Bath Rugby kicked off their preparations for the Run-In with an emphatic 14-try performance against a resilient Bedford Blues at the Recreation Ground.
The match saw tries coming from across the park, with multiple players from Bath’s squad earning valuable game time. The depth of the squad was on full display, underscoring the team’s growing confidence as the season approaches its climax.
Rugby writer Sam Jess evaluates the players’ performances in detail:
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15 Santi Carreras – 8
Returning after a month-long break, Carreras burst into action right from the kickoff with a blistering break that took him deep into Bedford territory. The Argentine fullback consistently attacked with determination and flair, though occasionally appeared a bit casual. After halftime, he shifted to fly-half, exhibiting strong attacking instincts and delivering a beautifully timed looped pass for Muir’s second try.
14 Joe Cokanasiga – 8
Cokanasiga displayed his trademark power, scoring Bath’s opening try. His handling was notably improved from previous seasons, enabling him to claim a second try and solidify his impactful presence on the wing.
13 Ollie Lawrence – 7
Returning from a challenging Six Nations campaign, Lawrence combined strength and skill effectively, powering through defenders for a crash-ball try and running an incisive line for another. Some lapses in defense were noted but did little to detract from his overall contribution.
12 Cameron Redpath – 7
The international’s return to Bath saw him focus on doing the simple things well, particularly in attack, providing solid and reliable performances.
11 Will Muir – 7
Muir had limited opportunities to sprint with the ball but was sharp and dangerous when involved. He narrowly missed out on scoring after a great kick-and-chase but later crossed twice, finishing off slick team moves.
10 Max Ojomoh – 8
Back in the fly-half role, Ojomoh injected energy and drive, making a crucial try-saving tackle early on. Though he was briefly caught out by an intercepted pass, his confidence grew as the game went on, contributing effectively both at fly-half and later at centre.
9 Tom Carr-Smith – 7
Competing for the deputy scrum-half role, Carr-Smith was quick to the breakdown and delivered speedy service, helping to maintain the team’s attacking momentum.
Front Row:
1 Beno Obano – 6
Obano laid solid scrummaging foundations and came close to scoring with powerful ball carries.
2 Tom Dunn – 6
Dunn handled lineout duties competently and scored a determined try for his efforts.
3 Kieran Verden – 6
Strong and steady in the scrum, Verden provided reliable front-row power.
Second Row:
4 Quinn Roux – 6
Roux’s lineout work was effective in setting up multiple attacking platforms.
5 Charlie Ewels – 6
Ewels contributed with strong defensive work and neat lineout execution.
Back Row:
6 Ewan Richards – 6
Richards showed glimpses of promise as he continues to cement his role in the first team.
7 Miles Reid (Captain) – 7
Reid led from the front with intelligent defense, including a key tackle during Bedford’s rare attacking phases.
8 Alfie Barbeary – 8
Announced this week as a future Saracens player, Barbeary was dominant with bulldozing carries and looked in fine form, reminiscent of his three-man-of-the-match streak earlier in January.
Replacements:
Henry Arundell – 8
After an inconsistent period with England, Arundell showed flair with a clever chip kick, finished off Dan Frost’s break, and secured a late intercept try.
Tom de Glanville – 7
Coming on at fullback, de Glanville was sharp and linked up well in attack.
Austin Emens – 7
Emens made bright line breaks during his cameo, energizing the backline.
Dan Frost – 8
Frost showcased his physicality and pace, setting up Arundell’s try with a 70-meter burst.
Chris Harris – 8
The Scottish centre was impressive in a forty-minute cameo, delivering exquisite passing and intelligent defense reminiscent of his best.
Will Jeanes – 7
Another strong substitute performance from Jeanes, highlighted by a well-taken try and continual forward momentum.
George Timmins – 7
Timmins impressed off the bench with big hits and an essential attacking contribution, collecting Arundell’s chip for Sam Winter’s first try.
Kepu Tuipulotu – 7
A fan favorite, Tuipulotu was influential with his turnover work at the breakdown.
Bernard van der Linde – 8
Starting the second half, Van der Linde showed sharpness and scored a brilliant solo try, breaking away from 30 meters out.
Sam Winter – 8
The winger’s pace and support lines resulted in two tries, further emphasizing Bath’s dominant performance.
This comprehensive victory and broad squad contribution has set Bath Rugby on an optimistic path as they gear up for the crucial final stages of the season.