REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Crowley: best 10?
By Tom Reagan
December 4 2025
I must begin this preview by thanking PGT for whatever thread title he's come up with (I always find the title to be the biggest stumbling block!). Secondly, apologies for my lack of knowledge about our opponents, but I'm sure many posts in the thread will fill in the gaps. My ignorance spreads to most 'things rugby' these days, not just Munster. To begin with, I'm on fairly safe ground re-capping the format. It has its critics, but at least it's becoming familiar to us.
The European Cup comprises 24 teams, 8 each from the Prem, URC and Top 14. Given 80% of Prem clubs qualify compared to 50% of the URC this is just one aspect of the competition's format that has drawn criticism. These teams play in 4 groups of 6, each side playing the 4 teams not in their domestic league. Match points, including LBP's and try scoring bonuses are as for our domestic leagues. The top 4 teams in each group qualify for the seeded 'Round of 16' and, as Bath fans should be well aware, the sides coming 5th drop into the European Challenge Cup. Rather like its football equivalent, the group stages are hardly brutal in sorting the elite from those just making up the numbers! Only playing a side home or away can rather skew results - the South African sides and, to a lesser extent the French teams - tend to be much stronger at home and, on occasions, have prioritised their domestic league when selecting sides for away fixtures. I miss the format of playing your 3 group opponents home and away but acknowledge that the numbers are far tidier in the new format as regards who qualifies, they've got rid of the incomprehensible table where you were ranked against sides you didn't even play and the organisers have considered fans in the way the exact dates and times of fixtures are now set well in advance, so credit where it's due.
Bath's group looks a strong one to me. Castres have currently won 6 of their 11 games and Toulon (The only team to ever win 3 consecutive European titles) are 3rd in the Top 14, albeit one of our regular posters doesn't seem to rate them! French teams are always tough to beat on their home turf so Bath can consider themselves a bit unlucky to have drawn both sides away, but the fans going to those towns certainly won't be complaining. Edinburgh have won 2 and lost 3 in the URC, the league in which Munster lie 3rd with a 5-1 record, that single defeat being their most recent game against the unbeaten Stormers. They've won 4 games by 3 points or fewer, including their victory against an Argentinian XV, so know how to win tight games, their two comfortable victories being against Scarlets and, most notably, Leinster. That victory, 31 - 14, came at Croke Park in front of 51, 859 fans so gives some indication of Munster's capabilities. Watching the highlights and reading the BBC match report and Munster 'Red Army' forum the victory was based on dogged defence, a few moments of individual brilliance and Tadhg Beirne's 5 turnovers. Fly half Jack Crowley won the MOTM award and is seen by many Irish fans as a better 10 than Farrell's current preferred option, Sam Prendergast.
For a bit of insight into Saturday's game I perused the Red Army message board. There were lots of very measured posts although like many posters on COML the pessimists outnumber the optimists and, again like on our own site, their team's excellent current record doesn't spare them a fair amount of criticism! The majority of their fans think Bath should win, with our high pace game and our scrum being seen as the two biggest areas for concern. (This slightly surprised me as I view our scrum as solid but, despite the quality props we have, not one that usually dominates opposing packs). If new Munster Head coach, Kiwi Clayton McMillan is thinking on the same lines as the seemingly knowledgeable Red Army posters, their hope is that Munster can turn the game into a tight, tense battle, the sort of match that they've become very good at winning.
As always with my previews I won't bother trying to predict our starting XV - I'm happy to wait until Friday when it's announced. I'm usually one of the pessimists when it comes to all sporting matters - well, matters other than sport too actually - but we've become so consistent and our 2nd half performances so formidable that for once I'll risk predicting a Bath win, maybe 29 - 20.
REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 09:22
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:12:10:21:38:50 by P G Tips.
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Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 10:07
Having watched a bit of Munster this year they're a hard team to work out. They've been pretty average to start the season but were grinding out results - home wins by a point or two against Cardiff, Connaught and Edinburgh don't scream 'elite opposition' particularly - but then outstanding against Leinster. Then last week they got out muscled by the Stormers pack which is a good sign for us. They'll be tough but we really should be winning a home game like this.
I will be having some horrific flashbacks at the sight of Tadgh Beirne's scrum cup though after his Scarlets team took Bath apart in 2018.
I will be having some horrific flashbacks at the sight of Tadgh Beirne's scrum cup though after his Scarlets team took Bath apart in 2018.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 11:29
Based on how Munster found the physical battle harder as the game went on last week I'd make sure our bench is loaded this week. Something like:
Obano
Dunn
Stuart
Roux
Ewels
Hill
Pepper
Reid
Spencer
Russell
Arundell
Redpath
Ojomoh
Cokanasiga
Carreras
Frost
FvW
du Toit
Molony
Underhill
Carr-Smith
de Glanville / Muir
Barbeary
Could start Muir if he is ready to go but equally happy to wait a week and he can play the Toulon game.
Obano
Dunn
Stuart
Roux
Ewels
Hill
Pepper
Reid
Spencer
Russell
Arundell
Redpath
Ojomoh
Cokanasiga
Carreras
Frost
FvW
du Toit
Molony
Underhill
Carr-Smith
de Glanville / Muir
Barbeary
Could start Muir if he is ready to go but equally happy to wait a week and he can play the Toulon game.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 12:12
Quote:theredseat
Based on how Munster found the physical battle harder as the game went on last week I'd make sure our bench is loaded this week. Something like:
Obano
Dunn
Stuart
Roux
Ewels
Hill
Pepper
Reid
Spencer
Russell
Arundell
Redpath
Ojomoh
Cokanasiga
Carreras
Frost
FvW
du Toit
Molony
Underhill
Carr-Smith
de Glanville / Muir
Barbeary
Could start Muir if he is ready to go but equally happy to wait a week and he can play the Toulon game.
I would rest Russell and play Carreras at 10 personally*, certainly Carreras looked amazing for Argentina and arguably Russell could do with a week off. I would also play Kepu as I think that he is more muscular from the bench - and more like an additional back rower around the field - then Frost.
(* awaits cries of indignation)
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 12:15
Interesting suggestion BM to rest Finn on Saturday, however I think it’s unlikely as JvG understandably tends to go full strength at home.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 12:20
Does Finn need a rest? He only played two of Scotland's games, I'd rest him against Newcastle.
I think the bigger question is which game is Spencer rested for.
I think the bigger question is which game is Spencer rested for.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: by (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 12:25
We normally put our strongest team out at home, so I'd be surprised if Finn was rested on Saturday.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 12:27
Quote:hasta
Does Finn need a rest? He only played two of Scotland's games, I'd rest him against Newcastle.
I think the bigger question is which game is Spencer rested for.
Well Finn certainly hasn't been on top form, whether he played he was still away in camp and he also had a few bumps and bruises. My reasoning though is really that Carreras has looked great over the last couple of months. Agree its unlikely of course.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: jayeatman (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 12:55
With it being a home game, I'm sure Finn & Ben will start.
With it being a 6-day turnround, I'd expect quite a lot of rotation.
So expect to see Carreras at 15, Ojomoh to start alongside who?
Is Lawrence fit? If not, then Redpath.
Pepper & Underhill start for sure.
