FLOG ON THE TYNE? NEWCASTLE FALCONS v BATH
Reid: welcome return?
By PG Tips
February 22 2022
Bath must flog up to Newcastle for their next Premiership encounter on Saturday. They will also need to put in a hard flog and slog to stand a chance of victory. After a much-improved effort against Leicester Tigers last weekend they find themselves once again depleted by injury and international callups – especially where most needed, up front. A game that would normally be an opportunity has suddenly become another tough challenge. The home side will expect to win.
After losing Chick to a red card on 26 minutes last week, Falcons took the game to Exeter and rattled them, matching them try for try. Haydon-Wood’s second conversion separated the sides into the final minutes when Joe Simmonds slotted a late penalty to dash the Tynesiders’ hopes. Their selection this weekend could be hampered by international calls. If not, expect bruising hooker Blamire and wing flyer Radwan to play some part- at least from the bench if not in the starting XV. Another hooker, McGuigan epitomises their fighting spirit up front and sets a fine example in tight and loose. Davison, Peterson, Collett (and possibly Fearns if fit) will be brutal on the carry and robust at the breakdown. Bath must beware also the pace of Earle and Radwan, the adventure of Brown and trickery of Wakecokecoke. They will also be keen to disrupt the halfback partnership of Nordi-Kelemeti and the fast -developing Haydon-Wood.
Josh McNally was seen in a protective boot late last Saturday afternoon, with a potential hamstring injury. His absence deprives Bath not only of a captain but his bulk at lock. With loose forwards filling in in the second row recently, the international callups of Faletau to Wales and Bayliss to Scotland threatens to reduce Bath’s options in the back five forwards to Hobson’s choice. There is optimistic news though that both Mike Williams and Will Spencer will recover by the weekend, with Miles Reid and Sam Underhill also likely to be available. They will be welcome back to yet another new look combination.
While Bath’s forwards defied Leicester for 55 minutes on Saturday, it was the backs that took the plaudits. Orlando Bailey is in Eddie Jones’ squad but seems likely to be released when the numbers are pared down. Hopefully he can reprise the attack that stretched Tigers at times and found the gaps for Bath’s three tries. Whether the chips and dinks that brought those scores will work so well at a blustery Kingston park must be questioned, so the backs must look for other tricks up their sleeves. Ryan Davis is to fill the attack coach role for the rest of the season after the sudden departure of Dave Williams. Hopefully his relationship with a youthful backline will allow a smooth transition and some penetrative moves. Jonathan Joseph, believed to have agreed renewal terms, has looked a lot sharper in recent weeks: could he produce some match winning magic?
Last season Falcons ambushed Bath at home but Bath, rampant up front, got their revenge in the away fixture. Seeing the Geordies’ vulnerability to Chiefs’ rolling maul, they may be tempted to try the same recipe again. With a largely new back five that may be a tall order, so the lineout should be a key focus in training this week. So too moves off the back of the scrum to profit from the go forward Nathan Hughes can bring. Much will depend on the durability of the starting props- probably Morozov and Rae -and how well their replacements can cope when brought on. A week ago Neal Hatley suggested that Lewis Boyce may be nearing a return: his presence would be a welcome boost.
Encouraged by their showing last week, Newcastle will hope to win through pressure, basics and attrition. Hard flog it will be, but not impossible. This is winnable, even among all the challenges Bath currently face. They will need to be at their best though.
Possible Teams:
Bath:, Morozov, Du Toit, Rae, Williams, Spencer, Reid, Underhill, Hughes. B Spencer (Capt.), Bailey. Muir, Ojomoh, Joseph, Butt. De Glanville.
Replacements: Doughty, Cordwell, Fia, Dingley, De Carpentier. Simpson, Cipriani, Clark.
Newcastle Falcons: Brocklebank, McGuigan, Davison, Peterson, Robinson, Basham, Collett, Fearns. Nordi-Kelemeti, Haydon-Wood. Earle, Orlando, Wakecokecoke, Penny. Brown.
Replacements: Blamire, Cade, Tampin, Farrar, Montgomery. Hodgson, Burrell, Radwan.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:01:19:42:13 by P G Tips.
Quote:Optimist
Hard to see this one as anything other than another disappointment.
Better change your Moniker Name Opti before Trades Descriptions find you
[www.bbc.co.uk]
In a statement, an RFU spokesperson said the comments "undermined the authority and questioned the integrity of the match official".
Personally I am convinced he was wrong about the card- to me definite red. I also think "biased" was unwise.
However, he did make one valid point.
Why is a team that throws in crooked to a lineout given a penalty for the opponent jumping across? The first offence is the crooked throw, it is also the reason the opponent jumped across. This is one of the bad refereeing habits that have crept in in recent years that I believe should be stamped out - this and other areas of loose interpretation of the law are spoiling the game.
PG
I saw the interview on BT Sport 5 minutes after end of match.
PG
Quote:B4thB4ck
the medias obsession with trying to get a story
In other news rugby player plays rugby, brick layer lays bricks and teacher teaches stuff.

