Bath Rugby stamped their authority on Pool 2 of the Investec Champions Cup with a commanding 63-10 victory over a depleted Edinburgh Rugby side at the Recreation Ground on Friday night. This outstanding win guarantees Bath a home fixture in the last 16 knockout stage, marking their first home Champions Cup knockout game in 24 years.
From the outset, Bath’s formidable forward pack took control. The starting front row—Thomas du Toit, Tom Dunn, and Beno Obano—each scored tries in the first half, driving Edinburgh’s scrum back over their own try line to force a penalty try. Bath’s physical dominance in the set-piece was clear as they crushed the Scottish side’s resistance.
Edinburgh managed one bright moment when full-back Harry Paterson exploited a mismatch in the locks and linked up with Ben Vellacott and Piers O’Conor to score under the posts. However, their momentum was short-lived as Bath’s relentless pressure wore them down.
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In the second half, Bath’s backs capitalized on open space. Max Ojomoh repeatedly breached Edinburgh’s defense, enhancing his reputation ahead of the Six Nations. Wingers Joe Cokanasiga scored two tries, and scrum-half Ben Spencer touched down beneath the posts, supported by further tries from Henry Arundell and Ojomoh.
Despite Finn Russell’s flawless kicking—converting eight penalties for 16 points—Edinburgh’s efforts were insufficient to stem the tide. A late scoring opportunity was squandered following a break by Dan Frost, underscoring the gulf in class on the night.
Bath’s emphatic performance answered questions about their backline’s effectiveness this season and showcased their powerful forward game. Nevertheless, coach Johann van Graan will now focus on preparing for upcoming challenges, especially against European heavyweights like Toulouse or Bordeaux, who can match or surpass Bath’s pack strength.
Final scores:
Bath Rugby 63 - Edinburgh Rugby 10
Bath Rugby Team: 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.
Replacements: Dan Frost, Francois van Wyk, Archie Griffin, Ted Hill, Miles Reid, Tom Carr-Smith, Santi Carreras, Cameron Redpath.
Edinburgh Rugby Team: 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.
Replacements: Harri Morris, Mikey Jones, Paul Hill, Euan McVie, Connor Boyle, Charlie Shiel, Ben Healy, Jack Brown.
Match Officials: Referee Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy), Assistant Referees Franco Rosella (Italy), Luca Bisetto (Italy), and TMO Tual Trainini (France).