Bath
STOOP TO CONQUER
By theredseat
September 21 2026
The 2026/27 version of the Blue, Mostly Black and White travel down the M4 to kick off the PREM season with a visit to Harlequins under the lights. It’s a scheduling repeat for these sides who also kicked off last season with the same fixture which saw Bath begin their title defence with a 31-47 win. On that occasion some questionable first half defence led to a Will Evans hat trick and an early deficit before Bath’s power took control to secure a bonus point win in West London.
Neither club will feel they finished that season hitting the heights they wanted but it is the hosts that have the most work ahead of them to get back to the levels of old. Jason Gilmour has been promoted to Head Coach with the former Australia Head Coach installed above him as Performance Director. If nothing else it appears a more stable management structure than last year’s radical approach of appointing neither a Head Coach nor a Director of Rugby which presumably played some part in the club’s 9th place finish.
It seems fair to assume that the same lack of leadership also impacted recruitment ahead of the new season. George Furbank is a headline grabbing addition to the squad although full back wasn’t an obvious area of need but little has been done to address deficiencies in the tight five. James Dun is a solid enough PREM second row and Sampie Swiegers could prove to be a canny acquisition but for the most part Quins will need improvement from their incumbent players. The only team quieter than Quins in the pre-season transfer market may well be the Stoop’s visitors this weekend.
The regular injury updates from the Quins medical team during last season showed a club taking on water much faster than they could bail it out: at one point 27 first team squad members were listed as crocked, battered or broken. Based on pre-season the medical bills seem to have subsided a bit and Gilmour and co have close to a fully fit squad to select from although Furbank is set to miss out after being knocked out in the opening moments of last week’s friendly. For all the questions about his international credentials Alex Dombrandt is a fine PREM player and leader so his long-term injury is a big loss. It does give Chandler Cunningham-South a chance to stake his claim at no 8 but keep an eye out for the well-regarded Zach Carr too. A big positive for Quins is Fin Baxter confirming he’s back to fitness but he has yet to feature in pre-season so may be eased in on opening night.
For Bath the safe bet is that we will kick off the season with a pretty familiar looking lineup more notable for its absences than its additions as the club move forward without core contributors Alfie Barbeary and Thomas du Toit while skipper Ben Spencer is rehabbing a shoulder injury. One thing to keep an eye on this season is what opportunities are granted to the younger members of the squad to step up and fill those gaps and become key members of the next version of Bath Rugby.
At the time of writing we await any midweek availability updates from Johann van Graan but the likes of Jaco Coetzee, Vilikesa Sela and Will Muir have not seen any action over pre-season and seem unlikely to be involved for this one given other options available in their positions. Louis Hennessey pulled up lame against Bedford so his status is questionable while Jamie Bhatti appears to have suffered a broken arm shortly after coming on against Glasgow leaving Bath looking thin at loosehead for the opening block of fixtures. The door now opens for Scott Kirk who becomes a key part of the match day 23 for the foreseeable. Henry Arundell didn’t feature up in Scotland but there has been no indication of a problem so fingers crossed it was a scheduled night off.
Of the key selection decisions the back row is, as ever, the toughest to call week to week. Given the expectation that Quins will want to play at pace and may lack the grunt of other opposition, van Graan may look to counter that with a more mobile pack than usual. Ted Hill’s deployment in the second row against Glasgow therefore could have been a dress rehearsal for the trip to London. Reading further into the pre-season tea leaves it looks like Bernard van der Linde and Santi Carreras may be favoured in their respective positions as well. Up front Will Stuart’s return is a mighty boost to Bath’s prospects but there’s a case to be cautious after such a big injury and to make sure he has fuel in the tank to maximise his impact over the season.
A tough test awaits van Graan and co but targetable away wins are rare in this league and this is the sort of fixture playoff and title hopefuls will want to come away with the points.
Welcome back. And let’s go.
Possible teams:
Quins: Hobson, Walker, Delgado, Dun, Petti, Kenningham, Evans, Cunningham-South, Porter, Smith, Murley, Bradley, Beard, Isgro, Green
Riley, Baxter, Johnson-Holmes, Treadwell, Carr, Friday, Lang, Northmore
Bath: Obano, Dunn, Griffin, Hill, Ewels, Bayliss, Pepper, Reid, van der Linde, Russell, Arundell, Ojomoh, Lawrence, Cokanasiga, Carreras
Tuipulotu, Kirk, Stuart, Roux, Underhill, Carr-Smith, Redpath, du Preez
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Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 21/09/2026 09:41
21/09/2026 09:41
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:02:17:36:29 by CoochieCoo.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2026:10:02:17:36:29 by CoochieCoo.
I stand to be corrected by more knowledgeable posters, but my understanding was that any players who made recent appearances for Argentina (and SA, NZ and Australia) aren’t eligible to play in these early games?
AFAIK, all of the Prem fixtures are on HBO/TNT, however if I go into the app on my phone in the Upcoming the first Bath game i can see is Bath-Exter, hopefully it will appear!!
Really well written and interesting.......topped off with a great title!
It is hard to argue with your selection other than the point raised by CBW. Therefore Russell and Carreras replaced by Donoghue and de Glanville
It is hard to argue with your selection other than the point raised by CBW. Therefore Russell and Carreras replaced by Donoghue and de Glanville
Quote:CBW
I stand to be corrected by more knowledgeable posters, but my understanding was that any players who made recent appearances for Argentina (and SA, NZ and Australia) aren’t eligible to play in these early games?
That was my understanding as wellto be honest until Carreras was picked for Glasgow. I know friendlies are treated differently but it seems odd for him to play there to then be stood down for upcoming comptitive games so have made an assumption he's available this week. Same for Petti on their side
Russell I understand is available but await confirmation either way
It's great to be back! Thanks TRS for teeing it up so well.
Given their bizarre lack of signings upfront, I actually think this is a game to back the forwards in. Yes, we'll be missing Spencer's best-in-class kicking game, but we have some able deputies in Finn, BvdL and Mojo. I know we are hoping for a more expansive game this year with our new attack coach in tow, but it just seems like an obvious approach for this one. Starve their lively backline of the ball as much as we can by trying to assert dominance at set piece time. Even without Barbs and TdT, we still look like we have the edge here.
Dombrandt's injury isn't new but his absence feels massive. Sure CCS will have a thing or two to say about that but Quins' had probably the most confusing transfer strategy of the summer, given the lack of replacement for Dombrandt and also Launchbury and significant cap used up in a position they appear to be very well stocked in. Baxter still not been seen much either, so - for this week at least - go with the approach that has served us so well in recent years.
Bath by 10. COYB
Given their bizarre lack of signings upfront, I actually think this is a game to back the forwards in. Yes, we'll be missing Spencer's best-in-class kicking game, but we have some able deputies in Finn, BvdL and Mojo. I know we are hoping for a more expansive game this year with our new attack coach in tow, but it just seems like an obvious approach for this one. Starve their lively backline of the ball as much as we can by trying to assert dominance at set piece time. Even without Barbs and TdT, we still look like we have the edge here.
Dombrandt's injury isn't new but his absence feels massive. Sure CCS will have a thing or two to say about that but Quins' had probably the most confusing transfer strategy of the summer, given the lack of replacement for Dombrandt and also Launchbury and significant cap used up in a position they appear to be very well stocked in. Baxter still not been seen much either, so - for this week at least - go with the approach that has served us so well in recent years.
Bath by 10. COYB
I agree with barfboy that this feels like a game to win upfront. Quins and Marcus do have the ability to run hot, especially in front of a Friday night crowd desperate for a better season, so taking nothing for granted, but we should win if we focus on our strengths from the past couple of seasons.
Having said that, I hope we do see a little of the evolution that hopefully Prendergast is going to bring. Especially without TDT, I don't think we'll win a trophy if we go into our shells as much as we did at certain points last season, and so despite Friday being an obvious game to just "go to our strengths" and grind out a win, I'd like to see us set out the template for the season and then test it under pressure. I'd still take a boring win over an entertaining loss, but I think we have to evolve to stay in the top 2 this year, and so I'm keen to see what JVG 2.0 looks like.
An evolution doesn't have to be hugely different. We'll box kick. We'll mostly kick out of our half. We'll pick and go to grind down defences. But in their 22 especially, I'd like to see us go wider a bit more, a bit earlier, and combine the bludgeon with the guile. We'll miss BS- he is our heartbeat- but as we turn over a page and start what feels like a defining chapter of the JVG era, it'll be really interesting to see what we look like if Finn and Mojo and Ollie get more quicker ball off of BVDL. Exciting!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
Having said that, I hope we do see a little of the evolution that hopefully Prendergast is going to bring. Especially without TDT, I don't think we'll win a trophy if we go into our shells as much as we did at certain points last season, and so despite Friday being an obvious game to just "go to our strengths" and grind out a win, I'd like to see us set out the template for the season and then test it under pressure. I'd still take a boring win over an entertaining loss, but I think we have to evolve to stay in the top 2 this year, and so I'm keen to see what JVG 2.0 looks like.
