BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY F
By Devonport Boy
January 8 2025
“The talent of the strategist is to identify the decisive point and to concentrate everything on it, removing forces from secondary fronts and ignoring lesser objectives.” Claus von Clausewitz 1780-1831 I’m fairly certain that Johann van Graan doesn’t rely on the musings of a 19th Century Prussian general for inspiration when thinking about team selection, but von Clausewitz certainly knew a thing or two about identifying objectives and applying the best use of resources to achieve them. These days we’d probably simplify the issue by saying that it’s all about having “eyes on the prize”, but the big question for JvG and Bath Rugby is which prize (or prizes) to set our sights on this season.
That decision will depend on any number of factors, but let’s take stock of where we are as we go into 2025. It proved to be a very difficult afternoon at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday, but at the end of the day, Northampton are the reigning Premiership champions and it was never going to be straightforward. There have been some wildly fluctuating performances amongst the teams in the Premiership over recent weeks with squads notching up impressive wins one week and shipping shed loads of points the next. At 19-0 down the prospect of a result similar to Bristol’s loss to Sale seemed a real possibility, however as Ollie Lawrence put it in a post-match comment on “X”, the boys put in a real second half shift. That incredible effort saw them come within about fifteen seconds of pulling off one of those “I was there” type wins. Two points from that game in the end, but with other results going the way they did we still managed to stretch our lead at the top of the table.
But as David Flatman would put it, that match clearly demonstrated that in the Premiership you have to be “on it” for the full 80 minutes of every game. And it can be attritional; those valuable two points may have cost us a couple of our key players for some weeks with injury, which brings me back to the issue of identifying a key objective and concentrating on it. So what do we do about the Champions Cup?
There’s always something special about welcoming French teams to the Rec. To be fair, our history against Clermont isn’t great; they beat us 17-34 at the Rec in Round 3 of the Heineken Champions Cup five years or so ago and the Clermont team featuring the likes of Damian Penaud, Camille Lopez and Morgan Parra beat us 52-26 at the Stade Marcel-Michelin. We’re a different prospect now of course, and a number our current squad who played in that game would undoubtedly fancy taking them on at the Rec with a full-bore squad. But is that the right decision? The heart says yes, the head says probably not.
If we’re being honest, our position after the opening couple of rounds of the Investec Champions Cup isn’t great. We’ve lost two from two, albeit narrowly, and the chances of progressing to the latter stages this season must be looking remote with Clermont this Sunday and Leinster away to come. With that in mind and being conscious of JvG’s trust in his squad as a whole, I think this weekend is the time for rotation and if I’m right, I would expect us to field something like the squad that almost won in Treviso, albeit bolstered with one or two changes. Is that disrespecting the competition? I don’t think so. Whatever team we field will be competitive, but surely our next major target must be Sale away on 22nd January. If we achieve a good result up there then we’ll be in a really good place to address the business end of the Premiership after the Six Nations break. Europe, in my view, is for another season. So we need to be pragmatic and let’s also not forget the Premiership Cup where we have so far used a predominantly development squad to put us in a really good position to compete for silverware.
Clermont are currently fourth in the Top 14, two points and two positions above La Rochelle, although they only beat bottom club RC Vannes by one point last weekend. They are certainly beatable and any Bath squad at the Rec will push them very hard. I think it will be a hard-fought close encounter and the BB&W faithful at the Rec will need to be in full voice for 80 minutes to make the difference.
COYB!
Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
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Date: 08/01/2025 10:10
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Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 10:30
I guess there's an argument to say that we can afford to 'non-target' the Sale game. We'll still be top of the table whatever the results of Round 11 and Sale will be a minimum of 7 points behind us.
A win against Clermont would be a massive boost for the Club. Then again - a win would then demand going full bore against Leinster, which - exacerbated by a 6-day turnaround - is an exercise in complete futility.
Who'd be a DoR!!
A win against Clermont would be a massive boost for the Club. Then again - a win would then demand going full bore against Leinster, which - exacerbated by a 6-day turnaround - is an exercise in complete futility.
Who'd be a DoR!!
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 10:36
We have to target the Sale as it’s the club’s priority.
The selection for Treviso set the tone for the club in Europe this season so that level of squad for the next 2 games please. Finish 6th which gives valuable rest weeks and crack on with the task of winning the league.
The selection for Treviso set the tone for the club in Europe this season so that level of squad for the next 2 games please. Finish 6th which gives valuable rest weeks and crack on with the task of winning the league.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 10:38
Counterpoint is there's only 3 games now and then nearly two months off for the majority of the first team. Leinster also have a 6 day turnaround. Let's go boys!
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 10:42
Hmm, I take a different view
A win against Clermont would not only be a big boost for players, coaches and fans but would give us a pretty good chance of dropping down to the Challenge Cup if we lose v Leinster. That would give us a crack at silverware plus opportunity for young guns to experience euro level rugby
And ngl I do flirt with 'Dreamers' Disease' ..... what if we could actually surprise Leinster and sneak a famous win?
A win against Clermont would not only be a big boost for players, coaches and fans but would give us a pretty good chance of dropping down to the Challenge Cup if we lose v Leinster. That would give us a crack at silverware plus opportunity for young guns to experience euro level rugby
And ngl I do flirt with 'Dreamers' Disease' ..... what if we could actually surprise Leinster and sneak a famous win?
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: rugbyfan11 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 10:58
Hi all, in case anyone hasn’t seen, if you use the code Radio40 at checkout on the Bath site then you can get 40% off tickets - assume they’re not expecting a great crowd given the awkward kick off time, but for those of us that have been out priced in recent years it’s a good opportunity to see the boys in a good competition!
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 11:16
Quote:gaz59
Hmm, I take a different view
A win against Clermont would not only be a big boost for players, coaches and fans but would give us a pretty good chance of dropping down to the Challenge Cup if we lose v Leinster. That would give us a crack at silverware plus opportunity for young guns to experience euro level rugby
And ngl I do flirt with 'Dreamers' Disease' ..... what if we could actually surprise Leinster and sneak a famous win?
I put losers dropping down to the challenge cup in the same bucket as Saffer teams playing in a European competition. It’s just wrong and I don’t want Bath to do it.
Due respect Gaz, we are light years away from being able to consider winning in Leinster.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 12:20
I'd like to win against Clermont...
Not so bothered against Ireland.......sorry typo Leinster
And I would very much like to beat Sale
Not so bothered against Ireland.......sorry typo Leinster
And I would very much like to beat Sale
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Le marseillais (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 12:39
Do you think you will play with your best team ?
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 12:51
Great preview once again. Have to say I've changed my mind on resting the big guns...I just want to win something...anything!
If one win is enough for us to drop into the Challenge Cup then I'm all for starting Finn et al on Sunday.
If one win is enough for us to drop into the Challenge Cup then I'm all for starting Finn et al on Sunday.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 13:13
Quote:Le marseillais
Do you think you will play with your best team ?
No.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 13:33
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Le marseillais
Do you think you will play with your best team ?
No.
Yes.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 13:36
maybe. 
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 13:58
I think we have about 4 best teams........if you know what I mean
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Le marseillais (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 14:09
Thank you for your help ![[:wor kid:]](/phorum-5.1.15/mods/smileys/images/13.gif "[:wor kid:]")
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: ChippenhamRoman (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 16:24
I would take a BP win vs Sale away over a home win vs Claremont.
Top two, then final, then trophy is the aim.
Eyes on the prize. Europe can wait.
I do believe had we won vs La Rochelle, we would have put a stronger team out vs Treviso, then would be going full guns on Sunday.
Such is sport. The Premiership title is the absolute priority.
J
Top two, then final, then trophy is the aim.
Eyes on the prize. Europe can wait.
I do believe had we won vs La Rochelle, we would have put a stronger team out vs Treviso, then would be going full guns on Sunday.
Such is sport. The Premiership title is the absolute priority.
J
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: TomReagan (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 17:38
I'd mix and match. Try and win on Sunday to progress to Junior European competition but rest a few, then go weaker v Leinster but don't do so to the extent that youngsters and good squad players are thrown under the bus. Plan to beat Clermont by 7 and lose to Leinster by 20-25 points. In an ideal(ish) world...!
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 17:50
Full bore, all three. They can rest after.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 18:18
Don't understand this at all. Huge concern over a 7-1 bench with concern over what happens if players are injured and now we throw our top line players into European matches with, Clermont and Leinster, in which we have a minimal chance of winning over short recovery period.
If Finn or Ben get injured they risk either being available or at the very least lose match fitness. Even if we win they are extra games to play.
