Charlie Ewels is confident that Bath Rugby will strike the right emotional balance to counter whatever challenges Bristol Bears present in their highly anticipated semi-final showdown.
On Friday night, these long-time rivals meet in the biggest derby between them in a generation, as top-of-the-table Bath hosts fourth-placed Bristol Bears at the Recreation Ground in the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership semi-final.
While Bristol focuses on raising emotional intensity for what they describe as the pinnacle of their season, Bath’s approach centers on maintaining composure and following a proven game plan. This level-headed strategy has been key to Bath’s impressive run throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
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However, Bath knows not to underestimate the Bears, who triumphed 36-26 in October at the Recreation Ground. That match was marked by Bristol’s superior intensity, something they will look to replicate as they aim for another memorable victory.
Ewels remarked, “If the Premiership semi-final at home doesn’t mean something to us, we are in the wrong game. Bristol is an excellent team with threats across the field. It’s crucial that we come into this match emotionally prepared and focused.”
Bath heads into this weekend with the chance to complete a rare treble, having already secured the Premiership Rugby Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup this season. This pursuit of silverware comes after a near miss last season when they fell just short in the Premiership final, losing 25-21 to Northampton Saints in a tightly contested match influenced by an early red card.
Ewels believes that repeated exposure to high-stakes knockout rugby is invaluable for the squad’s development. “The longer the core group stays together and experiences these knockout games, the more they understand what it takes to perform at their best when it matters most. We’ve been in similar semi-final or final scenarios multiple times this season and last, which builds trust in our processes and confidence going forward.”
With a blend of experience, composure, and determination, Bath Rugby aims to uphold their strong form and claim a key victory over their local rivals to advance to the Gallagher Premiership final.