Bath player ratings: Barbeary proves his ‘influence’ from the start while England star ‘shockingly’ tops missed tackle chart
Bath player ratings: Barbeary proves his 'influence' from the start while England star 'shockingly' tops missed tackle chart
Bath were defeated 45-34 by an impressive RC Toulon in the second round of the Investec Champions Cup on Sunday evening.
Here’s how we rated the Bath players:
Backs
15 Santiago Carreras: The Argentine full-back enjoyed plenty of ball in hand in free space, making a game high of 81 metres and beating three defenders. Defensively, he struggled, however, making just the one tackle in the match, and notably missing the vital tackle on the Gael Drean for Toulon’s crucial try midway through the second half. Add a couple of lost turnovers to the mix, and it was an unsteady performance from the world-class number 15. 6
14 Joe Cokanasiga: The giant winger was brilliant under the high ball, taking the first 3 catches in the air, providing Bath with an attacking setting. The majority of his game was spent competing for space, using his huge frame to win at ruck time or defend the wide French attack. Like his wing partner, Cokanasiga had limited opportunities in attack, but managed to initiate the basics well in defence. 7
13 Max Ojomoh: Once again, it feels crazy that this incredible talent was overlooked on the international circuit for so long. He was Bath’s key focal point for opening up the defence on Sunday evening, creating problems for Toulon each time he had the ball in hand. His no-look pass to set up Louie Hennessey’s try was his signature moment from the match. 7
12 Cameron Redpath: Where Ojomoh supported Finn Russell in an attacking sense, Redpath supported him defensively. He didn’t get a chance to use his hot-stepping feet, but he stopped the Toulon attack from using theirs, making an impressive nine hits, behind Russell and Ted Hill of Bath. 7
11 Henry Arundell: He made one space-defying break in the first half, using his deadly footwork to put the Toulon defence on their backsides, proving that he’s one of the most dangerous wingers in Europe when given even the slightest of gaps. Later made a brilliant try-saving tackle to stop Toulon from extending their lead. Wasn’t given much opportunity in this game, but took each one with both hands. 6
10 Finn Russell: The Scotland fly-half had a game that was very ‘un-Finn Russell-like’. He spent much of the match providing defensive cover, as he weathered the onrushing French attack time and time again. When he was afforded attacking ball, his magic appeared as though he had been hiding it up his shirt, however. His key moment during Carreras‘ try, when he brilliantly held the pass to put the new arrival through. Admittedly, he looked burdened at times, weighed down by the extra responsibility that came with Ben Spencer’s absence. 7
9 Tom Carr-Smith: It was a challenging task, covering for the world-class talent that is Spencer. Carr-Smith’s time on the field was fast-paced and creative, but one thing it lacked was control. He was the key component in Bath’s third try, using all his attacking nous to force an open play score. Fans will wonder if he failed to control the game quite like Spencer would, however. 6
Forwards
8 Alfie Barbeary: Often utilised as an impact player off the bench, but today he proved that he could influence the game from the start. Arguably Bath’s best player, his performance was symbolised by powerful charges through the Toulon defence. He popped up everywhere and made a real impact on proceedings. 8
7 Sam Underhill: The England international shockingly missed three tackles during the match – a stat almost unheard of from arguably one of the best tacklers in the competition. He did cause issues for the opposition when he had the ball, but his trademark tackling abilities let him down. 5
6 Ted Hill: Took his try well and found himself involved in much of Bath’s positive actions, including a huge hit on the Toulon winger to force him into touch straight off the back of a scrum. With the ball in hand, he used his impressive speed to notch up 42 metres gained and won the majority of Bath’s lineouts. On the flip side, he was guilty of turning the ball over to Toulon on three separate occasions, which at this level can prove extremely costly. 7
5 Ross Molony: The former Leinster man failed to bring any of his Champions Cup credentials to this contest. He won a couple of lineouts, made a few tackles, and took the ball into contact a few times, but overall it was an ineffective appearance. 5
4 Quinn Roux: Like his lock partner, he failed to make much of an impact on the match, and when he did, it was ineffectual. Conceded a penalty and missed a couple of tackles at important moments, also. 4
3 Billy Sela: Gave away an early free kick in the scrum, but held his own after that. Still very much in his youth, Sela had a difficult task laid ahead of him, but held the scrum well and did all that was asked of him. 6
2 Tom Dunn: The Bath stalwart once again put his body on the line, with some solid low hits. The lineout struggled at times, but more so to do with Toulon’s impressive countermeasures than Dunn’s capabilities. 6
1 Beno Obano: It was a fascinating clash against former England teammate Kyle Sinckler. Like Sela, Obano was penalised early on, but didn’t put a foot wrong afterwards. 6
Replacements: It was an inexperienced Bath bench, but they weren’t overawed by the occasion. Ewan Richards made a great break through the line to set up Arthur Green for his try. Louie Hennessey also took his try extremely well after receiving a popped pass from Ojomoh. Toulon’s experience told in the end, however, with the more experienced French side able to guide the action to meet their ends. 7