Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Ted
By Bath Supporter Jack
March 17 2026
So, after the interlude of the Six Nations/PREM Cup, we get back to the Gallagher Premiership this Friday evening with a home match against Saracens.
We have watched the Six Nations, and some have enjoyed games much more than others! In particular Italy beating England, Scotland beating England (again!), and beating France but failing at the last hurdle against a recovering Ireland.
I was surprised to read in Tarquin Mcdonald’s season ticket renewal letter that Bath had more players in the Six Nations than any other Premiership Club. Bath also had several younger players in the U20 Six Nations. Coupled with some excellent performances by other young developing players in the PREM Cup there was evidence of real depth in the playing resources.
So, in the Premiership League, 10 games have been played and there are another 8 to go. The league looks like it has split into two, the top six Saints, Bath, Bristol, Leicester, Exeter and Saracens and the rest. The gap between Saracens in 6th with 32 points to Sale Sharks in 7th with 20 points is a seemingly insuperable 12 points.
As mentioned on the “preliminary” match day thread the next three matches are very important, mind you it seems like every game in this league is important! However, Saracens at home followed by Sale away in the Premiership followed by Saracens at home in the Last 16 of the Champions Cup are an important trio of matches as we have Saints, Bristol and Exeter away in the last six games!
In these next two rounds Leicester play Bristol and Saracens play Saints. So at least our competitors will also be taking chunks out of each other!
Our opponents, like us, have international players returning to the Club scene, and consequently some players will have to take a rest game. Including possibly Itoje, Daly, Earl, George and emerging Duncan Bell look alike (look up his try for Wales) Rhys Carre. The Saracens Preview still has them looking up, for a play-off place, “there is still all to play for but Sarries need to get something out of those next 2 games against the top 2: probably targeting The Showdown against Saints rather than Friday night at the Rec which is what comes up next”.
Many of the players will be raring to go and given JVG’s strict rotation and exclusion over the past four weeks virtually the whole squad must be fit and refreshed.
Friday night under the lights in dry but chilly weather, all to look forward to.
A possible team selection like this but I found this very difficult even excluding Spencer, Finn, Pepper, Underhill, Griffin, Hennessy, Cockanasiga, Butt, possibly injured Moloney and of course long-term injured Stuart and Coetzee.
1.Obano
2.Dunn
3.Sela
4.Roux
5.Ewells
6.Bayliss
7.Reid
8.Barbeary
9.TCS
10.Carreras
11.Muir
12.Ojomoh
13.Lawrence
14.Arundell
15.TdG
16.Frost
17.TdT
18.FVW
19.Hill
20.Richards
21.Green
22.BVDL
23.Redpath
Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2026 16:45
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:24:08:34:03 by P G Tips.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:24:08:34:03 by P G Tips.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: P G Tips (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2026 18:15
Thanks BSJ
Good write up. I peronally would start Hill - as others have suggested. I think this is just his sort of match.
PG
Good write up. I peronally would start Hill - as others have suggested. I think this is just his sort of match.
PG
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2026 18:18
Quote:P G Tips
Thanks BSJ
Good write up. I peronally would start Hill - as others have suggested. I think this is just his sort of match.
PG
+1
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 06:27
Yes he's in my top 3 favourite players but Bayliss Read and Barbeary take it for 50 minutes and then Hill, Richards and Green come on to smash out a dynamic last 30 minutes.
I told you it was difficult to choose!!
I told you it was difficult to choose!!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 06:56
Difficult to argue with that BSJ - although would you be tempted to go the other way round? Reed, Bayliss and Barbeary coming off the bench is wince-inducing if you’re a tired centre combo
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 07:01
Yes.....next week!!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 07:37
Quote:BathRob
Difficult to argue with that BSJ - although would you be tempted to go the other way round? Reed, Bayliss and Barbeary coming off the bench is wince-inducing if you’re a tired centre combo
I first read that as wine-inducing and thought "that's about right!"
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 08:22
I just noticed that Mr CC , with editorial control, has put a picture of Ted Hill with the article.....so we know what he thinks!!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 08:29
I think I would go with this (no doubt lots of flip flopping from my selection last week!)
Tdg
Big joe
Lawrence
Mojo
Muir
Santi
Tcs
Beno
Dunn
Sela
Roux
Ewels
Hill
Reid
Green
Bench: kepu, fvw, tdt, richards, bayliss, bvdl, redpath, alfie
Would have been tempted to put staddon in based on recent form but I am in a bigger mood about him going than alfie
Result feels a bit of a lottery with 2 very rusty teams ans us potentially resting our frontline halfbacks
Tdg
Big joe
Lawrence
Mojo
Muir
Santi
Tcs
Beno
Dunn
Sela
Roux
Ewels
Hill
Reid
Green
Bench: kepu, fvw, tdt, richards, bayliss, bvdl, redpath, alfie
Would have been tempted to put staddon in based on recent form but I am in a bigger mood about him going than alfie
Result feels a bit of a lottery with 2 very rusty teams ans us potentially resting our frontline halfbacks
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 08:32
I would play Arundell again given how well he did vs Sarries last time and how he is simply a point of difference at Prem level. Is Sela fit? (I would start TDT)
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 08:37
Personally I’m hoping we go as strong as we can as it’s a home game and do the resting for Sale next week.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: copester (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 08:44
Quote:OutsideBath
Personally I’m hoping we go as strong as we can as it’s a home game and do the resting for Sale next week.
I agree, I can see wholescale changes for Sale with Europe the week after.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 08:47
Quote:BathMatt53
I would play Arundell again given how well he did vs Sarries last time and how he is simply a point of difference at Prem level. Is Sela fit? (I would start TDT)
More than happy to see arundell, not sure at whose cost though.
No idea re sela- played in prem cup ? Last time we saw him?
Kind of makes sense to rest him vs Bedford with tdt rusty (does that man rust!?) and griffin needing to rest in next 3 games I assume!? Cotton wool treatment hopefully
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 08:50
Quote:copesterQuote:OutsideBath
Personally I’m hoping we go as strong as we can as it’s a home game and do the resting for Sale next week.
I agree, I can see wholescale changes for Sale with Europe the week after.
I would mix and match through the next 3 fixtures personally.
Some of that will be forced on us anyway.
Wouldn't be starting loads against sale away who we wan t to start against sarries in last 16 as only 6 day turnaround. Wouldn't have any qualms about a few starting both and loading the bench though.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 09:13
If it was put to a vote, I'd make the CRC fixture a 100% priority (whatever that means in terms of selection/rest/rotation for the fixtures leading up to it).
Not because I think we can win it this year (not dismising that possibility though), but because we can't win it next year, or the year after, until we've banked experience of the last 8/last 4.
Not because I think we can win it this year (not dismising that possibility though), but because we can't win it next year, or the year after, until we've banked experience of the last 8/last 4.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 09:44
Also Opti 8 games left in the Premiership and if we don't get the win against Sarries in CRC then it is over.
Pick the strongest team for last 16
Pick the strongest team for last 16
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: ShortyinBurnham (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 09:48
Have just seen that McCall has confirmed that Itoje and George will definitely not play on Friday. He didn't mention any of the other returning Internationals though.
Can't wait, should be a great game!
Can't wait, should be a great game!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 10:16
Quote:ShortyinBurnham
Have just seen that McCall has confirmed that Itoje and George will definitely not play on Friday. He didn't mention any of the other returning Internationals though.
Can't wait, should be a great game!
Posted in other thread but this from The Times implies Earl will be involved given it's a very different message to the one about George and Itoje:
"On Earl, who played 369 of 400 possible Six Nations minutes, McCall said: “He obviously had a great tournament. He’s feeling really good about his rugby. He’s one of the ones who shone all the way through. He’s in the building this week but he will get a week off in the next three weeks.”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 11:20
This Friday is pretty important, not only to keep up momentum in the league, but given we're playing Sarries again in 2 weeks time, beating them now would give us a serious psychological edge going into the European fixture.
