten pack and if Underhill not fit I would start with Cloete

Interesting how different people view the same thing - my view is that Cloete is miles away from being one of Bath's best back row players, he is too small (relatively speaking) to bring any go forward, seems to have lost much of his jackalling ability and just seems to want to fight people. I would have Reid at 7 and Richards at 6 if the others aren't available.

I often look at the opposition's reaction to a player especially in the dark arts on the floor/rucks to judge how well they are doing - Cloete on Sunday was a nuisance to a dominant Tigers pack - hence why he was on the wrong end of a lot of off the ball incidents which the officials mostly ignored. Interestingly the Tigers supporters around us agreed and thought like myself that he was outstanding in a losing cause.

In relation to size he can do nothing about his size but proportionately he is some unit and survived a hell of a lot of clear outs by much bigger forwards. I heard him being compared to an annoying terrier.

For interest - Comparison Kwagga Smith 5 cm taller than Cloete - Cloete listed as being 1/2 stone (6Kg) heavier - and certainly do not hear many saying Smith is too small - Size is as they say not everything.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:03:13:58:07 by Ali1969.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 13:57

Quote:
HK890
I did think that but JVG has actually favoured Coetzee at either 7 or 8 rarely 6.

FTR, All.rugby has Jaco at #8 (19), BSF (9) and OSF (3)
He's never started anywhere but #8 under JvG

From memory, those 3 matches he started at 7 were when we had Hughes locked in at 8, and a run of injuries in the backrow.

ETA: Close, we were fielding a backrow of Faletau, Coetzee and Hughes.

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:03:14:04:49 by Quel Carreleur.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 14:01

Quote:
Ali1969
Quote:
BathMatt53
Quote:
Ali1969
Cloete was back to his best against Tigers IMHO he was outstanding in a beaten pack and if Underhill not fit I would start with Cloete

Interesting how different people view the same thing - my view is that Cloete is miles away from being one of Bath's best back row players, he is too small (relatively speaking) to bring any go forward, seems to have lost much of his jackalling ability and just seems to want to fight people. I would have Reid at 7 and Richards at 6 if the others aren't available.

I often look at the opposition's reaction to a player especially in the dark arts on the floor/rucks to judge how well they are doing - Cloete on Sunday was a nuisance to a dominant Tigers pack - hence why he was on the wrong end of a lot of off the ball incidents which the officials mostly ignored. Interestingly the Tigers supporters around us agreed and thought like myself that he was outstanding in a losing cause.

In relation to size he can do nothing about his size but proportionately he is some unit and survived a hell of a lot of clear outs by much bigger forwards. I heard him being compared to an annoying terrier.

For interest - Comparison Kwagga Smith 5 cm taller than Cloete - Cloete listed as being 1/2 stone (6Kg) heavier - Size is as they say not everything.

Interesting point about size Underhill is two inches taller than Cloete but not seen as a line out jumper, so he loses points there. I also thinks he has lost a bit of pace he used to get to breakdowns fast and get locked over the ball. His offside penalties are as a result of him commentating for this. I think I'd prefer Josh Bayliss I think faster, younger, bigger and works in the line out.

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: hemington (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 14:13

Quote:
HK890
I am of the opinion that we are going for both games Racing and Toulouse otherwise tigers wouldn’t have been a rested game. But yea Racing is all that is needed for a home knockout

That would be Racing who are top of their league.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 14:15

Shipwrecked - totally agree if we are looking for a lineout option - not such an issue when Ted Hill is fit or Richards is playing - but without either our backrow options are quite vertically small - Reid is used considerably at the front of the lineout as is Bayliss when he is fit. If your looking for a more traditional option then I do not think we have it at present - hence why Bradbury would have been nice but then other than Annett have we got a hooker who can accurately hit the back regularly?

Underhill is still a great player and is definitely our No 1 openside - Bayliss would be challenging Sam U if fit but Cloete is IMHO a good deputy and then Ted Hill is definitely No 1 blindside when fit - Reid/Richards give us plenty of back up.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 16:26

Quote:
Ali1969
I often look at the opposition's reaction to a player especially in the dark arts on the floor/rucks to judge how well they are doing - Cloete on Sunday was a nuisance to a dominant Tigers pack - hence why he was on the wrong end of a lot of off the ball incidents which the officials mostly ignored. Interestingly the Tigers supporters around us agreed and thought like myself that he was outstanding in a losing cause.
.

Completely agree Ali
He made 2 jackal turnovers, but was neck rolled a number of times in the act of trying to secure one, so the turnovers were not given.

Some of the off the ball stuff you mention came from these rolls. The one at the death was I think him just boiling over because of the general treatment he'd received.

Underhill would definitely be my first choice, but for certain games, certain opposition, Cloete is not far behind.

PG

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: TG Kesmo (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 17:52

I would start Dunn over Annett, Dunn may not be equivalent in the line out but beats Annett hands down on every other aspect of his game.
I would rather not have Cloete he has been so close to picking a fight in every game I’ve seen him in this season and doesn’t seem to have learnt to keep himself under control just a penalty waiting to happen. I would rather see Richards in the back row than take the risk.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 03/01/2024 20:20

Quote:
HK890
Agree re Cloete comments - Two good turnovers but if that is his best then that still puts him way behind. Pen machine but not in a good way. Bayliss said he will be back End of Jan/Feb who I would much rather at 7. In my eyes he is a bigger quicker, better carrier and now better jackler than Cloete
Think Stuart will get a rest with Griffin on the bench.
Going off the presumption that Underhill is not fit

1. Obano
2. Annett
3. TDT
4. Ewels
5. Stooke
6. Reid
7. Coetzee
8. Barbs
9. Spencer
10. Russell
11. Muir
12. Ojomoh
13. Lawrence
14. Cokanasiga
15. TDG

16. Dunn
17. Schoeman
18. Griffin
19. Roux
20. Richards
21. Schreuder
22. Bailey
23. Redpath

Some tight calls but that is pretty much what I would go with.

Rewards the likes of tdt, richards, coetzee and tdg who all stood up well at Welford Rd.

Stuart is about the only one who hasn't been given a rest for several weeks from memory so makes sense to give griffin a go. Some decent impact off the bench of needed.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)

Date: 04/01/2024 07:04

As an outsider

TDG
Cokanasiga
Lawrence
Redpath
Muir

Russell
Spencer

Obano
Dunn
TDT
Ewels
Stooke
Reid
Underhill
Barbeary

Annett
Schoeman
Stuart
Roux
Coetzee
Schrueder
Bailey
Ojomoh

If Underhill is missing bring Richards into back row.
I did want to find room for Harris on the bench (after his performance last weekend) but you probably have to go with Bailey because of his experience.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)

Date: 04/01/2024 09:10

Yes Tigersimon I contemplated Harris but came to the same conclusion as you.

Also if you make that change you probably set off a sequence of events which lead to one inevitable conclusion.......

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)

Date: 04/01/2024 14:34

This match is a potential banana skin on our carefully planned journey to the top 4. Gloucester are not a poor team, they have just made a bad start & been unlucky. They will be desperate to get one over on their old enemy & probably have the fire power to do so with the right attitude. We have to apply ourselves.for 80 minutes.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)

Date: 04/01/2024 16:46

Quote:
Bath Hammer
This match is a potential banana skin on our carefully planned journey to the top 4. Gloucester are not a poor team, they have just made a bad start & been unlucky. They will be desperate to get one over on their old enemy & probably have the fire power to do so with the right attitude. We have to apply ourselves.for 80 minutes.

Completely agree. We made this a potential banana skin when we decided to rotate last week.

I thought Glos were excellent in periods at Twickenham last week and could have won that game. Possibly the only time I'll advocate a 6:2 split.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 04/01/2024 18:22

I was only half watching the quins glos game but thought glos at times looked a bit clueless and acking gainline success to get much going.

Lucky to be in with a sniff near the end, largely thanks to smiths goalkicking.

They are a good team on paper though with plenty of threats but I would be very disappointed if a fully loaded team at home didn't put them away by more than one score

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)

Date: 04/01/2024 19:12

I have now watched the Leicester v Bath game.

I have to say having first read all of the comments on 'ere I was expecting an absolute ****show.

