Bath Rugby fielded a notably understrength side on Saturday at the StoneX Stadium, edged out 36-26 by play-off chasing Saracens. Coach Johann van Graan made 23 changes to the line-up that secured victory over Lyon in the EPCR Challenge Cup last week, demonstrating Bath’s depth. Although Saracens dominated much of the game with tries from Rotimi Segun, Jamie George (2), Elliot Daly, Theo Dan, and Fergus Burke, Bath fought back late to secure an attacking bonus point through tries from Arthur Green, Tyler Offiah, Kepu Tuipulotu, and Louie Hennessey.
Here’s a detailed look at individual performances from the Bath squad:
15 Jack Woods - 6
Making his debut at full-back, Woods showed glimpses of promise but was caught out allowing Fergus Burke an easy try following a well-executed chip.
14 Austin Emens - 7
Under heavy pressure from Saracens’ kicking game, Emens improved as the match progressed and helped keep the opposition’s backline honest.
13 Louie Hennessey - 7
The Welsh centre brought physicality and strong defence, apart from a minor slip that allowed Daly to score. He capped his performance with a late intercept try.
12 Will Parry - 6
Another backline debutant, Parry impressed with powerful carries but sometimes struggled defensively, making crucial tackles when he got his reads right.
11 Ruaridh McConnochie - 8
In his announced final season, McConnochie worked tirelessly, especially in the last 20 minutes, nearly scoring a memorable try in one of his last outings.
10 Orlando Bailey - 6
Bailey’s performance was mixed; while he executed some sharp defence and good distribution, inconsistent kicking and handling errors limited his impact.
9 Louis Schreuder - 4
In what might be his last Bath appearance, Schreuder struggled to control the game, with mis-timed passes and kicks stifling Bath’s attacking rhythm.
1 Scott Kirk - 6
Debutant Kirk showcased his power up front and was a force in scrum engagements, though chances to convert his efforts into points were limited.
2 Jasper Spandler - 5
Spandler’s strong lineout takes gained momentum but inconsistencies led to soft turnovers that hampered Bath’s ball retention.
3 Archie Griffin - 5
Faced with a dominant Saracens front row, Griffin found it difficult to maintain parity in scrums and breakdowns.
4 Will Jeanes - 6
Jeanes made key carries and maintained intensity throughout, demonstrating endurance and physicality in the engine room.
5 Ewan Richards (captain) - 8
The captain led by example, breaking through defences and marshaling the line with authority, backing his reputation as a league standout.
6 Ethan Staddon - 7
Staddon’s tenacious defence was critical, forcing errors from Saracens’ key players and proving his worth under van Graan’s system.
7 Tom Cowan - 6
Cowan contributed noticeably at the breakdown but faced some unlucky officiating decisions that disrupted his flow.
8 Arthur Green - 7
Green’s early try set the tone for Bath’s comeback attempt, combining physical power with intelligent ball-carrying to fuel their fightback.
Replacements:
16 Kepu Tuipulotu - 7 entered with immediate impact, improving lineouts and contributing a try.
17 Arthur Cordwell - 6 played energetically in his final Bath appearance.
18 Kieran Verden - 6 provided steady front-row relief.
19 Mackenzie Graham - 6 impressed on his Premiership debut, adding late power.
20 George Timmins - 8 was a standout off the bench, offering big carries, crucial turnovers, and impactful defence.
21 Neil le Roux - 7 brought pace and spark to the backline upon entering.
22 Tyler Offiah - 8 demonstrated remarkable pace and skill, including a slick try that energized the team.
23 John Stewart - 6 rounded off his Bath career strongly with hard running and vital contributions during the late rally.
Despite the loss, this game highlighted Bath’s promising talent and squad depth, offering cause for optimism ahead.