Bath stormed into their PREM season with a striking 47-31 victory against Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop, sending a resounding message that they are not to be underestimated. Despite a rocky start and trailing 17-14 at halftime, a strategic comeback post-break saw them turning the tables decisively in their favor.
The first half painted a grim picture for the defending champions, as Harlequins launched a full-scale assault, leaving Bath reeling. Will Evans’ early hat-trick appeared to set the tone for an upset. However, the complexion of the game changed dramatically following a yellow card to Chandler Cunningham-South, which tilted the momentum towards Bath. Vilikesa Sela's crucial try just before the half provided the lifeline Bath desperately needed.
Post-interval, Bath resembled their title-winning form from the previous season. Simple but effective plays carved through Harlequins' defense, setting the stage for Beno Obano, Henry Arundell, Archie Griffin, and Sam Underhill to score. The tactical pivot to a straightforward, hard-hitting game was masterfully engineered by Johann van Graan, who must have been pleased with the turnaround.
"You cannot give them a sniff,"
van Graan remarked, highlighting the lethal nature of his squad when given an edge.
The famed 'Bomb Squad' was instrumental in the second-half resurgence. Their relentless drives and crushing tackles provided Bath with the upper hand just when Harlequins thought they had the battle won. Ted Hill, Griffin, Ross Molony, Underhill, and Kepu Tuipulotu turned the match on its head, embodying the sheer force Bath can marshal from its reserves.
Despite the loss, Harlequins showed promising signs. The initial dominance and refreshed gameplay post a turbulent off-season were positives they could build on. However, their inconsistency in the second half, where they allowed Bath to slip away, highlighted a critical area of concern. The team's ability to sustain performance levels throughout the match will be crucial going forward.
As for individual performances, Evans was particularly noteworthy. His efforts at the breakdown and try-scoring prowess left many wondering why he hasn’t yet been capped at the international level. His display certainly didn't go unnoticed, as he gears up for potential selection in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.
Bath’s victory, while a testament to their depth and strategic acumen, also serves as a stark reminder to all clubs in the league of the resilience and firepower they possess. As the season unfolds, maintaining this momentum will be key to defending their title effectively.
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Bath stormed into their PREM season with a striking 47-31 victory against Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop, sending a resounding message that they are not to be underestimated. Despite a rocky start and trailing 17-14 at halftime, a strategic comeback post-break saw them turning the tables decisively in their favor.
The first half painted a grim picture for the defending champions, as Harlequins launched a full-scale assault, leaving Bath reeling. Will Evans’ early hat-trick appeared to set the tone for an upset. However, the complexion of the game changed dramatically following a yellow card to Chandler Cunningham-South, which tilted the momentum towards Bath. Vilikesa Sela's crucial try just before the half provided the lifeline Bath desperately needed.
Post-interval, Bath resembled their title-winning form from the previous season. Simple but effective plays carved through Harlequins' defense, setting the stage for Beno Obano, Henry Arundell, Archie Griffin, and Sam Underhill to score. The tactical pivot to a straightforward, hard-hitting game was masterfully engineered by Johann van Graan, who must have been pleased with the turnaround.
"You cannot give them a sniff,"
van Graan remarked, highlighting the lethal nature of his squad when given an edge.The famed 'Bomb Squad' was instrumental in the second-half resurgence. Their relentless drives and crushing tackles provided Bath with the upper hand just when Harlequins thought they had the battle won. Ted Hill, Griffin, Ross Molony, Underhill, and Kepu Tuipulotu turned the match on its head, embodying the sheer force Bath can marshal from its reserves.
Despite the loss, Harlequins showed promising signs. The initial dominance and refreshed gameplay post a turbulent off-season were positives they could build on. However, their inconsistency in the second half, where they allowed Bath to slip away, highlighted a critical area of concern. The team's ability to sustain performance levels throughout the match will be crucial going forward.
As for individual performances, Evans was particularly noteworthy. His efforts at the breakdown and try-scoring prowess left many wondering why he hasn’t yet been capped at the international level. His display certainly didn't go unnoticed, as he gears up for potential selection in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.
Bath’s victory, while a testament to their depth and strategic acumen, also serves as a stark reminder to all clubs in the league of the resilience and firepower they possess. As the season unfolds, maintaining this momentum will be key to defending their title effectively.