Whilst the phrase "if my aunt had spherical objects she would be my uncle" Austin Healey's comment that Bath were in the red zone on four occasions and didn't convert was one of the issues.

If our target had been to get a losing bonus point and with a bit of luck a try bonus we were one try away and there were a number of opportunities which were spoilt by lack of accuracy........I guess that's the difference between first choice and second and third choice.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)

Date: 04/01/2024 19:24

By rotating last week, I think we've turned this into a smaller banana skin than it could have been. Going full bore at Leicester, tiring if not injuring key players, and potentially still not coming away with anything would have been a mistake. It was always the obvious game to rotate in this block. The newspapers and commentary about fans being short-changed etc is nonsense – other teams have done similar at various points in the season and they didn't get the stick we have from some quarters. I'm glad that just because it's Christmas, and WR was sold out, JvG stuck to his plan!

As it is, yes, we left empty-handed, but we can roll out a fit and fresh A-team this weekend. That's exciting and I think it reduces the size of the Gloucester-sized banana skin lying between us and further cementing top 4. The forecast looks improved for the next few days, but I'd still be looking to dominate Glos up front (maybe a 6:2) and grind them into the Rec mud. Hope Barbeary does what Domb did to Mercer...

*off-topic, but I remember a clip from years ago of a non-league manager before an FA Cup tie, in the dressing room with his side about to play someone like Liverpool, and he's shouting at them something along the lines of: "We're a 10ft wide banana skin for this lot!"

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)

Date: 04/01/2024 19:35

Quote:
Bath Hammer
This match is a potential banana skin on our carefully planned journey to the top 4. Gloucester are not a poor team, they have just made a bad start & been unlucky. They will be desperate to get one over on their old enemy & probably have the fire power to do so with the right attitude. We have to apply ourselves.for 80 minutes.

I disagree, we would probably still lost had we gone full strength last week so with a rested team we have a better chance against Glos. Still a banana skin though.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)

Date: 04/01/2024 21:27

Can anyone comment on how high the river is by The Rec? We should have a dry couple of days ahead now but upstream where I am it is the highest for some years I would say.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 04:49

It may well be that the decision to go full bore in rotation last weekend was correct. If I recall correctly we also rotated away against Sale & Saints, maybe less comprehensively, & lost both - but only just. It’s said that other teams are doing this & we have in the past but the custom has been not rotating the whole team but just 5/6 players. I wonder how many other teams are doing this. We are now in a huge pack of about 8 teams all with a shout of top 4 so in the end it could come down to who rotates best. Injuries have plagued us in the past so all that can be done to rest players is important. I guess we’ll find out at the end of the season whether it has worked but so far, despite our massive,y improved performances, we are just in the pack. If our aim is just to get in the top 4, fine. If the aim is to win the title we may not be giving ourselves the best chance. Who knows how long we will have a squad this good.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: copester (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 05:41

I would imagine full strength from Sunday onwards until the break. I can see the internationals missing Toulouse if we beat Racing and secure a home Euro last 16 tie. Bristol away could be tricky if the England boys are away in camp?

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.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 07:43

Quote:
copester
I would imagine full strength from Sunday onwards until the break. I can see the internationals missing Toulouse if we beat Racing and secure a home Euro last 16 tie. Bristol away could be tricky if the England boys are away in camp?

I think that will be the approach aswell.

It's a good point about eng training camp- I think bris is 8 days before the Italy game.

Imagine us being hit much harder than bris tho probably the only nailed on call ups are genge for bris and stuart/ lawrence for us?

Assume celts will be available for both sides.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 07:46

Assume at least one of alfie, underhill, reid back this weekend otherwise don't think Richard's would be playing for united.

A backrow of coetzee, underhill, alfie would be crazily powerful but maybe lacks the lineout option that gjvv offers (and hill/ bayliss/ reid)

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 09:41

Quote:
copester
I would imagine full strength from Sunday onwards until the break. I can see the internationals missing Toulouse if we beat Racing and secure a home Euro last 16 tie. Bristol away could be tricky if the England boys are away in camp?

Totally agree with you Copster - hence why the selection for the Tigers game was what it was. It was noticeable that Sale who have been week in week out selecting a full "bore" side ran out of steam at the 60 minute mark against Saints - huge drop off which cost them the game and who knows how many other games? Players need to rest physically and mentally and our schedule up to the 6 Nations is just so stupid-crazy (as my daughter would say) - then our Internationals are straight into an even more intensive environment and so it starts again.

The top 4 positions I believe this season may well go down to the last weekend and there is plenty of more peaks and dips on this year's rollercoaster - just thankful we are in the mix.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Reccing Ball (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 09:43

Quote:
B4thB4ck
Can anyone comment on how high the river is by The Rec? We should have a dry couple of days ahead now but upstream where I am it is the highest for some years I would say.

At 9:00 the water is over the footpath, about ten inches before it overtops the bund.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 09:48

Quote:
hemington
Quote:
HK890
I am of the opinion that we are going for both games Racing and Toulouse otherwise tigers wouldn’t have been a rested game. But yea Racing is all that is needed for a home knockout

That would be Racing who are top of their league.

And Racing that have been beaten home and away by two sides we fairly comfortably beat. I don’t even think they will go full strength which again should make things more simple

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 09:51

Quote:
TG Kesmo
I would start Dunn over Annett, Dunn may not be equivalent in the line out but beats Annett hands down on every other aspect of his game.
I would rather not have Cloete he has been so close to picking a fight in every game I’ve seen him in this season and doesn’t seem to have learnt to keep himself under control just a penalty waiting to happen. I would rather see Richards in the back row than take the risk.

I’m sorry but I wound have to categorically disagree with that. Would say it’s been the reverse with Dunn and Annett.

Annett is better over the ball, much better handling (Assist for Joe C), quicker. Dunn has more often than not been more solid throwing but Annett looked very good recently.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 09:56

Quote:
Reccing Ball
Quote:
B4thB4ck
Can anyone comment on how high the river is by The Rec? We should have a dry couple of days ahead now but upstream where I am it is the highest for some years I would say.

At 9:00 the water is over the footpath, about ten inches before it overtops the bund.

Yikes .......... I wonder if the might want to add heigh to that bund given that once in 50 year events happen every 5 years now.

Be a shame to spoil a shiny new stadium, ....... if we get the go ahead of course!

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: wetside (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 10:04

And still rising.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 10:18

There is a webcam on Pultney Bridge but doesn't have a reference to compare but there is also a live monitor on the Destructor bridge about a mile upstream. Might be levelling off.

https://i.ibb.co/mqxf3ZB/Bath-rainfall.jpg

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: TG Kesmo (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 11:21

Quote:
HK890
Quote:
TG Kesmo
I would start Dunn over Annett, Dunn may not be equivalent in the line out but beats Annett hands down on every other aspect of his game.
I would rather not have Cloete he has been so close to picking a fight in every game I’ve seen him in this season and doesn’t seem to have learnt to keep himself under control just a penalty waiting to happen. I would rather see Richards in the back row than take the risk.

I’m sorry but I wound have to categorically disagree with that. Would say it’s been the reverse with Dunn and Annett.

Annett is better over the ball, much better handling (Assist for Joe C), quicker. Dunn has more often than not been more solid throwing but Annett looked very good recently.

I was taking the season so far as a whole so Dunn’s better throwing and a couple of good cameos from Annett off the bench aren’t changing my opinion. But that’s my opinion we all see things differently and competition for places is good. We are lucky to see the strength in depth we have this season

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 11:29

How much of a completed lineout is down to the throwing? Both Dunn and Annett chuck darts like Luke Littler in practice, maybe its the lifters / jumpers who have improved, or maybe simply the coaching with Luke C off with the academy.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 11:33

Quote:
BathMatt53
How much of a completed lineout is down to the throwing? Both Dunn and Annett chuck darts like Luke Littler in practice, maybe its the lifters / jumpers who have improved, or maybe simply the coaching with Luke C off with the academy.

Agree it is a whole operation with everyone playing their part. Making the calls/Deception/Lift/Timing/Throw all play as big a part. However when one hooker seems to be getting it right more often you have to think they are doing their bit better.

