Bath Rugby delivered one of their most commanding displays of the season with a 60-19 triumph over Sale Sharks at the CorpAcq Stadium on Sunday, significantly boosting their knockout stage prospects in the PREM Rugby Cup.
The Blues ran in ten tries, highlighted by hooker Dan Frost’s remarkable hat-trick. Arthur Green and second-half replacement George Timmins each secured two tries, while Charlie Griffin, Jasper Spandler, and guest player Tyler Mason also crossed the line. Will Roue’s precision with five conversions helped maximize Bath’s scoring tally.
Sale Sharks managed three tries, including two from dynamic hooker Nathan Jibulu and a late consolation try by winger Albert Bradshaw, with fly-half Tom Curtis converting two of their three kicks.
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South West rugby writer John Evely provides an in-depth look at Bath Rugby’s individual performances:
15 Austin Emens – 7
A solid performance from the full-back who showed reliability under the high ball during the extensive kicking exchanges. However, he was at fault for a missed tackle that allowed Jibulu’s first try.
14 Charlie Griffin – 8
Griffin’s try-scoring luck was evident with a perfectly timed interception leading to a spectacular finish. His opportunism and pace terrorized the Sale defense throughout.
13 Jack Harrison – 6
Making his professional debut, Harrison displayed composure and ambition, including a bold early cross-field kick. A promising introduction at the outside centre position.
12 Will Butt – 8
Bath’s captain excelled in both attack and defense, delivering powerful tackles and strong carries. His efforts were instrumental in establishing dominance in midfield.
11 Will Muir – 8
While not scoring, Muir’s defensive work and relentless kick chases were invaluable. His late-game offload to Mason exemplified his vision and skill.
10 Will Roue – 6
In his first competitive start, Roue managed the backline effectively and contributed 10 points with his kicking, despite a few errors that briefly shifted momentum.
9 Bernard van der Linde – 7
Returning from injury, van der Linde’s strong kicking game and box kicks played a key role in Bath controlling territory and possession.
1 Scott Kirk – 8
Kirk anchored the scrum and provided stability in the set-piece, laying a solid platform for Bath’s forward dominance.
2 Dan Frost – 9
Frost’s hat-trick of tries from driving mauls showcased his power and precision. His creative offloads and steadfast defense made him Bath’s standout player.
3 Kieran Verden – 8
Verden was a physical force, delivering punishing tackles and holding firm in scrums and lineouts.
4 Will Jeanes – 9
Jeanes produced perhaps his best performance, relentless in defense and dangerous with ball in hand, proving crucial in the pack’s overall dominance.
5 Harvey Cuckson – 7
A strong showing until an unfortunate shoulder injury forced his early substitution.
6 Ethan Staddon – 7
His relentless work rate disrupted Sale’s breakdown, securing vital turnovers despite conceding a few penalties.
7 Thompson Cowan – 7
Cowan’s timely turnover near Bath’s try line helped thwart a potential Sale score, maintaining the momentum for Bath.
8 Arthur Green – 8
Green impressed with two powerful tries, demonstrating intelligent running lines and robust physicality, seizing his chance to shine against quality opposition.
Replacements also contributed effectively, with George Timmins scoring twice and Jasper Spandler, Ioan Emmanuel, Mikey Summerfield, Jack Bennett, Neil le Roux, James Linegar, and Tyler Mason all making valuable impacts.
Bath Rugby’s comprehensive victory was marked by relentless physicality, precise execution, and opportunistic try-scoring that will lift team confidence heading into the knockout stages.