Bath Rugby overcame a challenging first half to secure a 31-22 victory against Saracens in the last 16 knockout round of the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup at the Recreation Ground. Despite early struggles, Bath’s determination and skill shone through in the second half, propelling them to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2006.
The match began with Saracens asserting dominance, capitalizing on Bath’s errors to build a 10-0 lead through Charlie Bracken’s try and Owen Farrell’s penalty. Bath’s early confusion, marked by handling mistakes and ineffective lineout and maul play, saw them scoreless in the first half for the first time this season.
However, Bath sparked a comeback right after the break. Henry Arundell’s impressive solo try sliced through the Saracens defense, setting the tone for an intense second half. Joe Cokanasiga’s alertness led to another crucial try, as he capitalized on a loose ball to score untouched. The momentum shifted further when Ben Spencer led a spectacular 100m counter-attack try, extending Bath’s lead to 19-10.
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Saracens fought back with Max Malins crossing the line, but Bath responded robustly. Ollie Lawrence’s powerful crash over made it 26-15, and despite another try from Saracens’ Noah Caluori, Bath closed out the game with a second try from Arundell.
This win marks a significant milestone for Bath, hosting their first quarter-final since 2002 in a rematch against Northampton Saints.
Individual performances were pivotal to Bath’s success. Joe Cokanasiga delivered his best game for the club, combining strong defense with key tries and intelligent support play. Ollie Lawrence impressed with his physicality and scored a crucial try, while Henry Arundell’s brace—highlighted by a breathtaking solo effort—sealed the victory.
Fullback Santiago Carreras overcame early mistakes to contribute effectively in attack as the game progressed. The halfbacks, Finn Russell and captain Ben Spencer, showed flashes of brilliance despite some early inaccuracies but grew more composed after the break. The forward pack, led by impactful substitutes Thomas du Toit and Francois van Wyk, gained control in the scrum and lineout, turning the tide in Bath’s favor.
Though some players struggled—like Tom Dunn with lineout errors and Archie Griffin facing difficulties at scrum time—the collective effort ensured Bath’s progression. Notably, Guy Pepper and Alfie Barbeary provided strong performances at the breakdown and in carries, with Pepper’s second-half energy standing out.
Bath’s resilience and tactical adjustments in the second half highlight a team ready to challenge at the highest levels as they advance deeper into the Champions Cup.