Bath rally to take down Gloucester at sold-out Kingsholm
Gloucester’s slim hopes of an end-of-season play-off spot were extinguished as Bath recovered from a 17-0 deficit to achieve a superb 33-24 victory before a sell-out crowd at Kingsholm.
Gloucester looked in firm control until a yellow card for their skipper Lewis Ludlow gave Bath a foothold in the match and they grew in confidence from then to run out deserved winners.
Miles Reid scored two tries for Bath, while Joe Cokanasiga and Sam Underhill were also on the try-scoring sheet.
There was also a penalty try award, with Ben Spencer adding three conversions.
Stephen Varney, Seb Atkinson and Santiago Carreras scored Gloucester’s tries, with Carreras adding a penalty and three conversions.
Gloucester took a sixth-minute lead with a well-created try. Chris Harris and Carreras combined neatly to create space for Louis Rees-Zammit to send Varney over.
Carreras converted and added a straightforward penalty before Bath had their first chance for points.
They turned down a kickable penalty in favour of a driving line-out and when hooker Tom Dunn burst away from it, he looked a likely scorer but managed to lose possession in the process of grounding.
Bath were made to pay for their profligacy when some quick handling provided Carreras with an overlap and an easy run-in.
The visitors needed a response and they got one with an award of a penalty try. Max Ojomoh ran elusively before being hauled into touch by a high tackle from Ludlow, and after viewing TMO replays, the Gloucester captain was yellow-carded and the try given.
Bath took advantage of Ludlow’s absence to score a second try when Reid finished off a succession of forward drives, with Spencer converting to leave his side trailing 17-14 at the interval.
Ludlow returned for the restart and in time to see his side extend the lead when an excellent three-quarter move culminated in Atkinson forcing his way over.
Bath had another opportunity when Tom de Glanville intercepted a pass from Harris to set sail for the line but the full-back was chased down by the pace of Rees-Zammit.
However Bath took their next chance when their opponents failed to deal with a speculative kick from Spencer. The ball bounced unfavourably for Ollie Thorley and Carreras with Cokanasiga on hand to pick up the pieces.
Three minutes later, Bath took the lead for the first time when Reid crashed over for his second, with Spencer’s conversion giving them a two-point advantage going into the final quarter.
The tide had now firmly turned Bath’s way and it came as no surprise when they scored a fifth try as a burst from Ollie Lawrence put the home defence on the back foot which allowed Underhill to pick up and score.
Carreras missed two late penalties to ensure Gloucester came away with nothing and leave Bath with only their second away win in the Premiership this year.
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Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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