Bath was so close to winning the Premiership title, even with a man down, at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, but yet fans of the club are very optimistic going into 2024/25. Johann van Graan has fully rebuilt the squad from one of the worst times in club history into a strong contender and now they are ready to take the next step in winning the Premiership title and dominating in European competition. The hope now is that Bath will finally end it’s championship-less drought and become a dynasty. The Premiership is not an easy league to navigate in, but this team is built to hold up well.
The Forward Pack Is Strong And Deep
No one will want to face Bath’s pack as they might be strongest group in all of the league. Forwards usually are the difference makers in matches as they really determine the outcomes and Bath has a pack that really can make the difference. The props strike fear into the rest of the league as it’s almost like “pick your poison” whom to face with players such as Beno Obano, Thomas du Toit, Will Stuart, and Francois van Wyk, plus Archie Griffin and Arthur Cordwell provide further depth if injuries occur. The hooker position is also deep with Tom Dunn as the main man at the position, but also has Niall Annett and Hame Faiva behind him coming off the bench. In the second row, there’s plenty of options and experience with Quinn Roux, Charlie Ewels, and Jacque du Plessis, but the team also brought in Ross Molony who should steady the ship in the lineouts as he’s a wizard out there, plus youngster Harvey Cuckson could get playing time if injuries occur. The back row might actually be the deepest part of the forwards as there’s talent and experience oozing from this group with players such as Alfie Barbeary, Josh Bayliss, Jaco Coetzee, Ted Hill, Miles Reid, Ewan Richards, Ethan Staddon, and Sam Underhill here, plus signing the young and talented tackling machine Guy Pepper. So many options to play in the back row that there isn’t a bad option to play as it could come down to simply how players match up.
The Finn Russell-Ben Spencer Show
Finn Russell is arguably the best fly half in the world as he’s dubbed himself the “Messi of Rugby”. Ben Spencer is arguably the best scrumhalf in the Premiership. What happens when those two pair up? They form the best 9-10 partnership in the league and possibly in Europe. With Spencer’s great ball distribution and speed and with Russell’s kicking and creating attacking chances, it’s easy to see why teams fear them. However, if any one of them gets hurt, it would be detrimental to Bath’s success. Sure, Orlando Bailey is a capable fly half and Louis Schreuder has experience, but both don’t compare to how dominant the other two are. It’s a spectacle to watch Russell and Spencer link up and play rugby like they do.
Who Will Replace Matt Gallagher At Fullback?
Matt Gallagher leaving to play at Benetton is going to really affect Bath a lot this year, so the question will be who replaces him. The team has some solid options and it could help open more possibilities for the attack. Tom de Glanville is naturally the best option as that has always been his natural position. Bailey might actually be the best option because of his kicking abilities and for his speed. Ruaridh McConnochie is an intriguing option as well because of how speedy he is and how he can slot over to the wing in whatever move is necessary. Finally, youngster Sam Harris can also fill in when needed and probably will have to play there if he does get some playing time.
The Backs
The backs are a lethal part of Bath’s attack and plus with the depth they have it’s going to be interesting how many points they put on the board. Already mentioned is the Russell and Spencer tandem as they are the engine for the attack. Also mentioned have been their backups in Bailey and Schreuder though Bailey will likely get a lot of starting lineup time playing at the 15 jersey. At center, Ollie Lawrence, Max Ojomoh, and Cam Redpath are quality players who make things very difficult for the opposing defenses to defend, plus having Will Butt and Louie Hennessey as depth really helps. The wingers though are the most lethal part of the attack as Joe Cokanasiga is both strong and speedy as well as Will Muir who is a try scoring machine, plus with the likes of McConnochie and Regan Grace, this is a solid group. On match day it looks like van Graan has a lot options to use and players could get playing time in certain matches because he has the ability to matchup whomever the team plays.
Premiership Fixtures
Match One: vs Northampton
Match Two: at Leicester
Match Three: vs Bristol Bears
Match Four: at Gloucester
Match Five: at Harlequins
Match Six: vs Sale
Match Seven: vs Exeter
Match Eight: vs Newcastle
Match Nine: vs Saracens
Match Ten: at Northampton
Match Eleven: at Sale
Match Twelve: vs Gloucester
Match Thirteen: vs Harlequins
Match Fourteen: at Exeter
Match Fifteen: vs Newcastle
Match Sixteen: at Bristol Bears
Match Seventeen: vs Leicester
Match Eighteen: at Saracens
The league should be very tough as teams like Leicester, Sale, Harlequins, Northampton, Exeter, and Saracens should also be vying for a spot in the playoffs and that could make things difficult for Bath to qualify. That being said, on paper, Bath certainly has the most experienced and strongest side in the league and should not only make the playoffs, but has the best chance at finally winning it all.
Champions Cup Fixtures
Match One: vs La Rochelle
Match Two: at Benetton
Match Three: vs Clermont
Match Four: at Leinster
This is a very strong group to face off against especially with a team like Leinster who has won this competition multiple times recently. It’s a crapshoot to determine how Bath will do in this competition, but it certainly will be very difficult. How van Graan will matchup against each team will be interesting to see.
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