Bath Rugby delivered a resounding 63-10 win against a weakened Edinburgh Rugby side on Friday night at the Recreation Ground, securing top spot in Pool 2 of the Investec Champions Cup and a coveted home fixture in the knockout last 16. This emphatic victory marked Bath’s first home Champions Cup knockout game in 24 years, underscoring their return to European prominence.
From the outset, Bath’s forward pack imposed their authority, with Thomas du Toit, Tom Dunn, and Beno Obano each crashing over for first-half tries. Their dominance was further highlighted by a penalty try awarded after a relentless scrum effort pushed Edinburgh back over their own try line, showcasing Bath’s superior power and control up front.
Edinburgh’s sole try came from an impressive counter-attack, as fullback Harry Paterson exploited a mismatch in the locks, linking with Ben Vellacott and Piers O’Conor to breach the Bath defense and score under the posts. Nevertheless, the visitors struggled to maintain momentum against the relentless pressure exerted by last season’s Challenge Cup champions.
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In the second half, Bath’s expansive play flourished. England hopeful Max Ojomoh was instrumental in dismantling Edinburgh’s defense, setting up tries for Joe Cokanasiga—who crossed twice—and Ben Spencer, as well as scoring himself alongside Henry Arundell. Despite Finn Russell’s flawless kicking, contributing 16 points from eight successful kicks, a late try opportunity was missed after Dan Frost’s impressive break.
Bath’s comprehensive win raised confidence in their ability to challenge Europe’s elite, however head coach Johann van Graan remains mindful of the tougher challenges ahead, particularly against heavyweights like Toulouse or Bordeaux who match physicality with skill.
Final scores stood: Bath Rugby 63, Edinburgh Rugby 10.
Bath Rugby lineup: Tom de Glanville, Joe Cokanasiga, Ollie Lawrence, Max Ojomoh, Henry Arundell, Finn Russell, Ben Spencer (c), Beno Obano, Tom Dunn, Thomas du Toit, Quinn Roux, Ross Molony, Guy Pepper, Sam Underhill, Alfie Barbeary.
Edinburgh Rugby lineup: Harry Paterson, Darcy Graham, Piers O’Conor, James Lang, Malelili Satala, Ross Thompson, Ben Vellacott (c), James Whitcombe, Ewan Ashman, Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, Callum Hunter-Hill, Glen Young, Tom Dodd, Freddy Douglas, Ben Muncaster.
Match Officials: Referee Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy), Assistant Referees Franco Rosella (Italy), Luca Bisetto (Italy), TMO Tual Trainini (France).