Bath Rugby booked their place in the PREM Rugby Cup semi-finals with a thrilling 38-26 win over West Country rivals Gloucester at a sold-out Recreation Ground.
The hosts set the tone early, with Tom Carr-Smith opening the scoring in the 15th minute. Kepueli Tuipulotu quickly followed, powering over from the back of a dominant Bath maul just five minutes later. Gloucester responded through Ben Redshaw at the 30-minute mark, but Bath’s fluid play saw Carr-Smith find Will Muir out wide, restoring a comfortable lead before the break.
Carr-Smith crossed again shortly after half-time, but Bath’s momentum stalled when Francois van Wyk was shown a yellow card. Gloucester capitalized with try-scoring bursts from Ollie Thorley and Max Knight within five minutes. However, Bath bounced back immediately as Ethan Staddon and Max Ojomoh crossed to cement their semi-final berth, leaving Gloucester’s hopes fading.
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A late try for Gloucester from Deian Gwynne in the 75th minute earned a losing bonus point but did little to affect Bath’s progression.
Rugby writer Ben Baker reviews individual player performances from Bath’s impressive outing:
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Tom de Glanville – 7
After a shaky start, de Glanville settled well. The fullback was commanding under the high ball, made crucial tackles, and demonstrated sharp awareness to avoid interfering with pivotal plays.
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Joe Cokanasiga – 6
A solid but understated performance, Cokanasiga contributed defensively with committed tackles and effective kick chases despite fewer attacking opportunities.
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Chris Harris – 5
The former Gloucester centre struggled to make an impact, showing limited creativity and opting to recycle possession rather than exploit openings.
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Will Butt – 8
Bath’s captain impressed with his ability to find gaps in Gloucester’s defense. Butt’s playmaking ability helped orchestrate the attack and contributed strongly to the scoreboard.
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Will Muir – 8
The winger was outstanding, scoring his 40th try in Bath colors and assisting Max Ojomoh brilliantly. Muir’s defensive efforts were equally impressive, highlighted by a crucial tap tackle denying a Gloucester try.
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Max Ojomoh – 7
Returning at fly-half, Ojomoh delivered a fine performance, combining strong defensive work with a clinical try in the corner.
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Tom Carr-Smith – 8
Celebrating his 50th Bath appearance, Carr-Smith was a standout with two tries, one assist, and excellent kicking from the ruck.
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Francois van Wyk – 5
A solid effort but marred by a costly yellow card after a dangerous play, which allowed Gloucester to gain momentum and score twice during his absence.
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Kepueli Tuipulotu – 7
The young hooker was a force in the maul, scoring a try and causing disruption with a charged-down kick, though his lineout throwing was less precise.
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Vilikesa Sela – 6
The tighthead delivered a strong scrum and was instrumental in the maul that led to Tuipulotu’s try, alongside powerful defensive hits.
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Will Jeanes – 5
Quiet but effective, Jeanes contributed strong ball carries before being substituted after 60 minutes.
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Charlie Ewels – 6
Making his first PREM Cup appearance this season, Ewels showed promise despite conceding an early penalty, bringing physicality to the lineout and breakdown.
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Ted Hill – 6
Hill’s work rate was high over his hour on the pitch; his robust runs and ruck dominance were critical components of Bath’s forward strength.
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Ethan Staddon – 8
One of Staddon’s best outings this season, highlighted by relentless pressure at the breakdown and a well-taken try following a charged-down kick.
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Miles Reid – 7
Reid matched Staddon’s intensity at the breakdown and contributed valuable carries, his experience pivotal to Bath’s control of the game.
Replacements contributed solidly, with Cameron Redpath earning a 7 for his performance off the bench.