Quote:shipwrecked
Josh McNally's hammy is frankly a massive problem.
It's no problem, Bath are searching for the right lock(s)...
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:shipwrecked
Josh McNally's hammy is frankly a massive problem.
It's no problem, Bath are searching for the right lock(s)...
But we don’t need a right lock Matt, McNally is a left lock?

Quote:shipwreckedQuote:BathMatt53Quote:shipwrecked
Josh McNally's hammy is frankly a massive problem.
It's no problem, Bath are searching for the right lock(s)...
But we don’t need a right lock Matt, McNally is a left lock?
Anyone over about 6ft who has held a rugby ball would do at the moment SW.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:OptimistQuote:B4thB4ck
the medias obsession with trying to get a story
In other news rugby player plays rugby, brick layer lays bricks and teacher teaches stuff.
....and a comment on a forum gets abbreviated to read differently ;-)
Adopted players: 24/25 J Bayliss; [24] O Lawrence; [23] J Cokanasiga; [22] M Green; [21] A Watson; [20] T Faletau; [19] M V Vuuren; [18] T Faletau; [17] D Denton; [16] H. Agulla; [15] L Houston; [14] W Spencer; [13] F. Louw
Family . Community . Nation - [sdp.org.uk]
My mind's been going places without me lately - Bushfire The B52's
But Launch and Lawes are ahead of him (when fully fit) in the pecking order and he doesn't have the versatility to play 6. Maybe that works in his favour as Jones wants a dedicated 4/5 on the bench? But got to think that Isiekwe pushes him close even for that slot.
If I was England's coach, I'd be picking 4 Launch 5 Itoje 6 Lawes 7 Curry 8 Domb 19 Isiekwe 20 Barbeary and look to blast Wales with power and more power. But I'm not and I have no idea what the man who is England's coach will pick, but I'd be delighted if he does what I don't expect (again) and sends Ewels home to Bath/north to Newcastle.
Quote:dr.bath1865
Ewels remains with the squad. Launchbury released… and Radwan.
Where is that news please?

Ben Coles
@bencoles_
Released by England: Alfie Barbeary, Jamie Blamire, Joe Heyes, Joe Launchbury, Orlando Bailey, George Furbank, Louis Lynagh, Joe Marchant, Raffi Quirke and Adam Radwan.
Lol @ Eddie over Marchant.
Quote:dr.bath1865
On Twitter…
Ben Coles
@bencoles_
Released by England: Alfie Barbeary, Jamie Blamire, Joe Heyes, Joe Launchbury, Orlando Bailey, George Furbank, Louis Lynagh, Joe Marchant, Raffi Quirke and Adam Radwan.
Joe Launchbury, Raffi Quirke and Adam Radwan would still be there if I was King for the day.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[www.bathrugby.com]
Starting this month as a pilot service, PRTV Live will be streamed directly to fans, completing the circle in live match viewing and providing supporters with an unrivalled service.
PRTV Live will show the Bath Rugby games that are not broadcast by BT Sport or ITV – starting with the match against Newcastle Falcons on 25 February.
[premiershiprugbypayments.streamamg.com]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:23:16:17:15 by BathMatt53.
Quote:BathMatt53
PRTV Live will show the Bath Rugby games that are not broadcast by BT Sport or ITV
Perfect timing for me to ditch Virgin Media ... genuinely the worst company i have ever had the misfortune of dealing with. Actually, a decent product, but they have spent so much on their cable network and rights that they only have one person, working part-time in their entire customer service department.
Quote:OutsideBath
Not convinced that will be £5 well spent!
Might be worth a fiver for the Dean Richards after match interview though OB!

Quote:shipwreckedQuote:OutsideBath
Not convinced that will be £5 well spent!
Might be worth a fiver for the Dean Richards after match interview though OB!
Don’t think he’ll have anything to be grumpy about this week. 😁
Besides if I’m going to spend any additional money to watch rugby it’s going on Super rugby subscriptions
Quote:OutsideBath
Not convinced that will be £5 well spent!
Get 6 mates around and charge them a quid each then spend the profits on a Funny Foot.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Are you seriously suggesting that OB has 6 friends?BathMatt53
Get 6 mates around and charge them a quid each then spend the profits on a Funny Foot.
I know I don't
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:24:09:58:26 by Which Tyler.
I'm more interested in what a "Funny Foot" is. Sorry if I'm not up to date.


Quote:shipwrecked
I'm more interested in what a "Funny Foot" is. Sorry if I'm not up to date.
I've been shocked at some things I've read on this site over the years but this tops them all.
[www.mirror.co.uk]
How have you managed to get through your childhood without experiencing a funny foot?
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:shipwrecked
I'm more interested in what a "Funny Foot" is. Sorry if I'm not up to date.
I've been shocked at some things I've read on this site over the years but this tops them all.
[www.mirror.co.uk]
How have you managed to get through your childhood without experiencing a funny foot?
Sorry Matt, never really into them but why on earth would OB want to have his mates round to eat kids ice cream?.
If this is a feature of "young rugby families idea of ecstatic celebration" I apologise most sincerely.

