ALL SAINTS? BATH v NORTHAMPTON
Lawrence: reviving
By PG Tips
October 18 2022
Will All Saints Day come early when Bath host Northampton at the Rec on Saturday? The visiting Saints can play divine rugby in attack, while Bath’s supporters, showing the patience of saints, will be hoping their team can effect a miracle to claim a first win of the season. Inspired by a sublime performance from Ollie Lawrence, Bath kept their faith alive last weekend in testing Saracens to the limit. They will need more than faith though to overcome opponents whose sometimes celestial dash is based squarely on earthly brutality and pragmatism.
Saints’ form places them 4th in the table and has been rewarded with 5 places in England’s Autumn Nations squad. Locks Ribbans and Coles will be hoping for international debuts soon, but it is in the back row where most alarm bells could ring for Bath. Lawes, Ludlam and Augustus offer a mix of pace and power which a less hefty Bath loose forward combination could struggle to contain. All action scrum half Mitchell will want to show his omission from the squad to be an error. If he can get the ball moving quickly, Saints’ sweeping backline moves should make plenty of space for the pace of Sleightholme and spirited fizz of Tom Collins.
What can Bath offer in reply? It is far too early to canonise Johann van Graan but the last two matches have shown more clearly what he wants the team to achieve. More solidity at the set piece and more ruthless competition at the breakdown are allowing the squad to play with more coherence, spending more of the game on the front foot. Joe Maddock’s work in attack is starting to bear fruit, but early opposition tries show that JP Ferreira still has much to work on in the defence before he can be satisfied.
Supporters should be wary of pinning all their hopes on one player, but the reviving effect of Ollie Lawrence cannot be denied. He has helped bring a new spring to the step of Joe Cokanasiga. Between them these two can keep Saints’ midfield honest and provide targets for the forwards to win quick ball: they also offer a potent strike threat, as individuals and in partnership. Greater snap in the pass from scrum half can provide that vital extra half second to set them motoring. Up front Bath will need another shift from the evergreen Dave Attwood, although Fergus Lee-Warner did well in his cameo at the StoneX. To match Saints’ power in the loose forwards Bath may wish to field more heft. Perhaps a return for Ellis, Richards or Merigan, but if fit the experienced Ted Hill should fit the bill well.
For All Saints Day to come a week early could require a miracle from Bath. Saints the visitors may be called, but there will be nothing charitable in their demeanour on match day. Bath must match their demonic power at the breakdown and compete like devils at lineout and in defence. JvG’s mission is to replace the squad’s hope for miracles with the work to achieve them. Only then can they aspire to hit the heavenly heights. Is this the weekend for the miracle – and will van Graan and co be wearing haloes at teatime on Saturday? We wait in hope.
Possible Teams:
Bath: Schoeman, Dunn, Rae, Attwood, Roux, Ellis, Reid, Merigan. Schreuder, Bailey. McConnochie , Redpath, Lawrence, Cokanasiga. Gallagher.
Replacements: Cordwell, Annett, Jonker, Lee-Warner, White. Carr-Smith, Worboys, Ojomoh.
Northampton: Waller, Matavesi, Hill, Ribbans, Coles, Lawes, Ludlam, Augustus. Mitchell, Grayson. Sleightholme, Dingwall, Hutchinson, Collins. Furbank.
Replacements: Smith, Waller, Petch, Moon, Hinkley. Braley, Procter, Hendy.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:10:31:11:12:08 by P G Tips.

Quote:by
Can't imagine seeing Jonker play on Saturday after playing 60+ minutes last night.
Cheeters website says Aranos Coetzee is here until 15th November, so quess he will play on Saturday.
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.
Quote:Gaughers
Bailey is out till November. Redpath is with Scotland? JVG doesn't like cut of Mojo's jib at the moment after some horrific defending. Harris played on Wednesday, perhaps a clue that Worboys will start?
Redpath doesn’t have to be released until the international window, depends if you want to give Worboys a run or go with Redpath/Ojomah/Lawrence?
Quote:Gaughers
Bailey is out till November. Redpath is with Scotland? JVG doesn't like cut of Mojo's jib at the moment after some horrific defending. Harris played on Wednesday, perhaps a clue that Worboys will start?
I thought I saw on another threat someone say Billy Searle was training this week, so a potential short-term contract for him?
Quote:nick holder
Jeez, will we ever catch a break with injuries??
It is getting depressing the amount of injuries we get every season, although highlights how ridiculous it was to go into the season with only one recognised 10.
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:nick holder
Jeez, will we ever catch a break with injuries??
It is getting depressing the amount of injuries we get every season, although highlights how ridiculous it was to go into the season with only one recognised 10.
