Bath’s nail-biting 30-26 victory over Gloucester in round 10 of the Gallagher Premiership was nothing short of a rollercoaster, with the defending champions facing an almighty scare before their 'Bomb Squad' replacements came to the rescue. But here's where it gets controversial: while some players shone, others left us wondering if they truly brought their A-game. Let’s dive into the player ratings for Johann van Graan’s squad, with a few surprises along the way.
15 Santi Carreras (7): Returning to his former stomping ground, Carreras was a constant threat with ball in hand. His breakaway for Louie Hennessey’s opening try was a highlight, proving he’s a game-changer. And this is the part most people miss: his ability to create something out of nothing kept Gloucester on their toes throughout.
14 Louie Hennessey (6): Hennessey kicked things off with a well-executed try but was denied a second due to a missed pass from Finn Russell. As the game progressed, he was effectively contained, leaving us to wonder what could have been.
13 Chris Harris (5): While Harris couldn’t match the impact of his fellow ex-Gloucester teammate, he held his own defensively. Bold question: Was he underutilized, or did Gloucester simply neutralize his strengths?
12 Max Ojomoh (6): Uncharacteristically quiet due to limited ball time, Ojomoh still made the most of his opportunities. Controversial take: Could Bath’s tactics have better leveraged his skills?
11 Will Muir (6): Growing into the game, Muir engaged in a solid battle with Ollie Thorley and found himself in unexpected positions, yielding positive results. A player who’s clearly adapting and evolving.
10 Finn Russell (7): Russell silenced the home crowd with his ball-carrying prowess, racking up 77 metres and a try. His distribution unlocked space, and his kicking under pressure was impressive. Thought-provoking question: Is he Bath’s most underrated asset?
9 Ben Spencer (c) (6): Spencer’s performance was steady, managing a messy ruck and steering his team effectively. But here’s the kicker: Did he do enough to truly lead in a high-pressure match?
Back-row:
8 Arthur Green (6): A hard-working shift cut short by a nasty head injury. His physicality was undeniable, but we’re left wondering what more he could have contributed.
7 Ethan Staddon (6): A defensive stalwart with 13 tackles and a turnover, Staddon’s effort was faultless. Controversial interpretation: Was his impact enough to secure a higher rating?
6 Josh Bayliss (8): The unsung hero of the match. Bayliss was everywhere, making crucial interventions on both attack and defense. Bold statement: Without him, Bath might have lost. A masterclass in unrelenting effort.
Tight five:
5 Quinn Roux (6): Roux’s gritty defensive effort and hard work in the tight were exactly what Bath needed. A reliable presence in a chaotic game.
4 Ted Hill (6): Quietly effective, Hill handled the unseen tasks with precision. A player who does the dirty work without fanfare.
3 Archie Griffin (6): Despite a few handling errors, Griffin’s solid performance and 14 tackles (leading the chart) showcased his resilience. Question for the audience: Was this his best game yet?
2 Dan Frost (6): Frost’s return to form continued with a try and near-miss for a second. While the lineout struggled, his overall effort was commendable. Controversial point: Could he have done more to stabilize the set-piece?
1 Francois van Wyk (6): A steady performance without fireworks. Van Wyk held his own in the scrum and contributed across the field. Thought-provoking question: Is consistency enough in a high-stakes match?
Replacements (8): The real heroes of the night. Guy Pepper’s early introduction sparked Bath’s resurgence, despite a yellow card. Backed by Beno Obano, Kepu Tuipulotu, Thomas du Toit, Charlie Ewels, and Sam Underhill, they collectively upped the ante, putting Bath back in control. Bold question: Were they the difference between victory and defeat?
As Bath narrowly escaped with a win, the performance raises questions about consistency, tactics, and individual impact. What’s your take? Did the ratings hit the mark, or did we miss something? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