Quote:shipwrecked
If this is a feature of "young rugby families idea of ecstatic celebration" I apologise most sincerely.
More of a 2 ball screwball man clearly.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:shipwrecked
If this is a feature of "young rugby families idea of ecstatic celebration" I apologise most sincerely.
More of a 2 ball screwball man clearly.
Far more likely to go for one of these, couldn't afford branded ones, clearly you had a privileged childhood Matt. (Two balls was a ploy to keep the whippy to a minimum!
)


[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:shipwrecked
If you live in the sticks I'd suggest 6 friends is a luxury, most people only have room for 2 or 3.
I'm more interested in what a "Funny Foot" is. Sorry if I'm not up to date.
Got room for them, but can’t imagine many will want to waste the afternoon watching Bath on TV.. 😁
Reckon we’ll meet for our regular 18 holes instead and check the score in the bar afterwards which will no doubt be much more enjoyable!
Having said that I don’t think the club sells “Funny Foot” so we could be missing out.. 😎
Quote:dr.bath1865
Back on thread... looks like we'll (hopefully) have Bayliss back as he's not involved with Scotland. Into the second row he goes!
With the side step to best Burns and the pace to get to the tryline I'd be quite happy if he was out on the wing
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:shipwrecked
If this is a feature of "young rugby families idea of ecstatic celebration" I apologise most sincerely.
More of a 2 ball screwball man clearly.
At our school in the 70s, 99s were for the posh kids. For the rest of us, it was generally reckoned that the best bang for your buck was a wafer.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:24:23:14:39 by joethefanatic.

Quote:charlieboa
https://www.bathrugby.com/news/bath-rugby-injury-update-ahead-of-newcastle-falcons/?fbclid=IwAR1k0K-mDZOd7RKvOCkMysUf3WIYzzScLp5GuNtKyM9EfWNZ4AzZT-5p6CI
More good news than bad.
Should be able to name a pretty decent 23 hopefully
Didn't like this bit.
"Tom Ellis, Cameron Redpath and Juan Schoeman met with specialists this week and will require surgical intervention on their current injuries."

He desperately needs some better luck as the mental side will take its toll if he is constantly in rehab.
Thank goodness for mojo
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
.... that is some great news. Would you risk Spencer and Cokanasiga on the plastic pitch?
Bath Rugby side to play Newcastle Falcons
15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Will Butt, 13 Max Clark, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Will Muir, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Valeriy Morozov, 2 Jacques du Toit, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 4 Mike Williams, 5 Ewan Richards, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Miles Reid ©, 8 Nathan Hughes
Replacements
16 Tom Doughty, 17 Lewis Boyce, 18 Ma’afu Fia, 19 Will Spencer, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Joe Simpson, 22 Jonathan Joseph, 23 Joe Cokanasiga
Unavailable due to injury, suspension, loan or international duty: Tom Ellis, Cameron Redpath, Juan Schoeman, Beno Obano, Anthony Watson, Ruaridh McConnochie, Tom Dunn, Johannes Jonker, Tian Schoeman, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Ethan Staddon, Josh McNally, Orlando Bailey, Semesa Rokoduguni, Max Green, Charlie Ewels, Will Stuart and Taulupe Faletau.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:25:12:51:49 by P G Tips.
2nd row maybe not quite heavy enough?
Time for Cips to deliver a mature 80 minutes. Doesn't have to set the world alight. Just has to manage the game really, really well.
Nice looking team. Given there are still 18 missing, that's very strong. Not an easy place to go, but with Dean Richards on the sofa at home, and given how we put in an excellent performance there last time around, we travel in hope.

Quote:dr.bath1865
What's that? A bench? Full of... [ rubs eyes ]... senior rugby players? Goodness me!
.... increasingly feels as though they've adopted the 'extended 22/23 pre-season' approach to the rest of this season - plenty of video footage of a wide range of youngsters for JVG to pore over.
Gets my vote.
Looks like we are protecting from the plastic pitch and keeping a few fresh for Bristol, eg Coetzee as Hughes can't play next week.
Looking forward to donating my £4.99.
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.
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Assts: Greg Macdonald & Wayne Falla
TMO: Rowan Kitt
Citing officer: Andy Blyth
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Where's that from?BathMatt53
Referee: Craig Maxwell Keys
Assts: Greg Macdonald & Wayne Falla
TMO: Rowan Kitt
Citing officer: Andy Blyth
[www.premiershiprugby.com]
Ref: Adam Leal (14th Premiership game).
TJs: Neil Chivers & Jamie Leahy
TMO: Dean Richards.
Citing Officer: Andy Blyth
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:25:13:56:29 by Which Tyler.
Providing the starting XV keep us in touch until the 50 min mark our bench I am sure will make an impact - as other teams have done to us throughout the season.
Would be interesting to see when we leak our most points - it always seems bar a couple of games we are in the game to about the 50th minute then the flood gates open.
As others have said decent team and strong bench.
Liking the decision to make reid captain.
Schreuder on the bench for them which I think is the first time in their 23 for a few months due injury
Quote:Which TylerQuote:Where's that from?BathMatt53
Referee: Craig Maxwell Keys
Assts: Greg Macdonald & Wayne Falla
TMO: Rowan Kitt
Citing officer: Andy Blyth
[www.premiershiprugby.com]
Ref: Adam Leal (14th Premiership game).
TJs: Neil Chivers & Jamie Leahy
CO: Dean Richards.
Citing Officer: Andy Blyth
That can't be right it has the TMO as Dean Richards!
Also CO is what then if the Citing officer is below?