An evolution doesn't have to be hugely different. We'll box kick. We'll mostly kick out of our half. We'll pick and go to grind down defences. But in their 22 especially, I'd like to see us go wider a bit more, a bit earlier, and combine the bludgeon with the guile. We'll miss BS- he is our heartbeat- but as we turn over a page and start what feels like a defining chapter of the JVG era, it'll be really interesting to see what we look like if Finn and Mojo and Ollie get more quicker ball off of BVDL. Exciting!
2024/25 adoptee: Guy Pepper
This game will give us an idea where we stand for this season, can’t be viewed as a must win but a loss will be a blow to our ambitions.
With the loss of power up front we might well see more adventurous tactics from Bath.
Reckon it will be a very entertaining game.
With the loss of power up front we might well see more adventurous tactics from Bath.
Reckon it will be a very entertaining game.
Quote:OutsideBath
This game will give us an idea where we stand for this season, can’t be viewed as a must win but a loss will be a blow to our ambitions.
With the loss of power up front we might well see more adventurous tactics from Bath.
Reckon it will be a very entertaining game.
Agree on all three points.
I think it's a given that all home games are 'must wins'.
Which of the away games are must win, depends on your ambition I guess.
I'd divide the away games into three groups:
Win for top 4: Quins, Glaws, Newcastle
Win for top 2: Bristol, Sale, Sarries
Can lose: Saints, Exeter, Tigers
I know seasons vary, but typically 6 losses will still get you top 4.
3/4/5 losses normally good enough for top 2.
I’ll be hugely disappointed if we don’t make full use of the attacking ability available to us this year - our back line really ought to be the envy of the Prem, and frankly, what Vesty and Dawson could do with Finn, Ollie, Max, Cam, Santi, Joe, Horse, Henry, TdG doesn’t bear thinking about. Tgere really should be no need whatsoever to identify any game as ‘stick it up your jumper’.
Its been said many many times before but the game is won by the front 5. There are signs that Mike Prengdergast is affecting our backplay positively but we need to get that confirmed. Let's face it Stuart, Kepu, Beno, Roux, Ewels is still a solid base but the depth simply isn't the same quality.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Talked myself in circles as usual on selection.
Think I would go:
Carreras
Big joe
Lawrence
Mojo
Arundell
Finn
Bvdl
Beno
Kepu
Stuart
Roux
Ewels
Bayliss
Pepper
Reid
Bench: dunn , kirk, griffin, richards, hill, tcs, redpath, underhill
Can't find any room for DPP but think jvg may start him.
Shame gyamfi and hennessey appear to be injured.
Tempting to play jeanes to see how he would go.
Gone for cam over donoguue based on having a problem if not if we lose a centre early. 6:2- always has a few challenges in the backs.
Think I would go:
Carreras
Big joe
Lawrence
Mojo
Arundell
Finn
Bvdl
Beno
Kepu
Stuart
Roux
Ewels
Bayliss
Pepper
Reid
Bench: dunn , kirk, griffin, richards, hill, tcs, redpath, underhill
Can't find any room for DPP but think jvg may start him.
Shame gyamfi and hennessey appear to be injured.
Tempting to play jeanes to see how he would go.
Gone for cam over donoguue based on having a problem if not if we lose a centre early. 6:2- always has a few challenges in the backs.
My team but probably not JVGs.....
Carreras
Cokanasiga
Ojomoh
Redpath
Arundell
Russell
Van der Linde
Obano
Frost
Stuart
Ewels
Hill
Pepper
Underhill
Reid
Tuipolotu Kirk Sela Jeanes Bayliss TCS Lawrence Du Preez
Would pick Hennessey at 13 outside Ojomoh if he was fit.
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.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:22:06:05:31 by copester.
Carreras
Cokanasiga
Ojomoh
Redpath
Arundell
Russell
Van der Linde
Obano
Frost
Stuart
Ewels
Hill
Pepper
Underhill
Reid
Tuipolotu Kirk Sela Jeanes Bayliss TCS Lawrence Du Preez
Would pick Hennessey at 13 outside Ojomoh if he was fit.
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.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:22:06:05:31 by copester.
Quote:Optimist
I’ll be hugely disappointed if we don’t make full use of the attacking ability available to us this year - our back line really ought to be the envy of the Prem, and frankly, what Vesty and Dawson could do with Finn, Ollie, Max, Cam, Santi, Joe, Horse, Henry, TdG doesn’t bear thinking about. There really should be no need whatsoever to identify any game as ‘stick it up your jumper’.
The one huge encouragement for me from the Glasgow game was the swift hands out wide after just 3 phases of pick and dive 1 metre from their line
Just how different could last season have been with some of that instead of the endless dirge of pick n die ad nauseum?
Let’s hope so Gaz. Look forward to hearing your reports from the ground - enjoy your evening.
Quote:gaz59Quote:Optimist
I’ll be hugely disappointed if we don’t make full use of the attacking ability available to us this year - our back line really ought to be the envy of the Prem, and frankly, what Vesty and Dawson could do with Finn, Ollie, Max, Cam, Santi, Joe, Horse, Henry, TdG doesn’t bear thinking about. There really should be no need whatsoever to identify any game as ‘stick it up your jumper’.
The one huge encouragement for me from the Glasgow game was the swift hands out wide after just 3 phases of pick and dive 1 metre from their line
Just how different could last season have been with some of that instead of the endless dirge of pick n die ad nauseum?
If you thought that was bad, you obviously are not long enough in the tooth to remember the John Connolly era where the backs needn't have bothered to be on the field, as it was pick 'n go from the first to the final whistle. It was truly the dullest period of rugby that I have ever witnessed. In comparison, recent years have been free flowing with chuck it all about rugby, but to be serious, I get your point.
Quote:gaz59
The one huge encouragement for me from the Glasgow game was the swift hands out wide after just 3 phases of pick and dive 1 metre from their line
Just how different could last season have been with some of that instead of the endless dirge of pick n die ad nauseum?
It worked, TDT scored about 10 tries a year from it. Unfortuntely we don't have another TDT, maybe Will Stuart can step up in his absence.
I don't think that we can read too much into a pre-season run out without any jeopardy - its not a difficult decision to spread it more than you would in a Prem semi (when they obviously should have).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:gaz59
The one huge encouragement for me from the Glasgow game was the swift hands out wide after just 3 phases of pick and dive 1 metre from their line
Just how different could last season have been with some of that instead of the endless dirge of pick n die ad nauseum?
It worked, TDT scored about 10 tries a year from it. Unfortuntely we don't have another TDT, maybe Will Stuart can step up in his absence.
.
Yep it worked except when it didn't and when it didn't it really really didn't
Quote:bathwickboyQuote:gaz59Quote:Optimist
I’ll be hugely disappointed if we don’t make full use of the attacking ability available to us this year - our back line really ought to be the envy of the Prem, and frankly, what Vesty and Dawson could do with Finn, Ollie, Max, Cam, Santi, Joe, Horse, Henry, TdG doesn’t bear thinking about. There really should be no need whatsoever to identify any game as ‘stick it up your jumper’.
The one huge encouragement for me from the Glasgow game was the swift hands out wide after just 3 phases of pick and dive 1 metre from their line
Just how different could last season have been with
some of that instead of the endless dirge of pick n die ad nauseum?
If you thought that was bad, you obviously are not long enough in the tooth to remember the John Connolly era where the backs needn't have bothered to be on the field, as it was pick 'n go from the first to the final whistle. It was truly the dullest period of rugby that I have ever
witnessed. In comparison, recent years have been free flowing with chuck it all about rugby, but to be serious, I get your point.
Oh I go back way before Connolly tho still have flashbacks from the Leeds final. My BBW journey started with the legendary meeting lead by JR, Tom Hudson and Dave Robson
Can confirm Connolly era was indeed dull but nearly (somewhat miraculously) successful. However, our squad is a teeny bit better than the one cobbled together in 2003.
Not quite Red Bulls numbers and no excuse, but there was something like 15 players signed in that summer, along with a whole new coaching team...Presumably we only had time to devise one way to play!
Think our game will be a lot more expansive this year and our shortfalls worked on over the summer. Still think you should play what's in front of you though. If there's a mismatch in the forwards vs Quins, we should base our game plan around that.
Not quite Red Bulls numbers and no excuse, but there was something like 15 players signed in that summer, along with a whole new coaching team...Presumably we only had time to devise one way to play!
Think our game will be a lot more expansive this year and our shortfalls worked on over the summer. Still think you should play what's in front of you though. If there's a mismatch in the forwards vs Quins, we should base our game plan around that.
In hindsight I think the most memorable and signficant thing about the 2003 team was the playing shirt
Quote:BathRob
Didn’t we finish top that season!?
Yep. Not a vintage squad though and the shirt was that good
I don't know, I think there's some great players there, a selection from our final squad :
Catt, Fleck, Tindall, Wood, Barnes, Humphreys, Bell, Borthwick, Grewcock, Beattie, Lipman, Fea'unati.
Mears, Stevens, Barkley.
Lot of happy memories about those names.
Catt, Fleck, Tindall, Wood, Barnes, Humphreys, Bell, Borthwick, Grewcock, Beattie, Lipman, Fea'unati.
Mears, Stevens, Barkley.
Lot of happy memories about those names.
10 Catt 12 Tindall 13 Fleck was great fun. Wood was also a fabulous 9.
Didn't Catty's hamstrings give out that season and he played the final (at 15 for some reason I think) practically at walking pace?