The rate we are losing them it would have been a problem if we had gone into the season with half a dozen!
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
PG
Bath Rugby: 15 Matt Gallagher, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Will Butt, 10 George Worboys, 9 Louis Schreuder; 1 Juan Schoeman, 2 Tom Dunn ©, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 4 Dave Attwood, 5 Quinn Roux, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Miles Reid, 8 Richard de Carpentier
Impact players: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Arthur Cordwell, 18 D’Arcy Rae, 19 Fergus Lee-Warner, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Billy Searle, 23 Max Ojomoh
For all their athleticism and class, we will be light in the backrow again up against Saints' bulk. This is winnable though if we can get a decent shift out of the front 5 and more of last week's effrt from lawrence, Joe C & Max.
PG
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.
Perhaps McCon is being managed back to fitness and it's Butt's turn this week? It's a big backline, so I'd expect us to put it in the air a lot. Nice to see Hill on the bench as, if we're in it, he might be a guy to drag us over the line. Is his inclusion the reason we're now calling them "Impact Players"?
I'll be there in hope rather than expectation but goodness me it'll feel like we've won Europe if we get the win. Come on you Bath!
Quote:dr.bath1865
it's good Worboys gets a go
Blimey thats a big step up from playing for the Uni and the odd A league game. Fingers crossed.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
15 George Furbank, 14 Tom Collins, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 10 James Grayson, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Alex Waller, 2 Sam Matavesi, 3 Paul Hill, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 David Ribbans, 6 Alex Coles, 7 Lewis Ludlam (c), 8 Juarno Augustus
REPLACEMENTS
16 Robbie Smith, 17 Emmanuel Iyogun, 18 Alfie Petch, 19 Alex Moon, 20 Sam Graham, 21 Tom James, 22 Tom Litchfield, 23 George Hendy
Another week where it looks like we get 1 'back' (hill) and assume lose at least 3 (stuart, bailey, rmc).
Must have over 20 out.
Saints looks much stronger on paper to me so work cut out.
I think we have only 5 (dunn, attwood, redpath, lawrence, coko) that I would say are first team and 6 involved who are injury cover.....
quote redmix]To the Saints posting on 'ere. What's your view of Alex Coles? I was pretty surprised he's made it to Edie's autumn squad. Does he really fill Courtney Lawes role on the blindside? Always looked a bit lost on a rugby pitch to me, but don't see that much of him.[/quote]
I always look at the other teams named on a Friday and see the likes of Sarries, Exeter, Harlequins, Leicester, Sale... and I wonder, how on earth do you have so few changes week to week? What are we doing differently? Why can't we have a couple of consistent weeks where we enjoy something similar?
This week, we've seen 3 changes to the starting XV (20%). Last week versus Sarries, 4 changes. Versus Glos, we had 6. Versus LI, we had 5. Versus Wasps, we had 7. Versus Sale, we had 5.
Yes, some of those might have been selection decisions but the majority are injuries. It is chaos, and as charlie says, having half a dozen in as injury cover, as good as Lawrence and Hill are, is just a wild way of approaching a rugby season. Lineouts are worked out in pre-season. Half-back pairings take months to become effective.
I don't like to moan. I know all teams suffer from it... But COME ON!
1. Obano, Boyce, Morozov
2. Full strength!
3. Stuart
4. Ewels, Williams
5. McNally, W Spencer
6. Ellis
7. Underhill, Cloete
8. Coetzee, Van Velze
9. B Spencer, Green
10. Bailey, Francis
11. Muir
12. Full strength
13. Full strength
14. McConnochie
15. De Glanville
Wonder if ghw is out- butt over him seems a bit odd on face of it.
Tom Ellis was involved on Wednesday evening. Not sure he’s injured! Just a minor point!
Quote:Hamptonite
Malco
Tom Ellis was involved on Wednesday evening. Not sure he’s injured! Just a minor point!
He's not fully match fit. Moot point!
"Mike Williams is back from a knee injury and will make his first outing of the campaign and his 50th for Bath."
Quote:Hamptonite
Malco
Tom Ellis was involved on Wednesday evening. Not sure he’s injured! Just a minor point!
Saints by 5
Quote:OutsideBath
With all the injuries, short term replacements, loans and signings perhaps we should rebrand as the Bathbarians.
Bath Warriors has nice ring to it and quite appropriate at the moment!
Btw Those Worcester players are very welcome
Widcombe Garçon
Quote:by
Despite the injuries, thats a decent side. Saints are still favourites for me, but hope we can build upon last weeks performance.
Bookies agree, Bath 2/1 for the win, Saints c1/2...
