Bath player ratings: Finn Russell and Ben Spencer partnership goes from ‘strength to strength’ while forward duo impress
Finn Russell celebrates Bath victory.
Following a 31-23 victory over Sale Sharks in the Premiership semi-final that sets up a final against Northampton Saints, here’s our player ratings for Bath.
15 Matt Gallagher: Assured at the back as both number 15s enjoyed solid games in this wonderful semi-final. Gallagher beat four defenders during his afternoon’s work. 7
14 Joe Cokanasiga: Had moments of destructiveness with ball in hand but we often want to see more from the hulking wing. Came off second best in his individual battle with Tom O’Flaherty. 5
13 Ollie Lawrence: Ran a superb line early on but his moment of the game was an incredible try-saving tackle on O’Flaherty in the first half. 6
12 Cameron Redpath: A strong defensive effort as he finished on 10 tackles and no misses. Redpath was also silky with ball in hand as he clearly enjoys playing outside Finn Russell. 6
11 Will Muir: Secure in the air and proved a handful in contact, with his 50:22 that led to Beno Obano’s try a real highlight in the first half. Picked up the Player of the Match award but we felt others had stronger games. 7
Star half-backs
10 Finn Russell: What a signing he has been. Russell plays so flat, kicks well and manages a rugby field expertly. The Scotland star was influential early on in the Ted Hill try while his partnership with scrum-half Ben Spencer goes from strength to strength. 8
9 Ben Spencer (c): His lovely chip over the top for Hill’s try was a thing of beauty while he also marshalled wonderfully well from the base. Should have a lot more England caps than he does. 8
8 Alfie Barbeary: Was a handful in the carry early on but not much thereafter as he struggled to impose his game on a tough Sale pack. Replaced on 52 minutes. 5
7 Sam Underhill: A typically industrious effort and that means a lot of the unseen work from Underhill. Ten tackles in the bank from the England flanker. 6
England recall beckoning?
6 Ted Hill: A galloping presence in the loose and deserved his early try, which he took well. The pick of the Bath forwards as his eight carries resulted in 32 metres. He no doubt impressed the watching Steve Borthwick. 8
5 Charlie Ewels: Some nice touches early on and was a workhorse defensively, tracking back well to haul down Sam James at a key time in first half. 6
4 Quinn Roux: Sale’s pack flexed their muscle at times but Roux fronted up well in a quiet but workmanlike shift. 6
3 Thomas du Toit: Was not up to his usual box-office standards he has set this season while Bevan Rodd tested him through at scrum time. Still made four carries and eight tackles in a busy effort. 6
2 Tom Dunn: Combative as usual in the tight exchanges and was solid at lineout time with his arrows. 6
1 Beno Obano: Powered over from close range for his first-half try and had the better of James Harper in the scrum. Obano can be pleased with his overall shift that will have given Borthwick something to think about. 8
Replacements: Niall Annett’s key try was the standout moment from the bench offering while Miles Reid carried well and Josh Bayliss recovered well from being crunched by Tom Curry. 7
