In the upcoming PREM Rugby semi-final at the Recreation Ground, Bath will have to contend without their star Scotland fly-half, Finn Russell, as they face a formidable Exeter Chiefs side. Russell's absence is part of a wider injury plight for Johann van Graan's team, with four other internationals also sidelined. Despite these challenges, Bath secured a third consecutive home play-off after finishing second in the league standings.
Stepping into the fly-half role will be Santi Carreras, tasked with guiding Bath against an Exeter team brimming with confidence. The match will also be a significant milestone for Max Ojomoh, who celebrates his 100th game, lining up with Ollie Lawrence in the midfield. In the pack, the front row sees Beno Obano and the returning Tom Dunn, alongside Thomas du Toit, who will be playing his final game at the Rec. The second-row partnership of Quinn Roux and Charlie Ewels is restored, while the back row features Josh Bayliss, Sam Underhill, and Alfie Barbeary.
"It's a testament to the depth and resilience of this squad to reach the semi-finals under these challenging circumstances," remarked Bath's coach Johann van Graan.
Exeter Chiefs, meanwhile, welcome back Greg Fisilau, who slots into the number eight position. The Chiefs' backline is bolstered by the return of Len Ikitau, partnering Henry Slade, the PREM's top points scorer this season. The front-row comprises Wallaby Scott Sio, Josh Iosefa-Scott, and hooker Max Norey, with Dafydd Jenkins leading the team.
"Every player knows what's at stake, and we're prepared to give it our all," said Exeter's captain Dafydd Jenkins.
As the teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the atmosphere at the Rec promises to be electric, with strategic battles on the field and passionate support in the stands. This semi-final not only highlights the tactical acumen of the coaches but also the grit and skill of the players involved.
Teams for the match:
Bath: 15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 Santi Carreras, 9 Ben Spencer (c), 8 Alfie Barbeary, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Josh Bayliss, 5 Charlie Ewels, 4 Quinn Roux, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Tom Dunn, 1 Beno Obano
Replacements: 16 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Vilikesa Sela, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Bernard van der Linde, 22 Cameron Redpath, 23 Miles Reid
Exeter Chiefs: 15 Olly Woodburn, 14 Paul Brown-Bampoe, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Campbell Ridl, 10 Harvey Skinner, 9 Stephen Varney, 8 Greg Fisilau, 7 Christ Tshiunza, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Andrea Zambonin, 4 Dafydd Jenkins (c), 3 Josh Iosefa-Scott, 2 Max Norey, 1 Scott Sio
Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Ethan Burger, 18 Bachuki Tchumbadze, 19 Rusi Tu