Bath Rugby suffered a 36-26 defeat against play-off contenders Saracens at StoneX Stadium on Saturday, fielding a significantly rotated squad. Despite the loss, many of Bath’s young players enhanced their reputations with strong individual efforts.
Head Coach Johann van Graan made 23 changes to the side that clinched the EPCR Challenge Cup just a week earlier, highlighting Bath’s impressive squad depth. Saracens dominated much of the match, powering through with tries from Rotimi Segun, Jamie George (2), Elliot Daly, Theo Dan, and Fergus Burke. However, Bath’s late surge secured them an attacking bonus point thanks to tries by Arthur Green, Tyler Offiah, Kepu Tuipulotu, and Louie Hennessey.
Here’s a detailed look at individual Bath Rugby player performances by rugby analyst Sam Jess:
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15 Jack Woods – 6
The Welsh full-back made a promising debut with some notable moments but was undercut when Fergus Burke capitalized on a lapse to score a try.
14 Austin Emens – 7
Emens faced heavy pressure from Saracens’ kicking game and was caught narrow defensively early on. He improved steadily, helping to keep Saracens’ backline in check as the match progressed.
13 Louie Hennessey – 7
Hennessey delivered hard hits and solid defensive work, though a minor penalty near his line allowed Daly an easy try. He redeemed himself with a late interception try.
12 Will Parry – 6
Making his backline debut, Parry showed aggressive ball-carrying but had some defensive positioning issues. When focused, he made key tackles that helped keep Bath in the contest.
11 Ruaridh McConnochie – 8
In his announced retirement week, McConnochie displayed why he’s a fan favourite with committed defense and attacking intent, nearly scoring a memorable try late on.
10 Orlando Bailey – 6
Bailey aimed to reclaim his spot, showing flashes of skill and a crucial last-ditch tackle. However, inconsistent kicking and handling errors disrupted Bath’s rhythm in the second half.
9 Louis Schreuder – 4
In what may have been his final Bath appearance, Schreuder struggled with passing accuracy and box kicks, hindering attacking momentum and leaving the young side defending aggressively.
1 Scott Kirk – 6
Debutant Kirk impressed with his power upfront and relentless effort in scrums, just missing out on some rewarding moments.
2 Jasper Spandler – 5
Spandler contributed a strong lineout carry but faced accuracy issues with throws, conceding turnover opportunities to Saracens.
3 Archie Griffin – 5
The Welsh tighthead faced a challenging afternoon against a dominant Saracens front row, unable to consistently impose himself.
4 Will Jeanes – 6
Jeanes combined physicality with persistence, making important carries and maintaining effort even when fatigued.
5 Ewan Richards (C) – 8
Captain Richards led by example with powerful carries and defensive leadership, nearly unstoppable at times and a standout performer.
6 Ethan Staddon – 7
Staddon’s defensive prowess stood out, including forcing turnovers and disrupting Saracens’ key players, showing strong potential for the future.
7 Tom Cowan – 6
Cowan worked hard at the breakdown but was somewhat hampered by the referee’s decisions, limiting his impact.
8 Arthur Green – 7
A breakout talent this season, Green set the tone early with a try and crucial ball carries that ignited Bath’s fightback.
Replacements:
16 Kepu Tuipulotu – 7
The replacement hooker enhanced lineout reliability and pace on the field, scoring a try to energize Bath’s comeback.
17 Arthur Cordwell – 6
Cordwell, also announcing retirement, gave a spirited final contribution with his energetic play.
18 Kieran Verden – 6
Verden provided steady strength off the bench, stabilizing the forward pack.
19 Mackenzie Graham – 6
Making his Premiership debut, Graham added physicality as Bath wrestled momentum in the closing stages.
20 George Timmins – 8
Timmins injected energy and physicality, with impactful carries and a vital turnover that helped Bath’s late surge, marking him as a prospect for the future.
21 Neil le Roux – 7
Le Roux brought much-needed speed and dynamism to Bath’s backline after coming on.
22 Tyler Offiah – 8
Offiah impressed with pace and skill, showcasing glimpses of brilliance by weaving past defenders and scoring a try.
23 John Stewart – 6
Back at number eight, Stewart ended his Bath tenure with strong physical displays and momentum-driving play during the final rally.
Despite the defeat, Bath’s promising young talent made it clear the team has depth and potential for future success.