Let everyone else risk injury if they want, let's focus on winning the final we lost last year. Full bore v Sale rotate for the others.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
If Finn or Ben get injured they risk either being available or at the very least lose match fitness. Even if we win they are extra games to play.
Let everyone else risk injury if they want, let's focus on winning the final we lost last year. Full bore v Sale rotate for the others.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 18:20
Going to be some rotation going into this game from what I have heard. Similar to Benneton
Imagine we are likely to see something like
1. Van wyk
2. Annett
3. Sela
4. Richards
5. Ewels
6. Hill
7. Staddon
8. Bayliss
9. Spencer
10. Bailey
11. RMC
12. Ojomoh
13. Hennessey
14. Joe
15. TDG
16. Kepu
17. Beno
18. Stuart
19. Molony
20. Reid
21. TCS
22. Butt
23. Barbs
Imagine we are likely to see something like
1. Van wyk
2. Annett
3. Sela
4. Richards
5. Ewels
6. Hill
7. Staddon
8. Bayliss
9. Spencer
10. Bailey
11. RMC
12. Ojomoh
13. Hennessey
14. Joe
15. TDG
16. Kepu
17. Beno
18. Stuart
19. Molony
20. Reid
21. TCS
22. Butt
23. Barbs
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 18:20
Winning is a habit. Our first choice team is competitive with Leinster.
(also I'm going to Dublin)
(also I'm going to Dublin)
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 18:27
Quote:Yep, that’s my view too. Partly influenced by having got carried away and bought tickets to both Euro finals in Cardiff hoping to see Bath in one of those!hasta
Full bore, all three. They can rest after.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 18:33
Quote:hasta
Full bore, all three. They can rest after.
Many of the squad won’t get a rest though as they’ll be straight into the 6N.
Believe it’s been 20 years since we beat Ireland so no point risking player injuries in that game. Also it’s been a tough period of games so a rest against Clermont with Sale upcoming makes sense.
Let Bristol finish 4th/5th and have the extra games to stretch their squad depth.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 18:36
So the advice is purely based on wanting to watch our 'first team' at exotic locations rather than any rugby strategy to win the Premiership and to heck with any injury risk!
Interesting !
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Interesting !
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 19:15
No, I also think the players have all been rotated across the last month or so and can play three games in a row. The only players likely to actually start for their countries are Finn Russell, Will Stuart and Ollie Lawrence. Maybe Sam Underhill. I presume the England players also won't be available for the Sale game anyway.
Finn had a week off at Benetton. Ollie had two weeks off, La Rochelle and Benetton. Will had a week off against Benetton (and doesn't start most the games anyway). Sam hasn't started any game for us over the Christmas period.
They're all fit, they can and should play three big games for us.
Finn had a week off at Benetton. Ollie had two weeks off, La Rochelle and Benetton. Will had a week off against Benetton (and doesn't start most the games anyway). Sam hasn't started any game for us over the Christmas period.
They're all fit, they can and should play three big games for us.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 20:05
Quote:It’s an option, everyone has one, but only JvGs counts when it comes to the team.shipwrecked
So the advice is purely based on wanting to watch our 'first team' at exotic locations rather than any rugby strategy to win the Premiership and to heck with any injury risk!
Interesting !
Not long ago people on here were lamenting how long it had been since the club had won in Europe, now some are advocating putting out weakened teams in the premier competition. The Racing win last year was credited with giving the team confidence going into the latter part of the season, so a win in the next two week could have a similar effect, we just don’t know.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 20:34
Quote:dcshQuote:It’s an option, everyone has one, but only JvGs counts when it comes to the team.shipwrecked
So the advice is purely based on wanting to watch our 'first team' at exotic locations rather than any rugby strategy to win the Premiership and to heck with any injury risk!
Interesting !
Not long ago people on here were lamenting how long it had been since the club had won in Europe, now some are advocating putting out weakened teams in the premier competition. The Racing win last year was credited with giving the team confidence going into the latter part of the season, so a win in the next two week could have a similar effect, we just don’t know.
Of course I understand that and also the benefit of success in the competition but are we not deluding ourselves here? Its rare to win a competition first time out, let alone against established teams with a history of finals. We might win one game but thats about it.
Balance that against a competition that we know we are competitive in and one where our current players have experience of given last years final.
To risk injury to our key players who we currently have no equivalent replacements for (Finn and Ben) and who both have experience of big games seems absolutely bonkers!
You are correct when you say "only JvGs counts when it comes to the team" I would be astounded if he doesn't remain pragmatic and completely focused on the Premiership as a season's goal.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: FiveSticks (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 20:44
Quote:OutsideBath
Believe it’s been 20 years since we beat Ireland
Not quite. Last time we beat an Irish team was 21/11/2015 when we beat Leinster 19-16 at the Rec.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 20:52
In JvG we trust, whatever he thinks will win silverware.
I take your point about Ben and Finn, but they could equally be injured on international duty which would be of no benefit to the club.
I take your point about Ben and Finn, but they could equally be injured on international duty which would be of no benefit to the club.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 21:17
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:dcshQuote:It’s an option, everyone has one, but only JvGs counts when it comes to the team.shipwrecked
So the advice is purely based on wanting to watch our 'first team' at exotic locations rather than any rugby strategy to win the Premiership and to heck with any injury risk!
Interesting !
Not long ago people on here were lamenting how long it had been since the club had won in Europe, now some are advocating putting out weakened teams in the premier competition. The Racing win last year was credited with giving the team confidence going into the latter part of the season, so a win in the next two week could have a similar effect, we just don’t know.
Of course I understand that and also the benefit of success in the competition but are we not deluding ourselves here? Its rare to win a competition first time out, let alone against established teams with a history of finals. We might win one game but thats about it.
Balance that against a competition that we know we are competitive in and one where our current players have experience of given last years final.
To risk injury to our key players who we currently have no equivalent replacements for (Finn and Ben) and who both have experience of big games seems absolutely bonkers!
You are correct when you say "only JvGs counts when it comes to the team" I would be astounded if he doesn't remain pragmatic and completely focused on the Premiership as a season's goal.
You don't win anything if you don't try. It's not our first time out. We should aim to win games.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: TomReagan (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 21:25
1. With the demise of 3 Prem teams and fewer fixtures in the Euro qualifying rounds it's possible to manage players' workload without having to put 'weak' teams out. (The one caveat to that is the importance of keeping our first choice half-backs fit).
2. No purpose to making 15 changes and throwing a game. IMHO that would be disrespectful to the competition but more importantly the players we put out. What can they prove in such a situation? You can rest a few each week with minimal drop off and back up players need meaningful game time.
3. We aren't going to win the Euro Cup but could win the Euro Challenge Cup if we come 5th in our group.
4. Most importantly, linked to the above, I'm desperate for an away fixture in France having been cruelly denied the chance to go to Clermont or La Rochelle by a carp draw!
2. No purpose to making 15 changes and throwing a game. IMHO that would be disrespectful to the competition but more importantly the players we put out. What can they prove in such a situation? You can rest a few each week with minimal drop off and back up players need meaningful game time.
3. We aren't going to win the Euro Cup but could win the Euro Challenge Cup if we come 5th in our group.
4. Most importantly, linked to the above, I'm desperate for an away fixture in France having been cruelly denied the chance to go to Clermont or La Rochelle by a carp draw!
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 21:53
Quote:FiveSticksQuote:OutsideBath
Believe it’s been 20 years since we beat Ireland
Not quite. Last time we beat an Irish team was 21/11/2015 when we beat Leinster 19-16 at the Rec.
We beat Ulster 37-14 a year ago!
PG
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 22:31
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 23:11
Can’t get on board with wringing every ounce out of Finn before he goes off to 6Ns. We have to look after him, and that means accepting that he will play pretty much every minute of 5 Int games.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: TomReagan (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 23:23
Very much agree opti
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/01/2025 23:32
...which is why he was given a week off before Christmas.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 08:12
Quote:FiveSticksQuote:OutsideBath
Believe it’s been 20 years since we beat Ireland
Not quite. Last time we beat an Irish team was 21/11/2015 when we beat Leinster 19-16 at the Rec.
Thanks for the correction, even 10 years suggests it’s highly unlikely we have much of a chance. We couldn’t beat La Rochelle at home at full strength so away to Ireland is too much of an ask.
I think unfortunately JvG will go full strength this weekend and very strong next weekend which leaves us susceptible to injuries for the important Sale game.
The Treviso team selection demonstrated Bath don’t value European competition this season so why change that view for this weekend?