Didn't Catty's hamstrings give out that season and he played the final (at 15 for some reason I think) practically at walking pace?
Quote:dr.bath1865
10 Catt 12 Tindall 13 Fleck was great fun. Wood was also a fabulous 9.
Didn't Catty's hamstrings give out that season and he played the final (at 15 for some reason I think) practically at walking pace?
The whole backline played at a walking pace in the final with Molly at 10. Catty was not trusted, offered a game-by-game contract and promptly left to captain London Irish and subsequently England.
Connolly and Foley did a lot to rescue the club but their vision was definitely lacking.
Yeah, Molly was good for a last minute drop goal but little else. Loved getting charged down as my God he was ponderous.
Had some great players but it wasn't pretty as previously alluded to. 2003 RWC Winner/2007 RWC runner-up and 05/06 Prem Player of the Year, Mike Catt could probably have helped with that but was deemed surplus to requirements in '04.
Some of our retention decisions in that period left much to be desired.
Had some great players but it wasn't pretty as previously alluded to. 2003 RWC Winner/2007 RWC runner-up and 05/06 Prem Player of the Year, Mike Catt could probably have helped with that but was deemed surplus to requirements in '04.
Some of our retention decisions in that period left much to be desired.
Quote:OutsideBath
Karl Dickson ref
He was the ref for the fixture last year as well. Would we take the same score 31-47?
Catty was an odd one, because it sure as hell didn't seem a terrible outcome for him to go or be let go (can't really remember) because he was always injured those last couple of seasons - then proceeded to play until he was 40-odd for LI.
Quote:BenisjamminQuote:OutsideBath
Karl Dickson ref
He was the ref for the fixture last year as well. Would we take the same score 31-47?
The last game he reffed was Sat 12th Sep 2026 Springboks vs ABs.
I'm not normally a fan of people reffing their old teams but Karl Dickson has really come on over the last few years and is clearly regarded - amongst his peers at least - as one of the best in the world now (who gets the best gigs).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Yep I don't mind Dickson. I think he's reasonably sympathetic, and has over time developed a communication style with the players and his comms team which makes for a pretty good game. As Matt says, he's not getting given SA v NZ by chance.
Thinking about it, I'm pleased with most refs nowadays. We seem to have a very experienced crop now in the PREM, whereas a few years ago there were a lot of new kids on the block... plus Wayne. Now, all of those kids- Dickson, Ridley, Woodthorp, Cox, Leal, Maxwell-Keyes- are very good refs and the older crop- Tempest, Foley, Pearce- are really strong also, either in the middle or in the truck.
Overall, I find myself moaning much less about the quality of reffing nowadays (but maybe that's because we're a top 4 side also!).
Thinking about it, I'm pleased with most refs nowadays. We seem to have a very experienced crop now in the PREM, whereas a few years ago there were a lot of new kids on the block... plus Wayne. Now, all of those kids- Dickson, Ridley, Woodthorp, Cox, Leal, Maxwell-Keyes- are very good refs and the older crop- Tempest, Foley, Pearce- are really strong also, either in the middle or in the truck.
Overall, I find myself moaning much less about the quality of reffing nowadays (but maybe that's because we're a top 4 side also!).
When you’re getting steamrollered every game it was easy to get angry about ref decisions. You’re right that in the last three years or so it’s been easier to shrug at “odd” decisions.
I’d take a repeat of last years score, I’d love to see the back line fire and really put them to the sword!
I’d take a repeat of last years score, I’d love to see the back line fire and really put them to the sword!
My big problem with reffing is the inconsistency, not in the big decisions, but the 100 little ones that actually dictate the match. The difference in how they ref the down always suits one team or the other, it will be different each week and the side it suits usually wins.
Quote:Barfboy
Yeah, Molly was good for a last minute drop goal but little else.
Even managed to balls that up in the final v Llanelli in Cardiff if my scarred memory is any good
Quote:theredseatQuote:BathRob
Didn’t we finish top that season!?
Yep. Not a vintage squad though and the shirt was that good
Actually we did play some pretty good stuff at times in that season with the ex Brizzle boys like Lee Best
Baxter out. Furbank out. Lang out. Smith doubtful
Quins are talking about a pair of of options at 10 I’ve honestly never heard of. [www.rugbypass.com]
Quins are talking about a pair of of options at 10 I’ve honestly never heard of. [www.rugbypass.com]
Quote:theredseat
Baxter out. Furbank out. Lang out. Smith doubtful
Quins are talking about a pair of of options at 10 I’ve honestly never heard of. [www.rugbypass.com]
Josh Bellamy is usually a 15. I thought you were going to mention James Beverley a fly half (ex Bath) but Connor Slaivin is new to me.
Quote:theredseat
Baxter out. Furbank out. Lang out. Smith doubtful
Quins are talking about a pair of of options at 10 I’ve honestly never heard of. [www.rugbypass.com]
Could well be mind games by their coach in regard to Smith, wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him playing.
Connor Slavin was on loan with Richmond in National League 1 last season so interested to see how he steps up a couple of leagues.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:24:10:50:27 by BathMatt53.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:24:10:50:27 by BathMatt53.
Quote:BathMatt53
Skaving was on loan with Richmond in National League 1 last season so interested to see how he steps up a couple of leagues.
If Connor Slavin is at Richmond then I'm very surprised, he must be very good to get ahead of James Beverley who is a genuine 10 and also at Richmond!
duplicate post
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:24:10:50:10 by BathMatt53.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:24:10:50:10 by BathMatt53.
Team is Up:
Obano
Frost
Stuart
Hill
Ewels
Baylis
Underhill
du Preez
TCS
Finn
TdG
Max O
Ollie L
Jo Co
Santi
Kepu, Kirk Griffin, Richards, Pepper, Vd Linde, Redpath, Reid
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:24:12:04:23 by Dorset Boy.
Obano
Frost
Stuart
Hill
Ewels
Baylis
Underhill
du Preez
TCS
Finn
TdG
Max O
Ollie L
Jo Co
Santi
Kepu, Kirk Griffin, Richards, Pepper, Vd Linde, Redpath, Reid
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:24:12:04:23 by Dorset Boy.
Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Dan Frost, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Ted Hill, 5 Charlie Ewels (c), 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Dan du Preez (debut), 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Tom de Glanville, 12 Max Ojomoh, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Santi Carreras
Replacements: 16 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 17 Scott Kirk, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Ewan Richards, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Bernard van der Linde, 22 Cameron Redpath, 23 Miles Reid
Harlequins: 15. Tyrone Green (105), 14. Cameron Anderson (36), 13. Oscar Beard (86), 12. Bryn Bradley (36), 11. Cadan Murley (C) (151), 10. Connor Slevin (16), 9. Will Porter (60), 1. Will Hobson (40), 2. Jack Walker (110), 3. Pedro Delgado (19), 4. James Dun (1), 5. Harry Browne (17), 6. Jack Kenningham (99), 7. Will Evans (134), 8. Chandler Cunningham-South (50)
Replacements: 16. Sam Riley (83), 17. Boris Wenger (12), 18. Harry Johnson-Holmes (1), 19. Kieran Treadwell (29), 20. Guido Petti Pagadizábal (17), 21. Lucas Friday (19), 22. Josh Bellamy (8), 23. Rodrigo Isgró (25)
No Smith is the headline but questions around Arundell for us now
Replacements: 16 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 17 Scott Kirk, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Ewan Richards, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Bernard van der Linde, 22 Cameron Redpath, 23 Miles Reid
Harlequins: 15. Tyrone Green (105), 14. Cameron Anderson (36), 13. Oscar Beard (86), 12. Bryn Bradley (36), 11. Cadan Murley (C) (151), 10. Connor Slevin (16), 9. Will Porter (60), 1. Will Hobson (40), 2. Jack Walker (110), 3. Pedro Delgado (19), 4. James Dun (1), 5. Harry Browne (17), 6. Jack Kenningham (99), 7. Will Evans (134), 8. Chandler Cunningham-South (50)
Replacements: 16. Sam Riley (83), 17. Boris Wenger (12), 18. Harry Johnson-Holmes (1), 19. Kieran Treadwell (29), 20. Guido Petti Pagadizábal (17), 21. Lucas Friday (19), 22. Josh Bellamy (8), 23. Rodrigo Isgró (25)
No Smith is the headline but questions around Arundell for us now
Quote:tigersimon
No Dunn, Roux or Sela?
Wonder if this is part of moving Roux into more of a support role. Sela hasn't played all pre-season. Dunn no idea.
COYB! Good team.
Dunn surely filtering out whilst Kepu plays an ever increasing role?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Dunn surely filtering out whilst Kepu plays an ever increasing role?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
No Henry Arundell after pre-season inclusion, injury?
A strong team given injuries to a few expected first teamers, we should certainly be aiming for the full 5 points.
A strong team given injuries to a few expected first teamers, we should certainly be aiming for the full 5 points.
Not having bought this year's kit I am in a quandary about which shirt to wear to Stoop
It's usually my retro BBW T shirt and may still make it onto the train, but might go for a fairly recent White/Dyson [not sure of year] as that is mainly our away colour or my 2024/25 home kit to invoke the Gods of Success
Got a few others to consider but that seems my dilemma. Any thoughts?