For that reason I'd be going absolute full strength this week and in the R16 match, if that means sending a rotated side up to Sale then so be it, our young guns put on a show there in the PRC, I'm sure Richards, Hennessey, Butt, Griffin, Frost, Bayliss, Staddon et al would match up well against them.
For that reason I'd be going absolute full strength this week and in the R16 match, if that means sending a rotated side up to Sale then so be it, our young guns put on a show there in the PRC, I'm sure Richards, Hennessey, Butt, Griffin, Frost, Bayliss, Staddon et al would match up well against them.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 11:31
Quote:theredseatQuote:ShortyinBurnham
Have just seen that McCall has confirmed that Itoje and George will definitely not play on Friday. He didn't mention any of the other returning Internationals though.
Can't wait, should be a great game!
Posted in other thread but this from The Times implies Earl will be involved given it's a very different message to the one about George and Itoje:
"On Earl, who played 369 of 400 possible Six Nations minutes, McCall said: “He obviously had a great tournament. He’s feeling really good about his rugby. He’s one of the ones who shone all the way through. He’s in the building this week but he will get a week off in the next three weeks.”
Talk about mixed messaging.
To confirm: we don't have to rest anyone vs Sarries, they all just need a mandatory rest week in next 3 fixtures?
If that's the case, we go as strong as possible for home games surely. Especially against a play-off rival.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 11:49
Everyone back fit and available but will get a full week off in the next three. Sounds like majority of rotation will be the Sale game
Sela not mentioned specifically here so hopefully he's included
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Sela not mentioned specifically here so hopefully he's included
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Barfboy (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 12:01
Quote:theredseatQuote:ShortyinBurnham
Have just seen that McCall has confirmed that Itoje and George will definitely not play on Friday. He didn't mention any of the other returning Internationals though.
Can't wait, should be a great game!
Posted in other thread but this from The Times implies Earl will be involved given it's a very different message to the one about George and Itoje:
"On Earl, who played 369 of 400 possible Six Nations minutes, McCall said: “He obviously had a great tournament. He’s feeling really good about his rugby. He’s one of the ones who shone all the way through. He’s in the building this week but he will get a week off in the next three weeks.”
Talk about mixed messaging.
To confirm: we don't have to rest anyone vs Sarries, they all just need a mandatory rest week in next 3 fixtures?
If that's the case, we go as strong as possible for home games surely. Especially against a play-off rival.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 12:14
You'd think Earl could do with an immediate rest more than just about anyone - particularly as Saracens can presumably pick three from Christie, Willis, Gonzalez and McParland in the back row
I'd like to see us mix and match a bit on resting players eg alternating Spencer and Finn's rest but JvG has always gone more towards more mass rotation for one game in the past so that seems more likely again now especially with two home and one away games
I'd like to see us mix and match a bit on resting players eg alternating Spencer and Finn's rest but JvG has always gone more towards more mass rotation for one game in the past so that seems more likely again now especially with two home and one away games
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 12:18
Also sounds like Sale might be resting a few next week themselves given their 6 day turnaround and lack of playoff prospects
[www.rugbypass.com]
[www.rugbypass.com]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Sir Redneck (IP Logged)
Date: 18/03/2026 13:32
Billy injured his ribs against Gloucester in the Prem Cup.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 05:45
Was that 3 weeks ago?
Let's hope he is back in the next few weeks as archie will need to sit out a game presumably
Let's hope he is back in the next few weeks as archie will need to sit out a game presumably
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Ali1969 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 08:37
I am very much of the opinion not to worry about who the opposition put out but to focus on us - we have beaten Sarries on their own patch already and with all their stars available - whether they go full bore or not we need to focus and concentrate on us and our players.
JvG will mix & match to ensure the players get the right rest and I am positive about that but not at the expense of the team and we can be assured whichever 23 he puts out will be strong and very competitive the rest is up to the rugby gods.
We as supporters can do our bit by making both home games against Sarries as hostile an environment as we can and cheer our boys to hopefully 2 wins.
Come on Bath
JvG will mix & match to ensure the players get the right rest and I am positive about that but not at the expense of the team and we can be assured whichever 23 he puts out will be strong and very competitive the rest is up to the rugby gods.
We as supporters can do our bit by making both home games against Sarries as hostile an environment as we can and cheer our boys to hopefully 2 wins.
Come on Bath
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 09:00
Agreed - no matter who we put in the 23 I’m confident they know exactly what their job is, and how to do it. I’m confident of a home win here, and a good springboard in to the rest of the season
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 09:13
I get the impression that Ben and Finn may well start. Pepper could be different- young lad and a forward.
Maybe Finn goes off after 50 and Santi goes to 10. Maybe we’re doing ok so Ben can have 20 minutes rest (19 more than usual!). But the vibe of JvG’s words this week is that everyone’s back and ready to go, and this is the game we’re targeting for 5 points, no excuses.
I’m fine with that. I’d love it in fact as it looks a dry spring night at The Rec and I cannot wait to watch the first XV back at it. I’d go:
Beno, Dunn, Sela, Roux, Ewels, Hill, Underhill, Reid
Spencer, Russell, Muir, Mojo, Lawrence, Arundell, TDG
Kepu, VV, TDT, Richards, Bayliss, BVDL, Santi, Alfie.
Come on you Bath!
Maybe Finn goes off after 50 and Santi goes to 10. Maybe we’re doing ok so Ben can have 20 minutes rest (19 more than usual!). But the vibe of JvG’s words this week is that everyone’s back and ready to go, and this is the game we’re targeting for 5 points, no excuses.
I’m fine with that. I’d love it in fact as it looks a dry spring night at The Rec and I cannot wait to watch the first XV back at it. I’d go:
Beno, Dunn, Sela, Roux, Ewels, Hill, Underhill, Reid
Spencer, Russell, Muir, Mojo, Lawrence, Arundell, TDG
Kepu, VV, TDT, Richards, Bayliss, BVDL, Santi, Alfie.
Come on you Bath!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 10:30
Blimey dr.bath...that would be a team.
I am guessing that means we go weaker away at Sale next week. I think I would rather go marginally weaker against Saracens and marginally stronger against Sale and try to garner say collectively 6+ points.
But as I am going to be at the Rec, as you say on dry, crisp evening, let's go and celebrate our new shareholder coming on board with some champagne rugby.
I am guessing that means we go weaker away at Sale next week. I think I would rather go marginally weaker against Saracens and marginally stronger against Sale and try to garner say collectively 6+ points.
But as I am going to be at the Rec, as you say on dry, crisp evening, let's go and celebrate our new shareholder coming on board with some champagne rugby.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 10:37
I have a simple view, it’s a home game, I will be there, has to be the strongest possible team.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 10:47
I’m with OB on this one, go strong and bank the 5 points.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 11:34
TEAM
Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Miles Reid, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer (c), 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Max Ojomoh, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Henry Arundell, 15 Tom de Glanville
Replacements: 16 Kepu Tuipulotu, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Bernard van der Linde, 22 Santi Carreras, 23 Sam Underhill
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Miles Reid, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer (c), 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Max Ojomoh, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Henry Arundell, 15 Tom de Glanville
Replacements: 16 Kepu Tuipulotu, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Bernard van der Linde, 22 Santi Carreras, 23 Sam Underhill
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 11:35
Archie Griffin sub and starter which is impressive.
Very surprised that we have started with Spencer and Finn. Santi Carreras must be wondering why on earth he joined Bath Rugby.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:19:11:38:46 by BathMatt53.