Would have hoped the lineout to kick on a bit started off really good with JVG at start but since then feel it’s become a target point for some sides now.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 11:55

I always think its a tough gig when the whole front row is changed, not only is the hooker fresh, the lifters will be different heights and strengths and the 2nd row will be a bit knackered. Without Annett playing in the same starting pack as Dunn I think its impossible to tell really, other than watching them in warm up where they are both eye-wateringly accurate.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:05

Now that is a very very good team. Can’t fault it at all
Barbs and Underhill back on the bench is so good. TCS and Harris for the 6/2

TDG in that back three is so so fun. Massive game can’t see anything but a battering.

COYB

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:06

Quote:
HK890
Now that is a very very good team. Can’t fault it at all
Barbs and Underhill back on the bench is so good. TCS and Harris for the 6/2

TDG in that back three is so so fun. Massive game can’t see anything but a battering.

COYB

What is a good team?

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:10

Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Elliott Stooke, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 GJ van Velze, 7 Miles Reid, 8 Jaco Coetzee, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir (50), 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville

Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Quinn Roux, 20 Alfie Barbeary, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Sam Harris, 23 Sam Underhill

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:11

Feel a bit bad for Bailey, but really pleased to see Harris who looks great and TCS get a chance.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:16

Thanks HK, Agree its strong. Hats off to Sam Harris for making the bench in a big derby, he is also the back up fly half. TCS I feel is better than Schreuder.
Stooke and Ewels at lock are solid and reliable and the the back row has heft. I also love to see Will Muir in a side!

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:24

Great team. Strange how that back row, on paper, doesn't feel first choice (cos it's not...), but Reid has been massive this season and GJVV and Coetzee have been in great form. That's some serious forward firepower on the bench.

Their squad seems to be quite a bit less affected by injury than for our previous meeting at Kingsholm. The likes of Hastings, Ackerman, and Mercer will bring a threat.

Injury update from the club too on the squad announcement page that seems to state that, with Bayliss and RMcCon back this weekend, Hill, Tonks, Cuckson and Staddon our only injuries. Quite an amazing effort from the S&C and medical team if that's the case at this stage of the season.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:29

Pleased that TdG seems to have finally moved ahead of Gallagher who is a solid but pretty limited player.

Good that Griffin is trusted but TdT seems a much weaker scrum presence at loosehead and between Balmain and Gotovtsev Glos are strong on that side of the set piece.

Glos look decent on paper particularly in the back row but confident we should have enough for the win especially with the forward power we can bring off the bench.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Reccing Ball (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:37

Quote:
shipwrecked
Quote:
Reccing Ball
Quote:
B4thB4ck
Can anyone comment on how high the river is by The Rec? We should have a dry couple of days ahead now but upstream where I am it is the highest for some years I would say.

At 9:00 the water is over the footpath, about ten inches before it overtops the bund.

Yikes .......... I wonder if the might want to add heigh to that bund given that once in 50 year events happen every 5 years now.

Be a shame to spoil a shiny new stadium, ....... if we get the go ahead of course!

The Rec is a flood plain (with a designated volume) and is designed at a specific river level, the whole river defence would need a redesign if the bund is increased at the Rec.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:48

Quote:
hasta
Feel a bit bad for Bailey, but really pleased to see Harris who looks great and TCS get a chance.

Likewise - timing is everything, and Harris has dodged a bullet by being 2 years younger than Orlando. However, OB is only 22, and it would be great to think that we could keep them both for the post-Finn era - I reckon OB could cover 12 too, and they are both an option at 15.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:50

The weir has effectively "disappeared".... (Sm142)

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:52

Glos look good on paper but still think we were overly weak last week and overly strong this- our 23 is absurdly good and I will be disappointed if we don't win by more than a score.

I hoped for 6 points from this week and last, 5 will be good, 4 or less I don't feel is a great return (but hopeful of the 5).

Many things I like about the selection:

Rewarded coetzee, harris, tdg for good showings last week
Give griffin, TCS and harris a go in a v strong 23
50 up for muir- what a player
Players back from injury (underhill, barbeary, reid)
For once I am fine with 6:2, split. I think our power game is our advantage over glos so alfie and barbeary off bench is pretty brutal- keeps the dream alive of seeing those 2 in combo with coetzee

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: callmeMrTibbs (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:52

The towpath from the cricket ground to the old ticket hut is impassable. Hopefully it’ll drain before any decision needs to be taken. As things stand though the game would be off.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:55

That is virtually the team I proposed in the review.

I had du Toit instead of Stuart.....but I suppose on reflection du Toit can come on for either prop if there is an early injury and can then move over to the other side if required.

I also had Gallagher starting but much prefer the pace of TDG.....

I am pleased for Harris who I suppose is cover for the back three and flyhalf.

Bench very strong

Also I note, do I, that Muir wins his 50th "cap"

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 12:59

Quote:
Reccing Ball
Quote:
shipwrecked
Quote:
Reccing Ball
Quote:
B4thB4ck
Can anyone comment on how high the river is by The Rec? We should have a dry couple of days ahead now but upstream where I am it is the highest for some years I would say.

At 9:00 the water is over the footpath, about ten inches before it overtops the bund.

Yikes .......... I wonder if the might want to add heigh to that bund given that once in 50 year events happen every 5 years now.

Be a shame to spoil a shiny new stadium, ....... if we get the go ahead of course!

The Rec is a flood plain (with a designated volume) and is designed at a specific river level, the whole river defence would need a redesign if the bund is increased at the Rec.

Well yes and no, you can protect individual structures.

https://i.ibb.co/9YxrY0z/flood-defence-wall.jpg

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 13:11

The Avon water levels upstream at Bathford and Bradford on Avon are steady to falling and downstream at Saltford the trend is rising. Hoping this means the peak has passed by the Rec.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 13:28

Quote:
charlieboa
I think our power game is our advantage over glos so alfie and barbeary off bench is pretty brutal-

I agree charlie

I would hate to try to defend against 2 Alfie's at once!

PG

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 13:47

Really feel for Bailey and not sure I quite understand it. Love Harris getting gametime don’t get me wrong but Bailey covers 10/13/15 and has played well at every opportunity.

I know his time will come but I just feel he deserves more time.

Apart from that the team looks very good.

Good team for Glos LRZ on the bench which is good as he’s looked incredible last few weeks and sometimes there only threat. Massive pack for us and that will have a big impact.

But to put it lightly - With Spencer and Russell at halfbacks I back us to beat any team in Europe on our day.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: nick holder (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 14:02

Agree ref Bailey, he must feel pretty peed off. Also with the 6/2 split Max O must also be annoyed given how well he has done this season. I prefer TDG but we may miss Gallagher's left pin when kicking to touch. Guess we are going to be trying to run a lot of ball with that back line!

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 14:06

I think JvG sees Bailey only as a 10. He only seems to pick young players on merit so it's a message to tell him to improve. Orlando Bailey has never played well with Schreuder at 9 but I'm sure that this is only temporary. He didn't play badly in that game but was forced to show his defensive side in a first half where the pack was retreating. As stated above he is only 22 so plenty of time to sort stuff out. Opti's point about him deserving to play behind a go forward pack would reverse the trend I feel.

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

The team were training at the Rec today and the pitch didn’t look remotely waterlogged which surprised me. The river path next to the ground was flooded and closed. Probably be ok by Sunday though.

Posted by: liquidmonkey (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 14:10

The team were training at the Rec today and the pitch didn’t look remotely waterlogged which surprised me. The river path next to the ground was flooded and closed - it will probably be ok by Sunday though.

Desperate affairs require desperate measures.
Horatio Nelson

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:05:14:11:13 by liquidmonkey.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 14:12

Quote:
nick holder
Agree ref Bailey, he must feel pretty peed off.

I'm not sure about that - according to Lee Blackett before the game last week the players all know a month + before who they would like to play for particular games. I assume that they have said to Bailey that he will be involved in the two Euro games and played last week so he will be rested for this one?

I get the feeling that the players all know that they are part of a large squad plan to ensure that they all get time over the season and stay fit (which seems to be working).

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 14:17

Still rising in Saltford, lowering in Bathford and Bradford on Avon.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: The Bear (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 14:26

Quote:
BathMatt53
Quote:
nick holder
Agree ref Bailey, he must feel pretty peed off.

I'm not sure about that - according to Lee Blackett before the game last week the players all know a month + before who they would like to play for particular games. I assume that they have said to Bailey that he will be involved in the two Euro games and played last week so he will be rested for this one?

