Bath player ratings: ‘Magnificent’ England playmaker ‘key’ to impressive win after Finn Russell’s errors
Bath playmakers Ben Spencer and Finn Russell.
Following a 36-29 victory over Saracens in the Gallagher Prem at the StoneX Stadium on Sunday, here are the player ratings for Bath.
Backs
15 Tom de Glanville: Some excellent moments on the counter-attack while his boot was useful on occasion. Wasn’t tested too much under the high ball with Saracens targeting Henry Arundell’s wing. 7
14 Joe Cokanasiga: Wasn’t given a huge amount of space in the opening 50 minutes but, when he did get the ball, Cokanasiga tended to make ground. However, was more of a factor later on and made some useful contributions. 7
13 Chris Harris: A very useful signing for Bath. Not quite the player which made him indispensable to Scotland a few years ago, but he remains a centre that does everything very efficiently. 5
12 Will Butt: Very much grew into the game after Saracens started the quicker. Carried hard in midfield and got his name on the scoresheet, even if it was a walk-in. 6
11 Henry Arundell: Everyone knows about his pace but people have questioned his basics such as defence and high ball work. However, he has certainly improved in those areas. Arundell did well in the air against gifted youngster Noah Caluori and was lightning in attack. 8
10 Finn Russell: It was one of those days where it just didn’t quite click for the fly-half. There were a few too many slight mistakes which contributed to a frustrating performance from the Scotsman. Quite how Russell was in contention for the player of the match award was bizarre, although he was better later on. 6
9 Ben Spencer (c): While Russell was struggling to find his best, his half-back partner was absolutely magnificent and led their response. Spencer was a general at the base and was a key reason as to why they won this match. 8
Forwards
8 Arthur Green: Has become a key part of the squad since the end of last season and showed why with an all-action display in London. Green was the primary carrier for Bath and made some decent dents on the gain line. 8
7 Miles Reid: Superb yet again, Reid is probably the most underrated back-rower in England. He will probably rue being in such a competitive era of opensides but, as other players in the PREM get plaudits, the flanker simply goes about his business week after week. 8
6 Josh Bayliss: Completes a fine loose trio. Bayliss’ athleticism was evident in the loose and on both attack and defence. There were some excellent moments in the wide channels with ball in hand while the Scotland flanker also showed his pace to track back when a try beckoned for Saracens. 9
5 Charlie Ewels: Lineout was mixed. Another workmanlike performance but it was not a standout display from the England second-row. 5
4 Quinn Roux: Similar to Ewels, Roux put in a shift. There was a bit more physicality at close quarters from the ex-Ireland international, but it was all about doing the nuts and bolts. 5
3 Thomas du Toit: Had the edge at the set-piece and also had some strong carries with ball in hand, but it was not really a game for the props, with the scrum not much of a factor. 6
2 Tom Dunn: A solid display from Dunn who is a presence in the middle of that Bath front-row. He can’t get around the field like some of the modern day hookers but he certain gets through a mountain of work. 6
1 Beno Obano: Similar to Du Toit, Obano did everything well, but in some ways his influence was limited by the way the game went as their obvious scrum dominance didn’t get truly rewarded. 6
Replacements: There was some good and bad. The props didn’t quite continue the good work of Du Toit and Obano, while there was nearly a costly error from Cam Redpath, which wasn’t punished by Saracens, but the decisive moment in the match came through Max Ojomoh. After starring against Argentina, Ojomoh showed his pace and skills to break through the Sarries defence and feed Arundell for the match-winning try. 8