Will he throw Horse & Barbeary straight in? More likely on the bench.
He might switch the props & bench both Beno & TdT.
So pretty close to wot BM53 said.
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
With it being a 6-day turnround, I'd expect quite a lot of rotation.
So expect to see Carreras at 15, Ojomoh to start alongside who?
Is Lawrence fit? If not, then Redpath.
Pepper & Underhill start for sure.
Will he throw Horse & Barbeary straight in? More likely on the bench.
He might switch the props & bench both Beno & TdT.
So pretty close to wot BM53 said.
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: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 12:58
My Punt
Obano
Dunn
Stuart
Roux
Ewels
Hill
Pepper
Reid
Spencer
Russell
Arundell
Redpath
Ojomoh
Muir
Carreras
Kepu
FvW
du Toit
Molony
Underhill
Carr-Smith
Harris/Butt
Bayliss
Obano
Dunn
Stuart
Roux
Ewels
Hill
Pepper
Reid
Spencer
Russell
Arundell
Redpath
Ojomoh
Muir
Carreras
Kepu
FvW
du Toit
Molony
Underhill
Carr-Smith
Harris/Butt
Bayliss
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 13:41
I think Finn and Carreras need some game time together. That plus I really doubt Finn plays the Newcastle game means he'd be very in and out which doesn't seem like the right rotation to me. Would make more sense to play him this week and just give him a fortnight's holiday after and he can skip Toulon and Newcastle away trips if you wanted to give him the extra rest?
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: jayeatman (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 15:29
One wonders if the players get any say in it, especially the senior ones.
No way Finn would want to miss the Toulon trip whereas Newcastle, not so much.
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
No way Finn would want to miss the Toulon trip whereas Newcastle, not so much.
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: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/12/2025 17:18
Surely Carreras was recruited with the European Cup firmly a target?
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 07:27
So stuart/ bayliss/ spencer the only ones left who have to rest this week or next?
I think I would go:
Santi
Arundell
Mojo
Redpath
Muir
Finn
Spencer
Beno
Dunn
Stuart
Roux
Ewels
Pepper
Underhill
Reid
Bench: kepu, fvw, tdt, malony, hill, tcs, harris, alfie
Hopefully bring in griffin, lawrence etc next week. Rotate back in the likes of frost/ bayliss/ big joe/ tdg. Like to see richards in the 23 soon as well. Spencer will be a big miss.
Agree re maybe resting finn for newcastle with santi at 10. Doesn't exactly weaken us based on his performances for Argentina!
I think I would go:
Santi
Arundell
Mojo
Redpath
Muir
Finn
Spencer
Beno
Dunn
Stuart
Roux
Ewels
Pepper
Underhill
Reid
Bench: kepu, fvw, tdt, malony, hill, tcs, harris, alfie
Hopefully bring in griffin, lawrence etc next week. Rotate back in the likes of frost/ bayliss/ big joe/ tdg. Like to see richards in the 23 soon as well. Spencer will be a big miss.
Agree re maybe resting finn for newcastle with santi at 10. Doesn't exactly weaken us based on his performances for Argentina!
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 09:04
Quote:theredseat
I will be having some horrific flashbacks at the sight of Tadgh Beirne's scrum cup though after his Scarlets team took Bath apart in 2018.
Remember this all too well. Was playing lock and side-stepped a back (Watson??) on his way to the try line. Was absolutely everywhere that night. Didn't know much about him back then and recall Googling nationality because I couldn't believe he wasn't an international (yes, incredibly Irish name but adds to point).
Aside for the the man who was robbed of World Player of the Year, I think we go full bore tomorrow night - and next week. Then Finn, Spenny, TdT etc sit Newcastle out.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 10:31
Barfboy,
Spencer, unless the club/player receives dispensation, under PGB regulations has to miss one of Bath’s first 3 games after the AIs. Newcastle game is too late. I can’t see any justification for granting dispensation, Spencer hasn’t missed a lot of games through injury and the club has other SHs available.
Finn doesn’t need mandatory rest so Newcastle would work for him.
Spencer, unless the club/player receives dispensation, under PGB regulations has to miss one of Bath’s first 3 games after the AIs. Newcastle game is too late. I can’t see any justification for granting dispensation, Spencer hasn’t missed a lot of games through injury and the club has other SHs available.
Finn doesn’t need mandatory rest so Newcastle would work for him.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 10:34
Quote:tigersimon
Finn doesn’t need mandatory rest so Newcastle would work for him.
JVG said that everyone involved in the AIs would get a holiday, whether madatory or not. Newcastle seems like a good opportunity for Finn.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 11:58
Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Miles Reid, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Finn Russell (50), 11 Henry Arundell, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Max Ojomoh, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville
Replacements: 16 Kepu Tuipulotu, 17 Francois van Wyk, Thomas du Toit, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Santi Carreras, 23 Sam Underhill
Munster Rugby: 1 Michael Milne, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 3 John Ryan, 4 Jean Kleyn, 5 Tom Ahern, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 John Hodnett, 8 Gavin Coombes, 9 Craig Casey, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 12 Dan Kelly, 13 Tom Farrell, 14 Diarmuid Kilgallen, 15 Shane Daly
Replacements: 16 Lee Barron, 17 Jeremy Loughman, 18 Michael Ala'alatoa, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Ruadhán Quinn, 21 Ethan Coughlan, 22 Alex Nankivell, 23 Alex Kendellen
Replacements: 16 Kepu Tuipulotu, 17 Francois van Wyk, Thomas du Toit, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Santi Carreras, 23 Sam Underhill
Munster Rugby: 1 Michael Milne, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 3 John Ryan, 4 Jean Kleyn, 5 Tom Ahern, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 John Hodnett, 8 Gavin Coombes, 9 Craig Casey, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 12 Dan Kelly, 13 Tom Farrell, 14 Diarmuid Kilgallen, 15 Shane Daly
Replacements: 16 Lee Barron, 17 Jeremy Loughman, 18 Michael Ala'alatoa, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Ruadhán Quinn, 21 Ethan Coughlan, 22 Alex Nankivell, 23 Alex Kendellen
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 12:03
No Crowley is really significant for Munster. Think I'm right in saying they don't have any fly half cover in the squad either so maybe Kelly or someone will have to fill in if needed?
Interesting that Bayliss seems to have played himself into a more prominant role recently.
We look noticeably stronger to be honest and don't think a bonus point is out of the question with the firepower we have on the bench.
Interesting that Bayliss seems to have played himself into a more prominant role recently.
We look noticeably stronger to be honest and don't think a bonus point is out of the question with the firepower we have on the bench.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 12:13
Strong case for that being our strongest ever 23. A bench containing Kepu, TdT, Hill, Underhill and Santi is one most international teams would be proud of.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:12:05:12:46:51 by Barfboy.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:12:05:12:46:51 by Barfboy.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 12:22
Frost, Griffin, Sela, Richards, Barbeary, Butt, Harris, Muir is quite the list of 'available but not selected'
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 12:41
Thank you Tom
Nice report and I wasn't clear on the format so that was helpful.
I know I am greedy but I would like us to be unbeaten on these pool games.......
Nice report and I wasn't clear on the format so that was helpful.