Very surprised that we have started with Spencer and Finn. Santi Carreras must be wondering why on earth he joined Bath Rugby.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:19:11:38:46 by BathMatt53.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Benisjammin (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 11:36
Should be TDT on the bench there rather than Archie.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 11:38
A sexy, sexy team
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 11:39
Saracens Men's team to play Bath Rugby:
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Theo Dan
3 Marcus Street
4 Nick Isiekwe
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Theo McFarland
7 Juan Martin Gonzalez
8 Tom Willis
9 Ivan Van Zyl (c)
10 Owen Farrell
11 Rotimi Segun
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Lucio Cinti
14 Tobias Elliott
15 Elliot Daly
Replacements:
16 James Hadfield
17 Alex O'Driscoll
18 Marco Riccioni
19 Andy Onyeama-Christie
20 Ben Earl
21 Gareth Simpson
22 Fergus Burke
23 Max Malins
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:19:11:39:55 by BathMatt53.
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Theo Dan
3 Marcus Street
4 Nick Isiekwe
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Theo McFarland
7 Juan Martin Gonzalez
8 Tom Willis
9 Ivan Van Zyl (c)
10 Owen Farrell
11 Rotimi Segun
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Lucio Cinti
14 Tobias Elliott
15 Elliot Daly
Replacements:
16 James Hadfield
17 Alex O'Driscoll
18 Marco Riccioni
19 Andy Onyeama-Christie
20 Ben Earl
21 Gareth Simpson
22 Fergus Burke
23 Max Malins
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:19:11:39:55 by BathMatt53.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 11:40
No rest for your 6N internationals!
Assume Sela has a knock as dropped out of Wider England Squad and not appeared for Bath since.
Assume Sela has a knock as dropped out of Wider England Squad and not appeared for Bath since.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Benisjammin (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 11:40
Apart from their back row which is frightening that looks like a slightly weakened Saracens team IMHO.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 11:42
Not really sure why either team needed to name Pepper and Earl on the bench for this one - would have liked to see Richards there to be honest but obviously a very strong 23.
That Saracens bench seems to be one of the smallest I can remember seeing for a Prem game. Imagine their front row are being lined up to go deep into the game - O'Driscoll getting his Prem debut against du Toit is quite the introduction...
That Saracens bench seems to be one of the smallest I can remember seeing for a Prem game. Imagine their front row are being lined up to go deep into the game - O'Driscoll getting his Prem debut against du Toit is quite the introduction...
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 11:42
Quote:Benisjammin
Apart from their back row which is frightening that looks like a slightly weakened Saracens team IMHO.
Our back row on the bench is OK as well. 19 Ted Hill, 20 Guy Pepper, 23 Sam Underhill. Should be a cracker.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 12:23
It's come to something when our bench back-row is stronger than England's starting back row!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 12:26
Must admit I’m over the moon with this selection, due to other commitments it’s my first live game of the season so seeing all the big name (and boy are those some big names) is just perfect.
Saracens look strong but their bench not the same level.
Saracens look strong but their bench not the same level.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 13:20
Quote:We’ll rest them for Enya! Sale Away.tigersimon
No rest for your 6N internationals!
Assume Sela has a knock as dropped out of Wider England Squad and not appeared for Bath since.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Widcombe boy (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 13:25
[quote Optimist]It's come to something when our bench back-row is stronger than England's starting back row![/quote
Are you trying to get a rise from Mr Herox Opti ? 😘
Widcombe Garçon
Are you trying to get a rise from Mr Herox Opti ? 😘
Widcombe Garçon
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 14:02
Quote:BathMatt53
Archie Griffin sub and starter which is impressive.
Very surprised that we have started with Spencer and Finn. Santi Carreras must be wondering why on earth he joined Bath Rugby.
Not at all. He knows his time will come.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 14:42
[quote ]would have liked to see Richards there to be honest but obviously a very strong 23.
.
.
100%
He will no doubt travel in v understrength 23 to sale away in yet another 'against the odds' opp for him.
Really interested to see that 23 as will still have a lot of quality.
Hopefully kirk, frost, sela, richards, staddon, green, butt, hennessey etc will be involved and will be a tough test for them.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: by (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 14:53
Quote:tigersimon
No rest for your 6N internationals!
Assume Sela has a knock as dropped out of Wider England Squad and not appeared for Bath since.
Sela played in the prem cup against Gloucester, can't remember if he featured against Tigers or Bedford though.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: by (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 14:53
JVG likes to target home games, expect all the 6N internationals to be fully rested against Sale.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 14:54
Jumping the gun but I don't think next week has to be that understrength while still allowing for some rest. Something like the below seems viable with tighthead being the main question and whether Sela is going to be ready for the European game. You could easily add Obano, Dunn, Lawrence and maybe others to this as well who don't particularly need a week off
van Wyk, Frost, TdT, Richards, Ewels, Hill, Staddon, Barbeary, TCS, Carreras, Muir, Redpath, Hennessey, Cokanasiga, TdG
Kepu, Kirk, Sela / Griffin, Roux / Enoch, Reid, BVL, Butt, Green
van Wyk, Frost, TdT, Richards, Ewels, Hill, Staddon, Barbeary, TCS, Carreras, Muir, Redpath, Hennessey, Cokanasiga, TdG
Kepu, Kirk, Sela / Griffin, Roux / Enoch, Reid, BVL, Butt, Green
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 15:13
Very much looking forward to this!!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 15:17
Hmm Alfie up against his employer from next season!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 16:36
Our starting pack makes me think we might make a game of it early doors but that Bath bench will prove too much I fear.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 17:01
I'm not sure what the backs lineup will be if Ollie doesn't last full match
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 17:32
Quote:gaz59
I'm not sure what the backs lineup will be if Ollie doesn't last full match
I'm also not sure who is going to 8.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 18:04
Quote:byQuote:tigersimon
No rest for your 6N internationals!
Assume Sela has a knock as dropped out of Wider England Squad and not appeared for Bath since.
Sela played in the prem cup against Gloucester, can't remember if he featured against Tigers or Bedford though.
Sela not involved in Tigers or Bedford games.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 18:21
Yes I think thats why Lahiff was called up for England (and / or Kloska)?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 18:35
Good to see Bath at full strength and Sarries not quite, let’s hope there’s no repeat of the Saints debacle where Bath just didn’t turn up
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: tigersimon (IP Logged)
Date: 19/03/2026 18:58
Quote:BathMatt53
Yes I think thats why Lahiff was called up for England (and / or Kloska)?
Both were involved, Lahiff when Kloska (& others) was involved with England A.
Then Kloska was with the Wider England training camp.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Hammer (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 08:08
Quote:OutsideBath
Good to see Bath at full strength and Sarries not quite, let’s hope there’s no repeat of the Saints debacle where Bath just didn’t turn up
Let’s hope not. We will no doubt be somewhat rusty whereas Saracens could have played that entire team in training matches over the last few weeks!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 08:30
If anyone is going to be rusty it's Saracens surely? Apart from Daly and Earl no-one has played a match in nearly a month. Nearly all of the Bath squad have had some sort of match practice and most got a run out together against Bedford
Don't think it matters greatly either way. Plenty of different ways to prepare and it's only with hindsight that these things become 'obvious' what a coach should have done
Don't think it matters greatly either way. Plenty of different ways to prepare and it's only with hindsight that these things become 'obvious' what a coach should have done
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 19:48
Gods our midfield defence is poor tonight
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 19:53
Yellow all day that, even if just for the cynical nature of it
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 19:59
Arundell intercepts to score - I swear he has radar
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 20:04
31-15 at the half. You'd take it 😁
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 20:05
Our usual slow first 20 but by gods have they knocked of the rust.