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BathIron (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 08:40
I think JvG will put out a strong side for this one, especially it being at home. I wouldn't be surprised to see Clermont giving a few of their stars a break.
I understand resting players for Sale, but even then, getting a result up there is far from a certainty.
I understand resting players for Sale, but even then, getting a result up there is far from a certainty.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 08:47
OB I think that is a bit harsh - we sent a decent team to Treviso and lost in injury time to a team packed with Internationals.
It is a bit disingenuous to the players to suggest we sent an united team. We have a good squad but we MUST rotate players and rest players o protect their physical and mental welfare. The team played a huge physical battle against La Rochelle the previous week and given the travelling and rules on when the team must arrive it made it impractical to play the same team the following week.
JvG has made it so clear this is a Squad season and you must trust your squad - we simply are not a Leinster or Toulouse who have an International squad.
You have to pick your fight - personally if you are going to challenge in the European Cup then your domestic challenge will suffer - Saints are a good example - yes they beat us last weekend but just look at their season and they arguably have a favourable pool in the European Cup given some of the pools.
It is a bit disingenuous to the players to suggest we sent an united team. We have a good squad but we MUST rotate players and rest players o protect their physical and mental welfare. The team played a huge physical battle against La Rochelle the previous week and given the travelling and rules on when the team must arrive it made it impractical to play the same team the following week.
JvG has made it so clear this is a Squad season and you must trust your squad - we simply are not a Leinster or Toulouse who have an International squad.
You have to pick your fight - personally if you are going to challenge in the European Cup then your domestic challenge will suffer - Saints are a good example - yes they beat us last weekend but just look at their season and they arguably have a favourable pool in the European Cup given some of the pools.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 08:52
Quote:hasta
...which is why he was given a week off before Christmas.
I'm not sure he will be getting much benefit of that single week off at the end of Jan, let alone during / after the 6N.
I share the concerns about Spencer and Russell picking up problems from overplaying which would hinder the Bath team in the second half of the season. Plus Bailey could do with game time at 10 and TCS could definitely do with some games (not just little cup ones vs reserve and champ sides).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 09:06
We are ham strung by the cap structures so no point in beating ourselves up about where we fit into European hierarchy.
My hunch at P2L2 is to rest however winning is a habit we have fought hard to have so there is a risk here of losing that momentum mid season. Once lost it could be hard to get back.
JvG will, I assume, be talking to conditioning staff and whatever he decides after that is ok with me.
My hunch at P2L2 is to rest however winning is a habit we have fought hard to have so there is a risk here of losing that momentum mid season. Once lost it could be hard to get back.
JvG will, I assume, be talking to conditioning staff and whatever he decides after that is ok with me.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 09:59
The Clermont team will be interesting for this one. They seem to be much stronger at home and have only won twice away this year and one of those was squeaking past Vannes (who are bottom) by a point.
They’re probably also calculating that they can afford to lose this one and focus on the home game with Bristol next week given Bath have to go to Dublin. Add in the late kick off reducing their turnaround and we could see some first teamers left at home?
They’re probably also calculating that they can afford to lose this one and focus on the home game with Bristol next week given Bath have to go to Dublin. Add in the late kick off reducing their turnaround and we could see some first teamers left at home?
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 10:40
Given how well OB showed up against Saints, I'd be all for giving him the start at 10 against Leinster and then Sale (assuming TdG is back at 15). Spencer is pretty unlikely to be having a punishing 6Ns, so it would be a great experience for Orlando, and would give Russell a proper breather. Leinster is an inked-in 'L', while a loss at Sale is no disaster.
Therefore .... go full-strength against Clermont, I reckon.
Therefore .... go full-strength against Clermont, I reckon.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 10:42
TdG is back this week, he was rested at Saints.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 10:47
Quote:Ali1969
OB I think that is a bit harsh - we sent a decent team to Treviso and lost in injury time to a team packed with Internationals.
It is a bit disingenuous to the players to suggest we sent an united team. We have a good squad but we MUST rotate players and rest players o protect their physical and mental welfare. The team played a huge physical battle against La Rochelle the previous week and given the travelling and rules on when the team must arrive it made it impractical to play the same team the following week.
JvG has made it so clear this is a Squad season and you must trust your squad - we simply are not a Leinster or Toulouse who have an International squad.
You have to pick your fight - personally if you are going to challenge in the European Cup then your domestic challenge will suffer - Saints are a good example - yes they beat us last weekend but just look at their season and they arguably have a favourable pool in the European Cup given some of the pools.
Spot on
Same people that want Russell and co playing are the same that if they played and got injured would say it’s a needless game to play them in. I actually think the side that went to Benetton did enough to deserve a win against a side that are very strong at home. That performance has really pushed some players forward in the rankings. Staddon who by all accounts was fantastic in that game. Bailey and Ojomoh since then probably had one of their best games in months following the minutes gained in Benetton.
I don’t expect to see a very strong Clermont side put out so I for one am very excited to see some players get minutes.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 10:56
I would say it's a home game in a top tier competition and we should, within reason, be picking our strongest side for it. I also don't buy this nonsense that Leinster are unbeatable.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Le marseillais (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 11:11
We lost only 15/7 at Dublin against a poor Leinster.
So why not ?
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
So why not ?
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 12:34
Leinster have been disappointing by their extraordinary high standards this season - however even if we beat both Clermont and Leinster that would only give us an away battle against a top European side and the guess what win that and you have another away fixture against arguably an even stronger European team.
I think to say the cards are stacked against us would be an underestimate. We have these 2 games and then a really difficult prospect against Sale away who will be desperate to bounce back from their loss at Gloucester and then 6 Nations - so no rest for the likes of Finn, Ollie, Will S and potentially Ben, Charlie, Josh B and a number of other fringe players such as Alfie, Ted, Miles and Max O.
I think to say the cards are stacked against us would be an underestimate. We have these 2 games and then a really difficult prospect against Sale away who will be desperate to bounce back from their loss at Gloucester and then 6 Nations - so no rest for the likes of Finn, Ollie, Will S and potentially Ben, Charlie, Josh B and a number of other fringe players such as Alfie, Ted, Miles and Max O.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 14:03
We need to rotate, Finn and Ben especially, need a break.
On the other hand, it's a home match.
I'd be all in favour of sending a team similar to that sentence to Benneton (which simply wasn't the surrender that some posters insist) for this and Leinster.
I doubt it though.
I would expect to see minor rotation this week, most of which looks like being enforced after the Saints battle. Rest anyone carrying knocks, even if small, and send Finn to the beach for a fortnight.
Fitness permitting:
Van Wyk, Annett, Du Toit
Ewels, Malony
Hill, Barbeary, Reid
Spencer, Bailey
Ojomoh, Lawrence
McConnochie, De Glanville, Cokanasiga
Obano, Dunn, Stuart, Roux, Bayliss, TCS, Butt, Donoghue
If Clermont send a weakened team away in Europe, that team is good enough to win.
Next week goes full rotation, as we don't have too worry about upsetting the home fans.
As strong as possible against Sale.
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
On the other hand, it's a home match.
I'd be all in favour of sending a team similar to that sentence to Benneton (which simply wasn't the surrender that some posters insist) for this and Leinster.
I doubt it though.
I would expect to see minor rotation this week, most of which looks like being enforced after the Saints battle. Rest anyone carrying knocks, even if small, and send Finn to the beach for a fortnight.
Fitness permitting:
Van Wyk, Annett, Du Toit
Ewels, Malony
Hill, Barbeary, Reid
Spencer, Bailey
Ojomoh, Lawrence
McConnochie, De Glanville, Cokanasiga
Obano, Dunn, Stuart, Roux, Bayliss, TCS, Butt, Donoghue
If Clermont send a weakened team away in Europe, that team is good enough to win.
Next week goes full rotation, as we don't have too worry about upsetting the home fans.
As strong as possible against Sale.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 14:22
Ben had two weeks off. Absolutely should not be resting him.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 14:32
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 15:13
I wonder what the players think? The coaches will have their strategies but if the temptation is to rest quite a few, they might be wondering why do we make such a fuss about qualification in the league if we don't play a strong side when progression is still possible? Glad I am not a coach.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 15:34
Agreed BB. One thing that this thread has demonstrated is that there isn't a 'right' answer. Every player can't play every game (OK there is the odd exception, such as Alex Waller a few years ago) but when is the right and wrong time to rest any one player is not going to be something that we on this board will know for a fact. I am sure that quite a few of them will be carring little niggles that we know nothing about. As said above, I'm sure whoever is picked will give it their best shot.
COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
COYB!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 15:38
Didn't I see a stat that Rob du Preez has played like 65 prem games in a row?
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 15:43
Quote:BathMatt53
Agreed BB. One thing that this thread has demonstrated is that there isn't a 'right' answer. Every player can't play every game (OK there is the odd exception, such as Alex Waller a few years ago) but when is the right and wrong time to rest any one player is not going to be something that we on this board will know for a fact. I am sure that quite a few of them will be carring little niggles that we know nothing about. As said above, I'm sure whoever is picked will give it their best shot.
COYB!
+1
Had we beaten La Rochelle at home and sent a stronger side to Teviso and won I could see the logic of going full tilt on Sunday. However we didn't so it no longer makes sense flogging a dead horse.
JvG has got pretty much all the big calls correct so far and I'm sure he will do so again.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 16:01
Given the Sale match is 6 days before the first England 6Ns Match I presume our England contingent will be away as was the case before the Autumn Internationals. Therefore if we rest them for Europe we won’t see them in a Bath shirt again until late March.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 16:07
Quote:hasta
Didn't I see a stat that Rob du Preez has played like 65 prem games in a row?
Thats impressive - the perfect Club player, versatile in terms of position and indestructable. Probably helps that he doesn't play Internationals but a truly amazing stat.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 21:45
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:hasta
Didn't I see a stat that Rob du Preez has played like 65 prem games in a row?
Thats impressive - the perfect Club player, versatile in terms of position and indestructable. Probably helps that he doesn't play Internationals but a truly amazing stat.
Gives credence to the desire to have a few South Africans in your squad. There not indestructible but by golly they are tough.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 09/01/2025 22:11
Given the England players will (ridiculously) miss the Sale game, we're really only talking about should Finn be rested.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 12:50
Bath Rugby starting XV: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Miles Reid, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer (c), 10 Finn Russell, 11 Ruaridh McConnochie, 12 Max Ojomoh, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville
Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Ethan Staddon
Looks like full strength minus injuries. Good.
Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Ethan Staddon
Looks like full strength minus injuries. Good.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Le marseillais (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 12:51
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Shadders (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 13:01
Has Staddon jumped ahead of Ewan Richards - or is Ewan injured? I'd have liked to have seen Kepu on the bench again.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: SJS (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 13:03
On the offy it also says Underhill going for surgery on his ankle injury... 
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Le marseillais (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 13:06
Looks to be your best team, isnt'it ?
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 13:12
Strong team bar a few injuries - Underhill, Pepper, Coetzee, Muir, Redpath. Hopefully weather looks at moment to be playing ball - and a great game ahead.
Chris Busby's final game in charge, real sadness young referee who has called time due to personal reasons and of course Mack Hansen's public berating of him.
Have good game Sir.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:01:10:13:13:48 by Ali1969.
Chris Busby's final game in charge, real sadness young referee who has called time due to personal reasons and of course Mack Hansen's public berating of him.
Have good game Sir.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:01:10:13:13:48 by Ali1969.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 13:16
Great team and glad we've gone strong. Thank goodness for all of those back row resources!
Only real concern from that team announcement is that Underhill is off for surgery and that Muir and Pepper will miss the Sale game. For the first time in a very long time, injuries are mounting a tad.
Also, agree with you Ali that it is a shame that Busby is calling time on his career at this stage. Read that there are other reasons, it's not just Hansen's comments, but they can't have helped, and it's a real shame that he's leaving the profession. Have watched a number of games with him in charge and the highest compliment I can give him is that I don't really remember his performance! A great shame and wish him well.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Only real concern from that team announcement is that Underhill is off for surgery and that Muir and Pepper will miss the Sale game. For the first time in a very long time, injuries are mounting a tad.
Also, agree with you Ali that it is a shame that Busby is calling time on his career at this stage. Read that there are other reasons, it's not just Hansen's comments, but they can't have helped, and it's a real shame that he's leaving the profession. Have watched a number of games with him in charge and the highest compliment I can give him is that I don't really remember his performance! A great shame and wish him well.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 13:18
Quote:Shadders
Has Staddon jumped ahead of Ewan Richards - or is Ewan injured? I'd have liked to have seen Kepu on the bench again.
I was wondering the same thing.
Both v v good players ans quite evenly matched.
Played together at lock for bath u18s and eng u18s but both seen more now as backrowers.
Just glad at least one of them gets a run out this weekend.
Criminal waste if we lose either- pretty sure both off contract in the summer.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 13:24
Quote:Charlieboa1Quote:Shadders
Has Staddon jumped ahead of Ewan Richards - or is Ewan injured? I'd have liked to have seen Kepu on the bench again.
I was wondering the same thing.
Both v v good players ans quite evenly matched.
Played together at lock for bath u18s and eng u18s but both seen more now as backrowers.
Just glad at least one of them gets a run out this weekend.
Criminal waste if we lose either- pretty sure both off contract in the summer.
He could have jumped ahead but JvG tends to prefer two out and out back rowers in his 6/2 bench so if Hill is around plus the usual three second rowers he may just see it as more of the balance he’s after.
Interesting either way. Richards looked almost freakishly good for his age when he first broke in as part of a struggling side and while he’s still young he’s barely been seen in a first team shirt the last couple of years.
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 13:35
I think if/when richards gets a chance he will make a statement.
Class player and looks in seriously good shape this season.
Trouble is competition for places in backrow is absurd and at lock roux/ ewels / malony have been bulletproof so far this season
Class player and looks in seriously good shape this season.
Trouble is competition for places in backrow is absurd and at lock roux/ ewels / malony have been bulletproof so far this season
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 13:41
Quote:Charlieboa1
I think if/when richards gets a chance he will make a statement.
Class player and looks in seriously good shape this season.
Trouble is competition for places in backrow is absurd and at lock roux/ ewels / malony have been bulletproof so far this season
They are seen quite differently by JVG both have versatility and both played similar positions growing up but very different now. Staddon developed into this proper traditional 7 type role big on high tackle numbers and turnovers, whilst being a lineout option. Richards is the Ted hill mold of 6 can play either lock or 6 but is seen as a lineout caller. Almost certainly both will have massive futures and no worries at all about signing new deals.
Richards will get his chance but for now very excited to see Staddon. Very Pepper like player
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 13:44
anyone know enough to say what % of full-strength the Clermont line-up represents?
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Le marseillais (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 13:51
Starting team: 70%
Bench: 10%...
It will be a hard day for us
Hope the beer is good
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
Bench: 10%...
It will be a hard day for us
Hope the beer is good
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 13:57
Quote:HK890Quote:Charlieboa1
I think if/when richards gets a chance he will make a statement.
Class player and looks in seriously good shape this season.
Trouble is competition for places in backrow is absurd and at lock roux/ ewels / malony have been bulletproof so far this season
They are seen quite differently by JVG both have versatility and both played similar positions growing up but very different now. Staddon developed into this proper traditional 7 type role big on high tackle numbers and turnovers, whilst being a lineout option. Richards is the Ted hill mold of 6 can play either lock or 6 but is seen as a lineout caller. Almost certainly both will have massive futures and no worries at all about signing new deals.
Richards will get his chance but for now very excited to see Staddon. Very Pepper like player
Agree and glad you are confident on new deals.
It's been v interesting to watch staddon become a 7 for uni and the club.
As you say a bit like pepper but massively bigger- prob 4 inches and 1.5-2 stone on him?
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 14:04
Quote:Charlieboa1Quote:HK890Quote:Charlieboa1
I think if/when richards gets a chance he will make a statement.
Class player and looks in seriously good shape this season.
Trouble is competition for places in backrow is absurd and at lock roux/ ewels / malony have been bulletproof so far this season
They are seen quite differently by JVG both have versatility and both played similar positions growing up but very different now. Staddon developed into this proper traditional 7 type role big on high tackle numbers and turnovers, whilst being a lineout option. Richards is the Ted hill mold of 6 can play either lock or 6 but is seen as a lineout caller. Almost certainly both will have massive futures and no worries at all about signing new deals.
Richards will get his chance but for now very excited to see Staddon. Very Pepper like player
Agree and glad you are confident on new deals.
It's been v interesting to watch staddon become a 7 for uni and the club.
As you say a bit like pepper but massively bigger- prob 4 inches and 1.5-2 stone on him?
Definitely got weight on him seems about 5/10kg above. Height however Staddon listed at 6’5 and Pepper as 6’3. Pepper interestingly bigger than I thought. Does so well to get into those positions he does.