I know I am greedy but I would like us to be unbeaten on these pool games.......
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 12:43
I think that that is a great team selection and I am now really looking forward to the match....despite the ludicrous KO time
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Woodpecker (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 12:45
Given how good he is I wonder if Santi is happy with how he fits in at Bath, TDG is great but I really want to see how Santi can bed in with Finn, so far it hasnt really worked.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 13:47
Quote:Woodpecker
Given how good he is I wonder if Santi is happy with how he fits in at Bath, TDG is great but I really want to see how Santi can bed in with Finn, so far it hasnt really worked.
He’s been here the metaphorical five minutes with no preseason- don’t think we need to worry just yet.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 14:18
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
I think that that is a great team selection and I am now really looking forward to the match....
Agreed.
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
....despite the ludicrous KO time
Agreed! But then its only 15 min lated than a friday game I suppose.
Bath is already full of red jerseys, wonder how many will make it to the game by 8pm tomorrow?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 14:34
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
I think that that is a great team selection and I am now really looking forward to the match....
Agreed.
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
....despite the ludicrous KO time
Agreed! But then its only 15 min lated than a friday game I suppose.
Bath is already full of red jerseys, wonder how many will make it to the game by 8pm tomorrow?
Expecting 4,000 Munster fans apparantly
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 14:39
Quote:theredseatQuote:BathMatt53
Bath is already full of red jerseys, wonder how many will make it to the game by 8pm tomorrow?
Expecting 4,000 Munster fans apparantly
Most of them appear to be in Flans.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 15:46
Quote:theredseat
Frost, Griffin, Sela, Richards, Barbeary, Butt, Harris, Muir is quite the list of 'available but not selected'
Add Green to that list. In my book he's established himself as a name on the team sheet I would be very happy to see
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 17:08
Hopefully some of the Red shirts and indeed the Blue Black and White shirts will make their way to the Cub in Milsom Place (Shires Yard)
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 17:08
I know very little about the Munster team or indeed their coaches. Anyone able to give me an idea of relative strengths etc of from the lineups?
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 17:33
For those interested, this the munsterfans thread for the game
[www.munsterfans.com]
Always worth a read for the wit, if nothing else
They think it'll be close but probably a home win. Crowley out is huge for them.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
[www.munsterfans.com]
Always worth a read for the wit, if nothing else
They think it'll be close but probably a home win. Crowley out is huge for them.... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 18:44
Quote:theredseatQuote:BathMatt53Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
I think that that is a great team selection and I am now really looking forward to the match....
Agreed.
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
....despite the ludicrous KO time
Agreed! But then its only 15 min lated than a friday game I suppose.
Bath is already full of red jerseys, wonder how many will make it to the game by 8pm tomorrow?
Expecting 4,000 Munster fans apparantly
Wow why on earth did we sell that many tickets to away fans?
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 19:45
1. Competition rules
2. Income. Why turn down good money?
PG
2. Income. Why turn down good money?
PG
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Trawling (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 20:42
Irish fans always travel in numbers and even at Rec prices they will find a way to get tickets!
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 21:05
Quote:Woodpecker
Given how good he is I wonder if Santi is happy with how he fits in at Bath, TDG is great but I really want to see how Santi can bed in with Finn, so far it hasnt really worked.
He will be patient & knows his time will come. It seems to be a very happy ship.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 23:02
Quote:P G Tips
1. Competition rules
2. Income. Why turn down good money?
PG
Competition rules don’t dictate that percentage of tickets to away fans. We could easily have sold most of those to Bath fans.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 05/12/2025 23:33
I think the competition rules to provide 25% tix to away fans only applies to knock-out games unless that has changed. 4000 might be pushing it for a 14.5k stadium that has a tonne of season tickets and sells to members ahead of general sale.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 01:31
4000 Munster fans travelling and 4000 Munster fans actually in the ground are 2 different things.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 06:17
I doing tnink we should be over confident about this encounter. Munster have won 5 of their 6 matches in the United Championship & have some good teams lower in the league.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 07:00
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:We could easily have sold most of those to Bath fans.P G Tips
1. Competition rules
2. Income. Why turn down good money?
PG
But we didn’t - Munster fans surely had the same ability to buy as Bath fans.
Personally I think it’s great news, Munster fans will bring an absolute energy and some great craic and it should be an absolute festival. Shame about the weather though!
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 09:22
Well Thomond Park has a capacity of 25,600.....so there are a lot of them watching home games.
Its an easy flight to Bristol
Does anyone remember Bath v Llanelli years ago which was postponed because the river was up. New tickets went on release on the Monday (?) several coaches came from Wales and each person could buy 4 tickets.
Crowd was full and "Scar-lets" was ringing around the ground...much as "Mun-ster" will today.
Its an easy flight to Bristol
Does anyone remember Bath v Llanelli years ago which was postponed because the river was up. New tickets went on release on the Monday (?) several coaches came from Wales and each person could buy 4 tickets.
Crowd was full and "Scar-lets" was ringing around the ground...much as "Mun-ster" will today.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 09:32
Quote:BathRob
But we didn’t - Munster fans surely had the same ability to buy as Bath fans.
Only when on general sale - I would have though that STH and members would have snapped them up for a big game during Xmas market time. Guess not.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 10:28
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:BathRob
But we didn’t - Munster fans surely had the same ability to buy as Bath fans.
Only when on general sale - I would have though that STH and members would have snapped them up for a big game during Xmas market time. Guess not.
Given how quiet the Rec can be it’s going to be like a home game for Munster with 4k of their fans in the ground. Hope the club has got extra beer in as well because they’re going to need it.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Devonport Lad (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 10:41
To be fair I think the very fact that it’s the Christmas Market coupled with the problems getting home after a late kick off for those reliant on public transport will have put a number of people off coming to this game (and of course the price of tickets this close to Christmas). I agree; those of us who are there need to make the maximum amount of noise.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 11:11
Quote:Devonport Lad
To be fair I think the very fact that it’s the Christmas Market coupled with the problems getting home after a late kick off for those reliant on public transport will have put a number of people off coming to this game (and of course the price of tickets this close to Christmas). I agree; those of us who are there need to make the maximum amount of noise.
Yes the Xmas market is a nuisance and because of it I did think about selling our season tickets and watching on TV instead.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 12:35
I think we're up to the challenge of creating the atmosphere - a large number of Munster fans will just put us on our mettle. Looking forward to a rocking Rec tonight.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 15:36
We can begin with the Tunnel of Noise - William St Gate at 18.40 today.
COYB!
PG
COYB!
PG
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 16:03
Quote:Susanne
I think we're up to the challenge of creating the atmosphere - a large number of Munster fans will just put us on our mettle. Looking forward to a rocking Rec tonight.
Exactly this attitude! Bath did some sort of behind the scenes on pints poured a while ago and it was a crazy amount of Guinness - I imagine tonight will be higher!
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 19:34
Jean Kleyn has pulled out. Leaves a huge hole for Munster.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 20:37
Well we sure made the most out of the card!