I get the feeling that the players all know that they are part of a large squad plan to ensure that they all get time over the season and stay fit (which seems to be working).

One of the best things about this board is all weird, slightly masochistic fantasies about how Bailey feels and how he's about to leave us, when he is understandably second choice behind Finn, started the last game and misses out on a bench spot a week later.

There's almost a collective breakdown every time he's not selected...

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 14:55

Quote:
P G Tips
Quote:
charlieboa
I think our power game is our advantage over glos so alfie and barbeary off bench is pretty brutal-

I agree charlie

I would hate to try to defend against 2 Alfie's at once!

PG

If they can cope with alfie and barbeary we can them throw on the full alfie barbeary to finish them off!

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 14:57

Interesting Glos have swapped their starting Tightheads around with Balmain dropping to the bench and Gotovtsev starting - I guess either Balmain is carrying a slight niggle or been unwell or the coaching team has seen something which suggests Gotovtsev will go better against Beno or Balmain against Thomas Du Toit.

As for Orlando - Lee Blackett will have made that call. Harris did look good last week and maybe just maybe Lee Blackett is seeing him as the new understudy to Finn - Personally I would not look into it too much - similarly to Tom DG and Matt Gallagher. Tom DG looked dangerous as ever last Sunday but Matt Gallagher has a much better kicking game - both players are rapid and good positionally and under the high ball - so it will be "horses for coures" IMHO.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 16:48

Quote:
Francis Allen
Still rising in Saltford, lowering in Bathford and Bradford on Avon.

But will the game flow?
Will all the water carriers at the match be put to good use to carry away any remaining puddles?
Plenty of time for further water jokes, hopefully better ones.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 16:57

Could be a flood of jokes soon.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 17:00

Dam it, why doesn't anyone take these games seriously! (Sm31)

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 19:20

Quote:
The Bear

One of the best things about this board is all weird, slightly masochistic fantasies about how Bailey feels and how he's about to leave us, when he is understandably second choice behind Finn, started the last game and misses out on a bench spot a week later.

There's almost a collective breakdown every time he's not selected...

I agree. I find it mildly amusing.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 05/01/2024 22:15

I think collective breakdown is putting it rather strongly.

There's just goodwill in the bank towards him for stepping up and outperforming many of his seniors aged 19/20 when the club was a basket case.

Quite a few valued that (alongside the efforts of ewan richards and mojo when the chips were).

I have no idea how he feels. Not reading a massive amount into him not being in a squad with a 6:2 split (may well have a knock for all we know). Harris offers a bit more pace as back 3 cover and did well last week.

Imagine whether he signs a new contract will tell us everything we need to know. I personally really hope he does.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:05:22:36:20 by charlieboa.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)

Date: 06/01/2024 09:19

Has anyone seen the Rec this morning? I stood on North Parade bridge at 8.30pm yesterday and the water on the footpath was thigh high, Witness a guy from one of the boats wading through it and the benches only just visible. The cricket ground was flooded. Couldn't see the Rec in the dark. River levels at Bathford and the Destructor bridge have dropped an average of approximately 2 ft since then and are listed as falling.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)

Date: 06/01/2024 10:18

[check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk]
Officially at least, the river has dropped a full metre over night, and still falling.

I wish Tewkesbury's Avon would fall this fast after a flood!

May be a case of mopping up some puddles (and making sure everything is clean, after all these sewage scandals)

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:06:10:18:56 by Quel Carreleur.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Maeght (IP Logged)

Date: 06/01/2024 12:27

The weir was starting to reappear when I looked this morning.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 06/01/2024 12:42

Game on confirmed by club.

Riverside walkway clear, bit of standing water on pitch at South end that they are confident can be cleared given the positive forecast

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Woodpecker (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 08:47

just tried to log onto Discovery+ with VPN from France - doesn't seem to work

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: ChippenhamRoman (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 11:12

Quote:
Ali1969
Quote:
copester
I would imagine full strength from Sunday onwards until the break. I can see the internationals missing Toulouse if we beat Racing and secure a home Euro last 16 tie. Bristol away could be tricky if the England boys are away in camp?

Totally agree with you Copster - hence why the selection for the Tigers game was what it was. It was noticeable that Sale who have been week in week out selecting a full "bore" side ran out of steam at the 60 minute mark against Saints - huge drop off which cost them the game and who knows how many other games? Players need to rest physically and mentally and our schedule up to the 6 Nations is just so stupid-crazy (as my daughter would say) - then our Internationals are straight into an even more intensive environment and so it starts again.

The top 4 positions I believe this season may well go down to the last weekend and there is plenty of more peaks and dips on this year's rollercoaster - just thankful we are in the mix.

Also good having non English in the team. Fin, Cam, Josh Baylis will be playing for the Bristol game, no extended training camp for them.

J

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 14:34

Underhill replaced by Cloete on the bench. Sam’s foot can’t quite be right yet. Shame but Cloete will bring some energy.

For them, LRZ out with illness so not on the bench.

Those two late changes for the two sides pretty much net off!

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 14:58

Both teams with changes then.
I'd always rather have 3 backs sat there personally (though I liked the psychology of Barbeary and Underhill both waiting to come on); so would 100% have had Ojomoh instead

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 15:08

Dunn needs to sort this!

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 15:15

Why are we playing at half pace?

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 15:17

Ridiculous kick tennis episode!

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 15:17

Pretty low quality atm

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 15:19

They've busted our plan of kicking longish, and only retreating 10m behind the landing spot - and copying it

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 15:21

Flat is precisely the right word

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 15:29

Finn's kicking isn't great charge down (again) and rubbish pen to touch, seems we are only operating at 60%.

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 15:33

Muir opens the door, you have to love the guy!

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 15:36

Sloppy work at the breakdown

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 15:42

Nice to hear from the TMO this week!

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 15:49

This is a v poor game and unbelievably poor performance from us.

Jvg was extremely curt in his responses- think he needs to wake them up at ht and if they don't make some changes at 50 mins.

I am optimistically working on the basis we can't continue to be so bad for 80. We have turned it around second half a lot this season and have a strong bench so fingers crossed.

Glos have done well but it's been a textbook lesson in how to invite a team low on confidence into a game (and how to not get a sell out home crowd into a game).

Glad I haven't paid money to watch Hastings talking to the ref for the last minute of the half to run the clock down- wouldn't you stop the clock if he fancies a long chat at 39 mins in his own 22!? The game does itself no favours - as monye says the onside when a player runs 5 yds is a dreadful loophole.

Please cheer me up second half boys!

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 15:55

Agree CB about ref chat, Ridley seems to have been taken in lot first half.

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:00

"Bizarre try" on commentary, not if you watch Will Muir regularly !

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:13

Opti are you watching!

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:20

Again forwards repeated pick and go leads to a held up for the second time.

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:23

Christ almighty lads the pick and drive is obviously not going to work today! Draw in the defence then move it wide

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:24

Finally TdG just keeps running and scores, Russell misses a kickable extra 2.

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:25

TdG having a great game today

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:27

At some point the coaches are going to have to take goal kicking away from Russell

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:30

Quote:
Toast and Marmite
At some point the coaches are going to have to take goal kicking away from Russell

Agree and give it to who? only Spencer, it's a hole in our squad.

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:35

I thought COML wisdom was that kicking is for FHs only, with much castigation of coaches for having Spencer kick instead of Bailey whilst BS was comfortably the better kicker, and that doing so was ruining Bailey and showing that he wasn't thought of as being a FH?

I'm sure I was told off a fair bit for saying to give the kicking tee to the better kciker

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:07:16:36:33 by Quel Carreleur.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:39

Breakdown resourcing AGAIN

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: WasBBWBaaBaa (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:44

Jeez that was a tough watch!
But, a win is still 4 points...............

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:47

Well got out of jail there…really poor performance lacking clear thinking.

But once again found a way to win and it’s these win’s that really count when you’re not at your best

’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:50

Quote:
Quel Carreleur
I thought COML wisdom was that kicking is for FHs only, with much castigation of coaches for having Spencer kick instead of Bailey whilst BS was comfortably the better kicker, and that doing so was ruining Bailey and showing that he wasn't thought of as being a FH?
I'm sure I was told off a fair bit for saying to give the kicking tee to the better kicker

Two different situations QC, taking the kicking away from Russell wouldn't knock his confidence. Many wrong decisions on field, should have taken the pen to put us ahead by two scores. Dreadful start we gave Glaws hope.
Last time we had kicking depth was with Tom Homer who we never used.