Having a 6’5 Openside is such a weapon lineout wise. Could go into a game with 4 players as main lineout options 6’5 or above.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 14:43
Blimey, if i'd had to guess, I'd have put Pepper at about 5'11 ... he's taller than Billy Beaumont!
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 16:09
Quote:Optimist
Blimey, if i'd had to guess, I'd have put Pepper at about 5'11 ... he's taller than Billy Beaumont!
He’s got a lot of work to do to catch up int he corporate buffet and raspberry ripple ice cream stakes though
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: SJS (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 16:26
Quote:
Merci Le marseillais! I know about Akhaladze, Fainga'a, Yato and Lee - don't know much about the other lock or 6 and 7 though - any views?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:01:10:16:27:20 by SJS.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Le marseillais (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 17:25
I'm sure you know Marcos Kremer, nearly 80 caps with Argentina.
Killian Tixeron is a young player, born in Clermont, and comes from the academy.
He is very promising, and could replace Charles Ollivon ( seriously injured last week) for the Tournament.
But he could be a bit "light" for sunday fight, in front of your dinosaurs.
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
Killian Tixeron is a young player, born in Clermont, and comes from the academy.
He is very promising, and could replace Charles Ollivon ( seriously injured last week) for the Tournament.
But he could be a bit "light" for sunday fight, in front of your dinosaurs.
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 18:16
Quote:Le marseillais
.......... in front of your dinosaurs.
We call them season ticket holders Le M!! ;-)
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Le marseillais (IP Logged)
Date: 10/01/2025 18:57
Very good !
After reflection, I believe that the coach is mainly aiming for the following match at home against Bristol, wich also will be difficult.
This one will be decisive for qualification
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
After reflection, I believe that the coach is mainly aiming for the following match at home against Bristol, wich also will be difficult.
This one will be decisive for qualification
ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2025 08:51
Stronger than I imagined we would go but I am always banging on about 4-6 changes game to game being ideal with no wholesale changes, just to freshen things up so can't complain. Injuries forced most of the rotation.
Starting to wonder if we intend just tapering off training massively and try to get through this block naming v strong squads every week.
Thought this was the week to give finn a rest personally - looked like a hammy twang waiting to happen in last 10 mins against saints I thought.
Really hope it doesn't backfire and we don't pick up any serious injuries.
Brutal, brutal block of games.
No idea how we approach leinster game- would nice to go strong and benchmark where we are but Sale game is more important imho.
Their squad tomorrow is absurd- porter, slimanj, rg snyman, conan, byrne on bench- silly! Need them to get seriously beaten up by la rochelle and their 7:1 split!
Starting to wonder if we intend just tapering off training massively and try to get through this block naming v strong squads every week.
Thought this was the week to give finn a rest personally - looked like a hammy twang waiting to happen in last 10 mins against saints I thought.
Really hope it doesn't backfire and we don't pick up any serious injuries.
Brutal, brutal block of games.
No idea how we approach leinster game- would nice to go strong and benchmark where we are but Sale game is more important imho.
Their squad tomorrow is absurd- porter, slimanj, rg snyman, conan, byrne on bench- silly! Need them to get seriously beaten up by la rochelle and their 7:1 split!
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2025 09:51
Forget that fairly useful fella called jordie Barrett also on bench for leinster!
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2025 10:09
Quote:Shadders
Has Staddon jumped ahead of Ewan Richards - or is Ewan injured? I'd have liked to have seen Kepu on the bench again.
Kepu has been selected for the England U20s game.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BucksBBandW (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2025 10:36
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Shadders
Has Staddon jumped ahead of Ewan Richards - or is Ewan injured? I'd have liked to have seen Kepu on the bench again.
Kepu has been selected for the England U20s game.
Oh good, I was also disappointed not to see him on the bench, but that explains why.
Tom de Glanville - Adopted player 2024-5
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: ChippenhamRoman (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2025 18:22
Re Finn. Play him tomorrow then holiday for a week. Kids vs Leinster. Not a hope in hell of getting anything.
England boys then depart. Throw everyone at the Sale game then kids for the Prem Cup.
See you all post 6 Nations.
J
England boys then depart. Throw everyone at the Sale game then kids for the Prem Cup.
See you all post 6 Nations.
J
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 09:17
I would treat the Leinster game like a potential prem final, like we treated the Quins big day out two seasons ago.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 09:34
Quote:hasta
I would treat the Leinster game like a potential prem final, like we treated the Quins big day out two seasons ago.
Full bore? Target game?
Tend to agree it's a v useful benchmark and experience aganist a top top team.
Risk is injuries to big players and/ or jeopardise the chances against sale in a tournament we have every chance of winning.
Have to remember we do have a big break then though for non-internationals during which we can manage workloads.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: nigewing (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 10:09
My worry for next week is that Ireland will target Finn in Dublin. We have more strength in depth in pack so should front up against the Irish pack.
All academic until the results of today's 3 games come in. For momentum & choices we need a win today at a chilly Rec.
All academic until the results of today's 3 games come in. For momentum & choices we need a win today at a chilly Rec.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 10:37
Sale away is not a must win. Finn's as likely to get injured in the 6N as he is in Leinster. Every team targets the fly half.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 10:45
Quote:ChippenhamRoman
Re Finn. Play him tomorrow then holiday for a week. Kids vs Leinster. Not a hope in hell of getting anything.
England boys then depart. Throw everyone at the Sale game then kids for the Prem Cup.
See you all post 6 Nations.
J
+1
Forget Leinster, send a team like the Treviso game and try and win the Sale game. No point risking injuries against Leinster.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: annie blackthorn (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 11:23
I assume coz can't find it that it is not televised nor recorded? Anyone?
And to all Clermont supporters, you are very welcome and sure we all hope you have a good weekend in Bath despite the very cold weather. Although you may well return home without a win.
And to all Clermont supporters, you are very welcome and sure we all hope you have a good weekend in Bath despite the very cold weather. Although you may well return home without a win.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 12:04
Quote:Le marseillais
Very good !
After reflection, I believe that the coach is mainly aiming for the following match at home against Bristol, wich also will be difficult.
This one will be decisive for qualification
Pardon my ignorance, but that looks like a strong Clermont team? The pack is littered with experienced internationals. My knowledge of your backline these days is admittedly limited.
Hope the travelling fans are enjoying the City and that we see a good, open game later.
If one win is enough to Challenge Cup then this is our opportunity to secure it. COYB
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 12:23
The only games that are "must win" are the Prem SF and final.
Beating Sale next week gives us a much stronger chance of being in those knock-out matches, and is an important match, that we should be throwing absolutely everything at.
Winning in Dublin is only going to happen with a significant falling of luck on our behalf, wouldn't do much for our season anyway, and is in a competition that we really should be using to rest our stars and give game-time to our future-stars.
I'm not too chuffed that we're playing Finn this week, next week I wouldn't be playing any of our starters.
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Beating Sale next week gives us a much stronger chance of being in those knock-out matches, and is an important match, that we should be throwing absolutely everything at.
Winning in Dublin is only going to happen with a significant falling of luck on our behalf, wouldn't do much for our season anyway, and is in a competition that we really should be using to rest our stars and give game-time to our future-stars.
I'm not too chuffed that we're playing Finn this week, next week I wouldn't be playing any of our starters.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 13:10
Quote:Which Tyler
I'm not too chuffed that we're playing Finn this week, next week I wouldn't be playing any of our starters.
+1
After losing our first 2 games fielding a full strength team today feels like a waste of energy. Ordinarily I want the strongest possible team fielded at home (largely because I'll be there), but after the team fielded for the Treviso game I lost interest in Europe so really wanted a skeleton team fielded today and next week to save our resources for Sale away.
Either way we all trust JvG so will just get on with supporting the team.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 14:05
Quote:The match is on Premier Sports, they have the rights for the next couple of seasons.annie blackthorn
I assume coz can't find it that it is not televised nor recorded? Anyone?
And to all Clermont supporters, you are very welcome and sure we all hope you have a good weekend in Bath despite the very cold weather. Although you may well return home without a win.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: ghost (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 14:15
And you can get Premier Sports as an add-on to Amazon Prime
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 14:44
True but it costs £15.99 per month on top of the £8.99 for Amazon prime, add that to TNT £30.99 (varies with broadband packages) and say Netflix for the family £4.99 thats £60 per month on top of a TV licence at £169.50 annually. It's a considerable cost when we dip in to about 20% of each one.