It's usually my retro BBW T shirt and may still make it onto the train, but might go for a fairly recent White/Dyson [not sure of year] as that is mainly our away colour or my 2024/25 home kit to invoke the Gods of Success
Got a few others to consider but that seems my dilemma. Any thoughts?
Quote:dcsh
No Henry Arundell after pre-season inclusion, injury?
A strong team given injuries to a few expected first teamers, we should certainly be aiming for the full 5 points.
The boss says back injury on Somerset Live. Also says Coetzee is fit and no mention of Roux or Dunn so assume those aren't injury decisions.
Sela and Hennessey both foot injuries and out for 'a bit of time' whatever that means.
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
I am puzzled....
No Muir
No Arundell
No Dunn
No Roux
No Molony
No Sela
No Coetzee
No Donoghue (I guess I understand this a bit)
No Green
Obviously No Ben Spencer
I guess just too many players!!!
No Muir
No Arundell
No Dunn
No Roux
No Molony
No Sela
No Coetzee
No Donoghue (I guess I understand this a bit)
No Green
Obviously No Ben Spencer
I guess just too many players!!!
Exeter, Saints and Montpellier in the next 3 weeks so they are definitely going to need their whole squad and I'm sure that everyone fit will get game time.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Yes well I have no doubt that JVG and the coaching team have planned the first ten games.....subject to availability
Quote:BathMatt53
COYB! Good team.
Dunn surely filtering out whilst Kepu plays an ever increasing role?
Feels like a potential changing of the guard yep.... frost/ kepu and no dunn.
Richards in 23 ahead of roux / malony who i assume are available.
I really do feel our front 5 needs a shake up.
As you say later in thread all those guys will get used over the next month no doubt.
Good looking and strong team put out by us. I really feel for Quins, the injury bug has struck them again. I’m struggling to recognise a LOT of those players and I consider myself fairly up to date with most squads.
They could trouble us in the back row, but you’d fancy us to pull away to the win as the game progresses. No chickens counted though!
They could trouble us in the back row, but you’d fancy us to pull away to the win as the game progresses. No chickens counted though!
Quote:BathRob
Good looking and strong team put out by us. I really feel for Quins, the injury bug has struck them again. I’m struggling to recognise a LOT of those players and I consider myself fairly up to date with most squads.
They could trouble us in the back row, but you’d fancy us to pull away to the win as the game progresses. No chickens counted though!
Yep, they are strong at 6.7, 8 and 9 but also some quality fast running backs. Reckon it could be a high scoring match and surely we have a critical edge in most positions to get a 5 pointer?
Three of those you name BSJ are injured - Muir, Arundell, Sela.
Coetzee fit but only just back from a long layoff.
Others I suspect will be called on in next 3 weeks.
PG
Coetzee fit but only just back from a long layoff.
Others I suspect will be called on in next 3 weeks.
PG
That's an incredibly fast and mobile second row, Hill , Richards, Ewels also Josh Bayliss in the back row. I wonder if there its a game plan to exploit it?
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
Great team, shame we have many injuries with Arundell, Hennessy and Sela and others.
Hill starting and Richards on the bench over Roux and Maloney. Very interesting, I like the mix of youth and experience on the bench.
TDG on the wing, with Carreras at full back is also interesting, looking forward to that experiment.
Hill starting and Richards on the bench over Roux and Maloney. Very interesting, I like the mix of youth and experience on the bench.
TDG on the wing, with Carreras at full back is also interesting, looking forward to that experiment.
Quote:gaz59
Not having bought this year's kit I am in a quandary about which shirt to wear to Stoop
It's usually my retro BBW T shirt and may still make it onto the train, but might go for a fairly recent White/Dyson [not sure of year] as that is mainly our away colour or my 2024/25 home kit to invoke the Gods of Success
Got a few others to consider but that seems my dilemma. Any thoughts?
Wear the retro Gaz - as it’s featured in some of the Prem marketing recently you’re more likely to get buttonholed for some TV interview.
I am getting a worrying feeling about this season. Injuries are piling up and it seems that our luck is running out in that regard. I did think that last season we needed to win something again because this season would be far more difficult. I do hope I am improved wrong but we need to get off on the right foot against Harlequins who have no doubt got a lot of new players so it will be difficult.
Don’t think your Injury list is any better or any worse than other Prem teams?
Main 23 players out: Henry Arundell, Jamie Bhatti, Billy Sela, Louie Hennessey, Ben Spencer, Will Muir
Arundell sounds short term
Bhatti is obviously a massive blow and puts a lot of pressure on Kirk
Sela & Hennessey medium term but you still have Stuart & Griffin and 3 international centres.
Spencer & Muir on way back from Surgery.
Bristol for example are without Staddon, Heward, Thacker, Mata, Moroni, Ravouvou, Lahiff, Clarke
Main 23 players out: Henry Arundell, Jamie Bhatti, Billy Sela, Louie Hennessey, Ben Spencer, Will Muir
Arundell sounds short term
Bhatti is obviously a massive blow and puts a lot of pressure on Kirk
Sela & Hennessey medium term but you still have Stuart & Griffin and 3 international centres.
Spencer & Muir on way back from Surgery.
Bristol for example are without Staddon, Heward, Thacker, Mata, Moroni, Ravouvou, Lahiff, Clarke
Quote:Bath Hammer
I am getting a worrying feeling about this season. Injuries are piling up and it seems that our luck is running out in that regard. I did think that last season we needed to win something again because this season would be far more difficult. I do hope I am improved wrong but we need to get off on the right foot against Harlequins who have no doubt got a lot of new players so it will be difficult.
I certainly thiink the last 2 seasons were our best chances for silverware.
Saying that i dint see many stronger squads than us on paper- think the key is evolving our game given the balance of the squad now and a new coach coming in.
Quote:Bath Hammer
against Harlequins who have no doubt got a lot of new players so it will be difficult.
There are 2:
4. James Dun (1)
18. Harry Johnson-Holmes (1)
Interestingly James Dun was born in Bath and wasn't first choice at Bristol having been on loan at Hartpury early in his career then Jersey for the 22-23 season. Harry Johnson-Holmes has come over from Australia.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Really think it should be max points tonight. Not complacent but Quins' depth isn't great, their best player is on the bench* and the four of their other five best are injured. Opportunities like that need to be taken
*don't see this as comparable to us using du Toit off the bench at all
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:25:08:45:43 by theredseat.
*don't see this as comparable to us using du Toit off the bench at all
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:25:08:45:43 by theredseat.
Dry track, would love to see some of Prendergasts influence. Quins' tight 5 looks weak though so no issue with a bit of pragmatism.
Set the tone for the season lads!
Set the tone for the season lads!
Quote:A.M 180
Dry track, would love to see some of Prendergasts influence. Quins' tight 5 looks weak though so no issue with a bit of pragmatism.
Set the tone for the season lads!
Completely agree with 'set the tone' but we are sort of guessing at Mike Prendergast's influence, tonight is a bit of a showcase for him.
Really like the team, especially the back 5 of the scrum. Lovely balance to the starting backrow and Richards, Pepper, Reid from the bench is v exciting. Never mind seeing TDG on the wing- he's quick enough and is such a smart player. Interesting that TCS gets the nod to start over BVDL- good to see faith in him and hopefully BVDL gets 30 minutes to up the tempo and make a break or two.
Agree with Charlie that I'd really like i) 5 points but ii) also see how our game has moved on. We SHOULD have parity at least up front and good quality front foot ball, so we then SHOULD be able to put our new plans into action.
I think we're flying a little under the radar this season, with lots of pundits thinking TDT's (and Alfie's) departure means we're vastly underpowered. I think that's true IF we play the same way as last year. But evolving our game is the key to both offsetting TDT's loss and allowing Finn to get even more from Mojo, Ollie, JCok, Santi etc. I think if we can do that, we could be more dangerous than ever.
Agree with Charlie that I'd really like i) 5 points but ii) also see how our game has moved on. We SHOULD have parity at least up front and good quality front foot ball, so we then SHOULD be able to put our new plans into action.
I think we're flying a little under the radar this season, with lots of pundits thinking TDT's (and Alfie's) departure means we're vastly underpowered. I think that's true IF we play the same way as last year. But evolving our game is the key to both offsetting TDT's loss and allowing Finn to get even more from Mojo, Ollie, JCok, Santi etc. I think if we can do that, we could be more dangerous than ever.
So much of your season IMHO depends on how the re-linking of Prendergast & Finn works out. The timing of the loss of LB as much discussed had a massive impact on you last season!
TDT obviously world class and a massive loss but you have a B&I Lion back!
The offset to losing Alfie is hopefully a fit DDP & Jaco.
How you manage early season without Ben will be interesting! Still think England should have let him have the op earlier in the Summer!
Can Lawrence rediscover his form?, can Finn & Santi together shine?
TDT obviously world class and a massive loss but you have a B&I Lion back!
The offset to losing Alfie is hopefully a fit DDP & Jaco.
How you manage early season without Ben will be interesting! Still think England should have let him have the op earlier in the Summer!
Can Lawrence rediscover his form?, can Finn & Santi together shine?
Quote:
‘I got married in France at the back end of August, an hour or so north of Bordeaux. We spent a couple of days there. Anthony Watson, Marcus Smith, Cam Redpath and Joe Cokanasiga were groomsmen
Is a groomsman a groom?