What a high quality game- Sarries have played brilliantly at times
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
What a high quality game- Sarries have played brilliantly at times
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 20:07
Willis and Dan excellent for them.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 20:07
This attacking enough for everyone?
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 20:22
Watching live cos we're in the middle of our 3rd 100 year storm in 6 weeks and the ocean is like oxtail soup.
Pretty impressive stuff this.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Pretty impressive stuff this.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 20:23
The worst piece of play by Bayliss all season
We forgive him
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
We forgive him
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 20:25
Fgs production team have missed half a dozen pieces of play so far
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 20:38
Bench pays off immediately and Kepu over which should be enough to see us home 43 - 15
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 20:43
AH yet again trying to get Bath players penalised- what a tiresome individual
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 20:57
This is a champion showing from us.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:11
I genuinely don't think Sarries have been that bad. We've been excellent, particular in defence.
Hope FvW ok.
Hope FvW ok.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:11
Bayliss deservedly MOTM - but everyone has played out of their skin
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:11
Fantastic performance. Only a 5 minute period in the second half when both sides eased off a little, but absolutely destroyed Saracens in attack and defence
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Dorset Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:14
Mark McCall looked completely shell shocked at the end
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:16
Quote:hasta
I genuinely don't think Sarries have been that bad. We've been excellent, particular in defence.
Hope FvW ok.
They haven’t and against any other team they are probably in the running to win. Our defence in the 22 was so ferocious it forced the errors and our transition tonight was electric
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Mini Maximus (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:18
Fantastic stuff – our most convincing league performance in a while.
So many players had good games!
Great to see Ollie and Horse looking really sharp again.
Alfie has really carried on his form from Europe and made me even sadder he is leaving, but clearly Saracens see him as the ideal replacement for Willis and have paid him top dollar to make the move.
So many players had good games!
Great to see Ollie and Horse looking really sharp again.
Alfie has really carried on his form from Europe and made me even sadder he is leaving, but clearly Saracens see him as the ideal replacement for Willis and have paid him top dollar to make the move.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: joethefanatic (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:26
Just watched the game. As complete a performance as I think I have ever seen from us. Salaries did not play badly but they were undone all over the pitch. You could argue that Farrell's lack of pace left them vulnerable defensively but we still took advantage.
My MotM - it basically could have been anyone in a numbered BBW shirt but, primum inter pares, - Josh Bayliss. There when we needed him, doing everything brilliantly, for the entire time he was on the pitch. How he does not get more recognition is beyond me.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
My MotM - it basically could have been anyone in a numbered BBW shirt but, primum inter pares, - Josh Bayliss. There when we needed him, doing everything brilliantly, for the entire time he was on the pitch. How he does not get more recognition is beyond me.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: A.M 180 (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:39
So I may have been inspired to buy Final tickets tonight
Nothing to do with which teams might be there you understand, had always intended to go
Nothing to do with which teams might be there you understand, had always intended to go
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:39
Someone made a comment during the 6N that if Farrell was on the pitch England would never have had a result as bad as they did. Weeeellllll....
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Treble (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:42
A very strong performance after Sarries bright start. Wasn't expecting that scoreline, bookies had it as a 10 point game in our favour and I thought that about right given the selections. I'm sure we will rotate again for Sale next week . Well played everyone involved 💙🖤🤍
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:44
Away for the weekend so following updates and looking forward to settling in to watch this one back soon. Sounds like we produced some superb stuff
What happened with van Wyk?
What happened with van Wyk?
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:48
Quote:theredseat
Away for the weekend so following updates and looking forward to settling in to watch this one back soon. Sounds like we produced some superb stuff
What happened with van Wyk?
Twisted his ankle out of a maul. Hopefully it's nothing major.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: BeatsWorking (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 21:48
What a fun, crazy game. First 10 minutes we looked rusty, after which we increasingly found our groove.
Thought Saracens played well (their line out, scrum and attacking patterns were sharp), but just incredible defense and an all court attacking game proved far too much. Scary thing is that we still have room for improvement... can't believe Bayliss missed that pass for what would have been a try of the season!
Hope FvW ok, didn't look in too much pain sat down, and kudos to Beno for playing the whole 80. Just a great Fri night and a warm feeling that things are starting to click at the right time...
Thought Saracens played well (their line out, scrum and attacking patterns were sharp), but just incredible defense and an all court attacking game proved far too much. Scary thing is that we still have room for improvement... can't believe Bayliss missed that pass for what would have been a try of the season!
Hope FvW ok, didn't look in too much pain sat down, and kudos to Beno for playing the whole 80. Just a great Fri night and a warm feeling that things are starting to click at the right time...
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 22:03
It doesn’t get much better than that. Incredible to think where we were just a few years ago pre JvG, TDT, Finn et al.
Now we’re playing like that, the Rec a picture, smiles all around, beating good teams like Sarries by 50, Dyson’s long term capital inbound, stadium happening, European dreaming…
Enjoy it. Just enjoy nights like tonight. In an uncertain and pretty bleak world, how lucky we are and what fun it is, which is what sport is and always should be.
Now we’re playing like that, the Rec a picture, smiles all around, beating good teams like Sarries by 50, Dyson’s long term capital inbound, stadium happening, European dreaming…
Enjoy it. Just enjoy nights like tonight. In an uncertain and pretty bleak world, how lucky we are and what fun it is, which is what sport is and always should be.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 22:04
Congratulations that was an incredibly impressive performance and the result was a very fair representation of the gap between the two teams.
I'd feared a loss but not on that scale.
Sadly we have hitched our future to Farrell Jnr as player and coach and so can expect midtable for the foreseeable future if we're lucky.
Good luck for the rest of the season.
I'd feared a loss but not on that scale.
Sadly we have hitched our future to Farrell Jnr as player and coach and so can expect midtable for the foreseeable future if we're lucky.
Good luck for the rest of the season.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: @Hydor18 (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 22:06
My word what a match! Saracens didn’t even play that badly, but everything went our way.
That was as complete a performance from 1 to 23 as we’ll see all season.
Josh Bayliss was omnipotent. Finn Russell a magician. Ollie looks to have found his form. BvdL looks like a feisty pain in the @#$%& back up 9.
Saracens used to be our bogey team, but now seem to be our bunnies.
Loved every minute of that.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:20:22:09:04 by @Hydor18.
That was as complete a performance from 1 to 23 as we’ll see all season.
Josh Bayliss was omnipotent. Finn Russell a magician. Ollie looks to have found his form. BvdL looks like a feisty pain in the @#$%& back up 9.
Saracens used to be our bogey team, but now seem to be our bunnies.
Loved every minute of that.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:20:22:09:04 by @Hydor18.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 22:16
One of our best performances for years .... made even better because we started so badly, shook it off , wrenched the game back and then decimated them. Everybody played well and the combination of incredible work rate, strong discipline and excellent decision making was a joy to watch.
Weirdly even with the full court game and exceptional tries we left a few points out there .... plus our defence was just brutal.
Sarries are a weird team, they base so much of their attacking game around Farrell and Daly, neither of whom are spring chickens .... it is hard to remember anything that their centres did. I think bringing back Farrell is proving a retrograde step.
Weirdly even with the full court game and exceptional tries we left a few points out there .... plus our defence was just brutal.
Sarries are a weird team, they base so much of their attacking game around Farrell and Daly, neither of whom are spring chickens .... it is hard to remember anything that their centres did. I think bringing back Farrell is proving a retrograde step.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 22:32
Farrell is nowhere near the force he was, but I do think Sarries will be so much better with Tomos Williams rather than IvZ. Just fundamentally not good enough at 9.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 22:37
Having missed the 66-21 hoofing we gave them in 2008, I was so glad we beat the 45 point margin tonight! Just got better and better as the game went on. Lovely stuff, even though the Rec was weirdly flat for a Friday night.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 22:38
I'm willing to bet Henry Arundell did a little mental fist pump when he picked off Owen Farrell's pass for the intercept try given the fact he was allegedly told to 'chase those ****ing kicks' by Farrell during a training session prior to the World Cup.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 22:41
Well - that was fun! (For 70 minutes).