Quote:Which TylerQuote:Where's that from?BathMatt53
Referee: Craig Maxwell Keys
Assts: Greg Macdonald & Wayne Falla
TMO: Rowan Kitt
Citing officer: Andy Blyth
[www.premiershiprugby.com]
Ref: Adam Leal (14th Premiership game).
TJs: Neil Chivers & Jamie Leahy
CO: Dean Richards.
Citing Officer: Andy Blyth
Ah sorry I got it from the Falcons forum but see that it was a joke. Apologies.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:That'd be me cocking up, highlighted TMO when aiming for Citing Officershipwrecked
Also CO is what then if the Citing officer is below?
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:25:13:57:32 by Which Tyler.
You have to feel for the likes of Du Toit and Rae who are playing a lot of rugby and having to work so hard in the tight with most weeks an under powered scrum but they and the various loose heads have worked their socks off to compete.
Many have mentioned the fact that we were already light in the second row before the season kicked off and I hope that JVG taps his contacts in SA and brings in a couple of giant hard nosed saffers. I would be more than happy with front rows made up off Stuart, Rae, Dunn Du Toit, Obano and Boyce plus the young academy props like Cordwell who have been blooded this year
This will be really tough but if we continue our upward trajectory this could with luck be another victory as our goal must be to get off the bottom and this game is huge in that respect. Brilliant to see Reid back as he is not only a very good young player but Bath through and through and to be captain for the first time is a great call in my eyes.
Quote:Which TylerQuote:That'd be me cocking up, highlighted TMO when aiming for Citing Officershipwrecked
Also CO is what then if the Citing officer is below?
The Premiership rugby site still has Dean Richards as the TMO though in that link.


Quote:Yes, which is what he should be - and was before I cocked up.shipwreckedQuote:Which TylerQuote:That'd be me cocking up, highlighted TMO when aiming for Citing Officershipwrecked
Also CO is what then if the Citing officer is below?
The Premiership rugby site still has Dean Richards as the TMO though in that link.
I'm happy to say it again though - I cocked up.
I meant to highlight "Citing Officer" and write "CO" but cocked up, and highlighted "TMO" and wrote "CO".
ETA: Unless you're getting confused at 2 people both being called Dean Richards?
Is that the problem here?
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:25:14:26:44 by Which Tyler.
Quote:Which Tyler
[ETA: Unless you're getting confused at 2 people both being called Dean Richards?
Is that the problem here?
That confused me as well.
[rd.premiershiprugby.com]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
RAEBURN SHIELD

RAEBURN SHIELD
Presumably he trains the team as normal, but then what? Is it a stadium ban? Pitch side? Comms ban over phones? Quite hard to police that I would have thought.
Just interested as my take is it won't actually make a lot of difference if he has a good stream of the game. Or maybe the lack of full BT coverage will make it a lot harder?
Quote:Ok, thanks, so with a radio link he can still instruct/coach the team with much the same view that he would have if not banned?hasta
He's allowed to be a spectator at the stadium.
Not picking on Deano here, this would apply to any of the HCs or DoRs though personally I think ours seem well trained in the art of bland answers rather than rants.
Just not sure this is much of a punishment if this is the extent of it.
Quote:Interesting, thanks. As I said, not a dig at him, just wanted to understand how it all works.markismith50
No, he can’t have any comms with the team or team staff. He’s just going to watch from the far stand with the supporters.
Imagine, you are ready for ko and your teams DoR or HC sits next to you. What do you say other than great selection, great team, been on your holidays yet?
Will he be learning that strange sign language that the bookies use at horse racing?
Quote:hemington
I see de carpentier isn't in team or mentioned as injured - anyone know what his status is. He has played well over the last few weeks I thought
I agree, he has played really well in an unfamiliar position with a good attitude.

Quote:Murty7
It's probably due to Baylus Reid znd Underhill being available again. I would pick those 3 before RDC
Agree. Tough on rdc who has proved to be a really useful squad member
Quote:Optimist
Hasn’t taken us long to not be drawing.
8-8 is drawing though isn’t it?