That said, don't look totally at ease. Ironically, it was only with our own man in the bin that we could actually stop them in the red zone
That said, don't look totally at ease. Ironically, it was only with our own man in the bin that we could actually stop them in the red zone
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 21:47
142 tackles made to their 55, and yet a 26 point victory
Says it all really
Spencer really was immense - Dunn, Reid, Du Toit off the bench as well
Stuarts injury did not look great. Big step up for one of Griffin or Sela next week
Says it all really
Spencer really was immense - Dunn, Reid, Du Toit off the bench as well
Stuarts injury did not look great. Big step up for one of Griffin or Sela next week
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 21:54
Wonder if Stuart was achilles .... looked like it. Hope he recovers soon. A weird game but best not to over-analyse and take the 5 points. Feel comfortable that Griffin or Sela will be strong for 20 mins or so; we just need TdT to be indestructable.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 22:00
Quote:Never In Doubt
Wonder if Stuart was achilles .... looked like it. Hope he recovers soon. A weird game but best not to over-analyse and take the 5 points. Feel comfortable that Griffin or Sela will be strong for 20 mins or so; we just need TdT to be indestructable.
Yes on commentary you could hear the Ref say achilles unfortunately. Fingers crossed that's not his season.
But, excellent performance from Bath in pretty awful conditions those first 30 mins. Munster didn't have any answers to Bath's Defence. Spencer, Roux - as well as Underhill and TDT when they came on - were all excellent, but in truth could name most of the team. Reid put in a proper 80 min shift, the guy is a machine.
Onward!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 22:04
Seemed like a conscious decision to just keep them at arms length after that opening spell. Spencer and Russell seemed more than happy to keep pinning them back and making life difficult for their back three who struggled with the aerial stuff.
Thought Munster looked very blunt in attack. Couple of nice lateral passes, get tackled. Rinse and repeat
Spencer deserving of man of the match for some excellent kicking and game management but thought Underhill and Reid brought physicality in defence Munster couldn’t overcome. Ewels very good as well.
Thought Munster looked very blunt in attack. Couple of nice lateral passes, get tackled. Rinse and repeat
Spencer deserving of man of the match for some excellent kicking and game management but thought Underhill and Reid brought physicality in defence Munster couldn’t overcome. Ewels very good as well.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 22:22
Quote:joethefanatic
For those interested, this the munsterfans thread for the game
[www.munsterfans.com]
Always worth a read for the wit, if nothing else
It wasn't such a close win. More salt than wit on that board tbh - moaning about money and about how bad JVG is (despite Bath winning in 3 comps last season and scoring the most tries in the league). I suspect that JVG will sleep pretty well tonight.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 22:42
Strangely bloodless evening that. It’s almost as if we were playing Newcastle or something. A BP in Europe is not to be sniffed at, but I felt like I could have gone home at half time safe in the knowledge that Spencer wouldn’t deviate from ‘put it off the park or in the air for big Joe to flap back’ until we were 50 points clear. I think I’m getting spoiled and need something to whinge about.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 22:44
Some utterly bizarre and bitter comments on that board - They really have it out for JVG don’t they?
That win was outstanding, I genuinely can’t remember the last time we dominated a line out like that, and the power game was excellent.
Second half a bit meh but you get the idea, just put the ball in their half and let them do the hard stuff (which they couldn’t).
Take the 5 points and look towards French opposition, another 8 points from 3 matches will see us through the group handily, potentially with home advantage…
That win was outstanding, I genuinely can’t remember the last time we dominated a line out like that, and the power game was excellent.
Second half a bit meh but you get the idea, just put the ball in their half and let them do the hard stuff (which they couldn’t).
Take the 5 points and look towards French opposition, another 8 points from 3 matches will see us through the group handily, potentially with home advantage…
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 22:56
Quote:joethefanatic
For those interested, this the munsterfans thread for the game
[www.munsterfans.com]
Always worth a read for the wit, if nothing else
Wow that thread is insane post match. Incredibly cheap, bitter digs at JvG. Guys you got pumped. This was not a plucky rearguard action. It was a paddling.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Trawling (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 23:04
Irish rugby fans think they know better than anyone else. The gist of the Munster forum is typical of that. There's a lot of stuff stereotyping JVG and how limited his game plan is...completely ignoring the fact that we have Finn, they were writing off Roux and Moloney before the game along with Ewels and then they got their lineout taken apart. Apparently his teams will lose without scrum domination...anyone watch the Prem final?...no. It's a weird combination of playing the underdog card with misplaced superiority complex.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 23:15
I've never seen chippier nonsense, I honestly thought they were better then that.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 23:26
Unfortunately an incredible ability to see something no one else with functioning eyes can seems to be an Irish specialty, not just Munster. This is the frankly astonishing take from RTE:
‘ They were arguably the better team for the guts of an hour at The Rec - and that isn't said as a compliment.
Aside from a wild opening 20 minutes, Bath were quite poor, but time and again Munster went to the 22 only to come away empty handed.’
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:12:06:23:27:25 by Toast and Marmite.
‘ They were arguably the better team for the guts of an hour at The Rec - and that isn't said as a compliment.
Aside from a wild opening 20 minutes, Bath were quite poor, but time and again Munster went to the 22 only to come away empty handed.’
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:12:06:23:27:25 by Toast and Marmite.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 23:34
Overheard as I was leaving - “ what a shoite game of rugby”.
Needless to say, the accent was not west country and the response laughter.
PG
Needless to say, the accent was not west country and the response laughter.
PG
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: TomReagan (IP Logged)
Date: 06/12/2025 23:55
Quote:I was a bit surprised as early posts had been very measured. The last few pages had a lot of nonsense pretty much arguing our pack dominates sides (Not true) and we play 10 man rugby (Equally incorrect). As always however, you have to consider the number of people making these comments compared with a club's fan base. It's also probably true to say that message boards (And I dare say it's true of this one too!) can attract some fans who are particularly one-eyed.hasta
I've never seen chippier nonsense, I honestly thought they were better then that.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 00:17
True Tom
And emotions run high after a defeat. That said, there were quite a few Munster fans around me tonight and I did not hear any complain about our victory or the manner of it -the comment I overheard while leaving aside.
PG
And emotions run high after a defeat. That said, there were quite a few Munster fans around me tonight and I did not hear any complain about our victory or the manner of it -the comment I overheard while leaving aside.
PG
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Rokobilly (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 06:21
The Munster fans around me in the East Stand were all good craic.and knowledgeable (if slightly one-eyed) rugby fans. The ref wasn't their favourite person, but there were definitely some odd looking decisions - especially when you lack the benefit of TV replays. I thought they added a lot to the occasion.
Forums as said above are a self selecting group of often highly emotionally invested fans. No need to tar all Munster or Irish fans with the same brush over a handful of comments.
Forums as said above are a self selecting group of often highly emotionally invested fans. No need to tar all Munster or Irish fans with the same brush over a handful of comments.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BeatsWorking (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 07:30
The Munster fans I chatted o during the game were great. A lot of noise, singing and strongly worded objections at the referee turning quickly to dark humour. They were impressed at what JvG had built here and their comments when TdT, Underhill and Santi came on as subs were priceless 😊
Weird old game, really wasn't expecting to be 4 tries up in 20 mins in that weather. Thought Underhill was fantastic when he came on, Santi just oozes class and great to see the second row back again. Miles was excellent too, rapidly becoming one of my favourite players to watch around the pitch. Loved how aggressive the defence was, even in 70th minute the line speed was so fast.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:12:07:07:44:30 by BeatsWorking.