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:53

Please can I be a fly on the wall at the ref debrief tomorrow??

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Huew (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 16:54

Let’s be honest, that was a terrible performance and we are very lucky to come away with a win. Well done to TdG and Will Muir who went well and credit to Gloucester for their defence, they actually looked pretty sharp the few times they got quick ball and really stretched us.
Our line out was a mess and the refusal to spread it wide on their1m line mystifying, just to be held up for the 3rd time in a row. Imagine Spencer is a relieved man after turning down the 3 points to make it a two score game with 10 to go.
When do we start to acknowledge Russell’s goal kicking is an issue? He’s said as much himself in interviews, is it time for Spencer to have a run?

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 17:24

Best thing to say about that terrible performance was at least we won and continue to be difficult to beat. Awful lineout, ineffective maul concerning. Just messy. One point dropped.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 17:46

The downside of heavy rotation as the starting XV looked rusty?

Agree about the 3 points spurned. Also should have gone wide after heldup No2.

PG

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 17:51

Have to say having just recovered from viral gastroenteritis I could have done without having to watch Alfie Barbeary being sick in the final minutes!

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:01

Alfie being sick illustrated our problem for most of the afternoon, namely, all wretch and no vomit.

Poor game. Fair play to Glos. Their goal line defence was terrific but I’m surprised Russell doesn't demand and then get given the ball sooner in those situations when we’re 0.5m out. Muir and JCok would’ve scored a few more had we put width on it.

Reid was excellent and our discipline and defence in the final minutes (before Hastings saved us with the worst pass in rugby history) was good. Just thought that Spencer’s service was a second slower than usual. Not sure if it was the heavy pitch or Glos getting in his way but he just couldn’t quite get it whipping to Finn.

Anyhow. Frustrating afternoon. But we beat Glos again so can’t be too unhappy this evening.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:06

Quote:
dr.bath1865
Reid was excellent and our discipline and defence in the final minutes (before Hastings saved us with the worst pass in rugby history) was good.

Seems to improve weekly, remember when he was thrown in at 7 a few years ago he was just hard graft, now he is a massive back row asset, we miss him when he isn't playing. Having watched Bayliss yesterday I can see that old partnership firing up again.

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:09

Phew!

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:14

Quote:
P G Tips
The downside of heavy rotation as the starting XV looked rusty?
Agree about the 3 points spurned. Also should have gone wide after heldup No2.

PG

I know that the rotation caused concern but surely professional rugby players shouldn't be looking "rusty" after one game of rotation, it's their job! I don't forget how to write minutes if I miss one board meeting!

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Rokobilly (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:14

I am glass half full. We beat a spirited Gloucester in a tight game and, whilst we'd only have had ourselves to blame had they scored at the end, we deserved the win. We should have won comfortably in truth despite the shaky line outs and many errors.

Winning when playing poorly is an asset the best teams have.

We need to improve a lot to be serious contenders for silverware but we have that in us.

Think back 12 months when we couldn't buy a win - the frustration on here tonight having just beaten our biggest rivals shows so far we have come.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:17

We also had to secure the win in the last few minutes today- so the fact the likes of Ewels, Reid, Muir and Lawrence were fresh and so could play the full 80 might have been the difference.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: 9215 (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:19

Not a huge amount of positives, other than the win, but only conceding 4 penalties all game is good

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Rokobilly (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:21

I've just read the penalty count was Bath 4 Glos 16. Is that correct? I think I remember a penalty early on that led to the Glos try - then two at the end that went to the corner. Think there was one at the first scrum too. Was that it? If so, its ourstanding discipline.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:27

Half full also. Nestled in third, very few injuries and players well rested.

Was an ugly performance but everything remains in our control.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:28

Quote:
Rokobilly
I've just read the penalty count was Bath 4 Glos 16. Is that correct? I think I remember a penalty early on that led to the Glos try - then two at the end that went to the corner. Think there was one at the first scrum too. Was that it? If so, its ourstanding discipline.

Correct according to the stats on the Premiership site - very impressive

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:29

This was always a risk after a week off, 1 point less then what should have been. But cannot complain that with our worst performance of the season we still beat Gloucester best efforts.

Dunn really didn’t have a good game, we gifted them that first try. Handling real issue today but that’s an easy fix. Levels will massively improve for Racing in oh can guarantee that. Reid and Redpath both looked quality and had a high work load. Muir everywhere but TDG just brings that X-factor you cannot replace. So so happy for him if we are honest he is levels above Gallagher and this was great to see.

Underhill and Bayliss to come back in for next week will help and keeping the backline the exact same should help. Onwards and upwards Top 2 is still on !

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:35

A very lacklustre performance which regretfully kept us fans quiet and like the proverbial chicken and egg the one didn’t help the other. Cam did some geeing up of the crowd after our first try which livened things up.

Not certain that young Ridley’s performance helped as he kept on not seeing things and relying on the TMO and returning to the missed offence. So the game didn’t flow.

We certainly found the energy in the SH and Will Muir’s nutmeg try really lifted our spirits. Anyway pity we didn’t get our bonus point try but I do like a Double Gloucester!

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:36

Agree it was a poor game and our performance was below par, but there was nothing poor about our 3 tries so I am with Rokobilly.

Just frustrating that we did not take a leaf out of Glos’ book with pick & drives. Quick transfer got them their try. Could we not have tried that with Stooke or TdT as one-out runner?

PG

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: JK7 (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:42

How bad was the lineout, actually? The first two went damagingly wrong, both individual errors by Dunn, but if I remember correctly he was then 100% until he went off? Then Annett missed one or two?

The driving maul didn't do much today.

Sincere thanks to our old boy Adam Hastings for taking pity on us at the end.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: BathIron (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 18:50

The game was nervy from both sides not wanting to lose, as illustrated by plenty of frustrating (and dull) kick tennis. It took 20 minutes for Bath to come alive but in the end I think we edged it, once the set piece settled.
Excellent shifts up front from Obano, Ewells, Stooke, GJ, Reid and Coetzee - Redpath, Lawrence, Muir and de Glanville shone in the backs.
Plenty of place kick practice this week for Russell!
The decision to go for the corner instead of bagging 3 for a 10 point lead took me back to Wembley 1999....
And as mentioned on TNT, hats off to the groundstaff for making the game happen!

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 19:03

Quote:
Susanne
Please can I be a fly on the wall at the ref debrief tomorrow??

Can you please ask how the Officiating process can be so different in 24 hours!

Yesterday Luke Pearce “We don’t referee the game by video” when asked about a missed knock on. Today Ridley misses a knock on, TMO Kitt intervenes.

Either the process is the TMO can intervene on minor knock-on’s or they can’t - that type of inconsistency is just not good enough!

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 19:17

Would be happy if they cleared up penalty tries for illegal high tackles by the last defender first!

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 19:23

Quote:
Never In Doubt
Would be happy if they cleared up penalty tries for illegal high tackles by the last defender first!

👍😉

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 19:25

👏👏 To the Ground Staff and Fire Brigade for getting the game played 👏👏

The Stitching has made an incredible difference to the pitch.

I think you used a Get out of Jail card today and Gloucester blew it at the end to get a draw but definitely upped their game whilst Bath looked slightly off.

What this weekend’s games show is how tight the league is going to be this year and 8 teams into 4 playoff places doesn’t go!

JVG sums up the rest of the season very well
[www.bbc.co.uk]

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: TG Kesmo (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 19:38

Glos were way better than the home game performance. Much more grit and determination. They need to improve their accuracy in the 22. For Bath it was a game of two halves scraps of possession and too much kicking in the first half ( probably the go for territory plan). Then just run it in the second and try to win the game. Fortunately it worked

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 19:39

Well that has to go down as one of Bath’s worst performances this season. Lacklustre, error strewn and lethargic, we were lucky Gloucester really are a poor team.

Having said that we have to delighted to find a way to win whilst not being at the races.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 19:40

Quote:
Never In Doubt
Would be happy if they cleared up penalty tries for illegal high tackles by the last defender first!

