This season seems to be one of the most open campaigns, as the majority of teams have the ability to beat each other.
A possible exception to that would be Saracens and Saints who just appear to be that next level above. With the fixture between both sides at the weekend and Saints managed to even make Sarries look ordinary. It was a total masterclass on what the other premiership teams are aiming to reach.
When you weigh up the teams from third to eleventh in the league they all be playing on an almost a level playing field. But sitting at the top of that tree of teams is Bath Rugby, and things do look to be moving in a positive direction.
Six rounds of the Aviva premiership have passed now and Bath are sitting third behind Saracens and Saints winning four from six, one of the two losses coming from the top of the table Sarries.
Many Bath fans will say with the team selection against Sarries they went to Allianz Park with the belief they would not win, almost damage limitation, saving players for the following fixture against London Irish and gain a full five points. The second half against Sarries was a strong performance but sadly the damage was already done.
The other loss came at the hands of Sale Sharks, a victory orchestrated by a very in form Danny Cipriani.
Both losses came on the road whereas the home form has been impeccable with victories over Tiger's, Irish and the latest triumph in the local Derby against Gloucester.
The Gloucester tie is a big game in any Bath fan's calendar, and to take the spoils brings big smiles with extra bragging rights.
There was plenty to take from the Gloucester game, such dominance from the forwards although not completely reflected on the score board. Regardless of views of performance, decisions and how the game went Bath won which is the importance of such a fixture.
A huge positive note with Bath is the immense depth in the squad, this has become evident when it comes to Aviva 'A' League. The starting XV to take on Saracens Storm in the 'A' league is littered with players ultimately who could walk into the first XV.
15. Nick Abendanon
14. Richard Lane
13. Horacio Agulla
12. Ollie Devoto
11. Tom Biggs
10. Gavin Henson
9. Chris Cook
1. Charlie Beech
2. Tom Dunn
3. Kane Palma-Newport ( c )
4. Will Spencer
5. Ryan Caldwell
6. Tom Ellis
7. Mat Gilbert
8. Will Skuse
A seriously strong looking 'second' string team.
With one away win under their belt in the premiership which came on a damp evening in Newcastle on the opening weekend of the season, with round seven comes a trip to Sixways against Worcester Warriors, can they grab their second victory on the road?
With Warriors struggling at the bottom of the table holding only two points, a victory looks like they're in with a very good chance, although nothing should ever be taken for granted.
A win with a try scoring bonus point will help to keep Bath in third spot while taking the a breather in the premiership for the LV=Cup, leaving Bath in a good position and a good platform to build for the rest of the season.
Ok let's possibly not get too over excited, but from the signs so far a top four position isn't a too much to hope for from the Bath fan's, to become champions is a little too big a step but they're definitely taking strides in the right direction.
No comments:
Post a Comment