Weird old game, really wasn't expecting to be 4 tries up in 20 mins in that weather. Thought Underhill was fantastic when he came on, Santi just oozes class and great to see the second row back again. Miles was excellent too, rapidly becoming one of my favourite players to watch around the pitch. Loved how aggressive the defence was, even in 70th minute the line speed was so fast.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:12:07:07:44:30 by BeatsWorking.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 08:18
Strange game, best start Bath have made all season in the worst of the conditions. Then we just seemed to sit back and stopped any meaningful attack. Immense effort in defence. How on earth does Miles Reid not picked by England?
We should head to Toulon with confidence of coming away with at least 4pts.
We should head to Toulon with confidence of coming away with at least 4pts.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: WasBBWBaaBaa (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 08:39
I also read the Munster board, which did not reflect that well on them....
However, the Men in Red can be great fun. I was in Dublin for the Euro Rugby Finals a couple of years ago, I was quietly supporting La Rochelle as I once had a very nice holiday there.... Leinster the big home favourites were beaten, and while the Yellow and Black Frenchmen were loud, even louder were the Red men of Munster enjoying the demise of their great rival neighbours!
However, the Men in Red can be great fun.
I was in Dublin for the Euro Rugby Finals a couple of years ago, I was quietly supporting La Rochelle as I once had a very nice holiday there.... Leinster the big home favourites were beaten, and while the Yellow and Black Frenchmen were loud, even louder were the Red men of Munster enjoying the demise of their great rival neighbours!Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: hard work (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 08:47
I was also puzzled by the match plan...though in JVG's post match interview, he says that, during the warm up, they changed tactics to make sure they never played in their own half due to the weather
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Rampant (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 08:48
Interesting stats from Kevin Millar (@topofthemoonGW) on X:
"Finn Russell made 6 passes across the entire 80 minutes. Bath with almost as many kicks (37) as rucks won (39). Got to love the impact of British weather on rugby at this time of year!"
Yet his kick pass was a beaut and just goes to show there are more ways to skin a cat...or a stag in this case
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
"Finn Russell made 6 passes across the entire 80 minutes. Bath with almost as many kicks (37) as rucks won (39). Got to love the impact of British weather on rugby at this time of year!"
Yet his kick pass was a beaut and just goes to show there are more ways to skin a cat...or a stag in this case
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 09:05
It's just (very) wet weather rugby isn't it? I can't see Bath playing that way on a sunny saturday afternoon in May.
(Yes I like Munster as a club, in fact my father in law was born there and a big fan. I just thought that a few comments on that particular forum were probably fueled by disappointment and booze and not entirely accurate / fair on JvG in particular.)
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
(Yes I like Munster as a club, in fact my father in law was born there and a big fan. I just thought that a few comments on that particular forum were probably fueled by disappointment and booze and not entirely accurate / fair on JvG in particular.)
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 09:26
Its a long old season.
Poor Will Stuart's injury looked very serious and is probably season ending.
Other people need to step up.......
Would we have taken that result before the game...OF COURSE WE WOULD!!
Poor Will Stuart's injury looked very serious and is probably season ending.
Other people need to step up.......
Would we have taken that result before the game...OF COURSE WE WOULD!!
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Mini Maximus (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 10:49
What an absolute masterclass in playing wet weather rugby that was!
I think we saw what JVG learnt from last year's narrow home defeat to La Rochelle and while we were probably very luck to be 28-0 to the good inside 20 minutes, Munster just did not cope well when the conditions were at their worst.
The England cricket team could take note of our ability to vary the approach to suit the conditions.
I think we saw what JVG learnt from last year's narrow home defeat to La Rochelle and while we were probably very luck to be 28-0 to the good inside 20 minutes, Munster just did not cope well when the conditions were at their worst.
The England cricket team could take note of our ability to vary the approach to suit the conditions.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 10:49
Really well played. That was a proper statement performance especially the first half.
I was very disappointed with Munster but I think this is one of those cases of it being mainly about how Bath played that made them look poor rather than Munster not showing up.
It always makes me laugh when the cynicism that Ireland players get away with habitually at International level is penalised in club games. The look on Beirne's face.
I was very disappointed with Munster but I think this is one of those cases of it being mainly about how Bath played that made them look poor rather than Munster not showing up.
It always makes me laugh when the cynicism that Ireland players get away with habitually at International level is penalised in club games. The look on Beirne's face.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 11:09
Loved every second of that, which is saying something given how soaking wet I was. Huge squad effort. Perfect strategy. Perfectly executed.
I know DuPont is rightly the world’s best player and 9, but in those conditions, I’d pick Spencer over him every time. His skills were unbelievable, with his kicking world class. But his leadership, his constant shouting at his guys in defence, was so notable.
I really feel the match and result shows the evolution in 12 months since La Roch at home. We’ve now the confidence and the hunger to do something in this competition. Our intensity was off the scale, led by Spencer, and the likes of Obano, Reid and Underhill, but brought by every man.
So interesting to see JvG use the bench. Underhill is just so effective coming on like that. Hill too. It’s interesting because the best players have an outsize impact against tiring opposition. Like Underhill playing in a Division 2 match. Obviously relies on our squad depth, and the likes of Bayliss being good enough to start in Europe, which he absolutely is.
Bring on Toulon. Guessing Spencer has a rest, but maybe with TCS at 9 in the south of France we’ll play a bit faster and looser. Exciting!
I know DuPont is rightly the world’s best player and 9, but in those conditions, I’d pick Spencer over him every time. His skills were unbelievable, with his kicking world class. But his leadership, his constant shouting at his guys in defence, was so notable.
I really feel the match and result shows the evolution in 12 months since La Roch at home. We’ve now the confidence and the hunger to do something in this competition. Our intensity was off the scale, led by Spencer, and the likes of Obano, Reid and Underhill, but brought by every man.
So interesting to see JvG use the bench. Underhill is just so effective coming on like that. Hill too. It’s interesting because the best players have an outsize impact against tiring opposition. Like Underhill playing in a Division 2 match. Obviously relies on our squad depth, and the likes of Bayliss being good enough to start in Europe, which he absolutely is.
Bring on Toulon. Guessing Spencer has a rest, but maybe with TCS at 9 in the south of France we’ll play a bit faster and looser. Exciting!
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: by (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 11:15
The cold hard fact is that we won 40-14, took 5 points and gave them nothing. Surely an opening game against the current 3rd best team in the URC, in weather like that, couldn't have gotten a better result.
Yes we did look a bit error prone but Bath took the chances they had and Munster didn't really give much in all honesty. Some of the comments from the Irish supporters are comical, Munster were handed opportunity after opportunity, there is no way the referee impacted the outcome of that game.
JVG said in the post match that they changed the game plan after the warm up, stating that they will not play rugby in their half, and reinforced that message in the second half given their lead.
If you want to complain, complain about Dallaglio on comms, with him and Zebo it might as well have been two die hard Munster fans commentating last night..
Yes we did look a bit error prone but Bath took the chances they had and Munster didn't really give much in all honesty. Some of the comments from the Irish supporters are comical, Munster were handed opportunity after opportunity, there is no way the referee impacted the outcome of that game.