I did leave myself open for that response 🤣

But again highlights the inconsistency in the officiating process!

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 19:48

If we're gonna be rusty, better this week than next! Can't recall us knocking the ball on in attack as many times. Not to mention very non-creative and messy tap-and-goes. Rocket up the posterior before Racing!

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 19:57

Russell’s kicking needs thinking about… but TdG should’ve gone under the posts in the second half. Yes, Russell, should kick it but a 9 point lead going into the final quarter would’ve made us all a lot more comfortable, them a bit more desperate and it could have led to the fourth try.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 20:01

I don't mind really obvious knock-ons being brought back by the TMO but I don't want players asking for TMO checks unless it is in critical parts of the game.

I am a bit of a hypocrite on this as refs like Dickson really wind me up, in the same way that Maybank used to, but I also want refs to be protected. I just want refs to show some humility and have empathy with the players - some just exude arrogance and to some degree bring it on themselves.

Carley was terrible at this a few years ago but does seem to have worked on his relationship with players, it just doesn't come naturally to him

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 20:49

Do we know what happened with underhill?

I missed the build up and only realised via social media at ht he was out!

With coetzee and gjvv going off we could do with him available over the next 3 weeks.

Bayliss got through yest and sounded good which is a big bonus

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 20:58

Thought we were really poor today, just never clicked and gifted a team down on confidence ways into the game..

We won though and glos did lots of things well- they got jumpers up in the lineout nicely, they defended the maul v well, they defended their line bravely. Fair play.

Agree with CC comments that ridley seems to miss a lot of fairly obvious stuff, some of which picked up by tmo (cararras knock on), some not (blatant pull back to allow Thornley to break from own line) - none of it favoured one team but did break the flow.

Jvg was interesting after the game re our 12 unforced handling errors- said if the decisions were right to play and it was just execution errors he was fine with it as we need to play more rugby this season to have a chance at the business end. will only learn by doing it- like his level headedness but being able to catch is important and not that hard- just one of those games I think.

Hoped finn would help us avoid some of the ostrich pick and go stuff on the line but didn't cost us in end. Fear his goalkicking may tho at some stage.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: View from the North (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 20:59

Until Reid won the penalty after Cloete came on, I don’t remember Bath competing long and hard at the breakdown. That might be a factor in only giving away 4 penalties, along with the make up of the starting back row.
Only giving away 4 penalties meant Gloucester had few easy entries into our 22, but the first one generated a try and later ones a second opportunity in the last 5 mins. Otherwise we were mostly able to hold them at arms length. Good stuff.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 21:04

Think 4 pts from last 2 games was minimum we needed if we have eyes on top 2.

I personally think 5 would have been par but selection and sub par performance cost us over the 2 games.

If heavy rotation gets you 2 very disappointing showings am not sure it's for me but this block of games has been brutal so understand it.

I think from March we will see something more like 3-6 changes week to week based on injury and selection.

We are up against it now - more away games than home. Bris will be chuffed with their win, and exeter/ quins away always going to be a big ask. Will go to the wire you imagine.

Exciting season and nice to be at the right end of the table!

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 21:08

JvG also said there will be some friendlies arranged, could be interesting. I also noted the handling comment evident from Redpath and TdG in the tries we would have tried those 12 months ago.
Joe C is an enigma for me, in attack he can be devastating but I noticed he was chasing hard but he has the agility of a supertanker. Letting Thorley escape was frustrating when we had got two players in position to pressurise.
Muir would have to be close to international recognition in any other era.

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 21:10

It’s tempting to think after today’s performance that we will struggle to get into the top 4. However, none of our rivals are faultless. Sale just lost at home to Bristol. Quins were thumped at home by Sale. Exeter, having taken a big head against Saints, were beaten. Saracens were lacklustre in a dull game against Leicester. I’m sure Saints had a bad loss or two. No one can forecast the outcome this season.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 21:16

Quote:
Bath Hammer
It’s tempting to think after today’s performance that we will struggle to get into the top 4. However, none of our rivals are faultless. Sale just lost at home to Bristol. Quins were thumped at home by Sale. Exeter, having taken a big head against Saints, were beaten. Saracens were lacklustre in a dull game against Leicester. I’m sure Saints had a bad loss or two. No one can forecast the outcome this season.

Yes agree, there isn't a team in the top 6 that you can say would definitely win 3 in a row. Other results will have a massive say in who ends up where.

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 21:20

In terms of individual performances not many stood out.

Think ewels is playing his best rugby this season- nice footwork and won some gainline collisions with and without the ball.

Lawrence made some handling errors but his workrate in the last 10 mins was excellent.

Tdg was a mixed bag and always enjoy watching him play- classy.

Muir good as ever. Would be in my england squad- can't think of 4 better wingers around.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: The Bear (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 21:49

That was a strange game - kind of a flat performance but the main thing is they ground out the win.

Don't know what it is about Muir - you can kind of understand why he's not viewed as a top, top winger but then his performances put it to bed each week.

I don't think he'll be picked for England - I don't think he does the things defensively and structurally that England want - but he certainly deserves the chance.

Being held up that many times a bit annoying - a lack of intelligence really. Suspect it might be a work on, especially for games like this where we have power-dominance.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: by (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 22:03

It was one of those take the 4pts and forget about it games.

Pack didn’t really get on top, Dunn was uncharacteristically ineffective. Which is a shame after reading his interview in the daily mail.

Thorley and Muir were both very good.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)

Date: 07/01/2024 22:06

Bayliss was involved in the warm-up. Great to see him back. Our defence and penalty count continues to be excellent - that one stupid sequence in the first half that led to their try excepted.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 00:32

Just watched the game. The unwelcome return of dumb rugby. Our decision making was woeful, our energy levels were poor and we just seemed to be waiting for our innate gloriousness to gift us the game. We were fortunate that we were playing a team in poor form (although NOT a poor team) who just needed some hope to get a lot better very fast (which we then proceeded to give them) and on one or two occasions we were just plain fortunate. You'd hope that was ring-rustiness being sloughed off in real time but that looked a lot like a team who had basically turned up expecting to win to me. We need to stop believing our own publicity.

Honourable exceptions in Horse and Stooke and...

My MOTM - Cam Redpath. A calm center of excellence in the slapstick that was going on around him.

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:08:01:09:34 by joethefanatic.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: charlieboa (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 06:47

Good shouts Joe.

Agree cam tidied up a lot ot messy situations.

Stooke and muir are consistently v good. Kay clearly been mega impressed with stooke since his return.

As you say it felt like something was wrong with the mindset- that squad should have been chomping at the bit and physically/mentally fresh.

Certainly have to give credit to glos but did feel like we made v heavy weather of it and agree that we were not at all intelligent in their 22- that did feel a throwback to previous seasons! Mind you their butchering of the final chance was even worse but at least the idea was right but the execution poor.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Devonport Boy (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 07:35

I’m going to stick my head above the parapet here, because we’re all entitled to our opinions. Like most of us I left the Rec feeling deflated yesterday (a season ago I’d have felt the opposite!). Having watched the game again, I slightly changed my mind about how bad I thought it was “live”. I agree the first half was dire but the second half performance was much improved. I don’t agree about the energy levels in the second half. Our line speed was better and the actual match stats concerning metres made versus the number of tackles Glos had to put in and their huge penalty count show which team was exerting the most pressure.
It wasn’t a good day at the office. Ollie Lawrence has said as much on social media, it wasn’t up to the standards that the team have delivered this season but BathHammer has made some valid points about this weekend’s results.
We weren’t clinical and nobody at Farleigh will be content with that but we still won. Incidentally, if you weren’t at the game you won’t understand how cold it was. One of our better performing players told me after the game that his hands were freezing. I’m not offering that as any sort of excuse but it won’t have helped with handling.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 08:19

Quote:
Bath Hammer
It’s tempting to think after today’s performance that we will struggle to get into the top 4. However, none of our rivals are faultless. Sale just lost at home to Bristol. Quins were thumped at home by Sale. Exeter, having taken a big head against Saints, were beaten. Saracens were lacklustre in a dull game against Leicester. I’m sure Saints had a bad loss or two. No one can forecast the outcome this season.

