Bath vs Saints - Saturday 1505

[Adam_P]

Bath:
Gallagher; Cokanasiga, Lawrence, Redpath, Muir; Russell, Spencer (c); Obano, Dunn, Du Toit; Roux, Ewels; Hill, Underhill, Bayliss.

Replacements: Annett, Schoeman, Stuart, Stooke, Barbeary, Schreuder, Bailey, Reid.

Saints:
Ramm; Seabrook, Litchfield, Odendaal, Sleightholme; Hutchinson, James; Iyogun, S Matavesi, Millar Mills; Mayanavanua, Lockett; Scott-Young, Ludlam (c), Graham.

Replacements: R Smith, Haffar, Hill, Munga, Pearson, McParland, Savala, Thame.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Saints rotating heavily have secured their spot

[Banquo]

Using Bedford loanees on the bench

[Adam_P]

Some rotation for Saints, as expected. Fully resting key men Smith, Mitchell, Lawes, Langdon, etc. Bit surprised we're not also resting Sleightholme and playing Hendy instead, as Sleightholme is another key man at the moment. That said, other than Hutchinson out of position at 10, the starting team is still pretty strong - and even then Hutchinson has filled in at 10 well before. The obvious weakness is the very green backs replacements.

Very good to have Ludlam and Pearson both fit again - we definitely need at least one of them in the backrow with Lawes and Augustus for our strongest team.

Could be a banana skin for Bath, who should be expecting to win this.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Hendy took a knock in the last game didnt he?

[Which Tyler]

Could be a banana skin for Bath, who should be expecting to win this.

In terms of losing? absolutely.
At this stage in the season though, Bath need 1 solitary point from this; and on those terms, I don't really see this as being a banana skin unless something disastrous happens out on the pitch.

Of course, we'd like a 5 pointer, but even then, we're reliant on Sale getting a win at Sarries, who are saying goodbye to Farrell and the Vunipolae - so realistically, not going to happen.

[Adam_P]

Hendy took a knock in the last game didnt he?

He's not listed on the list of injuries - which is currently only occupied by Braley. Probably precautionary rest though from the knock, as you say. Seem to be getting our players back at the right time of the season which is nice.

Part of me is a bit concerned about resting so many starting players. We haven't done well coming back from breaks this season, like getting humped by Bristol after the Six Nations. Almost think it'd be worth risking injuries or bans to just carry the form.

[Adam_P]

Could be a banana skin for Bath, who should be expecting to win this.

In terms of losing? absolutely.
At this stage in the season though, Bath need 1 solitary point from this; and on those terms, I don't really see this as being a banana skin unless something disastrous happens out on the pitch.

Of course, we'd like a 5 pointer, but even then, we're reliant on Sale getting a win at Sarries, who are saying goodbye to Farrell and the Vunipolae - so realistically, not going to happen.

Yeah good point - I was just talking about the win, which most people are probably expecting to see

[Puja]

Hutchinson at 10!

Saints just surrendering first place in the table without a fight - maybe they prefer the idea of playing Bath in the semi-final instead of taking a chance on whomever finishes 4th. Damp squib of a finish though.

Puja

[Adam_P]

Hutchinson at 10!

Saints just surrendering first place in the table without a fight - maybe they prefer the idea of playing Bath in the semi-final instead of taking a chance on whomever finishes 4th. Damp squib of a finish though.

Puja

To be fair, two bonus points will guarantee top spot - which isn't beyond the realms of possibility

[Which Tyler]

ETA: I wonder if there's a thought in Northampton that... better the Bath you know, than the Exeter / Quins / Sale you don't.
Let Bath 1stXV beat your 2nd XV; as good as guaranteeing that the 2 teams meet again in the SF; with 2 weeks to tinker what you've already spent a week or three preparing for; and no psychological hang-over from the loss (as it's the 2nd XV) but still might be enough to instil a "revenge" reaction at home?

A bit Machiavellian, but if the opportunity presents itself...

[fivepointer]

Gloucester took a hammering on and off the pitch for selecting a heavily weakened team last week. Similar grief coming Saints way?

TBF I think resting key players makes a lot of sense as they are guaranteed a top 2 finish.

Does make the game considerably less interesting, though.

[Adam_P]

There is a fairly significant difference in the standard/experience of player in this Saints side compared to the Glos team last week. Ramm, Sleightholme, Odendaal, James, Iyogun, Matavesi, Ludlam, Graham and Pearson are all pretty much nailed on match day 23 players. Seabrook, Litchfield, Millar-Mills, Mayanavanua, Scott-Young, Hill are also regulars. Of the starting 15, the only major weakness I see is Hutch out of position and Lockett being inexperienced.

[Mellsblue]

Using Bedford loanees on the bench

Saints by 137.

[Mellsblue]

Lockett being inexperienced.

Goldington Road Finishing School graduate.
Saints by 184.

[Which Tyler]

If Spencer's okay after that tackle, it's far more due to luck than judgement!

[Which Tyler]

TFFT

[Adam_P]

Looking like Bath will be getting a home semi at this rate

[Which Tyler]

What happened to Alfie?

Hopefully not a Samson moment

ETA: And that's why I don't like kicking away turnover ball without even looking at alternatives

[Mikey Brown]

The fro is gone?

I'd only just started to accept him as being tall enough for an international 8,

[Puja]

Hutchinson at 10!

Saints just surrendering first place in the table without a fight - maybe they prefer the idea of playing Bath in the semi-final instead of taking a chance on whomever finishes 4th. Damp squib of a finish though.

Puja

Fair play Saints - obviously had more faith in Sale than I did!

Puja

[Adam_P]

Fingers crossed for a rematch in the final!

[Which Tyler]

Absolutely

[Which Tyler]