Quote:WoodpeckerQuote:
‘I got married in France at the back end of August, an hour or so north of Bordeaux. We spent a couple of days there. Anthony Watson, Marcus Smith, Cam Redpath and Joe Cokanasiga were groomsmen
Is a groomsman a groom?
Isn't the groom the one getting married? In this case Ollie.
I think a groomsman is the equivalent of a bridesmaid.
Quote:BenisjamminQuote:WoodpeckerQuote:
‘I got married in France at the back end of August, an hour or so north of Bordeaux. We spent a couple of days there. Anthony Watson, Marcus Smith, Cam Redpath and Joe Cokanasiga were groomsmen
Is a groomsman a groom?
Isn't the groom the one getting married? In this case Ollie.
I think a groomsman is the equivalent of a bridesmaid.
Of course it is in my day we called them Ushers I assume an Americanisation
Quote:Woodpecker
Of course it is in my day we called them Ushers I assume an Americanisation
Ushers were really just responsible for ushering and handing out orders of services (logistics) whereas groomsmen have more responsibilities so are more akin to bridesmaids. I also think that ushers sit down and groomsmen go up front with the groom at the start of the service? You can have both if you have lots of friends!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:tigersimon
Don’t think your Injury list is any better or any worse than other Prem teams?
Main 23 players out: Henry Arundell, Jamie Bhatti, Billy Sela, Louie Hennessey, Ben Spencer, Will Muir
Arundell sounds short term
Bhatti is obviously a massive blow and puts a lot of pressure on Kirk
Sela & Hennessey medium term but you still have Stuart & Griffin and 3 international centres.
Spencer & Muir on way back from Surgery.
Bristol for example are without Staddon, Heward, Thacker, Mata, Moroni, Ravouvou, Lahiff, Clarke
Unusually Tigers have just published an Unavailable for selection, 15 players of which 6 could be considered 1st choice squad members.
4 Hookers and 4 who can play in the row!
Charlie Bemand, Jamie Blamire, Lewis Chessum, Ollie Chessum, Charlie Clare, Jack Doorey-Palmer, Emeka Ilione, Joe Jenkins, Joshua Manz, Harry Palmer, Elliott Stooke, Finn Theobald-Thomas, Charlie Titcombe, Archie van der Flier, Samuel Williams
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:A.M 180
Dry track, would love to see some of Prendergasts influence. Quins' tight 5 looks weak though so no issue with a bit of pragmatism.
Set the tone for the season lads!
Completely agree with 'set the tone' but we are sort of guessing at Mike Prendergast's influence, tonight is a bit of a showcase for him.
Not sure we can expect too much influence from Prendergast tonight as he’s only had pre season training and a few disjointed friendlies to work with. Might be mid season before we see real improvement from our backs, assuming Prendergast is the right man for the job.
When I got married a long time ago I had 4 ushers.......my son got married a couple of months ago and he had 6 groomsmen.
They are, as far as I can see, see identical, just the invidious creep of Americanisms into the English language.
I attended a wedding a little while ago with three Best Men........mental indecision making on behalf of the Groom.
They are, as far as I can see, see identical, just the invidious creep of Americanisms into the English language.
I attended a wedding a little while ago with three Best Men........mental indecision making on behalf of the Groom.
Really lovely article/interview with Ollie Lawrence.....very good mental approach
Apart from anything, it's a pretty hideous word - groomsman .... grooms man .... groom's man .... grooms' man .... groomer of man .... groomer ... man groomer - the more I say it, the more I hate it, and the more I hate everyone who voted for Donald Trump.
Just this week a friend of mine was horrified to see the use of fall not autumn, sneakers not trainers and pants not trousers and these were UK brands???!!!
Quote:Optimist
Apart from anything, it's a pretty hideous word - groomsman .... grooms man .... groom's man .... grooms' man .... groomer of man .... groomer ... man groomer - the more I say it, the more I hate it, and the more I hate everyone who voted for Donald Trump.
I completely agree!
So the first question to emerge from the first ten minutes…
What is going on with Max Ojomoh’s hair
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
What is going on with Max Ojomoh’s hair
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Defensive line is far too loose.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:Yes, no sign we've filled that chasm in our midfieldjoethefanatic
Defensive line is far too loose.
Have to say TCS not at his best
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Tyrone Green continuing his form for us which is good to see. Maybe they’ll start getting penalised for the late shots at some point. Either we switch off in the second half or we run away with it. Scrum a bit concerning. Lineout lottery continues into season 4?
Why are there so many gaps in our back line off set piece? Is it just Quins’ pace or do we have a man dropped back?
Quote:Rawce
Tyrone Green continuing his form for us which is good to see. Maybe they’ll start getting penalised for the late shots at some point. Either we switch off in the second half or we run away with it. Scrum a bit concerning. Lineout lottery continues into season 4?
To be fair there will also be some rustiness to knock off.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Scoreline is definitely papering over the cracks. Defence has been woeful. It really appeared that we had worked on it a lot during the pre-season games, very disappointing.
Quote:Rawce
Why are there so many gaps in our back line off set piece? Is it just Quins’ pace or do we have a man dropped back?
It did look in pre season games that we were trying to widen our defensive shape as we all know that we were far too narrow at times last season - but if so, that takes a lot more communication and practice to stop it separating.
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:Can’t help but think you’re missing something fundamental here BSJBath Supporter Jack
They are, as far as I can see, see identical, just the invidious creep of Americanisms into the English language.
Quins are taking their snipes and gaps very well. They must have assumed that they might not win an arm wrestle so play with pace instead. Let’s see if we can shut it down and turn the screw as well as keep the backs contributing in attack which to be fair we have.
Super Ted almost out Santi’d Santi at the end there!
Super Ted almost out Santi’d Santi at the end there!
Quote:A.M 180
Russell is making some vital tackles
Absolutely! 2 potential try saving tackles. Santi's try a thing to behold! Stuart looks strong. Ojo and Ollie looking good but a couple of players below par and we need to tighten the defence. Looking dangerous in the red zone.
Santi's try was other worldly. Absurd skill.
Quins lucky with their first due to the bounce.
Dun should have been penalised after the Santi try - cheap shot from a Brizzler.
Their waterboy was deliberately wandering round in front of a Finn conversion and then later got a ticking off for something else by Dickson. Be good to see him sent to the stands.
A decent first proper run out, but agree about the midfield gaps, but scramble defence is good.
Quins lucky with their first due to the bounce.
Dun should have been penalised after the Santi try - cheap shot from a Brizzler.
Their waterboy was deliberately wandering round in front of a Finn conversion and then later got a ticking off for something else by Dickson. Be good to see him sent to the stands.
A decent first proper run out, but agree about the midfield gaps, but scramble defence is good.
It is very rare when you see a piece of skill and think I may never see that again in rugby ..... Santi that was truly sensational.
Unless Tom Carr Smith was play acting he was clearly taken out head on head. It was brought to Dickson's attention but no further action taken.
First up tackling is well below required standards
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
defence is really really poor. we are letting them back in here when we should be putting the game out of reach
Blatantly forward from Quins in that attack
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quins luck runs out - there have been at least 2 other cheap shots that went unpunished
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Why are we playing sevens
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Blatantly time wasting at the scrum
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
looking like another 2nd half when we go off the boil, just like in our last competitive game
Constantly making basic errors
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Not seeing much difference with the same things that afflicted us last season.
Is it me or does our defence look more cohesive when Redpath is on?
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Russell mugging off three chasers is near Santi’s moment of the match for me.
How on earth is that a penalty to Quins?
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:Yep, he’s a better all rounder. Ollie on top form shades it as a difference maker, but he’s not back there just yet.Toast and Marmite
Is it me or does our defence look more cohesive when Redpath is on?
Quote:Rawce
Russell mugging off three chasers is near Santi’s moment of the match for me.
Let’s hope we see more magic from both of them-everyone will rightly focus on the try but Santi was so much more involved and effective in this game
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:25:21:37:28 by Toast and Marmite.
Just watched the match live - a rare pleasure for me. In a word "scratchy". Quins are not a good side and they were missing their stars and still we struggled to put them away. Principally through abject midfield defence and optional tackle completion. Doubtless it'll tighten up but its going to need to do so PDQ. Saints would have put a 100 on that effort. Good to see Will Stuart back and firing and I thought DDP looked the part at 8 on debut but...
My MotM - Santi. I've been watching rugby for 60 years and I thought I'd seen everything. Turns out I was wrong. For that moment of joy and wonder, Santi gets the nod.
A word for the ref. Evenhanded. I thought Dickson was excellent. Clear, concise and brief, if a touch idiosyncratic. As an earlier poster said "there's a reason he was the ref for the SA v NZ 4th test".
Its good to have proper sport back
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
My MotM - Santi. I've been watching rugby for 60 years and I thought I'd seen everything. Turns out I was wrong. For that moment of joy and wonder, Santi gets the nod.
A word for the ref. Evenhanded. I thought Dickson was excellent. Clear, concise and brief, if a touch idiosyncratic. As an earlier poster said "there's a reason he was the ref for the SA v NZ 4th test".
