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Rhys Priestland's comments suggest he didn't take kindly to Freddie Burns 'showboating'
By Online Editors
Bath outhalf Rhys Priestland says the team have to root out a culture of "showboating" after a Freddie Burns blunder cost his side dearly.
Burns inexplicably cost Bath victory over Toulouse as he endured a European Champions Cup nightmare at The Rec on Saturday.
The full-back was excellent for much of a gripping Pool 1 contest, scoring a try and 10 points from the tee to put the Premiership side 20-12 up early in the second half.
Burns went from potential hero to zero in the closing stages, though, as Bath strived to snatch victory after Toulouse fought back to lead by two points, with Sofiane Guitoune scoring his second try of the game.
The Top 14 side were given a let-off when Burns struck a post with a penalty from close range, but things went from bad to worse for the 28-year-old five minutes from time.
Burns burst through for what seemed to be a decisive try, but after blowing a kiss to the crowd and tapping his chest, a broad smile was wiped off his face when Maxime Medard flicked the ball out of his hand before he could touch down under the posts.
A distraught Burns was hauled off moments later and Toulouse held on for a 22-20 win, Medard named man of the match after also scoring a first-half try.
"It is probably something we need to speak about as a squad - celebrating before we score tries," said Priestland. "As a squad, I just can't believe we celebrate before we put the ball down."
"I honestly don't know what boys think they are going to gain by doing it. For me that is not negotiable. We can't do that again this season."
Burns tweeted an apology to his fans: "Today was an ultimate low and a mistake I’ll learn from. I’ll continue to give my best as I always do.
"Lastly just apologies to the boys and the supporters for the mistake. I’ll bounce back... thanks for the support."
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Latest Comments
i think Argentina v France could be a good game too, depending on which Argentina turns up. The most difficult to call is Scotland Australia.
Go to commentsSmith is playing a different game with the rest of the backs struggling to understand. That's the problem with so called playmakers, if nobody gets what they're doing then it often just leads to a turnover. It gets worse when Borthwick changes one of them, which is why they don't score points at the end. Sometimes having a brilliant playmaker can be problematic if a team cannot be built around them. Once again Borthwick seems lacking in either coaching or selection. I can't help but think it's the latter coupled with pressure to select the big name players.
Lastly, his forward replacements are poor and exposed either lack of depth or selection pressure. Cole hemorrhages scrum penalties whenever he comes on, opponents take advantage of the England scrum and close out the game. Is that the best England can offer?
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