Thomas du Toit, Bath’s hat-trick hero, has acknowledged the tough task ahead as Bath prepare to face Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership play-offs. Bath secured a narrow 24-22 victory over Leicester Tigers at a rain-soaked Recreation Ground, clinching second place and home advantage for the semi-final.
The reigning Premiership champions held off a strong Leicester challenge and are now poised to host Exeter, who secured third place with a 32-12 win over Saracens. Bath is just one win away from reaching their third consecutive Premiership final.
Du Toit’s powerful performance was pivotal to Bath’s success, scoring three tries from close range that shifted momentum in their favour. Reflecting on the achievement, he said, “We are just so grateful to play at home next Saturday. Exeter have shown what type of team they are, and we are up for a real challenge.”
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He added, “Leicester is always a formidable opponent with an incredible scrum and physical style of play. It’s a great test to measure yourself against a team like them.”
Wing Joe Cokanasiga also contributed a try, with fly-half Santi Carreras adding two conversions. Despite Leicester’s strong fightback through tries from Orlando Bailey, Jack van Poortvliet, and George Pearson, and James O’Connor’s kicking efforts, Bath held on for a narrow win.
Bath’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, praised Du Toit’s impact: “Thomas is an incredible player. His scrummaging, lineout, maul work, and try-scoring ability embody what our team stands for.”
Van Graan emphasized the significance of hosting a home semi-final: “Credit to the players for their hard work. Today’s match was like a Test match — tough conditions, two quality teams, and a gritty contest. It wasn’t about flashy rugby; it was a battle of set-pieces and aerial balls.”
Leicester’s season now hinges on their upcoming match against Northampton, the 2024 Premiership champions. Tigers head coach Geoff Parling commented, “We did many good things in the game but struggled with conditions early on. We’ll regroup and focus on the Saints game next Friday. Both teams played a cracker, and some moments just didn’t go our way.”