Its good to have proper sport back
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Thought Dickson was ok but he refs the game the way he would like it to be played rather than according to how everyone else refs it. Thought he missed quite a few decisions to create a high tempo game.
Too many half tackles, a few dropped passes at critical moments and a dreadful lineout stopped us putting 50+ on them.
TdG is not a winger, he carried ok but the play died with him every time.
Still lots to work on, but 5 points away from home, and nothing for Quins is an ok, but not fantastic start
TdG is not a winger, he carried ok but the play died with him every time.
Still lots to work on, but 5 points away from home, and nothing for Quins is an ok, but not fantastic start
2nd half felt like most of last season to be honest.
Positives - 5 points, Santi, Ollie Lawrence jackal threat once again
Positives - 5 points, Santi, Ollie Lawrence jackal threat once again
That was about the score I was expecting but tough watching us get to that point.
Line out horrendous again and one up tackling well below where it needs to be coupled with frequent big holes in midfield. Did improve defensively as it went on at least but was glad Smith wasn’t on the field at times.
Fortunate that was against a not very good and understrength Quins team. Lots to work on
Line out horrendous again and one up tackling well below where it needs to be coupled with frequent big holes in midfield. Did improve defensively as it went on at least but was glad Smith wasn’t on the field at times.
Fortunate that was against a not very good and understrength Quins team. Lots to work on
Not an easy fixture for the first game away. Harlequins were up for it. I felt the referee let them off for a few things.
But glad we got a bonus point, that was crucial. So happy to see younger players getting a chance, Kirk, Griffin, Tuipulotu and Richards coming on and scoring, that is so important for the future of the club.
Overall, a lot to work on, it was the first match though! Definitely satisfied.
But glad we got a bonus point, that was crucial. So happy to see younger players getting a chance, Kirk, Griffin, Tuipulotu and Richards coming on and scoring, that is so important for the future of the club.
Overall, a lot to work on, it was the first match though! Definitely satisfied.
Maybe someone who understands the lineout can explain why Bath’s is so substandard.
Delighted with the 5pt away win to start the season.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:25:22:11:53 by OutsideBath.
Delighted with the 5pt away win to start the season.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:25:22:11:53 by OutsideBath.
The knee to Santa’s hip by the Quins 4 after that try (albeit gentle ish) ticked me off more than it should have done
Quote:Omba
The knee to Santa’s hip by the Quins 4 after that try (albeit gentle ish) ticked me off more than it should have done
Rugby’s reluctance to do anything about cheap shots after a player has scored is pretty baffling. Start giving yellows and / or penalties at the restart and it will soon stop
5 points and cobwebs blown off. We’ve been dealt kind fixtures as away at any other team first up would’ve been less forgiving. We’ll get a better impression of our prospects v Exe, and I’d expect Dunn, Roux, Pepper, hopefully Arundell back. I’d like BVDL to start also.
Think we lacked pace. Arundell might’ve finished a few but Ollie and JCok looked full of energy. Santi had perhaps his best game for us, even discounting the Maradona touch of genius. Finn’s matador act in the 2nd half not far behind it in terms of class. What fun.
Thought the forwards were ok, especially Bayliss and DDP, who looked strong and fit, but lots of work ons and a few lads looked like they their lungs were still at Farleigh. Impressed by Kirk from the bench and so good to have Stuart back and looking strong.
Sam’s elbow aside, no injuries and a few lads to bolster us next week. Often remind myself how lucky we are to be in the JvG era where a really rather good away win feels not good enough. Onwards!
Think we lacked pace. Arundell might’ve finished a few but Ollie and JCok looked full of energy. Santi had perhaps his best game for us, even discounting the Maradona touch of genius. Finn’s matador act in the 2nd half not far behind it in terms of class. What fun.
Thought the forwards were ok, especially Bayliss and DDP, who looked strong and fit, but lots of work ons and a few lads looked like they their lungs were still at Farleigh. Impressed by Kirk from the bench and so good to have Stuart back and looking strong.
Sam’s elbow aside, no injuries and a few lads to bolster us next week. Often remind myself how lucky we are to be in the JvG era where a really rather good away win feels not good enough. Onwards!
Well, from my view around 22 I would disagree with the critics of our defence
Generally it looked cohesive, strong and often pushing quins back a lot of metres as they tried to go through phases
Any first tackles half missed were closed down quickly
Where we did struggle sometimes was exactly where quins were strong - out wide or from very broken field
Hence the baffling decision of Finn to hoof a high ball to the wing that led directly to Cunningham-South try that kept them in the game
Their first try was just a very lucky bounce from a poor lineout but Porter was quins a threat around the fringes and their replacement was a big step down
Generally it looked cohesive, strong and often pushing quins back a lot of metres as they tried to go through phases
Any first tackles half missed were closed down quickly
Where we did struggle sometimes was exactly where quins were strong - out wide or from very broken field
Hence the baffling decision of Finn to hoof a high ball to the wing that led directly to Cunningham-South try that kept them in the game
Their first try was just a very lucky bounce from a poor lineout but Porter was quins a threat around the fringes and their replacement was a big step down
Attack looked much more fluent and dangerous than last year. TdG is very good but Arundell would have at least 2 tonight from the space we created on the left wing
The start to second half was weird. Quins looked very deflated and then suddenly burst into life and for a while there was a sense that one more score could have energised them into an upset but we visibly regrouped and encouragingly got some composure back in our game
Our scrum was well on top throughout but crikey their 10 apart from one class act for the C-S try was very poor
Frost really has to sort out his lineout drill. 3 very poor throws gifted away good position but as with last season rolling maul was unstoppable
The start to second half was weird. Quins looked very deflated and then suddenly burst into life and for a while there was a sense that one more score could have energised them into an upset but we visibly regrouped and encouragingly got some composure back in our game
Our scrum was well on top throughout but crikey their 10 apart from one class act for the C-S try was very poor
Frost really has to sort out his lineout drill. 3 very poor throws gifted away good position but as with last season rolling maul was unstoppable
Times reporting Underhill has done his bicep and could be out for “months”
But no doubt the big critical moment was Santi's piece of magic and serious wheels
That should have been quins score to give them the lead and the game would have been very different
Quins fans around us were classless, bellowing at Dickson for something and calling Carerras a cheat
Overall it looked to me that Dickson had a good game. There were a few quin scrums that he could have pinged but no real complaints and a couple of what looked blatant offside in defence line but nothing that doesn't go unpenalised elsewhere. He could have penalised Dun for the knee on Carreras but that's the kind of thing rarely picked up. Have to say I like him and his communications with players is excellent
That should have been quins score to give them the lead and the game would have been very different
Quins fans around us were classless, bellowing at Dickson for something and calling Carerras a cheat
Overall it looked to me that Dickson had a good game. There were a few quin scrums that he could have pinged but no real complaints and a couple of what looked blatant offside in defence line but nothing that doesn't go unpenalised elsewhere. He could have penalised Dun for the knee on Carreras but that's the kind of thing rarely picked up. Have to say I like him and his communications with players is excellent
So, to conclude my thinking that was a pretty encouraging first Prem game. Some stuff to work on, line out obviously and some weird decisions when simpler options would have been far better and sure will have to tighten up defence out wide to beat likes of saints, chiefs and bristol
But attack is starting to look a whole lot more dangerous especially with Santi getting much more involved and with Arundell returning it could be a very exciting season
But attack is starting to look a whole lot more dangerous especially with Santi getting much more involved and with Arundell returning it could be a very exciting season
It wasnt perfect and we made things maybe more difficult than they needed to be.
But there was some real beauty in some of the attacking movements that wasnt so visible in the second half of last season. Clealry a lot more kicking to attack and generally better kicks.
And, boy, does Carreras have an X-factor. Hope we getbto see it expressed a bit more this season.
But there was some real beauty in some of the attacking movements that wasnt so visible in the second half of last season. Clealry a lot more kicking to attack and generally better kicks.
And, boy, does Carreras have an X-factor. Hope we getbto see it expressed a bit more this season.
Beno’s shot to the face is on par with what gave Beno 3 match bans in the last couple of seasons.
Pretty reasonable return for first game of the season. Defence needs to tighten up, but two of their tries came from freak bounces so you can’t blame the defence.
Santi was good, his best game for us by far. DdP also looked muscular. Special mention for Will Stuart, looked strong and carried well.
Couple of “unusual” interpretations from Dicko, he seemed determined to move the game at pace, which was nice, but didn’t do anything about the cheap shots, and I think you’d have a legitimate claim for a red for the head contact.
In all, take the 5 points and move on. The season is long, great that it’s back though!
Santi was good, his best game for us by far. DdP also looked muscular. Special mention for Will Stuart, looked strong and carried well.
Couple of “unusual” interpretations from Dicko, he seemed determined to move the game at pace, which was nice, but didn’t do anything about the cheap shots, and I think you’d have a legitimate claim for a red for the head contact.
In all, take the 5 points and move on. The season is long, great that it’s back though!
Thought Dickson was ok but the scrum penalty against Kirk late on was questionable for me. lots of room for improvement as others have mentioned. I thought Frost played well tbh, Lineout was a lottery for both sides.
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.
I am in the glass house full camp.
I will never take for granted being able to go to quins away, rarely get out of second gear, show lots of rustiness but still be able to come away with a relatively comfortable 5 point win.