Should be an honourable man of the match for Beno - not often you have to demand 80 minutes of a prop and he looked absolutely done in by the end. Don't think he'll be moving much tomorrow.
Mr Finn Russell may not be known for his drop goals but he can sure pull a 50:22 out of the bag.
Should be an honourable man of the match for Beno - not often you have to demand 80 minutes of a prop and he looked absolutely done in by the end. Don't think he'll be moving much tomorrow.
Mr Finn Russell may not be known for his drop goals but he can sure pull a 50:22 out of the bag.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 22:47
Quote:Toast and Marmite
Gods our midfield defence is poor tonight
That's hilarious 😂
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: JK7 (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 23:09
Quote:shipwrecked
I'm willing to bet Henry Arundell did a little mental fist pump when he picked off Owen Farrell's pass for the intercept try given the fact he was allegedly told to 'chase those ****ing kicks' by Farrell during a training session prior to the World Cup.
Some lovely comments from Henry at the end about JVG and the Bath environment - worth looking for if you didn't see them. Very well put for a guy that had just been running around for 80 minutes.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: JK7 (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 23:11
Quote:@Hydor18
BvdL looks like a feisty pain in the @#$%& back up 9.
He's giving Pollock a run for his money as a wind up merchant.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 23:22
Well that was fun and great to see us finally put a team to the sword this season.
Any idea why the high challenge by Sarries in the first half wasn’t checked by the TMO?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:21:07:37:04 by OutsideBath.
Any idea why the high challenge by Sarries in the first half wasn’t checked by the TMO?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:21:07:37:04 by OutsideBath.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 23:24
We’ve not won anything yet OB, but I like your undying optimism.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: View from the North (IP Logged)
Date: 20/03/2026 23:30
A tip of the hat to Matt Carley tonight. Quite a straightforward night, but used the TMO sparingly, helped the game flow with his communication, and importantly didn’t let anyone else try to ref the game for him.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 00:20
Quote:shipwrecked
I'm willing to bet Henry Arundell did a little mental fist pump when he picked off Owen Farrell's pass for the intercept try given the fact he was allegedly told to 'chase those ****ing kicks' by Farrell during a training session prior to the World Cup.
[www.instagram.com]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 06:05
Quote:View from the North
A tip of the hat to Matt Carley tonight. Quite a straightforward night, but used the TMO sparingly, helped the game flow with his communication, and importantly didn’t let anyone else try to ref the game for him.
He did have a very good game overall and actually I didn't think it was straightforward. To me there seemed to be 'stuff' bubbling along but the way he managed and reffed the game ensured it didn't break out
The one issue I had was lineouts. 3 or 4 Sarries lineouts to me looked equally crooked to the two he called against us [and all seemed to be contested]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Rokobilly (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 06:45
Immense performance last night - especially without the ball (a bit weird writing that after scoring nine tries). The pressure on Sarries forced mistakes and our ability to make turnovers into tries was very pleasing.
Giving Sarries such a thumping is wonderful. I remember the October 2021 game when they had 45 points on the board at HT and won 17-71. It was the lowest of the lows in those dark seasons. The JVG turnaround is incredible - 8 of the XV who started that 2021 horror show played last night, 7 of them as starters and Sam on the bench.
To reply to Paul above, I have a suspicion that Farrell (like his old man) will be a superb coach/DOR in time.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:21:06:46:14 by Rokobilly.
Giving Sarries such a thumping is wonderful. I remember the October 2021 game when they had 45 points on the board at HT and won 17-71. It was the lowest of the lows in those dark seasons. The JVG turnaround is incredible - 8 of the XV who started that 2021 horror show played last night, 7 of them as starters and Sam on the bench.
To reply to Paul above, I have a suspicion that Farrell (like his old man) will be a superb coach/DOR in time.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:21:06:46:14 by Rokobilly.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 06:50
Thoughts on last night in no particular order:
- I picked a great first game to attend live last night. Weather was beautiful, food was lovely, and the rugby was especially fantastic! Credit to the good natured Saracens fans around me who took the result in good nature
- Bayliss and Arundell were everywhere last night, the ability we have to break a line with outright speed across the team is fantastic, and we have several players now who can stand up a man (or two or three) and then break or find the right pass
- Finn was just magical, again. Spencer looked solid, and in BvdL it looks like he can have a bit of a rest and not play 79+ every week
- Farrell looked slow. Like, really slow. I lost count of how many times he got the ball stood still and just passed to the next man without even taking a step. Daly looked tired. He was right in front of me during the warm up and even then he looked shattered.
Overall a fantastic game. I had a slight nervousness that this could be a banana skin, but the 5 points proves me very wrong!
- I picked a great first game to attend live last night. Weather was beautiful, food was lovely, and the rugby was especially fantastic! Credit to the good natured Saracens fans around me who took the result in good nature
- Bayliss and Arundell were everywhere last night, the ability we have to break a line with outright speed across the team is fantastic, and we have several players now who can stand up a man (or two or three) and then break or find the right pass
- Finn was just magical, again. Spencer looked solid, and in BvdL it looks like he can have a bit of a rest and not play 79+ every week
- Farrell looked slow. Like, really slow. I lost count of how many times he got the ball stood still and just passed to the next man without even taking a step. Daly looked tired. He was right in front of me during the warm up and even then he looked shattered.
Overall a fantastic game. I had a slight nervousness that this could be a banana skin, but the 5 points proves me very wrong!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 07:42
Quote:View from the North
A tip of the hat to Matt Carley tonight. Quite a straightforward night, but used the TMO sparingly, helped the game flow with his communication, and importantly didn’t let anyone else try to ref the game for him.
Agree he’s a much better ref these days and seemed to get most decisions correct. Find him frustratingly picky at times though, pulling Ben Spence back for taking a penalty about 50mm from the correct spot was annoying.
Did enjoy him marching Sarries back 10m for backchat though.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 07:53
Quote:well iit was…for the first 15 minutes! 😂gaz59Quote:Toast and Marmite
Gods our midfield defence is poor tonight
That's hilarious 😂
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 08:07
I actually thought the wide defence was the problem in the first half, they seemed to get to the wings quickly by playing out the back to Daly.
As usual our 22 defence was immense and stood up to the test nicely. Not easy when you’ve got Willis barrelling down your channel!
Some work ons for definite, but as the first hit out it was a blinder.
Also makes me think about 5 points against Sale is very possible. The rest of the league will have taken not of that performance!
As usual our 22 defence was immense and stood up to the test nicely. Not easy when you’ve got Willis barrelling down your channel!
Some work ons for definite, but as the first hit out it was a blinder.
Also makes me think about 5 points against Sale is very possible. The rest of the league will have taken not of that performance!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: nigewing (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 08:12
Sarries 10, 12 & 13 are all slow and sides will have picked up on that. I remember the game at Stone X earlier in season when Bayliss skinned them to set up a try down left wing.
Faz Jnr kills back play & has been one of the most overrated players in years. No surprise that he flopped in France.
Bath need to back this up against a stronger & wiser Sarries in 2 weeks.
Faz Jnr kills back play & has been one of the most overrated players in years. No surprise that he flopped in France.
Bath need to back this up against a stronger & wiser Sarries in 2 weeks.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 08:13
Quote:Toast and MarmiteQuote:well iit was…for the first 15 minutes! 😂gaz59Quote:Toast and Marmite
Gods our midfield defence is poor tonight
That's hilarious 😂
They did cut through the middle a couple of times, which was frustrating at the time. Guess even good defences get beaten some times. Sure those Sarries line breaks will be reviewed on Monday.