Think we were playing into a stiff breeze first half, so 7 points likely not a mountain we can’t climb. Someone just needs to put a rocket up us.
Quote:dr.bath1865
Someone just needs to put a rocket up us.
That will no doubt have to wait until JvG & co arrive but they have quite a mountain to climb!
18-18.
Quote:dr.bath1865
Spencer missed the rugby equivalent of an open goal but Cipriani just starting to pull some strings. Boyce try.
18-18.
Pssttt…..Don’t tell Opti we are drawing
Horatio Nelson
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:dr.bath1865
Spencer missed the rugby equivalent of an open goal but Cipriani just starting to pull some strings. Boyce try.
18-18.
Pssttt…..Don’t tell Opti we are drawing
RBAY

Deano won't be happy again!
Well done Bath!
Quote:BathIron
Thrilled for Miles Reid, back leading the team
Yep, he must be a proud young man tonight.


Quote:shipwrecked
I presume viewing this game is still £4.99 even though its not live has the Premiership Rugby free replays gone for good now?
Good question. I frequently watched the highlights and full match offerings on Premiershiprugby and will be well hacked off if they are no longer available for free.
True! I'd like to see a bit more celebrating of a rare win

Interesting that there actually seemed to be some attacking structure and intent today, whether that is down to Cipriani being fit, Williams having gone/Davis taken over or Falcons defence I couldn’t say.
Quote:BBWBaaBaa
"Probably people have been distracted by the England game but it is notable that in two hours after a bomus point aaay win this is the eighth post. When we lose there are lots of posts saying how bad we are and demanding heads roll".
True! I'd like to see a bit more celebrating of a rare win
I’ll comply.
Yaaaaayaaaaayyy!!
P G Tips
Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.
Quote:Coalminer
Probably people have been distracted by the England game but it is notable that in two hours after a bomus point aaay win this is the eighth post. When we lose there are lots of posts saying how bad we are and demanding heads roll.
Thing is how many people were watching it? Many have set themselves up for BT but it wasn't there it was on PRTV. I can't even see any highlights anywhere.

Quote:Coalminer
Probably people have been distracted by the England game ...
Bath won, Ewels played well for England and Faletau lasted a game ... pretty sure the apocalypse is coming.
Quote:dcsh
Great win and nice to get the bonus point too! Good to see those coming back from injury involved and I think all get through unscathed.
Interesting that there actually seemed to be some attacking structure and intent today, whether that is down to Cipriani being fit, Williams having gone/Davis taken over or Falcons defence I couldn’t say.
Virtual coaching from the COML pundits on this board clearing now affecting play in a positive way.

Quote:P G TipsQuote:BBWBaaBaa
"Probably people have been distracted by the England game but it is notable that in two hours after a bomus point aaay win this is the eighth post. When we lose there are lots of posts saying how bad we are and demanding heads roll".
True! I'd like to see a bit more celebrating of a rare win
I’ll comply.
Yaaaaayaaaaayyy!!
But don't you realize this team is an embarrassment to rugby!!!

Cipriani was good and grew into the game. Between 40-60mins he began to strut a little and throw those no look flat balls across dummy runners to guys coming at pace. Richards, who was excellent, benefited a few times. Cip also tackled and looked bang up for it, bossing it with Reid and Spencer. Here’s hoping he - along with others - gets a run of fitness.
Boyce was big when he came on. The back row worked tirelessly, and Hughes was everywhere again. His yellow was the right decision, as he bent (a bit) and the Newc centre dropped his height at the last minute, but I’ve seen reds given. Spencer great, one howler aside, and Mojo showed some lovely touches. Muir and Butt (he’s growing nicely) were tireless and TdG was excellent, and his pace to skin Radwan and put away JCok was gamechanging.
All in all, a very good 2nd half. I just hope we get more bodies back fit, pick up no more injuries, and perhaps we might scramble our way off the bottom.
You love to see it.
Both for the sentiment and the faith.
PG
Wow… we didn’t and even got a TBP, players must have put in a good shift.
My MotM - Tom De Glanville. Just oozed class all afternoon.
And a quick word for the TV director. I have NEVER seen such an abject display of ignorance of the rhythms of rugby union in all my puff. God knows what they thought they were doing but showing the actual match was clearly low on their list of priorities. Maybe they had a crush on Adam Leal cos we saw way more of him than was useful while Cips was nailing conversions from tight angles. Just ridiculous.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:28:15:20:08 by CoochieCoo.
Fantastic result. I'm beginning to think finishing not bottom might just be possible.
Chuffed to bits though.
I have always thought over the last few seasons that we cope OK with 10-15 absentees but really struggle when it gets absurd and goes beyond that. Understandable.
That squad with the likes of boyce, richards, williams, spencer, reid, coko back looked so much stronger and gave us half sensible bench options.
Lose hughes next week but should have faletau back. Hopefully a few others will come back next week and we are in the crazy position of having some tough selection choices.
I am also now dreaming of not coming bottom.
Cant let a post go without boring people about how much I rate richards. Not seen game but his try sounded impressive athleticism and Chron gave him 8/10
Will Muir's boyhood club came out to support him and Bath:
Bath Rugby Twitter
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
Quote:Rampant
This was pretty brilliant I thought!
Will Muir's boyhood club came out to support him and Bath:
Bath Rugby Twitter
Fantastic bit of video loved it!

