Bath Rugby concluded their first pre-season fixture of the summer with a valiant effort despite a high-scoring 53-42 defeat to USA Perpignan at the Stade Aimé-Giral on Thursday night.
With several key internationals resting after summer commitments, and others still recovering from off-season surgeries, a youthful Bath squad stood firm against the more experienced Top 14 side. Particularly impressive was Bath’s resilience in the first half, where they absorbed intense pressure and managed to cross the try line three times, including two counterattack scores.
The first try came from flanker George Timmins following a charge down by captain Ewan Richards on a chip kick from Paolo Garbisi. Richards’ quick retrieval and astute support play set Timmins free – a player now pushing strongly for a regular first-team role with his dynamic performances.
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Bath’s second try was a well-executed strike play, a move familiar from Farleigh House training sessions. Full-back Jack Woods broke the defensive line down the left flank before timing his pass perfectly to release Austin Emens, who sprinted down the tramline before cleverly returning the ball inside for Woods to score.
On the cusp of half-time, Emens capitalised on a loose pass near his own 22-metre line, intercepting and then outpacing all opponents over an 81-metre dash, highlighting his impressive pre-season conditioning.
Perpignan, however, showed their quality with former All Black Sevu Reece registering two tries in the first half and creating another for Antoine Aucagne. Their attacking strength, characterised by effective offloads and sustained tackle-breaking efforts, contributed to seven tries overall in the match.
Bath introduced 13 changes at half-time, bringing on more seasoned players such as Miles Reid, Ross Moloney, Quinn Roux, Henry Arundell, and new signing Dan du Preez, the former Springbok number eight. Despite this, the team appeared more vulnerable defensively in the second half.
Nevertheless, Bath finished the match strongly. Hooker Kepueli Tuipulotu made an immediate impact, powering over the line from a driving maul, showcasing his formidable carrying ability. Young loosehead Claudius Wheeler also scored a close-range try following sustained forward pressure, with flanker Dan Frost supporting effectively.
England international Henry Arundell provided a standout moment, demonstrating the value of sheer speed by slicing through Perpignan’s defence on a diagonal run, evading multiple tacklers in a display reminiscent of a classic animated chase.
Bath’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, is likely to reflect on the contest noting the young backs’ challenges in controlling the match and some costly risks taken. Nonetheless, the team’s character and determination to compete head-to-head with a Top 14 outfit preparing for the league season is a promising takeaway.
The Blue, Black and White now turn their attention to their home fixture against Sale Sharks in the Premiership Rugby Cup, scheduled for 6 September.
Bath Rugby starting XV: Scott Kirk; Jasper Spander; Kieran Verden; Will Jeanes; Ewan Richards (captain); Jack Bennett; George Timmins; Arthur Green; Ieuan Davies; Ciaran Donoghue; Austin Emens; Will Roue; Jack Harrison; Charlie Griffin; Jack Woods
Second-half replacements: Ioan Emanuel; Max Pearce; Alfie Griffin; Quinn Roux; Ross Moloney; Miles Reid (captain); Dan Frost; Dan du Preez; Isaac Mears; James Linegar; Henry Arundell; Declan Treacey; Charlie Griffin; Harry Walker; Jack Woods
Additional personnel included Tom Carr-Smith, James Maloney, Kepueli Tuipulotu, Claudius Wheeler, among others.
USA Perpignan starting XV: Enzo Forletta; Victor Montgaillard; Sédate Gomes Sa; José Madeira; Adrien Warion; Noé Della Schiava; Mattéo Le Corvec; Lachlan Swinton; James Hall; Paolo Garbisi; Théo Forner; Diego Mascarenc; Braydon Ennor; Sevu Reece; Antoine Aucagne
Replacements: Mathys Lotrian, Bruce Devaux, Pietro Ceccarelli, Jonny Gray, Jacobus van Tonder, Lucas Zafra, Lorencio Boyer-Gallardo, Job Poulet Amituanai, Posolo Tuilagi, Peceli Yato, James McGrath, Tom Ecochard, Jake McIntyre, Patrick Fahy, Eneriko Buliruarua, Tristan Tedder
The match was officiated by referee Tual Trainini.