What was most pleasing, final score aside, was our backs looking more dangerous in attack than they have all season.
Lineout was a bit iffy again, but hey you can’t have everything.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Toast and Marmite (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 08:16
Much as the man irritates me to extremes, AH did a great piece of analysis demonstrating how Bath had basically adjusted their defensive shape on the hoof to make it more joined up - which contributed to the Arundell intercept as Farrell hadn’t twigged the new alignment.
Also how pleasing and is it that Bath have a team able to adapt so quickly during a match.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Also how pleasing and is it that Bath have a team able to adapt so quickly during a match.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 08:33
We talked about Spencer taking the touch kick penalty from the wrong place.
Our conclusion was that Carley was right. In the olden days "when the dinosaurs roamed the earth" you had to take penalties from exactly where the Ref marked it or it would be a scrum for the opposition.
It irritates the hell out of me that no player takes touch kicks from the mark. What they do is start at the mark and then take 2 or 3 paces and then kick.
Outside Bath its like that professional golfer marking has ball and then moving forward for a putt...I acknowledge he took the pi*s but if its not in the right place its not in the right place.
I acknowledge that no scrum half puts the ball in straight and only once or twice a season is a scrumhalf penalised for not straight. The Law is there just ignored by everyone.
I am now very nervous about 2 weeks time.......
Our conclusion was that Carley was right. In the olden days "when the dinosaurs roamed the earth" you had to take penalties from exactly where the Ref marked it or it would be a scrum for the opposition.
It irritates the hell out of me that no player takes touch kicks from the mark. What they do is start at the mark and then take 2 or 3 paces and then kick.
Outside Bath its like that professional golfer marking has ball and then moving forward for a putt...I acknowledge he took the pi*s but if its not in the right place its not in the right place.
I acknowledge that no scrum half puts the ball in straight and only once or twice a season is a scrumhalf penalised for not straight. The Law is there just ignored by everyone.
I am now very nervous about 2 weeks time.......
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: dcsh (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 08:43
Great to be back in the Premiership with a bang!
It was a nice surprise to see that a second big screen has been added in the ground. The right hand side third is not visible from my seat, but when combined with the original big screen where the bottom left hand corner is blocked I can now see the whole picture by quickly changing the end of the pitch I look at!! Which is certainly an improvement for TMO decisions where the action in question was often in the obscured corner.
It was a nice surprise to see that a second big screen has been added in the ground. The right hand side third is not visible from my seat, but when combined with the original big screen where the bottom left hand corner is blocked I can now see the whole picture by quickly changing the end of the pitch I look at!! Which is certainly an improvement for TMO decisions where the action in question was often in the obscured corner.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 09:31
Well done Bath. Excellent defence and counter attack and I agree with Austin H that in the end Bath just outworked Sarries meaning that there were gaps and mismatches everywhere. Sarries were run into the ground in the end. I didn’t actually think that they played that badly but their back row was totally outmatched on the night at the breakdown and it all fell apart for them from there. Agree that Farrell is now just glacially slow and modern 10s will eat him for breakfast (or rather run around him) if he continues to play there. I have no doubt for example that Bayliss, Hill (and Earl) will all be faster than him.
The game reminded me a bit of Saints at ours, one of those days where everything goes wrong for one team and everything right for the other - I am in no doubt that it won’t be like that in a couple of weeks when Sarries will be out for revenge. When they pull themselves together after this result they can give anyone a game.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
The game reminded me a bit of Saints at ours, one of those days where everything goes wrong for one team and everything right for the other - I am in no doubt that it won’t be like that in a couple of weeks when Sarries will be out for revenge. When they pull themselves together after this result they can give anyone a game.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Treble (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 10:05
Quote:BathRob
As usual our 22 defence was immense and stood up to the test nicely. Not easy when you’ve got Willis barrelling down your channel!
Sam Warburton mentioned a stat after the game that Willis had 12 carries but only made 14 metres, not sure if 2nd half or whole game, but he was effectively stopped in his tracks by our defence. Alfie on the other hand was barrelling over the gain line and taking two defenders with him to set up front foot ball. Alfie must surely make an England squad this summer 🤔
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 10:05
Worst thing that has happened to our club in a decade was bringing Farrell back.
Given he's going to be a coach too his impact is going to be inescapable.
Anyway this is Bath board and that was a great performance. I really hope we are better in a fortnights time but I suspect JVG & Co will have fixed the few issues and we will not have fixed the larger ones.
It might be all on Carre scoring a double hattrick from inside our 22!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:21:10:11:53 by PaulHerox.
Given he's going to be a coach too his impact is going to be inescapable.
Quote:I think you could well be right but in my view he should have taken the O'Gara route of coaching elsewhere initially and being judged purely on his merits rather than unquestioningly as he is, in my view, at Sarries.Rokobilly
To reply to Paul above, I have a suspicion that Farrell (like his old man) will be a superb coach/DOR in time.
Anyway this is Bath board and that was a great performance. I really hope we are better in a fortnights time but I suspect JVG & Co will have fixed the few issues and we will not have fixed the larger ones.
It might be all on Carre scoring a double hattrick from inside our 22!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:21:10:11:53 by PaulHerox.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Widcombe boy (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 11:10
Didn’t someone post a few weeks back that we weren’t clicking but when we do some good teams are going to take a beating. That happened last night
Just superb rugby from the gods 🇪🇪
Widcombe Garçon
Just superb rugby from the gods 🇪🇪
Widcombe Garçon
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 12:50
Player Ratings:- [www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: shipwrecked (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 13:19
Some speculation Henry Arundell was offside for his interception, not really, he is just super quick!
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Murty7 (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 13:27
Couple of observations from an England perspective from last night.
Fab should be nowhere near the England Squad. What pace he had has gone. The result should also bust the myth that his present inspire the work rate of those around him. Bath out worked them. After the 6N the were comments we wouldn't have lost like that with him driving standards. Clearly not true
Tom Willis can be stopped and was out played by Alfie. While he had a good summer he was still largely unproven at international level. Has been good in PREM but internationals a step up. He has clearly benefited form becoming much more vital ro England when unavailable than when he was like his brother , Zac Mercier and others before him.
Fab should be nowhere near the England Squad. What pace he had has gone. The result should also bust the myth that his present inspire the work rate of those around him. Bath out worked them. After the 6N the were comments we wouldn't have lost like that with him driving standards. Clearly not true
Tom Willis can be stopped and was out played by Alfie. While he had a good summer he was still largely unproven at international level. Has been good in PREM but internationals a step up. He has clearly benefited form becoming much more vital ro England when unavailable than when he was like his brother , Zac Mercier and others before him.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Rawce (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 13:37
To be fair to Willis it looked like he started with a squiffy knee and it only got worse as the game went on.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: @Hydor18 (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 13:46
Willis had a big bag of ice on his knee when he went off.
Very few sides could live with a bench like ours. It’s a truly devastating weapon and the rugby purist in me thinks there’s a definite argument to rein it in so fatigue plays much more of role in the game.
Very few sides could live with a bench like ours. It’s a truly devastating weapon and the rugby purist in me thinks there’s a definite argument to rein it in so fatigue plays much more of role in the game.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 13:58
Have to say I don't get the anti-Farrell stuff. I thought he had a decent game. Malins should have held and scored from a great kick-pass and generally, to me anyway, his distribution seemed pretty good
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Murty7 (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 14:08
Im not anti Farrell just find the narrative in some quarters that just his presence improves a side and ensures they are competitive frustrating. He has been a fantastic servant for English rugby but think it's time to acknowledge he isn't the force he was and move on. It would probably be better for him as well.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 14:27
Could anyone understand the reasons for the niggle between Ben and Carley last night? I could hear Carley being very clear that he found the way Ben was speaking to him unacceptable but couldn't hear Ben's side of it- he seemed to be on at least two last warnings in the first half. All seemed much better in the second half.
