‘We should have won that game’, those were the words of Mike Ford following Bath’s fifteen points to eighteen defeat at the hands of Leinster Rugby and he is absolutely right. Bath travelled to Leinster with a spring in their step as they welcomed back their strike men from International duty and they delivered a stunning comeback but their own first half errors ultimately cost them an EPC Champions Cup Semi Final place.
The match set off at breakneck pace and never ceased from the first exchange to the very last it was spellbinding, fearsome and a sight to behold. For neutrals everywhere the knockout delivered in every facet, both sides’ intention to play was marked and impressive however for those with loyal allegiance either way blood pressures would have sky rocketed as their nerves were severely tested.
Bath’s game plan going into this fixture wasn’t a secret, they had a desire to play at pace and went in with a firm attacking mindset. However, in the opening half their endeavour was interspersed heavily with individual errors and scrum time misfortunes, these halted their output and resulted in penalties against the Premiership men. Ian Madigan delivered a superb kicking display as he slotted five of his six penalties in the opening forty and as such Bath’s headed into the changing room ten points down and behind their opponents on all of the key facets.
Mike Ford’s messages at half time were clear, as he shared with me after the game, the direction for his side was to find their composure, to improve their discipline and ultimately to stick to their game plan. As the second half roared into life it was clear the messages have been received and eighteen minutes Captain Stuart Hooper scored their second try of the game. The break that created the try was George Ford’s second moment of magic, his textbook show and go in the first half drew gasps from spectators in the crowd and this second half break was just as impressive and critical to keep them in touch. It must be said that Bath’s fly half showed his full repertoire under intense pressure at the Aviva Stadium, all game long Devin Toner hit him with brute force and pressed every single kick, and yet the twenty two year old coolly and expertly gained the territory that his side required and made World Class, eyes up rugby look effortless.
As the half continued Bath pressed from all areas of the field, Anthony Watson caused Leinster difficulties as he enjoyed the extra space provided to him, however two key knockons from Agulla out wide prevented his breaks resulting in points. Peter Stringer entered the fray after sixty six minutes to a heartwarming ovation from the Aviva Stadium, the thirty seven year old added a steely and experienced head when it was needed most and in the final quarter of the game upping the tempo and distributed cleanly out to Ford. It is fair to say that the scrum remained a challenge, however I impressed by the manner in which both Max Lahiff and Nick Auterac delivered off the bench.
With the final whistle approaching Alafoti Faosiliva's charge down almost gave Bath the score that they’d been searching so intently for however he was beaten to the grounding by Jimmy Gopperth. Bath pressed and as the time went passed 80 minutes the scoreboard illuminated Leinster Rugby 18 Bath Rugby 15, however with the possession in their hands Bath had one last chance to take the game. After positively charging up the field the ensuing breakdown was penalised by Jerome Garces, Matt Garvey was the unfortunate recipient of Gaces’ final judgement. It was a harsh call on the Bath man, after delivering such an impressive turnaround and comeback into the match it was a merciless ending to the game for our Premiership side. 