💯 8 teams into 4 doesn’t go!

Saints lost @ 🦈, 🏠🐻 in Rounds 1&2 before Lawes, Ludlam, Mitchell returned from the RWC and since then have only LOST once at MWWR against 🐯😁

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 08:45

Quote:
tigersimon
Saints lost @ 🦈, 🏠🐻 in Rounds 1&2 before Lawes, Ludlam, Mitchell returned from the RWC and since then have only LOST once at MWWR against 🐯😁

True, but their last few results really could have gone either way, Glos by 2, Sale by 4 and the last minute comeback win vs Exe. They have Sarries, Tigers, Quins, away at Bris and away at Bath to play in the second half of the season (as well as Newcastle and Glos) so if they drop 1% after that break they could easily lose those tight games.

I genuinely think that any of the top 7 could win the final as it stands and fully expect at least 6 to be still in the mix for top 4 on the final day. (Bonus points will obviously be huge).

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Dan Wiley (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 09:36

One big problem with us being held up 2/3 times was we didn't have any other options to do anything other than pick and drive from my memory. We have 2 or 3 wide, that Glaws could easily cover, then everyone else you could have put a blanket over. That made it really easy for Glaws to defend and I think lead to the ball being held up.

The other aspect was we didn't seem to have confidence that our plan would come through. I always felt that opportunities would come if we stuck to our plan, but we forced it a bit and so made errors. Going a try behind didn't help, but we've got to learn to deal with that.

The kick tennis was ridiculous (both sides). I don't see the issue with the laws suggesting if you're offside you must made SOME attempt to get back on. You can't just stand there and counting the metres then make the tackle.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 09:38

On a similar point to Saints winning by narrow margins, Glos have lost their last 3 matches (us, Quins, Saints, the top 3) by less than a score. Yes, we hoped we’d put them away with more panache, and our energy in the first half was weirdly low, but they're absolutely not whipping boys, so any kind of win should be seen as a good one.

A real shame not to get the TBP- but given the way the last 10 minutes unfolded, we would have drawn that game last season, so I’m going to see it as 2 points gained rather than 1 lost.

2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 09:45

Quote:
dr.bath1865
On a similar point to Saints winning by narrow margins, Glos have lost their last 3 matches (us, Quins, Saints, the top 3) by less than a score.

Yes they have more BP than anyone in the league, 5 TBP (same as Saints who are top) and 4 LBP as a result of their narrow losses instead of being wins.

Sadly for Newcastle they are the only whipping boy in the league this season is Newcastle, where teams appear to be sending weakened teams and still getting results. On the plus side they still exist as a club at the moment.

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 10:13

Quote:
BathMatt53
Sadly for Newcastle they are the only whipping boy in the league this season is Newcastle, where teams appear to be sending weakened teams and still getting results. On the plus side they still exist as a club at the moment.

🐯haven’t played 🦅yet🤣. Our track record at KP is not great so 🍌!

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 10:15

Quote:
BathMatt53
Quote:
tigersimon
Saints lost @ 🦈, 🏠🐻 in Rounds 1&2 before Lawes, Ludlam, Mitchell returned from the RWC and since then have only LOST once at MWWR against 🐯😁

True, but their last few results really could have gone either way, Glos by 2, Sale by 4 and the last minute comeback win vs Exe. They have Sarries, Tigers, Quins, away at Bris and away at Bath to play in the second half of the season (as well as Newcastle and Glos) so if they drop 1% after that break they could easily lose those tight games.

I genuinely think that any of the top 7 could win the final as it stands and fully expect at least 6 to be still in the mix for top 4 on the final day. (Bonus points will obviously be huge).

👍

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 10:21

"Double Gloucester".....well done Mr CC (Sm22)

it shows how far we have come from last season that we are disappointed with four points.

Talking to a player in the Bath United who played against England U20 considers Harris a very special player.

Surely the players watch the other premiership games and will have seen how Exeter and Saints pressured on the line and then whipped it wide to have "stroll in" tries. Won't they look at that and think we can do that and should do that?

Going over and being held up is a major penalty and should not be done.....

Bath Hammer to add to your roll call Gloucester beat Saints on the first game of the season

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: The Bear (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 10:46

Quote:
BathMatt53
Quote:
tigersimon
Saints lost @ 🦈, 🏠🐻 in Rounds 1&2 before Lawes, Ludlam, Mitchell returned from the RWC and since then have only LOST once at MWWR against 🐯😁

True, but their last few results really could have gone either way, Glos by 2, Sale by 4 and the last minute comeback win vs Exe. They have Sarries, Tigers, Quins, away at Bris and away at Bath to play in the second half of the season (as well as Newcastle and Glos) so if they drop 1% after that break they could easily lose those tight games.

I genuinely think that any of the top 7 could win the final as it stands and fully expect at least 6 to be still in the mix for top 4 on the final day. (Bonus points will obviously be huge).

Saints have the feel of Harlequins at the end of their title winning season, except it's the middle of the season and not the end. I think it'll be tough to keep this up until the end of the season and could easily come unstuck but not doubt some thrilling rugby being played by them at the moment.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:08:10:46:33 by The Bear.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 10:53

Quote:
Dan Wiley
One big problem with us being held up 2/3 times was we didn't have any other options to do anything other than pick and drive from my memory. We have 2 or 3 wide, that Glaws could easily cover, then everyone else you could have put a blanket over.

They didn't need to go wide to the wings just wider where the try line was at least visible, to charge full tilt into a pile of bodies and expect to find a square foot of grass was just dim. Held up was inevitable.

Quote:
Dan Wiley
The kick tennis was ridiculous (both sides). I don't see the issue with the laws suggesting if you're offside you must made SOME attempt to get back on. You can't just stand there and counting the metres then make the tackle.

I agree but unsure of how you deal with it Monye's point was daft, if you charge the kicker after 5 m or get a touched in flight everyone is onside, which is where they got lucky. Can't see a change coming myself.

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

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:08:10:54:43 by shipwrecked.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 11:00

The issue with the episode of kick tennis is that all the kicks were the same shape and style. There was no variety from either side, or effort to mix it up. It has to rank as one of the worst passages of play i have ever seen on a rugby pitch.

Totally agree too that getting held up over the line so often was a little dumb. Just a small amount of width would have probably resulted in a try.

The only times Gloucs were in the Bath half in the second period, other than at the end, was when they restarted. That suggests quite a lot of dominance, but we had a real lack of red zone efficiency.

It was chuffing cold at the rec though.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 11:16

I am mildly concerned because of a comment from Austin Healey at Welford Road the previous week where he said Bath had 4 chances in the Red Zone which they did not convert. Just one would have given us 2 more points.

Yesterday was the same and we squandered a point.

Do we need to be a bit less fancy and a bit more clinical, get 2 scores ahead and then become expansive, just as the opposition have to when they are themselves more than 2 scores down

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 11:29

Quote:
charlieboa
Do we know what happened with underhill?
I missed the build up and only realised via social media at ht he was out!

With coetzee and gjvv going off we could do with him available over the next 3 weeks.

Bayliss got through yest and sounded good which is a big bonus

He was close when the team was announced on Friday however he just didn’t make it in time. Wasn’t 100% sure on it. So wasn’t risked, something they were completely prepared for. Expect him to be back next weekend for racing possibly starting. Which as you say is needed.

I think Barbs is always better starting as he sometimes takes a few carries to get into the game.
For Racing
6. Reid
7. Underhill
8. Barbs

20. Bayliss

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 12:50

Quite an enjoyable game to watch for a neutral.
I think both teams were below their best and the Eggchasers podcast summed it up nicely re Glaws saying they did the hard things well and the easy things poorly.
In the end I think the difference was in more players really standing out for Bath than Glaws. Muir, Redpath and TDG especially but also Lawrence, Reid and Stooke. For Bath only Ackerman really bringing it for the full game for Glaws.

Winning when not playing your best is a great quality to have although I think a draw might have been a better reflection of the game. Shame Hastings wasn't able to make that pass.

England watch was interesting. I thought I might be eating some Mercer related humble-pie but after a brief flash of quality he went awol. I do feel for him playing in a team that's struggling but that's when big players need to step up.
Wobbly game from Spencer but he's been quality all season and it would feel a travesty if he's not in the wider squad and perplexing if he isn't making a case for the 23.
Coka showed why there are better options ahead of him, Muir being a prime example.
I think Reid might well make the wider squad.
Not really seeing it for the Glaws players. Thorley was very good but I haven't seen enough of him this season to know if that's a continuation of good form or recent?

