Bath's Title Defense Begins Today
- James Rowe
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Bath will be taking on Exeter Chiefs today and it will be time for the club to show they have everything to defend their title. Finn Russell's injury is a major blow, but this is where Bath's depth comes into play. Russell plays one of the most important positions out on the pitch, flyhalf, but his injury is a massive blow simply because of his intelligence, ability to read the field, kicking abilities, and play calling as they are big reasons Bath is as good as they are. So this is where Santi Carreras has to step up. Carreras is a talented player, but he is being forced into a role with a lot of pressure as it would be better to have both players in the team sheet.
This doesn't mean Bath doesn't have a chance, they have put out a great lineup to face Exeter.
Beno Obano
Tom Dunn
Thomas du Toit
Quinn Roux
Charlie Ewels
Josh Bayliss
Sam Underhill
Alfie Barbeary
Ben Spencer
Carreras
Henry Arundell
Max Ojomoh
Ollie Lawrence
Joe Cokanasiga
Tom de Glanville
Replacements
Kepueli Tuipulotu
Francois van Wyk
Billy Sela
Ross Molony
Ted Hill
Bernard van der Linde
Cameron Redpath
Miles Reid
Like that is a very good team to face the Chiefs, but the result the last time out favored Exeter. Chiefs have talent playing today such as Olly Woodburn, Henry Slade, Harvey Skinner, Stephen Varney, Scott Sio, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Dafydd Jenkins, Tom Hooper, and Christ Tshiunza. However, one thing that is noticed is that the bench isn't as deep as Bath's and that will very much likely determine who wins this match. Exeter is a much better team than the last couple of seasons, but Bath is a better club despite the split series.
Bath supporters are still riding cloud nine after winning the title last season, but there's still a lot of obstacles for the team to overcome. They still would have to face an excellent Northampton Saints side in order to repeat. But can they defend their crown? Absolutely. Bath is incredibly physical and have some serious depth. Essentially, the team is set up for success. Johann van Graan is a very good coach who is great tactically and very disciplined and that is another factor that helps make the supporters very confident. The Premiership playoffs aren't supposed to be easy, so any uneasy nerves is warranted, but confidence needs to be there.
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