Bath Rugby endured their heaviest league defeat of the season with a lackluster performance at Sandy Park, falling 35-12 to Exeter Chiefs.
Facing a strong breeze, Bath trailed 13-5 at halftime. Exeter’s Henry Slade contributed two penalties, and Josh Iosefa-Scott scored the home side’s try. Bath’s Quinn Roux received a 20-minute red card for a high tackle on Slade, yet Bath managed to score next, thanks to former Chiefs player Dan Frost. However, Finn Russell missed the conversion, leaving Bath eight points behind at the break.
Exeter extended their lead early in the second half with a try from Paul Brown-Bampoe while Tom de Glanville was in the sin bin. Bath responded with a powerful rolling maul try from Sam Underhill. Exeter then opened the game further with a brilliant try from Len Ikitau, capitalizing on slick play from their front row. Slade’s conversion pushed the lead to 13 points.
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Exeter sealed the win with a spectacular solo try by Campbell Ridl, leaving Bath to regroup after a tough fortnight.
Here is a closer look at the Bath Rugby player performances:
15 Tom de Glanville - 6
Returned to the starting lineup and contested well in the air against Paul Brown-Bampoe. However, a costly deliberate knock-on led to a yellow card, allowing Exeter to score with the man advantage.
14 Joe Cokanasiga - 5
Making a comeback from injury, Cokanasiga showed decent defence with key cover tackles and moments of his trademark pace and power in contact.
13 Ollie Lawrence - 6
Displayed some promising runs but never fully got going and dropped the ball multiple times under pressure.
12 Will Butt - 5
Facing his future team, Butt was a solid defensive presence but only managed one notable attacking break.
11 Henry Arundell - 4
Had very little ball time and struggled defensively, misreading plays to give Exeter space in wide channels.
10 Finn Russell - 3
A rare off day for the usually reliable fly-half. Russell’s wild passes, poor decisions, and inaccurate kicking, including a costly cross-field kick, contributed to Bath’s difficulties.
9 Ben Spencer (Captain) - 6
Despite strong wind conditions, Spencer consistently pressured Exeter with precise box kicks and made a crucial tackle to dislodge the ball from Paul Brown-Bampoe.
1 Francois van Wyk - 6
A key ball carrier in tight contact, Van Wyk held firm despite a challenging start for Bath.
2 Dan Frost - 6
Frost conceded an early penalty but improved as the game progressed, scoring an impressive maul try against his former side.
3 Archie Griffin - 5
Solid scrummaging but appeared sluggish around the field.
4 Quinn Roux - 3
Received a 20-minute red card for a dangerous high tackle that shifted momentum towards Exeter.
5 Ross Molony - 5
Penalized early but made significant defensive contributions and led impressive sets during Bath’s period down a player.
6 Ted Hill - 6
Despite an early penalty, Hill’s relentless energy caused disruption, making him one of Bath’s stronger performers.
7 Sam Underhill - 7
Although penalized early, Underhill fought hard throughout and scored from a driving maul, standing out defensively.
8 Alfie Barbeary - 6
Strong in ball carries but struggled with handling errors and unnecessary offloads that disrupted Bath’s rhythm.
Replacements:
16 Kepueli Tuipulotu - 5
Started well in lineouts but Bath’s set piece faltered under Exeter pressure.
17 Beno Obano - 5
Failed to make a notable impact off the bench.
18 Thomas du Toit - 6
Contributed with a scrum penalty win but lacked influence with ball in hand.
19 Charlie Ewels - 5
Came on following Roux’s sin bin but was unable to turn the tide.
20 Guy Pepper - 5
Could not significantly affect the tempo after entering.
21 Tom Carr-Smith - N/A
22 Santi Carreras - N/A
23 Cameron Redpath - 6
Defensively weak and rusty in attack during his time on the field.