[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:Rampant
This was pretty brilliant I thought!
Will Muir's boyhood club came out to support him and Bath:
Bath Rugby Twitter
Fantastic bit of video loved it!
Saw this and loved it too. A certain now banned poster who damned the club for no team spirit or morale should be forced to watch it, again, again again etc
Newcastle v Bath Highlights


Quote:hasta
I'm pretty sure we're not allowed to play Hughes against Bris. Fortunately we get Faletau back.
Made 19 tackles yesterday missed 0

Quote:shipwreckedQuote:hasta
I'm pretty sure we're not allowed to play Hughes against Bris. Fortunately we get Faletau back.
Made 19 tackles yesterday missed 0
And top carries too. If it wasn't for the immutable law that says the floppy haired wonder kid has to be MOTM until 2052 Faletau should have got the award
Quote:gaz59Quote:shipwreckedQuote:hasta
I'm pretty sure we're not allowed to play Hughes against Bris. Fortunately we get Faletau back.
Made 19 tackles yesterday missed 0
And top carries too. If it wasn't for the immutable law that says the floppy haired wonder kid has to be MOTM until 2052 Faletau should have got the award
Dombrandt for me made 12 tackles yesterday missed 0 scored the try.

Quote:gaz59Quote:shipwreckedQuote:hasta
I'm pretty sure we're not allowed to play Hughes against Bris. Fortunately we get Faletau back.
Made 19 tackles yesterday missed 0
And top carries too. If it wasn't for the immutable law that says the floppy haired wonder kid has to be MOTM until 2052 Faletau should have got the award
MOTM isn’t usually given to a player on the losing side for some strange reason, regardless of his performance.
Quote:Optimist
Does anyone particularly want to be player of the match when they’ve just lost? Interview arc - so you were great but the rest of your team were a bit rubbish ….
I think many players wouldn’t mind being named Man of the Match even if the team lost.

Quote:shipwrecked
I presume viewing this game is still £4.99 even though its not live has the Premiership Rugby free replays gone for good now?
I just watched it on there, it’s available for free 24 hours after the final whistle
Quote:9215Quote:shipwrecked
I presume viewing this game is still £4.99 even though its not live has the Premiership Rugby free replays gone for good now?
I just watched it on there, it’s available for free 24 hours after the final whistle
Great, thanks fo the update!

Quote:for myself I was watching 2 6N matches, so have only just watched Bath on PRTV.Coalminer
Probably people have been distracted by the England game but it is notable that in two hours after a bomus point aaay win this is the eighth post. When we lose there are lots of posts saying how bad we are and demanding heads roll.
I'm delighted by the win, and a big welcome back to the likes of Reid, Cips and Coka - who all had good games.
Cola will be pleased with his brace

RAEBURN SHIELD
Joe C's second try was made by continuous pressure at the scrum from Rae, Doughty and Boyce.
But we nearly threw it away in the last minute with crazy substitutions, Ma'afu Fia, Simpson and JJ came on, Fia gave away a penalty with 40 seconds left. We needed a good tackle from JJ and a turnover from Hughes to rescue the win.
Given the way Spencer saw the game out in our other win, that episode was pretty shambolic.
Ewan Richards is outstanding, he is quick and he gets better game by game and still only 19.
P.S. I prefer Bailey at 10 to Cipriani.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:27:22:20:25 by shipwrecked.
In other news, Ewan Richards and Tom De Glanville, heart-eyes.emoji.
Very pleased for Cips. I’d be happy for OB’s game-time to be moderated now. Next season he will be king-pin for us - no need to flog him now. Same with Ojomoh. Do whatever is best for next year - whether that’s playing them or resting them.
Not having Hughes will give us a reality check next game and after the 6N we will learn more but I am hoping we can eventually emerge (as did Tigers) from a learning season and be a competitive force.
It would be good to read pre match predictions saying 'too close to call' again rather than the 'opposition TBP by half time' comments that had come true on match day.
What we all need to understand is despite the obvious deficiencies we have in the training department we still have a number of quality players - many have been injured and it was great to see big Joe take the field and score 2 tries (yes they were walk ins but still needed finishing) and more pleasing for me was the sight of his big smile on his face and that of Nathan Hughes - it just shows like everything in life - if you are happy and enjoying your environment it makes a huge difference - a million miles away from 3 months ago where players looked so miserable and confused - players are now starting to smile and enjoy the game which is reflecting in us being more competitive - 3 wins out of 6 I think.
The big challenge is the next stage of closing the gap on the remainder of the Premiership - are Tigers the best team in the league - personally I don't think so - I think they may become the best but they are not there yet but they have a spirit which makes them so difficult to beat - for me the best team in the Premiership by a country mile is Saracens - their structure and self discipline to follow their DNA/Game Plan makes them so hard to beat even when they have star names missing and when they play teams such as us they completely destroy us by just starving us mentally and tactically causing total melt down which must be high on JVG's task list. On the other side of the coin is London Irish who are just electrifying at the moment - it must be wonderful playing in that squad - they are just so positive in everything they do.
Quote:B4thB4ck
Not having Hughes will give us a reality check next game and after the 6N we will learn more but I am hoping we can eventually emerge (as did Tigers) from a learning season and be a competitive force.
Will we have Faletau back for Bris as it's a fallow week?
Just looked at the table - we're now 'only' five points off Worcs.
Quote:Optimist
Hopefully not just Faletau, but Underhill too.
*likes*
Can t say anything about the line out except it was very windy. Having the returnees back from injury told and all of them inc Cips had a decent game.
With Faletau and Underhill back we could give Bristol a decent game. Hopefully with better reffing this time.
Williams and richards in my mind is two 6s at lock...one of whom is 19....behind an (at best) second string front row. Baffles me why spencer doesn't get more minutes in those types of scenarios given he is a beast of a scrummager.
Allowing myself to think we could beat bris which is dangerous!
[www.bristolpost.co.uk]
Interestingly 'Bath loanee Max Wright was ruled out with a training injury.' but assume that means Green as that's who Lam refers to. Hurt his wrist apparently, the lad gets no luck with injuries whatsoever.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:charlieboa
Yeah think a typo matt....tho where is max wright!?
Newcastle I think but that loan might be up now.
P.s. He is still on their website though Max Wright