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
14 v 0!!
Excellent half, esp defence, riling Saints and knocking them off their stride. Dunn awesome. Roux into everything. Worboys… I salute you. A very assured 40.
A pain worse than losing your first 6 of the season? Losing the 7th after being 14-0 up at home at HT. COME ON YOU BATH!
Worboys converts!
COYB!!
Quote:Rokobilly
Missing today's game. Given I've been there every other game this season, I'm clearly a jinx and Bath will now romp home by 20 points. You can all thank me later.
Thanks Rokobilly
Redpath was just class. He won at least two turnovers.
At last a win. Still a lot to work in attack, but we’re playing as a team against this terrible run of injuries
Widcombe Garçon
Quote:B4thB4ck
Well done everyone, special congrats to Worboys.
+1
Best team performance this season.
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
Quote:Didn’t feel like the first half was against the run of play to me. Q3 did, but thepught we were best for the other quarters. Saints seemed to penalise themselves out of any momentum and contention. But that’s not to say we didn’t do very well. Building, there’s more to come from this squad as the systems settle.Widcombe Boy
Great win half time lead against the run of play.
Redpath was just class. He won at least two turnovers.
At last a win. Still a lot to work in attack, but we’re playing as a team against this terrible run of injuries
Could sense in the first half we’d got under their skin. Yes, we play slow, kick it in the air, maul, hit up one-out a lot… and I think they wanted an entirely different game. Slippy ball and wind helped our plan, too. We got to Ludlum, Mitchell was ineffective and their dangerous backs barely strung anything together, so the plan worked.
Pleased for the squad and JvG. One win does not a season make but I could clearly see what we want to do today and I could see all the players desperately wanting to do it. Cheers all.

Well done Bath boys - a surprise but very welcome.
Quote:Rokobilly
Missing today's game. Given I've been there every other game this season, I'm clearly a jinx and Bath will now romp home by 20 points. You can all thank me later.
Thank you!
J
Competing at the break down.
A decent kicking game.
Solid narrow defence - if still a little shaky out wide.
Worboys was fantastic - start the lad again next week.
Fantastic Bath!
One game isn't going to turn us round but we are starting to see progress in attitude, defence, set piece and calmness under pressure (Bayliss behind the try line).
Really liked Roux's work rate in mauls, Lawrence always looks strong and Hill (if only we could keep him) made an impact at 6 late in the game. Worboys very calm and controlled and didn't try too much.
Right, now we've got that out of the way, we can admit we were lucky. Saints created more than enough chances to have won that and against more clinical sides (ie Salaries and Tigs), we'll lose. We weren't anywhere near as good as last week but it was a huge step in the right direction because we could have folded and we didn't. The team defence was miles better and we worked hard to maximise a limited attacking game plan. Yet again the attack of Ollie Lawrence and Matt Gallagher was outstanding but you'd struggle to argue anyone elses in the backs was but from a severely depleted pack that hasn't played together much that was a damn fine effort. And a word for Ted Hill. He lifted the whole of a tiring team when he came on. That is a rare talent to be able to call on.
Much to work on but a win washes away many sins.
My MoTM - George Worboys. Decision making good, defence very good, kicking close to perfect. Played like a veteran. If he's our 4th choice 10 (and I suspect he's higher than that now), we're in a good place.
PS. Co-comms on my coverage was Charlie Ewels. He was genuinely outstanding. Balanced, informative and intelligent. I learnt more about the thinking behind top level rugby in one match than I have in years of listening to Lol, Austin and Ben Kay.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2022:10:23:01:07:22 by joethefanatic.
As always pretty generous but the higher scorers seem to relate to those very prominent in the radio commentary
[www.somersetlive.co.uk]
Quote:RawceQuote:Didn’t feel like the first half was against the run of play to me. Q3 did, but thepught we were best for the other quarters. Saints seemed to penalise themselves out of any momentum and contention. But that’s not to say we didn’t do very well. Building, there’s more to come from this squad as the systems settle.Widcombe Boy
Great win half time lead against the run of play.
Redpath was just class. He won at least two turnovers.
At last a win. Still a lot to work in attack, but we’re playing as a team against this terrible run of injuries
+1
I thought we were good value for the lead at half time and felt we could have scored more. Saints certainly better team in the second half and we had a bit of fortune for a change, but deserved the win.
Defence inside our 22 was excellent, but still think it’s too easy for teams to get space out wide.
Warboys was my MOM giving a very assured performance. Keep playing like that and he could keep Bailey out of the team.
Worboys was my MoM too. Managed the game very well, made many good tackles and 5 out of 6 successful kicks at goal. It doesn't get much better than that!