JVG said in the post match that they changed the game plan after the warm up, stating that they will not play rugby in their half, and reinforced that message in the second half given their lead.
If you want to complain, complain about Dallaglio on comms, with him and Zebo it might as well have been two die hard Munster fans commentating last night..
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 11:35
Quote:by
If you want to complain, complain about Dallaglio on comms, with him and Zebo it might as well have been two die hard Munster fans commentating last night..
This over and over again - I never understand why Dallaglio sticks the knife in on Bath every time I hear him, Wasps beat us so many times in their pomp so it can’t be jealousy 😂
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 11:35
Quote:by
(snip)
If you want to complain, complain about Dallaglio on comms, with him and Zebo it might as well have been two die hard Munster fans commentating last night..
I was out last night so had the more relaxing pleasure of watching the match knowing the score, so able to watch with slightly more detachment.
I had a moment of clarity that Dallagliio isn’t just down on Bath, but that he isn’t an insightful commentator at all. At one point he stated that Bath had been poor and offer nothing- this in the second half when we.as others more astute than him have said, gave a masterclass in wet weather rugby.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Trawling (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 12:47
Irish broadcaster, very little attempt at balance, Lol probably delighted to have freedom to put the boot in. Never had any time for him as a co-comm or pundit. Zebo was actually less pro Munster!
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 13:57
Is there anywhere to watch a re-run of last night's match
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 14:17
Got to be a strong possibility that Spencer takes over as England’s starting 9 with Mitchell on the bench. As a means to win games of rugby it’s hard to argue with, albeit the kicking can get a bit dull (for me) - and Borthwick should love his unwavering adherence to a gameplan.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 14:37
I liked Zeno’s interjections. Certainly not a fan of Dallaglio… but id take him every day of the year over Goode.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 14:50
Quote:Optimist
Got to be a strong possibility that Spencer takes over as England’s starting 9 with Mitchell on the bench. As a means to win games of rugby it’s hard to argue with, albeit the kicking can get a bit dull (for me) - and Borthwick should love his unwavering adherence to a gameplan.
There’s also serious points of difference between them, Mitchell offers more running threat coming off the bench.
Regardless, they’re going to take some shifting from the match day squad regardless of which of them starts
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 14:52
Quote:I’d prefer just the Refs mic to either of them.dr.bath1865
Certainly not a fan of Dallaglio… but id take him every day of the year over Goode.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 15:00
"Wasps beat us so many times in their pomp so it can’t be jealousy"
I cite you two St George's games at Twickenham - there were supposed to be three but they didn't invite us again!
I cite you two St George's games at Twickenham - there were supposed to be three but they didn't invite us again!
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 15:27
Player Ratings - [www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 15:34
Never been a great fan of evening rugby but last night was memorable, what with the xmas market, good natured Irish fans and the weather it was all a bit chaotic but hugely enjoyable. This win together with the Saracens victory last weekend highlighted the outstanding job JVG and his team are doing. Different conditions and pitch surfaces but impressive victories. Despite reports in the media and forum chat I feel Bath are improving from last season. There has been more injuries but every player has stepped up when called upon and the belief that they can build upon last season is there for all to see. The first half blitz was impressive but as Munster improved in the second half so did Bath's defence, incredible line speed and grit depriving Munster any hope of a bonus point or two. A brilliant performance in difficult conditions, Ted's try the icing on the cake.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: CoochieCoo (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 16:11
Quote:P G Tips
Overheard as I was leaving - “ what a shoite game of rugby”.
Needless to say, the accent was not west country and the response laughter.
PG
Maybe you misheard PGT think he may have said “ what a shoite game of rugby we played ”.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 17:33
Quote:Susanne
"Wasps beat us so many times in their pomp so it can’t be jealousy"
I cite you two St George's games at Twickenham - there were supposed to be three but they didn't invite us again!
And I retort (in jest) the Parker Pen Challenge Cup Final and the Premiership final - my first two experiences of Bath supporting heartbreak!
To say the Premiership win was cathartic is an understatement 😂😂
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 21:01
Just a word for Beno sending his opposite number up and away into the stratosphere at scrum time last night. Beautiful technique. Savage power. He’s a guy who is just delivering week in week out for us night now, quietly going about his business and becoming even better as he ages and gains experience working with the likes of TDT and JvG. Love it.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 22:07
Quote:BathRobQuote:by
If you want to complain, complain about Dallaglio on comms, with him and Zebo it might as well have been two die hard Munster fans commentating last night..
This over and over again - I never understand why Dallaglio sticks the knife in on Bath every time I hear him, Wasps beat us so many times in their pomp so it can’t be jealousy 😂
Don't remember Wasps beating us in a cup final tho whenever it was head to head
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 22:53
Quote:gaz59Quote:BathRobQuote:by
If you want to complain, complain about Dallaglio on comms, with him and Zebo it might as well have been two die hard Munster fans commentating last night..
This over and over again - I never understand why Dallaglio sticks the knife in on Bath every time I hear him, Wasps beat us so many times in their pomp so it can’t be jealousy 😂
Don't remember Wasps beating us in a cup final tho whenever it was head to head
2003-04 season Prem final :/
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 22:55
Unfortunately so: [en.wikipedia.org]
I long considered them our bogey team off the back of this and the Premiership final after
I long considered them our bogey team off the back of this and the Premiership final after
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 07/12/2025 22:57
I agree with all the plaudits & comments about playing the conditions. However, we were under pretty constant bombardment in the 2nd half. We put up an effective defensive shield but kept giving it back to them. Was that the equivalent of a low block, tiredness, having a big lead or Munster finding their feet? I doubt we could play like that & succeed against Toulouse or Leinster.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 01:55
Quote:hastaQuote:gaz59Quote:BathRobQuote:by
If you want to complain, complain about Dallaglio on comms, with him and Zebo it might as well have been two die hard Munster fans commentating last night..
This over and over again - I never understand why Dallaglio sticks the knife in on Bath every time I hear him, Wasps beat us so many times in their pomp so it can’t be jealousy 😂
Don't remember Wasps beating us in a cup final tho whenever it was head to head
2003-04 season Prem final :/
I was there.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 07:12
Quote:Bath Hammer
I doubt we could play like that & succeed against Toulouse or Leinster.
Sort of the point of a variable game plan though isn’t it? We could do it against Munster (and did it extremely well). Against say Toulouse we’d have to play differently, sort of game Underhill is born for though no doubt!
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 07:30
Quote:BathRobQuote:Bath Hammer
I doubt we could play like that & succeed against Toulouse or Leinster.
Sort of the point of a variable game plan though isn’t it? We could do it against Munster (and did it extremely well). Against say Toulouse we’d have to play differently, sort of game Underhill is born for though no doubt!
It was also a result of being 28-0 up after about 20 mins. We would have played differently vs Munster if we hadn't, I'm sure. One benefit of such a wealth of experience in the team.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 08:17
Quote:joethefanaticQuote:hastaQuote:gaz59Quote:BathRobQuote:by
If you want to complain, complain about Dallaglio on comms, with him and Zebo it might as well have been two die hard Munster fans commentating last night..
