Leinster vs Bath 18 Jan 2025

[mathepac]

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?

 

[Purple]

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?

There are some who view Rugby in general and Leinster Rugby in particular with an inverted snobbery but as someone who never played it (I went to a Christian Brothers school so it was GAA and Basketball) I agree 100% that Hurling and Rugby are by far the most exciting field sports to watch. It was a brilliant game, possibly not as entertaining as the Munster game which they narrowly lost, and the usual level of sportsmanship and comradery was evident both on and off the field.
I really hope Munster hammer La Rochelle in the next round!

 

[Peanuts20]

I'm sure the likes of Toulose would have a different view of things. Interesting how Bath played in the first half, blitzing Predergast seems to be a clear tactic for teams playing Leinster now (and I assume the same will happen with Ireland if he starts) and get the ball out wide as Leinster defend narrow. 2nd half when Leinster held on to the ball was a different story.

Of course, having €1.5m to throw at Barrett, Dnyman and Slimani helped, + I wonder what they paid the new coach to come in and act as Cullen's latest crutch.

 

[Purple]

I'm sure the likes of Toulose would have a different view of things. Interesting how Bath played in the first half, blitzing Predergast seems to be a clear tactic for teams playing Leinster now (and I assume the same will happen with Ireland if he starts) and get the ball out wide as Leinster defend narrow. 2nd half when Leinster held on to the ball was a different story.

Blitzing 10 was the order of the day. I presume Crowley will start for Ireland as he's a better all round player at the moment, though Prendergast may have the potential to be a better player in the medium term.

Of course, having €1.5m to throw at Barrett, Dnyman and Slimani helped,

Yep, that's what happens when you are a very well organised and supported club which produces so many of your countries internationals.

+ I wonder what they paid the new coach to come in and act as Cullen's latest crutch.

Cullen's humility and the atmosphere he's created within the squad and management does attract very good coaches and players. Munster could learn a few things from him.

 

[joer]

I agree. Hurling and Rugby are two of the most exciting sports in Ireland and arguably in the world by far and not necessarily in that order..

 

[mathepac]

Initially, I thought Leinster was going to pay a heavy price for playing Barrett out of either of his specialist positions, giving the three-quarters line an odd, unbalanced look, but the line settled down to work well apart from the try the gifted Bath approaching half-time. Full of surprises, the Leinster coaches threw a centre into a lineout late in the game.