Was always going to be numerous work on's but lots of postives aswell ( stuart straight back firing, bench front row dominant, DDP instant impact, finn quietly brilliant, santi with a big smile)
I will never take for granted being able to go to quins away, rarely get out of second gear, show lots of rustiness but still be able to come away with a relatively comfortable 5 point win.
Was always going to be numerous work on's but lots of postives aswell ( stuart straight back firing, bench front row dominant, DDP instant impact, finn quietly brilliant, santi with a big smile)
Result better than the performance. We will be better for that runout and will need to be for our next few fixtures.
Talking to the Quins fans around us last night at the ground, they are fearing a very long season.
Talking to the Quins fans around us last night at the ground, they are fearing a very long season.
Quins are a strange side, they had lots of first half possession but never looked dangerous when they had the ball against a structured defence and only came alive for their first two tries when the game broke down. They lack enough carriers to be dangerous except in broken play.
They had a bit more intensity just after half time but that fizzled relatively quickly and they should be worried that Griffin and Kirk had the upper hand ..... I was impressed by Kirk and hope he can continue to perform against stronger front rows.
They had a bit more intensity just after half time but that fizzled relatively quickly and they should be worried that Griffin and Kirk had the upper hand ..... I was impressed by Kirk and hope he can continue to perform against stronger front rows.
Quote:theredseatQuote:Omba
The knee to Santa’s hip by the Quins 4 after that try (albeit gentle ish) ticked me off more than it should have done
Rugby’s reluctance to do anything about cheap shots after a player has scored is pretty baffling. Start giving yellows and / or penalties at the restart and it will soon stop
Agree, head contact to TCS at the try also glossed over.
Quote:Never In Doubt
Quins are a strange side, they had lots of first half possession but never looked dangerous when they had the ball against a structured defence and only came alive for their first two tries when the game broke down. They lack enough carriers to be dangerous except in broken play.
They had a bit more intensity just after half time but that fizzled relatively quickly and they should be worried that Griffin and Kirk had the upper hand ..... I was impressed by Kirk and hope he can continue to perform against stronger front rows.
I felt like they had enough dangerous runners to cause damage but no real way of getting them into the game outside of more broken play. Probably to be expected with their only playmaker being a rookie 10 and a new attack coach though
Agree on exciting backs - but they lack powerful carriers to get over the gain line in the tight to give them the opportunity to get their runners into space against a defence on the back foot.
Most of the carries seem to come from CCS with no real support .... made it all too obvious and never really stretched us.
In all their first half possession, I didn't think our defence looked in real trouble except when a break in play wrong footed them. The beginning of the second half looked a bit different but that was when they brought a real short term intensity.
I thought their 10 did ok but lacked a platform.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:26:08:27:17 by Never In Doubt.
Most of the carries seem to come from CCS with no real support .... made it all too obvious and never really stretched us.
In all their first half possession, I didn't think our defence looked in real trouble except when a break in play wrong footed them. The beginning of the second half looked a bit different but that was when they brought a real short term intensity.
I thought their 10 did ok but lacked a platform.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:09:26:08:27:17 by Never In Doubt.
I was a bit concerned by TCS's pass, too many slow loopy and inaccurate passes for me. Tackling was odd, we seemed to get up to them fine then stand off, wait then when the tackle came fall of it!
they were all low tackles as well. Are we learning a new sort of defence, all a bit strange.
I'm afraid Ollie Lawrence has lost a yard following his injury. Griffin had a good game, scrummaging stronger and making good tackles, Kepu should start. Sam's out for a while.
Looking at the scrum playing Richards and Hill at second row didn't deposed our scrum though lineoutsj were a mystery. Overall it's an away win and I think we will see a few of these games this season as we adapt, thats all that matters.
That's the first game where I thought Santi was fully engaged, the volley and one handed grab was just special, like everyone else thoroughly enjoyed it, Kenningham and Evans were excellent at the break down and Porter looked better than I've seen him for a while.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
they were all low tackles as well. Are we learning a new sort of defence, all a bit strange.
I'm afraid Ollie Lawrence has lost a yard following his injury. Griffin had a good game, scrummaging stronger and making good tackles, Kepu should start. Sam's out for a while.
Looking at the scrum playing Richards and Hill at second row didn't deposed our scrum though lineoutsj were a mystery. Overall it's an away win and I think we will see a few of these games this season as we adapt, thats all that matters.
That's the first game where I thought Santi was fully engaged, the volley and one handed grab was just special, like everyone else thoroughly enjoyed it, Kenningham and Evans were excellent at the break down and Porter looked better than I've seen him for a while.
Quote:exbathballboy
That was Dun, former Bristol player, what do you expect...
I would not tar them all with the same brush, but he has previous against us.
PG
Quote:shipwrecked
Agree, head contact to TCS at the try also glossed over.
Not glossed over. Looked at and decided it was nothing more than a penalty and as the try came after the try stood and that was it.
Your maul was great, Carerras kicked interception was incredible as was Russell's "bullet-time" response to 3 defenders converging on him.
Penalty should still be awarded. This is a game concerned about head injury.
Action on incidents like that is needed or behaviour will not change.
PG
Action on incidents like that is needed or behaviour will not change.
PG
Quote:P G Tips
Penalty should still be awarded. This is a game concerned about head injury.
Action on incidents like that is needed or behaviour will not change.
PG
Agree PG, when was the last time penalty was awarded at the restart after such offences? You can't have head contact going un punished like that, it just undermines the whole head impact concern.
Quote:P G Tips
Penalty should still be awarded. This is a game concerned about head injury.
Action on incidents like that is needed or behaviour will not change.
PG
Agreed ... I like Dickson's decisiveness but he is very loathe to take input from others. He was told several times by the TMO that is was head-on-head but he never even considered reviewing it.
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:P G Tips
Penalty should still be awarded. This is a game concerned about head injury.
Action on incidents like that is needed or behaviour will not change.
PG
Agree PG, when was the last time penalty was awarded at the restart after such offences? You can't have head contact going un punished like that, it just undermines the whole head impact concern.
Are they able to award a penalty at the restart for that? I thought those were only for offences after the try had been scored.
Quote:Never In DoubtQuote:P G Tips
Penalty should still be awarded. This is a game concerned about head injury.
Action on incidents like that is needed or behaviour will not change.
PG
Agreed ... I like Dickson's decisiveness but he is very loathe to take input from others. He was told several times by the TMO that is was head-on-head but he never even considered reviewing it.
If the incident was that bad is it not possible for the player to be cited afterwards?
Quote:9215Quote:shipwreckedQuote:P G Tips
Penalty should still be awarded. This is a game concerned about head injury.
Action on incidents like that is needed or behaviour will not change.
PG
Agree PG, when was the last time penalty was awarded at the restart after such offences? You can't have head contact going un punished like that, it just undermines the whole head impact concern.
Are they able to award a penalty at the restart for that? I thought those were only for offences after the try had been scored.
I think the ref has discretion.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:A card could be awarded afterwards, but since the incident was before the try then advantage was played to allow the try. You can’t have the advantage played and the penalty.joethefanaticQuote:9215Quote:shipwreckedQuote:P G Tips
Penalty should still be awarded. This is a game concerned about head injury.
Action on incidents like that is needed or behaviour will not change.
PG
Agree PG, when was the last time penalty was awarded at the restart after such offences? You can't have head contact going un punished like that, it just undermines the whole head impact concern.
Are they able to award a penalty at the restart for that? I thought those were only for offences after the try had been scored.
I think the ref has discretion.
The Dun knee to Santi after the try was scored could and probably should have had a penalty awarded for the restart.
Dickson misses or ignore many offences and TMO calls, the problem is the perception created when he ignores these when Quins infringe…
Quote:P G Tips
Penalty should still be awarded. This is a game concerned about head injury.
Action on incidents like that is needed or behaviour will not change.
PG
Why? It was deemed only a penalty. I only saw it live but it was a player clearing through with his head down and a 9 low down going to pick. Accidental not malicious and making rules about some penalties being greater offences than others is an additional nuance we don't need in an already overflowing law book.
What's the behaviour you're looking to change, don't try an clear a ruck unless you're 100% sure that the opposition aren't going bend down to pick up a ball? seems unrealistic to me.
Quote:PaulHeroxQuote:P G Tips
Penalty should still be awarded. This is a game concerned about head injury.
Action on incidents like that is needed or behaviour will not change.
PG
What's the behaviour you're looking to change, don't try an clear a ruck unless you're 100% sure that the opposition aren't going bend down to pick up a ball? seems unrealistic to me.
Frankly PH that's an extraordinary statement! The whole issue of head contact and its long term consequences was/is close to existential for ruby union, rugby league and NFL. There is still not resolution of this and many young men might develop issues later in life simply because they played a sport.
If there are casualties because of over zealousness so be it.
Nope TCS goes to play the ball in a ruck and is driven off the ball with clear head on head contact. Dickson immediately signals a penalty.
The score does not erase the foul play. The referee, often alongside the Television Match Official (TMO), will review the incident:Yellow or Red Card: The offending player will face the exact same disciplinary action as if the try hadn't been scored. For serious foul play (such as a dangerous high tackle, tip tackle, or intentional punch), they will receive a Yellow Card (10 minutes in the sin bin) or a Red Card (sent off for the rest of the match).