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:28:14:27:06 by shipwrecked.
Quote:Quick note - JJ was on for about 10-15 minutes before the commentators noticed and announced his arrival.shipwrecked
But we nearly threw it away in the last minute with crazy substitutions, Ma'afu Fia, Simpson and JJ came on.
Fairly typical 60ish minutes, rather than last minute and crazy.
Simpson was definitely last minute and crazy, Fia was certainly late... but I'll allow that any THP going deep into 70+ minutes is going to be pretty knackered, and any fresh, senior THP is likely to be preferable.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:28:14:34:05 by Which Tyler.
Quote:Which TylerQuote:Quick note - JJ was on for about 10-15 minutes before the commentators noticed and announced his arrivalshipwrecked
But we nearly threw it away in the last minute with crazy substitutions, Ma'afu Fia, Simpson and JJ came on, Fia gave away a penalty with 40 seconds left. We needed a good tackle from JJ and a turnover from Hughes to rescue the win.
Yes it was confusing to be honest , what about Spencer though, how was he leaving the field twice?

Quote:I don't understand why we've still got Simpson, let alone why we prefer him to Fox, or why we brought him onto the field.shipwrecked
Yes it was confusing to be honest , what about Spencer though, how was he leaving the field twice?
There was definitely a lot of confusion surrounding the last minute replacements, Ref had to talk to the 4th official to sort it all out; and I never got my head around it properly. I THINK what happened is that Simpson came on, and Spencer and Muir both went off - and ref noticed the numbers during play and brought Muir back on at the next break in play.
miscommunication, and 4th official's fault.... IF I'm right.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:28:14:43:17 by Which Tyler.
Quote:shipwreckedQuote:charlieboa
Yeah think a typo matt....tho where is max wright!?
Newcastle I think but that loan might be up now.
P.s. He is still on their website though Max Wright
Yes I saw that but he doesn't seem to have played for them for a while and the loan should have been over a month ago (or more).
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:Which Tyler
[I THINK what happened is that Simpson came on, and Spencer and Muir both went off
So, was Simpson supposed to go on for Muir. But Spencer assumed he was coming on for him? Sounds feasible that Simpson could have been intended as a wing replacement.
I don't understand tactical substitutions with minutes to go on the clock. Don't you just let those familiar with the defensive system see the game out?

Quote:I think it was Muir who ultimately came back on wasn't it? After Spencer did, but was sent back off again.OptimistQuote:Which Tyler
[I THINK what happened is that Simpson came on, and Spencer and Muir both went off
So, was Simpson supposed to go on for Muir. But Spencer assumed he was coming on for him? Sounds feasible that Simpson could have been intended as a wing replacement.
If I had to guess, I'd say that we replaced Spencer, Muir called to come off himself (cramp? Knackered? Pre-plan ed?), So when Simpson came on, both thought they were being replaced. That Spencer came back on before going off, made it seem to me that we wanted to replace Muir. But that Muir ultimately came back on, makes me suspect we'd already logged Pencer as the replacement.
Either way, Spencer, Muir, Ref and 4th official all seemed confused.
RAEBURN SHIELD
Quote:Optimist
Maybe they're like Minis/Junior coaches, and feel that 'Newcastle is a long way to travel and not get on the pitch'.....
50% rule!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Thought Cipriani played pretty well picking out some lovely passes. Also thought Mike Williams again went well and may be worth another contract.
Spencer had another influential game from the bench Hope he can stay fit, as did
Boyce. I think we’ll miss Clarke’s physicality next season.
There has been some steady improvement week on week and the team spirit looks really good
Our academy are doing us really proud with all these young players coming through
Widcombe Garçon