An exciting weekend for watching the players Borthwick could bring in to change Englands fortunes. I'd be quite in favour of bringing Saints players in en masse in the backs and taking advantage of the club combination familiarity. Kelly had a good game v Sarries although at 13 and it was very noticeable what a huge impact (literally) Katas carrying at 12 had on the game.

F Smith 100% at sticks with kicks taken from a variety of distances and angles and managed Saints getting back into the game beautifully. He rarely does anything flash (like chuck a ball in a team-mates face!) but he just makes great decisions and executes then brilliantly.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 13:59

My thoughts:

1. that was a very good Glos squad that was seriously motivated to get a win. With the likes of Mercer and Hastings back and match fit they are a very good team indeed. Add in the ex Bath factor and a local derby with a lot of history it was always going to be very tough

2. We nilled them in the second half. That's impressive given context and circumstances. In fact their one and only try came from gifted red zone position and a sleepy tryline defence early doors that never happened again

3. Only 4 pens conceded. Wow, hats off to JPF and his team

4. Three top quality tries

5. Negatives are all fixable

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 14:06

As an observation does anyone else think that Finn Russell gets kicks from hand charged down more than might normally be expected?

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 14:58

Quote:
HK890
Quote:
charlieboa
Do we know what happened with underhill?
I missed the build up and only realised via social media at ht he was out!

With coetzee and gjvv going off we could do with him available over the next 3 weeks.

Bayliss got through yest and sounded good which is a big bonus

He was close when the team was announced on Friday however he just didn’t make it in time. Wasn’t 100% sure on it. So wasn’t risked, something they were completely prepared for. Expect him to be back next weekend for racing possibly starting. Which as you say is needed.

I think Barbs is always better starting as he sometimes takes a few carries to get into the game.
For Racing
6. Reid
7. Underhill
8. Barbs

20. Bayliss

Coetzee seemed to be in a bit of bother as he went off. Was holding his arm across his chest and seemed to be trying not to move it as he left. Hopefully nothing serious but didn’t look great

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Dan Wiley (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 15:11

The telegraph on our kicking display:

[www.telegraph.co.uk]

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 15:15

Quote:
Dan Wiley
The telegraph on our kicking display:
[www.telegraph.co.uk]

Paywall, needs a summary.

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Dan Wiley (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 15:16

Trying to decide how you'd change the laws? It feels right that player who is offside needs to try and do something to get onside, not just stand there. But its quite hard to codify?

Removing the 10m rule might work, but then you'd have to be put on by retreating and/or the kicker advancing. Would that be so bad? It takes away the advantage of kicking that situation. Would that be such a bad thing?

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Dan Wiley (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 15:25

Odd, telegraph articles usually are behind a paywall for me but this one isn't. You can do the click on the pause trick while its loading.

So, it talks about Dupont being one of the first to use this tactic and Bath replicating it well. That's not how I remember it, but it looks like it was that way from the video with Bath playing it and Glaws trying to adapt though less effectively.

It summarises the laws basically. So long as you don't interfere or advance towards the ball, as long as you are more than 10m away from the catch, as soon as the catcher passes or runs 5m you're back onside.

From the video its really clear that this was a training ground strategy and we're doing just that. Our winger holding position 10m from the point the ball drops, neither advancing or doing anything else. As soon as the catcher has moved 5m/passed he flies up to charge down.

As an aside the touch in flight puts everyone onside looks odd. It always feels a bit unfair when you see it and I think it does in this example as well.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 15:31

A good win against a good Gloucester side who gave everything. One comment I would make apart from the offside line clearly was non existent - but can someone please explain to this old ex-player who perhaps had a love-hate relationship with referees during his playing days - if a referee says clearly "I have a clear grounding" and gives a try - under what rules does the TMO have to come in uninvited and over rule the referee?

GVV went over by the posts - Christophe Ridley clearly stated to Jamal Ford-Robinson - "I have a clear and obvious grounding" - then the TMO who was not requested by the referee states there was a hand under the ball as the player went over. Can someone please explain to me why the try was disallowed - clearly Ben Spencer and others were absolutely incensed by the U turn from Mr Ridley - but I was left confused as to why a referee who stated he had a clear grounding did a U-Turn and rhetoric with which the TMO spoke to the referee.

Can someone with knowledge explain please.

I would add that I thought Reid had a really good game although he did miss a lot of first up tackles - Barbeary I expect by his vomiting clearly was not 100% and ideally would not have come on so early - though Jaco Coetzee again was brilliant prior to going off. We did look rusty and relieved to win.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:01:08:15:34:30 by Ali1969.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 15:56

Quote:
Ali1969
GVV went over by the posts - Christophe Ridley clearly stated to Jamal Ford-Robinson - "I have a clear and obvious grounding" - then the TMO who was not requested by the referee states there was a hand under the ball as the player went over. Can someone please explain to me why the try was disallowed - clearly Ben Spencer and others were absolutely incensed by the U turn from Mr Ridley - but I was left confused as to why a referee who stated he had a clear grounding did a U-Turn and rhetoric with which the TMO spoke to the referee.

No explanation it's just wrong but then so was a lot else!

Quote:
Ali1969
I would add that I thought Reid had a really good game although he did miss a lot of first up tackles

I have a suspicion Reid rushing up has an element of purpose, clearly it's just a missed tackle sometimes but Underhill uses it on occasion to shepherd the player back towards more cover and disrupt the flow of the move.

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

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: JK7 (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 16:02

Quote:
Ali1969
A good win against a good Gloucester side who gave everything. One comment I would make apart from the offside line clearly was non existent - but can someone please explain to this old ex-player who perhaps had a love-hate relationship with referees during his playing days - if a referee says clearly "I have a clear grounding" and gives a try - under what rules does the TMO have to come in uninvited and over rule the referee?
GVV went over by the posts - Christophe Ridley clearly stated to Jamal Ford-Robinson - "I have a clear and obvious grounding" - then the TMO who was not requested by the referee states there was a hand under the ball as the player went over. Can someone please explain to me why the try was disallowed - clearly Ben Spencer and others were absolutely incensed by the U turn from Mr Ridley - but I was left confused as to why a referee who stated he had a clear grounding did a U-Turn and rhetoric with which the TMO spoke to the referee.

Can someone with knowledge explain please.

I would add that I thought Reid had a really good game although he did miss a lot of first up tackles - Barbeary I expect by his vomiting clearly was not 100% and ideally would not have come on so early - though Jaco Coetzee again was brilliant prior to going off. We did look rusty and relieved to win.

Agree on the offsides, that was a constant. Wouldn't mind the TMO coming in there and telling the ref to keep a closer eye on it.

On the GJVV try, I can sympathise with the officials. As was pointed out on comms, it took a few seconds for Ridley to get in to a position to see what was happening, by which point the ball had apparently been grounded. With the benefit of various camera angles it didn't look as though it was grounded quickly enough to stand, so a correct decision was reached.

The TMO can't wait to be asked to intervene in a decision if the ref doesn't realise he's gotten it wrong (and therefore won't ask).

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 18:56

Glaws sure did miss an opportunity with the played onside from the deflection from a kick. They had 5 on 1 and over half way. We did brilliantly to get numbers back in time by they really should have moved in quicker

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Kidney Stone (IP Logged)

Date: 08/01/2024 22:26

Not sure that I feel as negative as many on this board after that showing. First half was poor, agreed, but thought we pulled it around in H2. Turning down the 3 points in the latter stages made for a nervous finish, but we got over the line, regroup, learn and go again.

Muir played very well but TDG was my motm, Hoping Jaco is not seriously injured.

Re: Bath v Gloucester – Blue/Black & White & the Cherry & White

Posted by: Dan Wiley (IP Logged)

Date: 09/01/2024 08:03

[www.rugbypass.com]

Nienaber challenges the idea the high ball in play time is what we want to see, if so if means is the ball gets kicked back and forth.

I'm not sure I agree, but certainly the laws seem to be framed the way they are based on the idea that it would be dull to kick the ball dead.