An unsatisfactory model in my view.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
An unsatisfactory model in my view.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 16:11
But clearly very satisfactory for the shareholders
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 17:13
Benetton should have absolutely won that one.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 17:29
Great start, but that doesn't look comfy for Coka, mi i-maul collapsing with a twist on his knee.
Hopefully just pain
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:01:12:17:30:16 by Which Tyler.
Hopefully just pain
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:01:12:17:30:16 by Which Tyler.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 17:33
COYB! I can hear the crowd roaring from my flat in Kensington, London Road!!
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 17:44
That ball had no right to stay in play.
Love it
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Love it
RAEBURN SHIELD
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 17:49
Still hating the SH having to stay back at the scrum.
Fumbled pick up from the 8 should have become a challenge for the ball, not a Mulligan (if I've used that word right)
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
Fumbled pick up from the 8 should have become a challenge for the ball, not a Mulligan (if I've used that word right)
RAEBURN SHIELD
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 17:55
Gorgeous little try at full pace.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Clarkey3k (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 18:10
Good grief we are ahead at h/time 😲
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 18:19
Quote:Which Tyler
Still hating the SH having to stay back at the scrum.
Fumbled pick up from the 8 should have become a challenge for the ball, not a Mulligan (if I've used that word right)
Agreed, that law is ridiculous.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 18:27
Phew!
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 18:27
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 18:29
Phew again! (the COML clock is 15 mins slow)
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: JK7 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 18:39
You really just can't stop TdT from close range. Best you can do is put two heavy guys in his way and hope.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 18:40
Dallaglio is correct, we're overplaying.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Quel Carreleur (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 18:55
As we're getting low on back 3 players, got to replace Coka.
No need to risk it
A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything
RAEBURN SHIELD
No need to risk it
RAEBURN SHIELD
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: JK7 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 19:10
Both Dallaglio and Robshaw picking up on what's often said here, that the lineout is the Achilles heel. Didn't matter today but some iffy stuff again in an otherwise well rounded performance.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:01:12:19:10:38 by JK7.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:01:12:19:10:38 by JK7.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 19:16
Lineout and restart.
Nonsense from Dallaglio on that last one, Clermont player not rolling away, can't reward fthe turnover.
Nonsense from Dallaglio on that last one, Clermont player not rolling away, can't reward fthe turnover.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: JK7 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 19:18
Never known any player to look battered so consistently as Dunn.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BeatsWorking (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 19:59
Fun atmosphere at the Rec today, and fair play to the Clermont fans who made the trek across for a Sun eve kick off, they were great. Loved the chip through and chase 3rd? try. Was hard to see the red card incident on the screen, but looked a bit harsh initially. Not sure what the commentators were saying. Ted is a beast too, and top marks for TDGs handling the whole game.
Lots of positives and no injuries i think?
Lots of positives and no injuries i think?
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 20:12
Only seen a couple of highlights, but - allied to Ojo’s performance last week - are we looking at England’s solution to the 12 shirt?
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Beergoggles (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 21:18
What was crowd like for a Sunday eve ? Sell out or close to it ?
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 21:27
Enjoyed the game and result. Not a red card IMO, yellow due to mitigation of previous contact. Don't know what ref or TV said as was watching in the ground.
Found the ref frustrating as he did not signal reasons for pens to the crowd.
Thought we missed Sam at 7, Miles is great but I don't recall anyone getting over the ball and pinching a turnover.
I didn't think the line outs were too bad considering the throws were ambitiously long a lot of the time.
Found the ref frustrating as he did not signal reasons for pens to the crowd.
Thought we missed Sam at 7, Miles is great but I don't recall anyone getting over the ball and pinching a turnover.
I didn't think the line outs were too bad considering the throws were ambitiously long a lot of the time.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 21:33
Quote:Beergoggles
What was crowd like for a Sunday eve ? Sell out or close to it ?
12,332
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 21:40
Quote:B4thB4ck
Enjoyed the game and result. Not a red card IMO, yellow due to mitigation of previous contact. Don't know what ref or TV said as was watching in the ground.
Found the ref frustrating as he did not signal reasons for pens to the crowd.
Thought we missed Sam at 7, Miles is great but I don't recall anyone getting over the ball and pinching a turnover.
I didn't think the line outs were too bad considering the throws were ambitiously long a lot of the time.
There wasn't any previous contact, he stepped inside, ref decided no mitigation as he was never low and had enough time to adjust. Ref was... Very inconsistent at ruck time. There was a LOT of hands on the floor beyond the ball
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 21:58
Quote:Ah, right, was judging contact from the big screen at a distance but was there really time to adjust? Did they ask for a normal speed replay? Felt harsh and the unbiased Welsh visitor next to me was apoplectic!hastaQuote:B4thB4ck
Enjoyed the game and result. Not a red card IMO, yellow due to mitigation of previous contact. Don't know what ref or TV said as was watching in the ground.
Found the ref frustrating as he did not signal reasons for pens to the crowd.
Thought we missed Sam at 7, Miles is great but I don't recall anyone getting over the ball and pinching a turnover.
I didn't think the line outs were too bad considering the throws were ambitiously long a lot of the time.
There wasn't any previous contact, he stepped inside, ref decided no mitigation as he was never low and had enough time to adjust. Ref was... Very inconsistent at ruck time. There was a LOT of hands on the floor beyond the ball
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: HK890 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 22:15
Going to be really interesting going into next week with results. Leinster look good but they don’t look Toulouse untouchable. Genuinely think they could be there for the taking.
Group however is still all to play for
Leinster - 13 points (Qualified)
La Rochelle - 10 points
Bath - 7 points
Benneton - 7 points
Clermont - 5 points
Bears - 5 points
Games
Leinster vs Bath
Benetton vs La Rochelle
Clermont vs Bears
Real chance in my opinion that we finish 5th or 2nd. Can see Bears getting a result against Clermont. But then the rest is very variable.
Nothing matters if we can get a result vs Leinster but that’s no easy task. Benetton at home we’ve seen is a tough game. La Rochelle will want to progress so send a strong side.
Most likely results in my opinion
Leinster 5 - 2 Bath
Benetton 2 - 5 La Rochelle
Clermont 2 - 5 Bears
Mean top 5 would be
Leinster
La Rochelle
Bears
Bath
Benetton - Tied on points but PD favouring us.
Group however is still all to play for
Leinster - 13 points (Qualified)
La Rochelle - 10 points
Bath - 7 points
Benneton - 7 points
Clermont - 5 points
Bears - 5 points
Games
Leinster vs Bath
Benetton vs La Rochelle
Clermont vs Bears
Real chance in my opinion that we finish 5th or 2nd. Can see Bears getting a result against Clermont. But then the rest is very variable.
Nothing matters if we can get a result vs Leinster but that’s no easy task. Benetton at home we’ve seen is a tough game. La Rochelle will want to progress so send a strong side.
Most likely results in my opinion
Leinster 5 - 2 Bath
Benetton 2 - 5 La Rochelle
Clermont 2 - 5 Bears
Mean top 5 would be
Leinster
La Rochelle
Bears
Bath
Benetton - Tied on points but PD favouring us.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Shorty Shorty iiv (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 22:25
Quote:JK7
Both Dallaglio and Robshaw picking up on what's often said here, that the lineout is the Achilles heel. Didn't matter today but some iffy stuff again in an otherwise well rounded performance.
JVG commented in his post match interview that they need to work on their line out execution. We left a fair few points out in there in the red zone…
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 22:38
Bris were lucky to beat Benetton at home and their injuries have really hurt them. Clermont at home will probably pick their strongest side. I don't see Benetton getting four tries against La Rochelle.
I suspect
Leinster
La Rochelle
Clermont
Us/Benetton
Benetton/Us
Bris
Do we know whether the decider is h2h or pd?
I suspect
Leinster
La Rochelle
Clermont
Us/Benetton
Benetton/Us
Bris
Do we know whether the decider is h2h or pd?
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: TomReagan (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 22:57
My understanding from the tournament website is it's determined by points difference then tries scored. I guess head to head favours the side who were at home in a one off and you play 4 of the other 5 teams in the group so a possibility that you didn't play the team you were tied with. Really hoping we get 5th now but the way Briz play I expect them to lose in Clermont but pick up 1 or 2 points. Don't expect us to get anything in Dublin so will all be close. Gives jvg some thinking to do re team selection; we're pretty much obliged to put our strongest team out.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 23:03
If it was a Bristol with MacGinty, Ibitoye, Malins I might agree. Bris of the last month or so... Less so.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: TomReagan (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 23:13
The Sale result aside, their typical games are high-scoring affairs. They're certainly capable of getting a BP for tries scored whoever the opposition. We'll see. I momentarily began considering likely results and even had a little look to see what attractive places we might have to go to in the EuroDisney Cup but realise it's a rather futile exercise. (Still a faint hope that the rugby gods will conspire to give us a fixture in Connacht, Pau or, even better, Montpellier).