The Conversion is Taken The attacking team is allowed to line up and take their conversion kick to try and add 2 extra points to the 5 points they just scored.3. A Penalty is Awarded at the Halfway LineThis is the unique tactical punishment for foul play during a try:The Restart Penalty: Instead of restarting the game with a standard drop-kick from the center of the field, the non-offending team is awarded a penalty kick on the halfway line.The Option: The attacking team can choose to kick for territory (gaining a lineout deep in the opponent's half) or kick another penalty goal for 3 additional points.
Tyler Offiah
Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.
The Conversion is Taken The attacking team is allowed to line up and take their conversion kick to try and add 2 extra points to the 5 points they just scored.3. A Penalty is Awarded at the Halfway LineThis is the unique tactical punishment for foul play during a try:The Restart Penalty: Instead of restarting the game with a standard drop-kick from the center of the field, the non-offending team is awarded a penalty kick on the halfway line.The Option: The attacking team can choose to kick for territory (gaining a lineout deep in the opponent's half) or kick another penalty goal for 3 additional points.
That’s foul play during a try but the TCS incident was before not during. The Quins player could have still been carded but I don’t think we could have had a penalty restart.
Rusty in parts and definitely with a few work-ons (lineout, owning the high ball and midfield defence in particular) but also lots to be encouraged by such as Joe C and Santi looking really sharp and the scrum more than holding its own throughout the match.
Dun was born in Bath but chose the Bristol acad so I'm sure there is no love lost there, it was a pretty lame cheap shot after the try was scored - the sort of thing that I see most weeks in the lower leagues.
5 points is a great start with 2 really tough Prem matches coming up.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Dun was born in Bath but chose the Bristol acad so I'm sure there is no love lost there, it was a pretty lame cheap shot after the try was scored - the sort of thing that I see most weeks in the lower leagues.
5 points is a great start with 2 really tough Prem matches coming up.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:P G Tips
Penalty should still be awarded. This is a game concerned about head injury.
Action on incidents like that is needed or behaviour will not change.
PG
Having seen it on tv replay I completely agree. Couldn't see it from stand and not much made of it on large screen in corner of ground
Playing devils advocate, I also thought that DdP getting involved off the ball by the Bath try line could have resulted in a reversal and was very relieved when it didn't. In the round I thought that Dickson was fine on the night, not perfect (nobody is) but didn't affect the result in any way.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:shipwrecked
I was a bit concerned by TCS's pass, too many slow loopy and inaccurate passes for me. Tackling was odd, we seemed to get up to them fine then stand off, wait then when the tackle came fall of it!
they were all low tackles as well.
It really didn't look like that from the stand. Defence looked effective apart from vulnerability out wide a few times and one break from 22 by their 10
TCS pass was fine apart from one weird long sloppy low to DdP just before half time
I think you need to separate the current laws, which say the ref can't award a penalty restart, if he thinks it's a serious incident they should use their cards, apparently he didn't think it was serious. The ball needs to be dead, try scored, then the infringement to award the penalty restart.
The other question is, what you'd want to happen? Actually i think the use of cards here, not a restart penalty, is Actually consistent with what's going on in the test of the game. I mean what are you asking for here? If a player is late to a tackle, then advantage until a try is scored but then carry on as normal, but if it involves the head penalty restart? Or just a penalty restart for any foul play in the build up to a try?
It feels like messing around with the laws because of a specific incident and that doesn't usually work out well.
The other question is, what you'd want to happen? Actually i think the use of cards here, not a restart penalty, is Actually consistent with what's going on in the test of the game. I mean what are you asking for here? If a player is late to a tackle, then advantage until a try is scored but then carry on as normal, but if it involves the head penalty restart? Or just a penalty restart for any foul play in the build up to a try?
It feels like messing around with the laws because of a specific incident and that doesn't usually work out well.
Quote:9215
That’s foul play during a try but the TCS incident was before not during. The Quins player could have still been carded but I don’t think we could have had a penalty restart.
I don't think it matters, it's not bound by the 2 phase clause as it's foul play. I'm also not sure what the difference is between"during' a try and 'before' a try is.
The point is whatever the sanction, card or penalty foul play can't be wiped out by the act of scoring.
In general foul play is wiped out by scoring a try frequently. Sometimes a card is still applied.
The difference between before and during/ after is the ball becomes dead the instant is grounded and so different penalty restart options apply. After the ball is dead the ref may award a penalty, for any reason, and the location of the penalty in the case of a try is the half way line. You'll notice refs often don't award that penalty, Dun's actions being an example.
The difference between before and during/ after is the ball becomes dead the instant is grounded and so different penalty restart options apply. After the ball is dead the ref may award a penalty, for any reason, and the location of the penalty in the case of a try is the half way line. You'll notice refs often don't award that penalty, Dun's actions being an example.
Just watched highlights. TMO disagrees with Dickson on TCS incident and says clear head contact. I think a sensible approach - if the powers that be are really serious about head injuries - should be to make it mandatory for the ref to take a look when the TMO mentions head contact.
For other aspects of play, fine for ref to overrule TMO but it should be akin to doctor call on HIA in my view. Someone watching multiple angles after the incident and actively disagreeing with the the ref should be enough.
Aside from that and the defensive lapses which allowed 2 of their 3 tries, we were pretty good. You can compare our injuries, but no Smith, Baxter, Dombrandt and Furbank is pretty mission critical to Quins.
For other aspects of play, fine for ref to overrule TMO but it should be akin to doctor call on HIA in my view. Someone watching multiple angles after the incident and actively disagreeing with the the ref should be enough.
Aside from that and the defensive lapses which allowed 2 of their 3 tries, we were pretty good. You can compare our injuries, but no Smith, Baxter, Dombrandt and Furbank is pretty mission critical to Quins.
I was all teed up to lose my rag with Dickson when Quins had a break from a loose ball that seemed to very clearly bounce off his leg. Not his fault but has to blow up there. Fortunately it came to nothing in the end. Haven’t watched the game back but from in the ground officiating seemed fine
Dun on Santi was just the sort of cheap shot that should have been a penalty to Bath at the restart, and gameday 1 is the perfect time to set the tone.
On the clearout on TCS, it should have been looked at on the big screen post the try. Clear head on head when leading head first not looking forward is reckless - Players clearing out need to have their eyes up, not be looking down.
I was staggered Dickson didn't blow up when the ball hit him and it influenced the play.
On the clearout on TCS, it should have been looked at on the big screen post the try. Clear head on head when leading head first not looking forward is reckless - Players clearing out need to have their eyes up, not be looking down.
I was staggered Dickson didn't blow up when the ball hit him and it influenced the play.
Quote:exbathballboy
That was Dun, former Bristol player, what do you expect...
Childish, petulant and pretty dumb player who should really have been penalised by Dickson.
Quote:Dorset Boy
I was staggered Dickson didn't blow up when the ball hit him and it influenced the play.
I also thought that it was weird as it clearly deflected off his knee away from the Bath player.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Dorset Boy
Dun on Santi was just the sort of cheap shot that should have been a penalty to Bath at the restart, and gameday 1 is the perfect time to set the tone.
Agree with that 100%.
Quote:Dorset Boy
Dun on Santi was just the sort of cheap shot that should have been a penalty to Bath at the restart, and gameday 1 is the perfect time to set the tone.
💯, and the incident is watched multiple times by the officials!
What did strike me though was for a 4 what a fast runner he is.
Most players would have given up the chase several seconds before. He kept running even though there was absolutely no chance of catching Santi and even less chance of him stopping him scoring.
But what a d**k for his really silly behaviour. My only regret is that Santi responded in a very minor way physically.
Most players would have given up the chase several seconds before. He kept running even though there was absolutely no chance of catching Santi and even less chance of him stopping him scoring.
But what a d**k for his really silly behaviour. My only regret is that Santi responded in a very minor way physically.
Same as when he called advantage over and Santi kicked out on the full. Couple of decisions that historically are interpreted differently. Luck of the draw with Dicko!
Dickson also ignored TCS being tackled within 5m of taking a quick tap and go.
Quote:Dorset Boy
Dickson also ignored TCS being tackled within 5m of taking a quick tap and go.
Even Danny Carr questioned that saying Quins had got away with one…
’’Paint the whole world with a rainbow”
Quote:theredseat
I was all teed up to lose my rag with Dickson when Quins had a break from a loose ball that seemed to very clearly bounce off his leg. Not his fault but has to blow up there. Fortunately it came to nothing in the end. Haven’t watched the game back but from in the ground officiating seemed fine
It was right in line with where we were sat and looked for all the world like a sneaky back heel pass 😅
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
What did strike me though was for a 4 what a fast runner he is.
Most players would have given up the chase several seconds before. He kept running even though there was absolutely no chance of catching Santi and even less chance of him stopping him scoring.
But what a d**k for his really silly behaviour. My only regret is that Santi responded in a very minor way physically.
He had a shorter line to run and Santi was clearly easing back but agree Dun did well to cover the ground he did and was surprised that one of their speed merchants like Murley didn't try it
Interesting reading from Redpath online that Carerras tried to kick in training and it didn't work.
Well done for having the minerals to try in the game.
Well done for having the minerals to try in the game.
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