Let me start by saying that apart from hurling, there isn’t a field game in the world that compares to rugby, and yesterday’s match was well up there with some of the best for excitement, skill, and sportsmanship. The latter was epitomised by the sight of van Graan and Snyman walking off the field with their arms around each other. Sure, they have a long rugby history together dating back to Snyman’s school days when van Graan was his coach, but even so, it was a sight to behold.
The love poured out from the stands too, in particular when Ross Molony was substituted and brought back on as a replacement, proving we don’t forget. I must admit though I’d forgotten the significant Irish contingent at Bath until I scanned the team sheet pre-kick-off.
So then, where did it all go wrong for Bath after a start that left Leinster supporters and players stunned to be 14-0 down? I think Bath lost it in the dug-out when the brains trust re-introduced Beno Obano after his first yellow card. He was struggling all day against the magnificent but forgotten-at-home Rabah Slimani who lorded it over him at scrum time. I think he should have been subbed, but maybe there wasn’t a ready-made replacement on the bench, which seemed obvious as the Bath scrum was equally ineffective in his temporary absence, but what did they think would change while he was off the field? Bringing him back on was a big mistake.
Van Graan is quoted as saying he sees Leinster right now as the best in the world, Anyone willing to dispute that?
The love poured out from the stands too, in particular when Ross Molony was substituted and brought back on as a replacement, proving we don’t forget. I must admit though I’d forgotten the significant Irish contingent at Bath until I scanned the team sheet pre-kick-off.
So then, where did it all go wrong for Bath after a start that left Leinster supporters and players stunned to be 14-0 down? I think Bath lost it in the dug-out when the brains trust re-introduced Beno Obano after his first yellow card. He was struggling all day against the magnificent but forgotten-at-home Rabah Slimani who lorded it over him at scrum time. I think he should have been subbed, but maybe there wasn’t a ready-made replacement on the bench, which seemed obvious as the Bath scrum was equally ineffective in his temporary absence, but what did they think would change while he was off the field? Bringing him back on was a big mistake.
Van Graan is quoted as saying he sees Leinster right now as the best in the world, Anyone willing to dispute that?