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 23:17
I fully expect us to end up away to Northampton and to have a week of stupid Ollie Lawrence discourse.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 23:28
Quote:hasta
I fully expect us to end up away to Northampton and to have a week of stupid Ollie Lawrence discourse.
And then win the game. Saints are a great side to watch but they do give you chances. Maybe "because" would be a better word there!
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 23:35
Quote:B4thB4ck
Thought we missed Sam at 7, Miles is great but I don't recall anyone getting over the ball and pinching a turnover..
I think we will miss him, especially towards the business end of the season. He was huge in the final against Saints & the main reason we gained superiority with only 14 men. We didn’t get one turnover today if I recall correctly & as a result struggled to stop them scoring. His absence could be crucial for us.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2025 23:42
[quote Shorty Shorty iiv][quote JK7]JVG commented in his post match interview that they need to work on their line out execution. We left a fair few points out in there in the red zone…[/quote]
We have been looking far from clinical in the red zone in recent games. I don’t think we are looking sharp enough to beat Leinster away. It seems we misjudged the quality of Benetton.
We have been looking far from clinical in the red zone in recent games. I don’t think we are looking sharp enough to beat Leinster away. It seems we misjudged the quality of Benetton.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 05:43
Quote:hasta
I fully expect us to end up away to Northampton and to have a week of stupid Ollie Lawrence discourse.
…. says the poster whose contribution to the stupid discourse to date has been to deny that the thing for which actual Ollie Lawrence actually apologised, ever actually happened.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 07:50
Quote:Shorty Shorty iivQuote:JK7
Both Dallaglio and Robshaw picking up on what's often said here, that the lineout is the Achilles heel. Didn't matter today but some iffy stuff again in an otherwise well rounded performance.
JVG commented in his post match interview that they need to work on their line out execution. We left a fair few points out in there in the red zone…
We’ve needed to work on it for the last couple of seasons but don’t seem to be able to find a solution.
Strange game yesterday, never a red card but fortunately one of the rare occasions when it didn’t ruin the entertainment value. Bath well below par and Clermont dealt with the red card well.
Spoke to some Clermont fans afterwards and they wondered how Bath are top of the PL.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 08:01
Quote:OutsideBath
Spoke to some Clermont fans afterwards and they wondered how Bath are top of the PL.
Because they have the most league points?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 08:02
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:Shorty Shorty iivQuote:JK7
Both Dallaglio and Robshaw picking up on what's often said here, that the lineout is the Achilles heel. Didn't matter today but some iffy stuff again in an otherwise well rounded performance.
JVG commented in his post match interview that they need to work on their line out execution. We left a fair few points out in there in the red zone…
We’ve needed to work on it for the last couple of seasons but don’t seem to be able to find a solution.
Strange game yesterday, never a red card but fortunately one of the rare occasions when it didn’t ruin the entertainment value. Bath well below par and Clermont dealt with the red card well.
Spoke to some Clermont fans afterwards and they wondered how Bath are top of the PL.
It's not a vintage PL this year, tbf. Only Bris and us are not rebuilding and it shows.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 08:06
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:OutsideBath
Spoke to some Clermont fans afterwards and they wondered how Bath are top of the PL.
Because they have the most league points?
I think you know what they meant.. 😉
As for the potential for going through with an away draw at Northampton, no thanks who wants to go there. Got to be a nice away draw in France garner any interest.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 08:45
Yes, JVG,s aim of continuous improvement has stalled. He will be well aware of that & hopefully they will get their mojo back idc. They need to do so to have any chance against Leinster.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 09:16
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:OutsideBath
Spoke to some Clermont fans afterwards and they wondered how Bath are top of the PL.
Because they have the most league points?
Winning a match by a good margin without playing that well (harsh red aside) might tell them something. That was a strong selection by us but it is a tough ask to play well every weekend, sometimes an ugly win is necessary and it wasn't ugly yesterday, good in spells.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 09:20
Anyone else have Mojo down as MOTM? Absolutely frightening display and I would not be surprised to see him end up in 6N squad because of it.
As many have said, not a red. Think the 20min solution should be brought in next season - seen too many marginal ones ruining games.
Still think we send a heavily rotated squad to Leinster. Prem is the priority and one European result shouldn't change that. It would be great to turn Leinster over in their own backyard but chances are still slim to none, IMO.
As many have said, not a red. Think the 20min solution should be brought in next season - seen too many marginal ones ruining games.
Still think we send a heavily rotated squad to Leinster. Prem is the priority and one European result shouldn't change that. It would be great to turn Leinster over in their own backyard but chances are still slim to none, IMO.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Widcombe boy (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 09:33
I think JVG will go with a strong team, he loves this competition and we have a chance of going through….
Widcombe Garçon
Widcombe Garçon
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 09:48
Quote:Barfboy
As many have said, not a red. Think the 20min solution should be brought in next season - seen too many marginal ones ruining games.
Why have a 20 min red at all if it wasn't a red? Give it a yellow instead. Leave the Laws but massage the framework (maybe don't automatically start at red and reduce, start at yellow and increase).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 09:51
I just don't understand how our line out can be so poor. I originally thought it was Tom Dunn before I was persuaded otherwise by informative posters on here. We had a position of strength a year ago, we have not had major changes in line out personnel, we have experts in this area, Charteris and Molony as well as our forwards coach Richard Blaze whose forté is line outs so is it back to the throwers then?
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Widcombe boy (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 09:58
Quote:shipwrecked
I just don't understand how our line out can be so poor. I originally thought it was Tom Dunn before I was persuaded otherwise by informative posters on here. We had a position of strength a year ago, we have not had major changes in line out personnel, we have experts in this area, Charteris and Molony as well as our forwards coach Richard Blaze whose forté is line outs so is it back to the throwers then?
Well listening to the commentary while at the ground they couldn’t pin point who was at fault but they did say French teams go up and challenge the Line out regularly whereas in the Prem not so much.
That however doesn’t explain our lineout prem red zone problems
Widcombe Garçon
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:01:13:10:04:26 by Widcombe boy.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 10:00
Tending towards the, 'got no choice but to give it everything' for the Leinster game now. Losing at Sale is far from the end of the world for our GP campaign. Leinster having qualified, and 6Ns looming for 97% of their players might also make them a very slightly softer touch than otherwise.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 10:20
Quote:Optimist
Tending towards the, 'got no choice but to give it everything' for the Leinster game now. Losing at Sale is far from the end of the world for our GP campaign. Leinster having qualified, and 6Ns looming for 97% of their players might also make them a very slightly softer touch than otherwise.
Losing at Sale might not be critical but winning there would be a serious boost to our chances of a home semi if we make the top 4. At very least we should be targeting 2 points from a loss. Saints prove that on their day they can pull out a win and there are several clubs like that this season.
There is a big benefit in rotating and sending a similar team to the Benton game, that being the elevation of our back up players performance. Leinster could well field a beatable side and if TCS/Schreuder and Bailey could pull off a performance its a massive boost to cover injury and tiredness. A win in Leinster is purely cosmetic after all.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 10:31
Quote:Barfboy
Anyone else have Mojo down as MOTM? Absolutely frightening display and I would not be surprised to see him end up in 6N squad because of it.
As many have said, not a red. Think the 20min solution should be brought in next season - seen too many marginal ones ruining games.
Still think we send a heavily rotated squad to Leinster. Prem is the priority and one European result shouldn't change that. It would be great to turn Leinster over in their own backyard but chances are still slim to none, IMO.
I tend to agree, though it won’t happen & there would be recriminations if we did. We have a number of crucial injuries & others walking wounded. The first team can only be pushed so far, even with some degree of rotation.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 10:51
Ended up being a very enjoyable evening.
Once Clermont were down to 14, I felt pretty comfortable that we'd get the result, and my main concern turned to making sure we subbed off Russell, Spencer, TdT et al nice and early to avoid any injuries marring the result.
So on that note, does anyone know if we managed to escape pretty much unscathed? Joe was getting a bit of treatment in the first half but finished the game, so hopefully still fit and available for selection.
Once Clermont were down to 14, I felt pretty comfortable that we'd get the result, and my main concern turned to making sure we subbed off Russell, Spencer, TdT et al nice and early to avoid any injuries marring the result.
