Henry Arundell delivered a sensational performance that saw Bath ascend to the top of the Gallagher Premiership with a thrilling 36-29 victory over Saracens. His two crucial tries, including a stunning 80-metre intercept and a match-winning touchdown, marked him as one of the standout players of the season.
Starting with a game-changing intercept, Arundell halted Saracens from extending their early 14-0 lead. His second try, scored in the 76th minute with the score tied at 29-29, came courtesy of a brilliant assist from Max Ojomoh and ultimately secured Bath’s win in a high-stakes encounter.
Bath head coach Johann van Graan couldn’t help but compare Arundell’s explosive speed and running style to that of Bryan Habana, the legendary South African wing. Having coached Habana at the Bulls, van Graan praised Arundell as one of the quickest players he has ever worked with, noting the young player’s rapid development both on and off the field.
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“You can watch footage of Bryan Habana’s straight-line runs and see similarities in Henry’s speed,” van Graan said. “Henry has a long way to go, but his dedication, work ethic, and improvements in all aspects of his game have been remarkable. He is not only talented but a great team player who fits perfectly into our squad.”
Max Ojomoh also received accolades for his match-winning assist after coming off the bench late in the game. Van Graan highlighted Ojomoh’s blend of skill and acceleration, which perfectly set up Arundell’s decisive try.
The clash was intense, with van Graan likening it to a heavyweight boxing match. On the other side, Saracens’ director of rugby Mark McCall acknowledged their team’s inability to capitalize on early leads due to costly lapses in concentration and conceded that Bath was deserving of the hard-fought victory. Saracens also suffered a blow when key player Tom Willis exited with a hip injury early in the match.
This thrilling duel showcased the rising star power of Henry Arundell, whose pace and determination continue to electrify English rugby and draw praise comparable to the game’s greats.