Quote:Which TylerQuote:I think it was Muir who ultimately came back on wasn't it? After Spencer did, but was sent back off again.OptimistQuote:Which Tyler
[I THINK what happened is that Simpson came on, and Spencer and Muir both went off
So, was Simpson supposed to go on for Muir. But Spencer assumed he was coming on for him? Sounds feasible that Simpson could have been intended as a wing replacement.
If I had to guess, I'd say that we replaced Spencer, Muir called to come off himself (cramp? Knackered? Pre-plan ed?), So when Simpson came on, both thought they were being replaced. That Spencer came back on before going off, made it seem to me that we wanted to replace Muir. But that Muir ultimately came back on, makes me suspect we'd already logged Pencer as the replacement.
Either way, Spencer, Muir, Ref and 4th official all seemed confused.
I thought at the time I heard HIA for Muir, but could be making that up? So I thought at the time that Simpson came on at 9, Spencer moved to the wing to cover the HIA, then when Muir returned Spencer wasn't best pleased as he was essentially subbed off to keep Simpson on? Confused me too!!
Pretty brave to take that series of scrums from kickable penalty distance when we were 2 points down. That would have led to some big recriminations if we'd blown it!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:28:17:57:38 by Optimist.
I am confused.
Quote:hasta
We kept the ball tight. Tried to pound over. But sucked in the defence and then found space out wide.
I am confused.
It could catch on Hasta, all the teams will be trying it next.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:hasta
We kept the ball tight. Tried to pound over. But sucked in the defence and then found space out wide.
I am confused.
It could catch on Hasta, all the teams will be trying it next.
If so Matt, TdG needs to work on his bounce pass, I was amused by that.

– or however it was Spencer ended up coming off – was crazy.
Interesting to see the little move we've used a couple of times to score wide, with a one-out forward putting a round ball to Spencer who gives it width. Certainly been a few more tries scored by our wingers in the last month following forward pressure and then some cool heads from the half-backs. The mindless, endless pick-and-jam efforts seem to be a thing of the past(ish).
Suppose it shows the true value of the likes of Hughes and Spencer (W) who put so many of their players on the floor and sucked about 14 of them into the narrow channel.
Quote:Optimist
Value of Cips? There was one bit towards the end when the camera angle was behind the goal-line, so you could see Cips talking constantly - few seconds later (iirc) we were in at the corner.
It's exactly the reason why I was prepared to give the signing of cips a chance.
I always felt his vision was needed to actually score tries in the red zone rather than doing 1 yd pick and drives over and over again til a pen or turnover conceded. Was it spencer who threw the cut out pass? Camera work was appalling!
Injury issues have done for him really. I think the only way he will stay next season is if we miss out on all our targets.... we kind of have form there tbf.
Pleased to hear he looked decent on sat.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:02:28:20:48:47 by charlieboa.
Cipriani looked at lot more day i say interested and threw out some great long passes and TDG is going to be England's full back for years to come as just seems to glide through gaps with his very deceptive strength and pace. Steward is a good player but TDG is an absolute thoroughbred and glad to say Ojomoh defended well in partnership with Clark. I have always like Clarks physicality and we should fight to keep him as the centre partnership was solid in defence and that certainly has not been the case lately.
We fans have endured a tough season but not as much as the players and there was real spirit on show yesterday and the players for one are certainly playing hard for Hats and Hoops. I am pleased both will still be with Bath and are to be joined by JVG. Whatever happened at Bris Hughes is loving his rugby with Bath and is playing superbly and with a huge smile on his face and i hope we can get him signed up. What with the BP win, 2 inebriated stag parties, plenty of fan banter and of course Horses private fan club it really was a great trip
I must admit I was probably overly negative towards Rae and Mike Williams, but both have been playing some really good rugby lately.
Clark is still our best 13, in my opinion, but like W. Spencer (who had a massive impact coming on) they're both brilliant players but rarely able to put a string of games together.
I think someone pointed it out in the rumours thread, but it seems like we've turned a bit of a corner recently, the fact that these are 2nd, 3rd or even 4th choice players fronting up in the premiership puts us in really good stead.
Quote:by
Clark is still our best 13, in my opinion, but like W. Spencer (who had a massive impact coming on) they're both brilliant players but rarely able to put a string of games together.
I think in the last few games he's really upped his physicality - I don't know if it was the Falcons game or the one before but he's pulled out some really savage hand-offs before breaking the line which is great to see.
Quote:SJSQuote:by
Clark is still our best 13, in my opinion, but like W. Spencer (who had a massive impact coming on) they're both brilliant players but rarely able to put a string of games together.
I think in the last few games he's really upped his physicality - I don't know if it was the Falcons game or the one before but he's pulled out some really savage hand-offs before breaking the line which is great to see.
Seems to have bulked up a bit and gets more involved recently, was never a fan but more impressed of late.

Quote:Optimist
I think Clark is just enjoying the longest run of games he's (ever?) had. Must feel great - feel really pleased for him.
From memory it seems the last time Clark put together a string of injury-free decent performances he was talked as being a possible Welsh international
Quote:Optimist
I think Clark is just enjoying the longest run of games he's (ever?) had. Must feel great - feel really pleased for him.
I think that he had one season (2016ish) where he played a lot and that's about it.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
