As already previewed, Bath is ready to take on Europe in the Champions Cup and their first opponent is the French club La Rochelle. La Rochelle is a physical side that is also very precise with their tactics which already means this will be a difficult match. The Top 14 is a very competitive rugby league and La Rochelle is a prime example of it. Lead by Ronan O'Gara at head coach, there's a reason why this team is so good and quite the challenge for Bath and Johann van Graan.
Key Players For La Rochelle
Uini Atonio-Prop
Ultan Dillane-Lock
Kane Douglas-Lock
Will Skelton-Lock
Gregory Aldritt-Back Row
Oscar Jegou-Back Row
Tawera Barr-Kerlow-Scrumhalf
Jack Nowell-Wing
Teddy Thomas-Wing
Brice Dulin-Fullback
Jonathan Danty-Center
Raymond Rhule-Wing
Reda Wardi-Prop
Levani Botia-Back Row
Tolu Latu-Hooker
Matthias Haddad-Back Row
Thomas Levault-Lock
Dillyn Leyds-Wing
Ulupano Seuteni-Center
Hugo Reus-Flyhalf
Ihaia West-Flyhalf
Matching Up With The Physicality
La Rochelle really gets physical and it shows. It's almost like the team relies on it's forwards to really make a big difference in the game. That being said, it's not like Bath isn't lacking any big and physical players either. So they will have to match up with them at that and grind it out really hard. This match could come down to the scrums, something Bath has shown to be pretty good at this season.
Get Creative With The Tactics
This is probably where Bath will utilize their kicking game a lot. Outside of how physical La Rochelle gets, their precise tactics is what helps them win. So, van Graan is going to have to draw something up and get creative to match up what O'Gara brings. Maybe throw La Rochelle off with whom kicks the ball to confuse them? Maybe pinpoint a weakside and keep kicking it that way? Who knows, but it's time to get creative.
Take Advantage Of It Being A Home Match
Usually any side that is hosting a match of any sport has the immediate advantage, but The Rec is a fortress that the club holds dearly. Feed off the fans and the chants from each supporters group in attendance. Bath knows how the pitch plays and they must use that to their advantage especially since La Rochelle rarely plays there.
Be Disciplined And Control The Tempo
Bath cannot afford to make any mistakes. With the type of physicality and precise tactics La Rochelle plays, Bath has to play essentially as perfect as possible especially with Sam Underhill and Ollie Lawrence not playing. There is concern about Tom Dunn's lineout throws, so Quinn Roux and Ross Molony are going to have to be on top of their game as much as possible. So, if possible, Bath will need to control the tempo as much as possible especially with mentioned earlier with their kicking ability. Defensively, can't give them anything to work with because as the old saying goes "give them an inch, they'll take a mile." If Bath can keep penalties down as much as possible, then they should be ok. The squad might have to try and get La Rochelle to make some mistakes and earn penalties because if it gets as physical as expected, it helps any way possible.
Let The Ben Spencer/Finn Russell Partnership Cook
Ben Spencer and Finn Russell are a dynamic 9-10 combo, but they could be the secret to beating La Rochelle. With Spencer's speed and box kicking abilities and Russell's accurate leg and awesome play-calling (not to mention his awesome offloads he does), it might be hard for La Rochelle to keep up. Letting the two of them do their thing and with the awesome chemistry they have, La Rochelle might have to play a game they are not comfortable playing which gives Bath the advantage.
Bath Starting XV Vs La Rochelle
1 Thomas du Toit
2 Tom Dunn
3 Will Stuart
4 Quinn Roux
5 Charlie Ewels
6 Ted Hill
7 Guy Pepper
8 Miles Reid
9 Ben Spencer
10 Finn Russell
11 Will Muir
12 Will Butt
13 Cameron Redpath
14 Joe Cokanasiga
15 Tom de Glanville
Replacements
16 Niall Annett
17 Francois van Wyk
18 Archie Griffin
19 Ross Molony
20 Josh Bayliss
21 Louis Schreuder
22 Max Ojomoh
23 Jaco Coetzee
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