So on that note, does anyone know if we managed to escape pretty much unscathed? Joe was getting a bit of treatment in the first half but finished the game, so hopefully still fit and available for selection.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: 22Dropout (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 10:58
Tie breakers seem to be: 1. Matches won (largely irrelevant to our group); 2. Points diff; 3. Total points for; then 4. H2H if relevant. So provided we don’t ship a shed load in Dublin, and at least match the Treviso league points then we should stay ahead of them? And La Rochelle should be targeting 5 by sending a full team! And I can’t see The Bears getting much in Clermont either. So to me it looks like 3rd or 4th, and a difficult away trip to one of the top teams - hopefully Saints, Sarries or Glasgow rather than La Rochelle, Toulon or Toulouse? But could still hopefully be another nice away trip for us fans!
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 11:03
Quote:Widcombe boy
Well listening to the commentary while at the ground they couldn’t pin point who was at fault but they did say French teams go up and challenge the Line out regularly whereas in the Prem not so much.
That's interesting as I think that Exe lost 50% of their lineouts (Frost as hooker) vs Bordeaux.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 11:15
With regard to Ojomoh, you shouldn’t give players international caps based on one outstanding performance. People were suggesting the same about Butt. He has to have a continuous run of strong performances to be in the running in my view. He as gone missing in plenty of games previously. I would also question Lawrence being an automatic selection. I guess it depends on other options.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: SJS (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 11:33
Quote:Bath Hammer
With regard to Ojomoh, you shouldn’t give players international caps based on one outstanding performance. People were suggesting the same about Butt. He has to have a continuous run of strong performances to be in the running in my view. He as gone missing in plenty of games previously. I would also question Lawrence being an automatic selection. I guess it depends on other options.
That's a little harsh - Mojo was in the England training squads before his injury, and 12 has been the most problematic position for England since Greenwood retired so there's more of an impetus to try and find someone that can solve that problem. Ojomoh has shown consistent flashes of brilliance but recently seems to have upped his game in defence (has he bulked up a little?).
Given England are (still!) rebuilding, it may be worth giving him a run out against (for example) Italy or in a summer tour, but of course we all know Borthwick won't look at form for selection.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 11:51
Quote:Bath Hammer
With regard to Ojomoh, you shouldn’t give players international caps based on one outstanding performance. People were suggesting the same about Butt. He has to have a continuous run of strong performances to be in the running in my view. He as gone missing in plenty of games previously. I would also question Lawrence being an automatic selection. I guess it depends on other options.
Just before the start of the season I posted here that I wouldn't be surprised if Ojomoh nailed the 12 starting shirt ahead of Redpath and was a serious contender for an England cap
Nothing to do with a one off performance. Steadily he is developing into a very classy 12 and has the pace and insight to play 13 if needed
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 11:56
Along with the mare of some of our lineouts we also balls up most receiving restarts. Again - it was the reason why we were on the defense for last 2 mins v Saints and the Briz kick off for our defeat on the rec really set the tempo for the catastrophic first half
Must get it sorted. DoRs will have clocked it
Proudly adopting The Maverick for 2016/17
[jmpuk.photoshelter.com]
Must get it sorted. DoRs will have clocked it
Proudly adopting The Maverick for 2016/17
[jmpuk.photoshelter.com]
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Widcombe boy (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 12:13
+1
Widcombe Garçon
Quote:gaz59
Along with the mare of some of our lineouts we also balls up most receiving restarts. Again - it was the reason why we were on the defense for last 2 mins v Saints and the Briz kick off for our defeat on the rec really set the tempo for the catastrophic first half
Must get it sorted. DoRs will have clocked it
Widcombe Garçon
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 13:55
As much as I love Thomas Du Toit I don't understand how Max didn't get player of the match. As well as he played his co-ordination with Ollie was excellent. Not many contenders for England centre places so who knows.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 14:09
PLAYER RATINGS 12 January - [www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 14:20
Bath v Clermont game in full.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: jayeatman (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 16:39
I'm thinking Bristol get nothing away to Clermont next weekend. Even more than us they'll be prioritising the Prem.
La Rochelle will go strong at Benetton, so a BP or 2 for Benetton is the best I'm expecting.
Having gone strong this week, I can't see JvG doing a Benetton against Leinster, so I'd hope for a BP, try or losing or both (especially as I'm going).
With 1. Leinster, 2. La Rochelle, 3. Clermont, we'll end up 4/5th depending on who out of us and Benetton get more BPs. With a better points difference, we must be narrow favorites for 4th.
I'm happy either way but I'd marginally prefer a run in the EuroDisney vs a probable R16, at best QF exit in the Big Cup, but I doubt JvG sees it that way.
BATH supporter since 1975
Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart
La Rochelle will go strong at Benetton, so a BP or 2 for Benetton is the best I'm expecting.
Having gone strong this week, I can't see JvG doing a Benetton against Leinster, so I'd hope for a BP, try or losing or both (especially as I'm going).
With 1. Leinster, 2. La Rochelle, 3. Clermont, we'll end up 4/5th depending on who out of us and Benetton get more BPs. With a better points difference, we must be narrow favorites for 4th.
I'm happy either way but I'd marginally prefer a run in the EuroDisney vs a probable R16, at best QF exit in the Big Cup, but I doubt JvG sees it that way.
BATH supporter since 1975
Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 17:23
Quote:Mike the Taxi
PLAYER RATINGS 12 January - [www.somersetlive.co.uk]
I've no idea about the cause of our lineout problem but Quin Roux deserved a higher score for several throws he salvaged with an athletic catch in mid air
And I'll forgive Dunn coz of his brilliant catch off the ASM over the top throw late in second half in their 22 that set up our try
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 17:24
Still hoping JvG goes to Leinster with at best a team as strong as the Treviso game, preferably weaker.
Bristol will certainly get a TBP at Claremont, but probably no more.
We’re now not going to finish 6th so let’s focus on the Sale game as it’s important to get the win there.
Bristol will certainly get a TBP at Claremont, but probably no more.
We’re now not going to finish 6th so let’s focus on the Sale game as it’s important to get the win there.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: B4thB4ck (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 17:25
Quote:hasta
......There wasn't any previous contact, he stepped inside, ref decided no mitigation as he was never low and had enough time to adjust......
Have just seen the TV highlights replay for the first time close up. There was previous contact, the Clermont no.4 got an arm out and was spun around, the carded player was just behind him. At full speed I still think there was mitigation and I would have been annoyed if that card had gone the other way.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Maeght (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 17:36
Having watched it a few times I can't really see why it wasn't a red card. An upright tackle straight to the head with no drop in level from Max.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:01:13:19:48:59 by Maeght.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:01:13:19:48:59 by Maeght.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: JK7 (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 17:57
To me there's enough time (just) for the Clermont player to lower his height, although it's close. Not sure we can take into account that he's a big lad and it takes him longer than most to bend over.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 18:17
Going from the ref's talk through then it is a red in the current environment. High tackle with force, no attempt to lower and Ojo steps the first tackler not the prop. The prop has time to adjust and it is not a defence to be a prop in open space.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Widcombe boy (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 19:31
Quote:Never In Doubt
Going from the ref's talk through then it is a red in the current environment. High tackle with force, no attempt to lower and Ojo steps the first tackler not the prop. The prop has time to adjust and it is not a defence to be a prop in open space.
In the good old days Props wouldn’t have made it there 😘
Widcombe Garçon
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: by (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 20:00
Can we start a petition to stop Dallaglio from commentating on Bath games
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: SJS (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2025 23:26
Quote:by
Can we start a petition to stop Dallaglio from commentating onBathany games
FIFY
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 15/01/2025 12:12
By
You wonder how he, Dallaglio, is still employed.......mind you I used to say the same about Guscott
You wonder how he, Dallaglio, is still employed.......mind you I used to say the same about Guscott
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 15/01/2025 13:19
There’s a potential revenue stream for TV, offer fans a chargeable Dallaglio filter. Reckon most would pay for that.
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 16/01/2025 20:16
Based on the team that Exeter are sending to Belfast they seem to have given up hope of progressing any further in Europe? 12 changes from last week. Makes sense considering their league position.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: Team Up! BATH RUGBY VS ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE; A MICHELIN STAR RUGBY FEAST OR A WEEKEND TAKEAWAY?
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/01/2025 08:58
Quote:OutsideBath
There’s a potential revenue stream for TV, offer fans a chargeable Dallaglio filter. Reckon most would pay for that.
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