This over and over again - I never understand why Dallaglio sticks the knife in on Bath every time I hear him, Wasps beat us so many times in their pomp so it can’t be jealousy 😂
Don't remember Wasps beating us in a cup final tho whenever it was head to head
2003-04 season Prem final :/
I was there.
I must have blanked that one from the memory bank. Had to find the BBC article and seems I was lucky I didn't go to that game
The old man I am was seeking refuge in a previous era understandably 😅
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Devonport Lad (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 08:23
BM, I agree. It seems clear from the post match interviews with JvG and the players that they had to make a number of late changes to the gameplan, not least because the weather wasn’t what it was predicted to be. The half time team talk was a positive decision to shut Munster out, based on the score, the weather and what JvG had noted in the first half Munster performance. It was a tactic only for that half in those circumstances. I think it’s really encouraging that we have coaches with that sort of tactical nous and a team that’s good enough to adapt successfully “on the hoof”.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 08:51
Quote:dr.bath1865
Just a word for Beno sending his opposite number up and away into the stratosphere at scrum time last night. Beautiful technique. Savage power. He’s a guy who is just delivering week in week out for us night now, quietly going about his business and becoming even better as he ages and gains experience working with the likes of TDT and JvG. Love it.
He's been in great form this season, particularly since the restart
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 09:05
I think it's odd to criticise us for not beating, say, Toulouse in the sun when we just beat Munster in the rain. Ok, there's always things to work on, but to put away a team like Munster so comprehensively, and in those conditions, was a big statement that shows the power of one way we can choose to play. It's a bit like Bazball in Oz- you need to play a game to suit the conditions and get the win. The scoreboard proved we did that incredibly effectively, so well done everyone from JvG all the way down.
The 6th try we scored (yes, despite our incredibly dull tactics we scored SIX tries) should be an obvious counter to anyone criticising or worrying about our "limited" style.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
The 6th try we scored (yes, despite our incredibly dull tactics we scored SIX tries) should be an obvious counter to anyone criticising or worrying about our "limited" style.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 09:39
Quote:gaz59Quote:joethefanaticQuote:hastaQuote:gaz59Quote:BathRobQuote:by
If you want to complain, complain about Dallaglio on comms, with him and Zebo it might as well have been two die hard Munster fans commentating last night..
This over and over again - I never understand why Dallaglio sticks the knife in on Bath every time I hear him, Wasps beat us so many times in their pomp so it can’t be jealousy 😂
Don't remember Wasps beating us in a cup final tho whenever it was head to head
2003-04 season Prem final :/
I was there.
I must have blanked that one from the memory bank. Had to find the BBC article and seems I was lucky I didn't go to that game
The old man I am was seeking refuge in a previous era understandably 😅
We could still be playing that match today and not have scored a try. If people think Bath play simple grunt rugby now (which we absolutely don't) they should have seen the John Connolly/Chris Malone team - admittedly this was still much better than the team the previous years!
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 09:50
Unfortunately I remember that day at Twick, primarily because, as hasta says, our style of play was as limited as it gets. Tbf, we did have a monster pack, so no surprise we played pretty route one. Malone played 10 and Catt at 15, hobbling about with socks down and bad hamstrings. Presume Balshaw must've been injured, and despite having the likes of Fleck and Tindall, I think Molly just lumped it in the air and tried drop goals. We lost 10-6 but am I right in thinking that we could have snatched it at the death at the driving maul or we lost line out or some such?
Interestingly, attendance that day was 30,000. I know it's over 20 years ago, but still positive to see the growth in spectator numbers from then to now, when we had 82,000 at Twickenham in June.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Interestingly, attendance that day was 30,000. I know it's over 20 years ago, but still positive to see the growth in spectator numbers from then to now, when we had 82,000 at Twickenham in June.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 11:47
Quote:hastaQuote:gaz59Quote:joethefanaticQuote:hastaQuote:gaz59Quote:BathRobQuote:by
If you want to complain, complain about Dallaglio on comms, with him and Zebo it might as well have been two die hard Munster fans commentating last night..
This over and over again - I never understand why Dallaglio sticks the knife in on Bath every time I hear him, Wasps beat us so many times in their pomp so it can’t be jealousy 😂
Don't remember Wasps beating us in a cup final tho whenever it was head to head
2003-04 season Prem final :/
I was there.
I must have blanked that one from the memory bank. Had to find the BBC article and seems I was lucky I didn't go to that game
The old man I am was seeking refuge in a previous era understandably 😅
We could still be playing that match today and not have scored a try. If people think Bath play simple grunt rugby now (which we absolutely don't) they should have seen the John Connolly/Chris Malone team - admittedly this was still much better than the team the previous years!
Ah yes, the King of being charged down/intercepted. His saving grace was that he was a bit of a DG/last min penalty specialist.
Say what you want about JC(2?) and his tactics, he bought in 20 odd players (on a shoestring) to take us from so-very-nearly relegated to so-very-nearly Champions in under a year.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 14:12
He did, but he also so disenchanted 3 RWC winning backs that they were all gone within a year.
PG
PG
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 14:34
Quote:P G Tips
He did, but he also so disenchanted 3 RWC winning backs that they were all gone within a year.
PG
I'm not sure that was his doing tbf - Brownsword ran a VERY tight ship.
Tindall has shown his true colours in recent months so that tallies with what was reported at the time. Balshaw wanted a fresh start after a series of injuries and to link up with JC1 at Leeds. But Catty I'll concede...that was criminal (but still contractual and so more Rowell/Brownsword's doing than JC2).
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 15:06
But if you remember Catt was always injured such that we offered him a pay as you play contract which he obviously turned down.
Only to go to LI and seemingly play every game!!!
Only to go to LI and seemingly play every game!!!
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 15:52
Yep. Again - criminal from the Club. Came very close to becoming a double RWC winner of course...3 years after departing! Still think responsibility prob lies with DoR/owner though rather than head coach.
Anyway, let's hope our current 10 can emulate Catty's European success 28 years ago.
Anyway, let's hope our current 10 can emulate Catty's European success 28 years ago.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 17:22
Having the game intelligence and rugby nous in the coaches and players to be able to successfully reset our game plan on the fly in poor conditions against a team as good as Munster shows how far we've come. I think *that* is the most impressive thing about the game, not the scoreline or even the result.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 17:32
The kicking tactics were interesting, in the ground it felt like we were losing the high ball kicking tactics. However the score line and in particular Munster not scoring in the second half suggests otherwise.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Treble (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 17:40
I was there on Saturday night and remember a 2nd half that was played so slowly by the French ref. After the 2nd half KO I remember 3 scrums and 1 lineout taking 6mins out of the game as well as a number of players requiring the medical attention. This pattern repeated itself for the rest of the half. I don't recall the ref trying to speed up play as our UK refs do. The game was on life support as a spectacle after 20mins. We played the conditions v well but it was definitely a game of two halves and we won both.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Widcombe boy (IP Logged)
Date: 08/12/2025 19:24
As good as Bath were in those conditions Munster suffered a lot of disruption to there team on the night
“ Rte “ With Ireland out-half Jack Crowley absent because of an ankle injury, Munster had called up JJ Hanrahan, back with his home province for a third spell. Edwin Edogbo was a late inclusion at lock for Jean Kleyn and Jeremy Loughman was also promoted from the bench when Michael Milne pulled out before kick-off”
Also wondered if the card to Beirne was harsh, we then scored 3 tries while he was off
I’m not getting too carried away by this game due to the disruption to Musters Lineout & scrum
I await the howls of derision…
Widcombe Garçon
“ Rte “ With Ireland out-half Jack Crowley absent because of an ankle injury, Munster had called up JJ Hanrahan, back with his home province for a third spell. Edwin Edogbo was a late inclusion at lock for Jean Kleyn and Jeremy Loughman was also promoted from the bench when Michael Milne pulled out before kick-off”
Also wondered if the card to Beirne was harsh, we then scored 3 tries while he was off
I’m not getting too carried away by this game due to the disruption to Musters Lineout & scrum
I await the howls of derision…
Widcombe Garçon
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2025 00:51
It was interesting that the commentators had already called yellow card and possible penalty try way before the referee
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2025 06:54
Quote:OutsideBath
The kicking tactics were interesting, in the ground it felt like we were losing the high ball kicking tactics. However the score line and in particular Munster not scoring in the second half suggests otherwise.
