Match Preview - Beware A Wounded Falcon
By Ed Scott
February 9 2012
Attentions turn this week to the Aviva Premiership when Bath host basement club Newcastle at The Rec. Although the LV Cup looks more and more likely to be our route into Europe, there are only twelve points between third and tenth in the table, so anything is still possible.
Twelve points is also the tally that Newcastle are behind us, a perilous position at the bottom of the table, nine short of the safety of eleventh place. A loss to us this weekend and a win for Wasps would leave them almost certain for the drop. Each game they play moving forward will be like a cup final for the Falcons so we will need to be prepared to face a team who are fighting for their Premiership lives.
In the last couple of weeks, their new coaching team of Gold and Wells has seen them register a good win against Sale as well as taking Leicester close last weekend. I believe they will try and slow the game down and aim to expose Bath's frailties in the scrum. A team on the brink, coupled with a new coaching set up, make them a dangerous prospect.
On Sunday Bath confirmed their position as top seeds in the semi finals of the LV Cup by beating Exeter at Sandy Park. They didn't quite keep up with the tradition of scoring 46 points, but did rack up five tries whilst never allowing Exeter across the whitewash.
It was certainly not the perfect game, with the scrum still struggling, sloppy handing errors, and at times poor quality ruck ball. That said, Exeter played with real passion and battled like their lives depended on it. Our execution near the line was lacking in places, but much of this was down to the tenacity of the Chiefs' defence as much as our own errors.
There were lots of positives to take into this weeks game. The lineout was strong (with both Mears and Dixon throwing in), Tom Biggs is fast becoming one of the most dangerous and intelligent wingers in the Premiership and Olly Barkley had his best game by far since coming back from injury. His kicking game has been there, but it was his passing and decision making that really shone. He is clearly developing an understanding with the ever improving Stephen Donald and really starting to help make the backline fizz.
I would also give a mention to Ben Skirving who had a strong game in the second row and also say something to defend Matt Banahan. He was apparently criticised on the radio commentary (and by some on ERE), but I would disagree. He ran some clever lines, supported well and made good yards as well as a couple of excellent off-loads. He has a way to go, but he was a constant threat, pulling in defenders and much improved on recent weeks if you ask me.
This week I expect the changes in the team to be limited. Davey Wilson is out with a broken jaw and Perenise is apparently 50:50 with a knock, but he will start if fit. This puts marginal pressure on our front row options and goes to show how much strength in depth you need; with Belly and KPN we have good options however. I think Ben Williams is not quite ready yet so would expect Banahan to start at 13 once more.
The biggest and most important question will probably be over whether Stephen Donald is ok. Heathcote is a more than able deputy, but I feel Donald is really beginning to add to our game and would be a considerable loss. I'm assuming that Abendanon will take the 15 shirt back, with Vesty (who has been playing very solidly for us) moving to the bench. Skirving had a good game in the second row, but I think he will return to the back row at the expense of Mercer, with Caldwell and Attwood resuming their successful partnership. Mercer and Ovens should occupy the bench slots with Skirving or Taylor covering the second row.
Saturday is yet again a big game in our season, but could arguably be a bigger game for Newcastle. We are going to have to keep our concentration for the full 80 minutes and keep our discipline to avoid succumbing to the accurate boot of Jimmy Gopperth. We must keep the pace on the game and not be dragged into a grid.
This team has proved itself in one competition, but the Premiership is a different challenge. Now we need to step up and make it four wins in a row for the first time this season. I believe we can do it, and I think the players may well now be feeling the same. Time to play our way up that table.
Match Preview - Beware A Wounded Falcon
Posted by: BathRugbyEre.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 09/02/2012 18:15
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:02:12:12:21:50 by Susanne.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:02:12:12:21:50 by Susanne.
Re: Match Preview - Beware A Wounded Falcon
Posted by: Gareth Redux (IP Logged)
Date: 09/02/2012 18:31
Excellent piece Ed.
Re: Match Preview - Beware A Wounded Falcon
Posted by: Bri (IP Logged)
Date: 09/02/2012 18:44
Enjoyed your preview,spot on,echoes what most of us are thinking.
Re: Match Preview - Beware A Wounded Falcon
Posted by: Ickle (IP Logged)
Date: 10/02/2012 12:18
Great article - although I'd have to disagree on one point:
I'd argue that Tom Biggs is already one of the most dangerous and intelligent wings in the Premiership - and his performance against Exeter was both a reminder of that, and a glimpse of what to expect over the coming weeks as the grounds firm up again.
I happen to agree with you with regard to Banahan though. He's played far fewer games in the centre than on the wing, and the effect he has on the game is a little more subtle when in the centre. He draws the defence in, exposing gaps in and behind the line, allowing effective grubbers to cause havoc with the opposition.
Thanks for the article.
Quote:Ed Scott
Tom Biggs is fast becoming one of the most dangerous and intelligent wingers in the Premiership
I'd argue that Tom Biggs is already one of the most dangerous and intelligent wings in the Premiership - and his performance against Exeter was both a reminder of that, and a glimpse of what to expect over the coming weeks as the grounds firm up again.
I happen to agree with you with regard to Banahan though. He's played far fewer games in the centre than on the wing, and the effect he has on the game is a little more subtle when in the centre. He draws the defence in, exposing gaps in and behind the line, allowing effective grubbers to cause havoc with the opposition.
Thanks for the article.
Re: Match Preview - Beware A Wounded Falcon
Posted by: Tricky=Legend (IP Logged)
Date: 10/02/2012 13:44
It's a good point Ickle. I think what I should have written is that Biggs is becoming recognised as one of the most dangerous and intelligent wingers in the Premiership.
I've rated him for some time (before he came to Bath) but finally some of the pundits are talking about him in respect of international honours. I know that there are lots of good young wingers in England, but only Ashton (and not on recent form!), Strettle and Sharples could be considered better IMHO.
He is still young and should be in the Saxons over the summer if you ask me.
I've rated him for some time (before he came to Bath) but finally some of the pundits are talking about him in respect of international honours. I know that there are lots of good young wingers in England, but only Ashton (and not on recent form!), Strettle and Sharples could be considered better IMHO.
He is still young and should be in the Saxons over the summer if you ask me.
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