I also think it's notable one of the bigger players is not involved in match day squads. He hasn't been playing up to premiership standard for a long while.
Our defensive system is becoming more engrained, notably out wide. The likes of Butt and Lawrence give up metres, backing off often, to allow others to rejoin the defensive line. A few times Saints got outside the 13 but our decision making meant a tackle was soon made behind the gain line, often Gallagher or Schreuder sweeping (who was excellent in all facets), our line reset, and we defended again. Unlike v Irish, say, where we got done out wide and conceded tries. Giving up metres > giving up tries.
A mention for Lee-Warner. Huge impact off the bench. A tonne of aggressive carries. Him, Hill (sign him, put his wife on the payroll, whatever, just sign him), Annett kept our intensity high, if not pushed it higher. Given our injury list, that depth looks to be making a difference this season. Last year, it was academy guys off the bench. Now, this year, especially with our Worcester influx, it’s internationals.
We could have been 3 wins from 3 last few weeks with a bit of luck and composure whilst having over 20 guys missing.
Definite room for optimism now and hopefully have a few back in a fortnight's time.
Also agree on hill- class player. Hoping willis x 2, barbeary etc coming on the market have improved our chances of keeping him.
Thought Dunn led the side well until he was forced to go off.
Quote:OutsideBath
The team also seem to be displaying signs of unity and dare I say it a bit if leadership. After Saints second try the players got in a huddle and were clearly getting some messages across. Last season all we did was stand around under the posts looking lost after each try.
Thought Dunn led the side well until he was forced to go off.
…and Josh Bayliss took over equally affective.
PG
I was nervous when GW was announced at out half, but need not have been concerned, he looked very confident and was certainly very effective.
My MOTM was Baylis, hugely industrious and covered so much ground, However the entire team deserved a pat on the back.
One last point, for years the one player who gets the Rec on its feet and full of expectation when running with the ball in space was Roko, that mantle now sits with Ollie, just such an exciting runner. Let’s hope that we have turned a corner.
Thanks
Best I could do Nick
Widcombe Garçon
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:10:23:21:53:18 by Widcombe Boy.
And, I am so happy to see that, really am
Not denying the impressive contributions of others but he was just brilliant
Was it calf issue for aranas?
Hammy tweak for roux?
Rolled ankle for attwood but lasted the 80?
Missed any others?
That's a decent result for us this season. Fingers crossed a few are back in the selection mix for next game inc Ben Spencer who always makes a big difference.
Quote:OutsideBath
The team also seem to be displaying signs of unity and dare I say it a bit if leadership. After Saints second try the players got in a huddle and were clearly getting some messages across. Last season all we did was stand around under the posts looking lost after each try.
Thought Dunn led the side well until he was forced to go off.
I had a few concerns about parachuting warriors players straight into matchday squads.
Actually I think their arrival has massively helped.
I wonder if it's been a reality check as to how lucky the squad are to be pro rugby players and how it can be lost in the blink of an eye.
Sure they have brought the attitude of being desperate to make their mark, earn a contract, and be grateful for the opportunity.
I wonder personally if he has the same ceiling as Bailey and Harris who look class but if he can carve out a decent prem career then absolutely fantastic for him.
Great for us to have good options at 10 without having to shunt cam and mojo about.
Clearly the club mean a huge amount to him and his family who have suffered awful times in the past- really hope they were able to all enjoy the day at the rec on Saturday.
Quote:charlieboa
V pleased to hear the positive comments on worboys.
I wonder personally if he has the same ceiling as Bailey and Harris who look class but if he can carve out a decent prem career then absolutely fantastic for him.
Great for us to have good options at 10 without having to shunt cam and mojo about.
Clearly the club mean a huge amount to him and his family who have suffered awful times in the past- really hope they were able to all enjoy the day at the rec on Saturday.
Worboys may or may not have a lower ceiling but judging on Saturday's performance, he looks like he has a higher base and that might turn out to be more important.
... IMHO, of course.
Now in Honolulu
Quote:charlieboa
Any news on the injuries?
Was it calf issue for aranas?
Hammy tweak for roux?
Rolled ankle for attwood but lasted the 80?
Missed any others?
Be surprised if Dunn wasn't out for a couple of weeks on concussion protocols - he was pretty much trying to run while unconscious before the medic got to him. But they couldn't have been too worried as they just sat him on the bench when they subbed him.
Having watched the replay, his input added so much to my experience of watching the game and he's clearly got a rare rugby brain on him. He was also perfectly balanced, and highly complimentary of Saints' efforts, which must always be difficult for these guys doing the co-comms when they're a player from the home team.
