Bath Rugby showcased a commanding performance at the Recreation Ground on Friday night, thrashing Edinburgh Rugby 63-10 in Round Four of the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup. This win guarantees Bath their first home knock-out match in the tournament in over two decades.
With Toulon faltering last week against Munster, Bath needed just a victory to ensure a home last-16 tie. They started emphatically, scoring four tries before halftime. Remarkably, each front-row player crossed the try line — Thomas du Toit, Beno Obano, and Tom Dunn — and they also forced a penalty try. Despite the strong start, Edinburgh fought back with a beautiful counter-attack try from Piers O’Connor just before the break.
The second half began sluggishly for Bath, but they soon took control, piling on five more tries. Joe Cokanasiga led the charge with a memorable brace, combining electrifying pace and strength. His efforts were complemented by tries from Henry Arundell, Ben Spencer (the captain), and Max Ojomoh. Ultimately, Bath rounded off an impressive night with nine tries to fully dominate the match.
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Rugby writer Sam Jess reviews the individual player performances:
Tom de Glanville (Full-back) – 7
Returning from injury, de Glanville demonstrated intelligent play around the fringes and precise kicking. Unfortunately, an ankle injury forced him off in the 52nd minute.
Joe Cokanasiga (Wing) – 8
A sensational second half saw Cokanasiga at his best, scoring two spectacular tries and setting up captain Spencer. His powerful runs and defensive efforts made a huge impact.
Ollie Lawrence (Inside Centre) – 7
Lawrence made good carries after returning from injury but struggled with some handling errors and decision-making. His defensive work, including a key turnover, was excellent.
Max Ojomoh (Outside Centre) – 8
Ojomoh impressed with his speed, skillful show-and-go moves, and improved composure, adding dangerous attacking options in the second half.
Henry Arundell (Wing) – 7
Though less involved, Arundell’s sheer pace was threatening. He came close to scoring a solo try but lost the ball near the line.
Finn Russell (Fly-half) – 7
Russell injected energy and creativity into Bath’s backline, orchestrating space well, although he dropped a straightforward pass late on.
Ben Spencer (Scrum-half and Captain) – 8
Spencer controlled the game with brilliant box-kicks, quick distribution, and supporting lines, culminating in a well-deserved try. His leadership shone throughout, even as he rested near the end.
Beno Obano (Prop) – 8
A workhorse in the pack, Obano carried powerfully and scored his sixth try of the season, marking his best tally for Bath.
Tom Dunn (Hooker) – 7
Despite conceding an early penalty, Dunn made strong carries and scored just before halftime to boost the team’s momentum.
Thomas du Toit (Prop) – 9
Du Toit was outstanding, scoring from close range and displaying immense strength in scrums, helping Bath dominate upfront.
Quinn Roux & Ross Molony (Locks) – 7
Both provided steady work in the lineouts and physicality across the park, offering a solid platform for the backs.
Guy Pepper & Sam Underhill (Back Row) – 7
Showing energy and intensity, these flankers contributed with aggressive defense, ball retrieval, and relentless work rate.
Alfie Barbeary (Number Eight) – 9
In top form, Barbeary combined powerful carries with intelligent attacking play, including a dazzling chip-and-chase. His maul turnover was pivotal, and he earned his third consecutive man-of-the-match recognition, hinting at his desire for a new club contract.
Replacements also made valuable contributions, particularly Miles Reid and Tom Carr-Smith, who helped maintain pressure as Bath dismantled Edinburgh’s defenses.
Overall, Bath Rugby delivered a near-flawless performance that will excite fans ahead of their home Champions Cup knockout tie, with several players in fine form and the team showing great depth and attacking prowess.