That’s one way of looking at it but I’ll play devil’s advocate for a minute. We got off to a flyer, unusual for us, & that included one fortuitous try. However, we were under the cosh in the second half & whilst we showed resilience were a bit lucky to hold out but took our one opportunity well. We won’t beat the top European sides playing as we did in the second half.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Devonport Lad (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2025 07:53
I sort of agree, but I still think the way we played the second half was a tactical decision based on the outcome of the first half, what JvG noted about Munster’s performance and the weather. There’s no reason to suppose we’ll play like that on a dry track in, say, Toulon. JvG is too good a strategist for that and will devise the right gameplan on a match by match basis. Fortunately we have the players to adapt unlike the fairly recent bad old days when we had a rigid approach.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2025 09:10
Quote:Bath Hammer
We won’t beat the top European sides playing as we did in the second half.
We may do if we are already 28 points up on them. For me it was all about containment on a day where the chances of scoring points through exciting backs moves were going to be limited.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2025 09:25
I just still don’t buy this “we’ll have to play better than that to beat X” argument. We weren’t perfect, but we were pretty close to given the conditions. Yes they had injuries- so did we. Yes we kicked a lot- and it won us the game by 30 points. I’m not sure what more we could’ve asked for before the match, other than 6 tries and 5 points.
BH- I also don’t know how you can go from “I don’t tnink we should be over confident about this encounter. Munster have won 5 of their 6 matches in the United Championship…” pre match to post match, bonus point win in the bag, “we won’t beat top European sides playing as we did.”
I might be being TOO rose tinted but in those conditions, I think we beat almost every team in Europe playing like we did. Forward dominance. Back row destruction for 80 minutes. Spencer’s kicking and control. Finn’s game management. Work rate out wide. Change the conditions, who knows, but give us Toulouse in Bilbao summer rain storm, and on Saturday’s showing, I’m feeling bullish.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
BH- I also don’t know how you can go from “I don’t tnink we should be over confident about this encounter. Munster have won 5 of their 6 matches in the United Championship…” pre match to post match, bonus point win in the bag, “we won’t beat top European sides playing as we did.”
I might be being TOO rose tinted but in those conditions, I think we beat almost every team in Europe playing like we did. Forward dominance. Back row destruction for 80 minutes. Spencer’s kicking and control. Finn’s game management. Work rate out wide. Change the conditions, who knows, but give us Toulouse in Bilbao summer rain storm, and on Saturday’s showing, I’m feeling bullish.
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2025 09:46
After going 28-0 up and basically 5pts in the bag, given the conditions on Saturday evening it was then damage limitation, not letting Munster get any bonus points etc.
Unfortunately damage was done to the squad with the loss of WS.
Unfortunately damage was done to the squad with the loss of WS.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2025 10:15
Fully agree dr.b - JvG's tactics for that game were excellent, not accidental. I think we're still not really able to believe he's created such an excellent team. I've been supporting Scotland for 40+ years, but unlike them, I really believe Bath are doing it (and have done it!).
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2025 10:37
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2025 10:56
Quote:dr.bath1865
BH- I also don’t know how you can go from “I don’t tnink we should be over confident about this encounter. Munster have won 5 of their 6 matches in the United Championship…” pre match to post match, bonus point win in the bag, “we won’t beat top European sides playing as we did.”
.
I did say I was playing devil’s advocate!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:12:09:10:57:37 by Bath Hammer.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Francis Allen (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2025 11:06
Quote:Susanne
Fully agree dr.b - JvG's tactics for that game were excellent, not accidental. I think we're still not really able to believe he's created such an excellent team. I've been supporting Scotland for 40+ years, but unlike them, I really believe Bath are doing it (and have done it!).
Fully agree both. Considering the long break from Prem rugby the performances at Saracens and on saturday are testament to JVG's ability to get the best from his squad. I thought the second half was managed superbly.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2025 13:27
Very good point in that article that last year in similar terrible conditions we lost at home and it scuppered our campaign. Completely understandable decision to shut up shop at halftime.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: Mini Maximus (IP Logged)
Date: 10/12/2025 20:30
The always erudite tigersimon makes a brilliant point about not letting Munster get a bonus point
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2025 09:06
[www.bathrugby.com]
Crikey, FVW was lucky that he got away from that clearout! Very clearly and obviously in at the side and a shoulder charge IMO. Oh well, if it wasn't seen it didn't happen.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Crikey, FVW was lucky that he got away from that clearout! Very clearly and obviously in at the side and a shoulder charge IMO. Oh well, if it wasn't seen it didn't happen.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: jayeatman (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2025 11:11
Quote:BathMatt53
https://www.bathrugby.com/content/ted-nominated-for-try-of-the-round
Crikey, FVW was lucky that he got away from that clearout! Very clearly and obviously in at the side and a shoulder charge IMO. Oh well, if it wasn't seen it didn't happen.
I don't think so. The foreshortening of the camera zoom only makes it look 'obviously' at the side.
Can't see what FvW is doing with his right arm, but his left is always in front.
Of course it helps that the ref had already indicated penalty advantage.
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: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2025 12:16
Hmm, I still think he got away with one...not that it matters now.
FVW
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
FVW
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2025 22:18
I suspect Ben Spencer thought the same - as he picks the ball up he taps it to himself and then sets off exactly the same as a tap and go penalty. I missed it live but the replays show it.
Re: REPULSE THE RED ARMY! BATH v MUNSTER. TEAM UP!
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 12/12/2025 09:38
Quote:BathMatt53
https://www.bathrugby.com/content/ted-nominated-for-try-of-the-round
Crikey, FVW was lucky that he got away from that clearout! Very clearly and obviously in at the side and a shoulder charge IMO. Oh well, if it wasn't seen it didn't happen.
At least he was nowhere near a player's head on contact. That's the real risk from charging in so quick and own head down into the ruck
Personally, I'd stop that kind of full on aggressive clear out. It is very dangerous for both players. Don't want to add another rule into an already full rule book but something that means a player can only hit a breakdown if starting from a standing position 5 metres out
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