Agree that Carley had an excellent game - he does seem to say a lot "for the benefit of the tape" but that helps my understanding (and it might be to stop the TMO butting in!). Heard him say after the final whistle, in response to thanks from a player that he'd enjoyed it.
Agree that Carley had an excellent game - he does seem to say a lot "for the benefit of the tape" but that helps my understanding (and it might be to stop the TMO butting in!). Heard him say after the final whistle, in response to thanks from a player that he'd enjoyed it.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 15:50
I think Ben is a bit of a moaner (like any good 9 should be!) but it can lead to him and the ref falling out. I think he gets a bit more leeway as captain, but in general I’ve seen a few games now where him and the ref have had to have words.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Never In Doubt (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 15:53
Carley has never seemed to have a natural rapport with players which used to come across as him lecturing players and talking down to them. He is better now but does seem to need to be seen to be completely in control. I think he gets more decisions right than most but he does seem a bit insecure with players talking.
Players shouldn't constantly ask for penalties but there is a more sympathetic way of telling them to back off.
Ben was even more geared up for the game than usual and was deemed to be constantly badgering Carley for penalties .... which he does tend to do. Carley had enough after a while and told him to pack it in .... I think Ben might have become too vociferous as he got frustrated.
Contrast that to watching Sara Cox who really seems to enjoy player interaction.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:21:15:56:05 by Never In Doubt.
Players shouldn't constantly ask for penalties but there is a more sympathetic way of telling them to back off.
Ben was even more geared up for the game than usual and was deemed to be constantly badgering Carley for penalties .... which he does tend to do. Carley had enough after a while and told him to pack it in .... I think Ben might have become too vociferous as he got frustrated.
Contrast that to watching Sara Cox who really seems to enjoy player interaction.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:21:15:56:05 by Never In Doubt.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 16:50
I do think Spencer comes across as a bit of a grump on the field at times. I can well see how refs can take against him at times to be honest. I imagine it’s a tough reputation to shift too
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: nigewing (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 17:30
Ben’s an angel compared to Caelan Doris !!!!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Mini Maximus (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 17:39
Farrell is one of those 'marmite' players who gets up the nose of the opposition, but if he plays for your team you love him for it. In a full-on Test Match he's generally granite, even if he lacks the skill set of a Finn or Jalibert type.
It does seem like the game has moved on enormously since the last World Cup and I struggle to imagine teams being successful in this new era without a creative playmaker at 10 – we are so lucky to have Finn!
It does seem like the game has moved on enormously since the last World Cup and I struggle to imagine teams being successful in this new era without a creative playmaker at 10 – we are so lucky to have Finn!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: hasta (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 18:06
Faz was an incredible player, but I don't really know if it's injury or just age. Hard not to say that his last season at Sarries wasn't great, his trip to Racing was a disaster and his return to Sarries is not exactly what everyone would have hoped.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: dr.bath1865 (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 19:50
Yeh I think Ben was super amped up last night- maybe another reason why we played so well, because he simply demanded it of his team! You could hear him even more than usual on the ref mic shouting in defence for us to get off the line. Love to hear it always, and we responded with ferocious line speed, but no surprise some refs ask him to generally tone it down a bit.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: boozeboozebooze (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 20:14
Crazy game, Bath just hounded Sarries relentlessly from minute 20-80, we got our breakdown tactics spot on and they looked to have significantly misjudged theirs.
The only slight negative was FvW going off, but sounds like it was actually due to a nasty cut on his leg as opposed to something muscular, so fingers crossed it'll be a few weeks on the sidelines as opposed to a season ender.
The only slight negative was FvW going off, but sounds like it was actually due to a nasty cut on his leg as opposed to something muscular, so fingers crossed it'll be a few weeks on the sidelines as opposed to a season ender.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: @Hydor18 (IP Logged)
Date: 21/03/2026 21:51
Quote:hasta
Faz was an incredible player, but I don't really know if it's injury or just age. Hard not to say that his last season at Sarries wasn't great, his trip to Racing was a disaster and his return to Sarries is not exactly what everyone would have hoped.
Can’t disagree with this. In fact, it kind of sums Sarries up full stop at the moment- some stellar players who are in the twilight of their careers or have had one too many injuries.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 22/03/2026 04:09
Seriously impressive performance and a v enjoyable watch- we certainly owe them a few hidings!
It felt like the reverse of some of the darkest days under hooper.
Sarries we're the ones who looked punched out by 50 mins as we put loads more power and pace on to the pitch and holes were opening up everywhere.
Kudos again to jvg and the club- used the prem Cup v nicely, plus a friendly and come out of that period looking refreshed and sharp.
Fingers crossed for fvw- think it said he headed to hospital with a gash to the leg from a boot? If no complications would hope he would be back in a few weeks?
It felt like the reverse of some of the darkest days under hooper.
Sarries we're the ones who looked punched out by 50 mins as we put loads more power and pace on to the pitch and holes were opening up everywhere.
Kudos again to jvg and the club- used the prem Cup v nicely, plus a friendly and come out of that period looking refreshed and sharp.
Fingers crossed for fvw- think it said he headed to hospital with a gash to the leg from a boot? If no complications would hope he would be back in a few weeks?
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 22/03/2026 07:46
Ben was up against his former club and teammates. That might have had something to do with heightened niggle
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Barnoid (IP Logged)
Date: 22/03/2026 08:17
Quote:dcsh
Great to be back in the Premiership with a bang!
It was a nice surprise to see that a second big screen has been added in the ground. The right hand side third is not visible from my seat, but when combined with the original big screen where the bottom left hand corner is blocked I can now see the whole picture by quickly changing the end of the pitch I look at!! Which is certainly an improvement for TMO decisions where the action in question was often in the obscured corner.
+1 on appreciating the second big screen. Though I found reading the score on it from the terrace a little tricky compared to the old scoreboard.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: theredseat (IP Logged)
Date: 22/03/2026 09:00
I struggle a bit to see how Tomos Williams and Farrell work as a combo next year. Williams is quality but not exactly known for working to a game plan or playing second fiddle to his fly half
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 22/03/2026 09:09
Farrell won't be playing
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 22/03/2026 09:22
Farrell was an excellent, excellent 10/12 in his time. That Lions tour to NZ showed everything about him, 2019 near perfection.
Now though, time has caught up both in terms of age, and how the game is played now by 10. Friday night he looked tired, and out of ideas. The main tactic seemed to be him standing still and shipping it on to next man or out the back to Daly. It was Sarries (and England?) in a microcosm: older players bring experience but the cliff edge on performance is a brutal one and if you haven’t brought through the academy players (which is so so hard in an all-conquering team like Saracens or Exeter of past) then you end up with this issue.
Next year will be interesting, they’ve signed some quality players and Ventner is not exactly a shrinking violet. Could they be back? Possibly!
Now though, time has caught up both in terms of age, and how the game is played now by 10. Friday night he looked tired, and out of ideas. The main tactic seemed to be him standing still and shipping it on to next man or out the back to Daly. It was Sarries (and England?) in a microcosm: older players bring experience but the cliff edge on performance is a brutal one and if you haven’t brought through the academy players (which is so so hard in an all-conquering team like Saracens or Exeter of past) then you end up with this issue.
