Bath head coach Johann van Graan lauded “two amazing teams” following his side’s stunning 43-41 victory over Northampton in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-final. The intense clash at the Recreation Ground, featuring 11 tries, secured Bath’s first semi-final appearance in the competition in 20 years. The winners will now face either holders Bordeaux-Begles or six-time champions Toulouse.
The decisive moment came when Ted Hill scored a try four minutes from full-time, converted by Finn Russell, just after Northampton’s England star Henry Pollock received a yellow card. Despite falling behind 28-7 and later 35-14 due to Northampton’s explosive first-half performance, Bath mounted a remarkable comeback.
Van Graan reflected on the match with Premier Sports: “I’ve been fortunate to be involved in rugby for a long time, and this game certainly ranks as one of the best I have been part of. Two amazing teams. I want to give credit to Northampton – what a team they are. They put us under immense pressure. But what a fightback from our team. I guess you want to win games like that in that way. It is great to be part of the Champions Cup.”
READ MORE: Calls to Conduct Minehead Roadworks at Night After Major Disruption on A39
READ MORE: Somerset Dominate Essex in Commanding 10-Wicket Win
He added, “We knew Northampton start fast – we didn’t want them to start that fast – but we always believed we would come back into the game. Going into half-time with momentum was key. It could easily have gone the other way. These are two very good sides.”
Van Graan also praised his squad’s unity: “The strength of our group is the squad, and I haven’t been part of a group so tight as this. It is amazing to see them living out their dreams.”
The match showcased attacking rugby at its finest, with Northampton’s five first-half tries from players including Pollock, Fraser Dingwall, Tom Lockett, Josh Kemeny, and Ollie Sleightholme, all converted by Fin Smith. Although two Smith penalties early in the second half threatened Bath’s resurgence, Bath responded with tries from Hill, Russell, Kepu Tuipulotu, Henry Arundell, Francois van Wyk, and Tom Dunn. Russell contributed five conversions and a penalty to cement the win.
Northampton rugby director Phil Dowson acknowledged Bath’s deserved victory: “Credit to Bath. We were 28-7 ahead but never looked comfortable. We had many opportunities to win that game but didn’t manage to, and Bath took the lead in the 76th minute. We couldn’t get it back. We’re obviously disappointed, but there are parts of our game we are pleased with. We have to balance that out and focus on next week and the rest of the season.”