Quote:joethefanaticQuote:charlieboa
V pleased to hear the positive comments on worboys.
I wonder personally if he has the same ceiling as Bailey and Harris who look class but if he can carve out a decent prem career then absolutely fantastic for him.
Great for us to have good options at 10 without having to shunt cam and mojo about.
Clearly the club mean a huge amount to him and his family who have suffered awful times in the past- really hope they were able to all enjoy the day at the rec on Saturday.
Worboys may or may not have a lower ceiling but judging on Saturday's performance, he looks like he has a higher base and that might turn out to be more important.
Look forward to finding out but certainly increasingly confident that 10 shouldn't an issue for a while with landy, worboys and harris
Searle is a v good player but would make sense to give George the start again.
Useful having a playmaking 12 in form like cam and spencer inside would help further.
Hopefully he will get some decent game time this season as has been starved of games over last few years other than the uni.
"It's all right, Andy! It's just bolognaise!"
It's nice we've a fortnight off as means we get some bodies back and continue to build in training. Must say, away at Newc and then home v Leic (who haven't been great and will be missing ints), if Bailey's not fit, I'd be tempted to go with Searle. He's got plenty of Prem experience and kicks nicely, so as good as Worboys was, if Searle trains well, I'd still get him into the XV ASAP.
Given our game plan, the more experience we have at 10, the better. Now isn't the time to be developing players – we need to harness the positive few weeks we've had and book a couple more wins, potentially against weakened opposition.
My worry is that we'll come back after the break and forget all the good that we've put in.
[www.premiershiprugby.com]
Quote:Thanks!
Definitely feels as though a corner has been turned. Overall I thought we didn't play quite as well as we did last week, although the defence for sure was better (helped a bit by Saints failing to exploit the possession and territory that they won). Maybe our squad is now more at ease, and trusting in, the new systems - looked that way to me. The ferocity of our defence (esp Miles Reid) when we were being battered close to our line was very impressive.
Agree with what other have said about Worboys. I worried a bit about 10 this week, but needlessly. He was confident and assured, and I reckon there's more to come.
MOTM for me though was Cam Redpath. Made one try and scored another, and strong in defence as well. Hope his injuries are behind him now, and he has the season he deserves (and we need).
Looks like all the players (Available) have bought into JVG’s & JPG’s game.
Forwards are going well so hats off to Hats & Charteris.
One think I did notice is how much we attacked the breakdown & pretty successfully.
Really enjoyed the commentary insight of Charlie Ewels
Keep it going boys! 🇪🇪
Widcombe Garçon
Quote:dr.bath1865
Reid made 17 tackles and missed 0. What a shift.
That's seriously impressive and must be the kind of stat that JvG must love to see
Adopted Players: All of the little blighters!!!
Quote:dr.bath1865
Reid made 17 tackles and missed 0. What a shift.
Would be one of the first names on the Bath teamsheet for me - the lad bleeds BB&W and is seriously talented to boot. A back row including Hill and Reid would be ridiculously mobile and strong.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
Quote:BathMatt53Quote:dr.bath1865
Reid made 17 tackles and missed 0. What a shift.
Would be one of the first names on the Bath teamsheet for me - the lad bleeds BB&W and is seriously talented to boot. A back row including Hill and Reid would be ridiculously mobile and strong.
That's leaving out Underhill then?
Quote:dr.bath1865
A quick word of agreement with those above complimenting Ewels on his commentary.
Having watched the replay, his input added so much to my experience of watching the game and he's clearly got a rare rugby brain on him. He was also perfectly balanced, and highly complimentary of Saints' efforts, which must always be difficult for these guys doing the co-comms when they're a player from the home team.
Ewels absolutely needs to go into commentary when he retires, way better than any of the BT sport crew
Quote:gaz59Quote:BathMatt53Quote:dr.bath1865
Reid made 17 tackles and missed 0. What a shift.
Would be one of the first names on the Bath teamsheet for me - the lad bleeds BB&W and is seriously talented to boot. A back row including Hill and Reid would be ridiculously mobile and strong.
That's leaving out Underhill then?
Perhaps controversially, yes. Fantastic player but salary + (un)available games means that under this current cap I would probably pass, particularly as he is really only a 7. Don't get me wrong I think he is great, but a luxury that Bath can't afford at the moment.
[24/25 adoptee: Francois van Wyk]
any injuries that I noticed. We looked like a proper competitive team again after so long. Our defence gave nothing away & we looked incisive in attack. Fantastic! I suppose going forward the excellent JvG will be looking for more control as we can’t be conceding so much possession like that on a regular basis but such a rewarding watch at last.