Next year will be interesting, they’ve signed some quality players and Ventner is not exactly a shrinking violet. Could they be back? Possibly!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: copester (IP Logged)
Date: 22/03/2026 09:33
I personally would not write Farrell off yet, maybe in a couple of weeks. Sarries will be a different animall fully loaded.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Susanne (IP Logged)
Date: 22/03/2026 13:39
We'd like to see the proper scoreboard back in addition to the new screen - but maybe they'd run out of sockets on the extension cord 
Can't really see either of them properly from our seats on the back row and I'd get a sore neck trying to look between them!
Can't really see either of them properly from our seats on the back row and I'd get a sore neck trying to look between them!Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Widcombe boy (IP Logged)
Date: 22/03/2026 14:09
Quote:Agreed Susanne Had to keep looking on line for the score as I completely lost track of the score 🤣Susanne
We'd like to see the proper scoreboard back in addition to the new screen - but maybe they'd run out of sockets on the extension cord
Widcombe Garçon
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: jayeatman (IP Logged)
Date: 22/03/2026 17:40
Quote:hasta
Someone made a comment during the 6N that if Farrell was on the pitch England would never have had a result as bad as they did. Weeeellllll....
It was tongue-in-cheek.
Honest.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 23/03/2026 05:22
Really interesting interview with jvg and tdt after the game on use of the bench.
He admits 6:2 splits come with risk, as does throwing on 7 of 8 after 50 mins but his decisions have rarely backfired so far tbf.
I think the psychology of its huge. I love it when we stack our bench , knowing we have that firepower on reserve, to the point where I am comfortable with some of our best players like tdt and hill being on the bench v regularly.
Sarries looked like they were running low on energy and you bring on kepu, fvw, tdt, hill, pepper, underhill and santi- brutal!
He admits 6:2 splits come with risk, as does throwing on 7 of 8 after 50 mins but his decisions have rarely backfired so far tbf.
I think the psychology of its huge. I love it when we stack our bench , knowing we have that firepower on reserve, to the point where I am comfortable with some of our best players like tdt and hill being on the bench v regularly.
Sarries looked like they were running low on energy and you bring on kepu, fvw, tdt, hill, pepper, underhill and santi- brutal!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathRob (IP Logged)
Date: 23/03/2026 07:03
I think it’s the quality of the bench that really swings it, as you say bringing on the likes of Hill, Underhill, TdT etc must make the opposition wince!
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Bath Supporter Jack (IP Logged)
Date: 23/03/2026 08:09
I think it is also a virtuous circle.
The players that start know that they can empty the tank in 50 - 55 minutes. The players that come on know they have "only" 25 - 30 minutes and can really go full out and of course are more rested if they were to start the next week.
The risk is what happened this week with FVW leaving within a few seconds of coming on and then the player who was replaced, in this case Beno having to come back and play another 30 minutes.
The players that start know that they can empty the tank in 50 - 55 minutes. The players that come on know they have "only" 25 - 30 minutes and can really go full out and of course are more rested if they were to start the next week.
The risk is what happened this week with FVW leaving within a few seconds of coming on and then the player who was replaced, in this case Beno having to come back and play another 30 minutes.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Optimist (IP Logged)
Date: 23/03/2026 08:44
Quote:copester
I personally would not write Farrell off yet
I think the acceleration of quality in players coming through is, in parallel, accelerating the decline of players like Farrell and Daly. I mean, some of the elite level U18 rugby now looks technically better than International rugby looked 15 years ago. The massive professionalisation of skills training and S&C conditioning starting 8-10 years ago is now bearing fruit with young players who are just off the scale good. Borthwick's statement a few months ago about Daly's importance to the RWC27 squad is looking nonsensical. As for Farrell - a transition to a new job as 'setter of standards in training' beckons.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: gaz59 (IP Logged)
Date: 23/03/2026 10:10
Quote:OptimistQuote:copester
I personally would not write Farrell off yet
I think the acceleration of quality in players coming through is, in parallel, accelerating the decline of players like Farrell and Daly. I mean, some of the elite level U18 rugby now looks technically better than International rugby looked 15 years ago. The massive professionalisation of skills training and S&C conditioning starting 8-10 years ago is now bearing fruit with young players who are just off the scale good. Borthwick's statement a few months ago about Daly's importance to the RWC27 squad is looking nonsensical. As for Farrell - a transition to a new job as 'setter of standards in training' beckons.
Certainly would agree with all of that. Just think Borthwick's default selection criteria is experience and regarding Daly, his booming 50 meter boot will score very highly
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Tlacey90 (IP Logged)
Date: 23/03/2026 10:31
Quote:Charlieboa1
Really interesting interview with jvg and tdt after the game on use of the bench.
He admits 6:2 splits come with risk, as does throwing on 7 of 8 after 50 mins but his decisions have rarely backfired so far tbf.
I think the psychology of its huge. I love it when we stack our bench , knowing we have that firepower on reserve, to the point where I am comfortable with some of our best players like tdt and hill being on the bench v regularly.
Sarries looked like they were running low on energy and you bring on kepu, fvw, tdt, hill, pepper, underhill and santi- brutal!
Where was the interview with Johann to hear on TV or radio? Thanks
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 23/03/2026 13:01
Bath Rugby players attitude praised - [www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: PaulHerox (IP Logged)
Date: 23/03/2026 16:55
Quote:copester
I personally would not write Farrell off yet, maybe in a couple of weeks. Sarries will be a different animal fully loaded.
I would. He's a massive liability currently.
He should have retired after his French stint and whilst I understand no one would want to leave on that down note he is at real risk of tarnishing his club legacy.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Charlieboa1 (IP Logged)
Date: 23/03/2026 20:37
Quote:Tlacey90Quote:Charlieboa1
Really interesting interview with jvg and tdt after the game on use of the bench.
He admits 6:2 splits come with risk, as does throwing on 7 of 8 after 50 mins but his decisions have rarely backfired so far tbf.
I think the psychology of its huge. I love it when we stack our bench , knowing we have that firepower on reserve, to the point where I am comfortable with some of our best players like tdt and hill being on the bench v regularly.
Sarries looked like they were running low on energy and you bring on kepu, fvw, tdt, hill, pepper, underhill and santi- brutal!
Where was the interview with Johann to hear on TV or radio? Thanks
It came up on my Facebook feed via the bath supporters group.
Think it may be on Somerset live
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 24/03/2026 13:11
This one?[www.bathecho.co.uk]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: Mike the Taxi (IP Logged)
Date: 24/03/2026 19:54
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: BathMatt53 (IP Logged)
Date: 27/03/2026 12:33
Very surprised that Sarries have gone for Farrell again at 10 vs Saints. In fact most of the same back line. could be another cricket score with Saints putting out their Internationals.
9 Charlie Bracken
10 Owen Farrell
11 Rotimi Segun
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Lucio Cinti
14 Tobias Elliott
15 Elliot Daly
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
9 Charlie Bracken
10 Owen Farrell
11 Rotimi Segun
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Lucio Cinti
14 Tobias Elliott
15 Elliot Daly
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: OutsideBath (IP Logged)
Date: 27/03/2026 12:55
Quote:BathMatt53
Very surprised that Sarries have gone for Farrell again at 10 vs Saints. In fact most of the same back line. could be another cricket score with Saints putting out their Internationals.
9 Charlie Bracken
10 Owen Farrell
11 Rotimi Segun
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Lucio Cinti
14 Tobias Elliott
15 Elliot Daly
Another Sarries loss and they can kiss goodbye to the playoffs.
Re: Bath vs Saracens - BACK TO THE REAL STUFF.TEAM UP!
Posted by: jayeatman (IP Logged)
Date: 27/03/2026 13:46
Quote:OutsideBath
Another Sarries loss and they can kiss goodbye to the playoffs.
I'd be amazed if Sarries get anything out of the game.
And therefore if they make the playoffs.
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
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