ERCC: Pool 4, Round 1- Glasgow Warriors v Bath Rugby

by **George Carlin** Sun 12 Oct 2014, 9:36 am

First topic message reminder :

ERCC: Pool 4, Round 1- Glasgow Warriors v Bath Rugby - Page 2 Glasgo12

Glasgow Warriors v Bath Rugby
Pool 4, Round 1
Saturday 18 October
KO: 15:15
Scotstoun Stadium

Live on BT Sport

Referee Jerome Garces (France)
Touch Judge 1 Maxime Chalon (France)
Touch Judge 2 Thomas Charabas (France)
Fourth Official Jean-Marie Piraveau (France)
TMO Jean-Marie Piraveau (France)

Citing Commissioner John Cole (Ireland)

A. Teams:

1. Glasgow Warriors
ERCC: Pool 4, Round 1- Glasgow Warriors v Bath Rugby - Page 2 Billy_10

ERCC: Pool 4, Round 1- Glasgow Warriors v Bath Rugby - Page 2 Billy_10

15 Stuart Hogg
14 Sean Maitland
13 Mark Bennett
12 Peter Horne
11 Tommy Seymour
10 Duncan Weir
9 Henry Pyrgos (capt)

1 Gordon Reid
2 Pat MacArthur
3 Euan Murray
4 Leone Nakarawa
5 Jonny Gray
6 Robert Harley
7 Chris Fusaro
8 Adam Ashe

16 Doug Hall
17 Jerry Yanuyanutawa
18 Rossouw de Klerk
19 Tim Swinson
20 Tyrone Holmes
21 Niko Matawalu
22 Finn Russell
23
DTH van der Merwe

2. Bath Rugby
ERCC: Pool 4, Round 1- Glasgow Warriors v Bath Rugby - Page 2 Bill_b10

ERCC: Pool 4, Round 1- Glasgow Warriors v Bath Rugby - Page 2 Bill_b10

15. Gavin Henson
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Kyle Eastmond
11. Anthony Watson
10. George Ford
9. Micky Young

1. Nick Auterac
2. Ross Batty
3. Henry Thomas
4. Stuart Hooper ( c )
5. Dave Attwood
6. Dominic Day
7. Guy Mercer
8. David Sisi

16. Rob Webber
17. Paul James
18. David Wilson
19. Charlie Ewels
20. Tom Ellis
21. Peter Stringer
22. Ollie Devoto
23. Horacio Agulla

B. Current Form

1. Glasgow Warriors

20/9/14 - Newport Gwent Dragons 13 - 33 Glasgow Warriors

26/9/14 - Glasgow Warriors 39 - 21 Connacht Rugby

5/10/14 - Benetton Treviso 23 - 40 Glasgow Warriors

11/10/14 - Ulster Rugby 29 - 9 Glasgow Warriors

2. Bath Rugby

13/9/14 - Bath Rugby 53 - 26 London Welsh

20/9/14 - Bath Rugby 45 - 0 Leicester Tigers

27/9/14 - Northampton Saints 31 - 24 Bath Rugby

3/10/14 - Bath Rugby 21 - 11 Saracens

C. Previous European Honours

1. Glasgow Warriors - None

2. Bath Rugby - Heineken Cup: 1997-98 / European Challenge Cup: 2007-08

by jimbopip Thu 16 Oct 2014, 5:39 pm

Lads, I've no idea what names will tumble forth from the Tombola. I think Really Bored has got , probably, the best set of backs. Is Dunbar fit to start?
I get a feeling that Hall and MacArthur will share the missing the jumpers duties. Shrek and the Rev to start, but replacement props are anybody's guess tbh.
Could we see Bluto-Ashe- Holmes in the back row? Certainly we seemed to be knocked back a bit last week. So a bit more grunt may be called for.
Gray jr will improve the second row but who will partner him? I think Toonie may surprise us here.
I also predict at least two Fijians on the bench.

I still fancy the Warriors to take it.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 16 Oct 2014, 6:36 pm

As a neutral I think it'll be a bit of a ding dong battle personally. Bath are a bit light in the back row but have a very good tight five and a great back line. If Glasgow can out muscle them up front the brilliance of the Bath back line won't count for much though.

If Ford has his kicking boots on Bath might snatch it but he's very hit and miss off the tee so who knows. Just hope it's high scoring and tightly contested.

by **RDW** Thu 16 Oct 2014, 9:45 pm

The Bath coach was on the radio tonight sounding confident, while saying the usual things about respecting the opposition and doing their homework.

No Surprise that he mentioned Matawalu and Hogg as the danger men!

by VinceWLB Thu 16 Oct 2014, 10:03 pm

Good that he is forgetting DTH, Seymour and Dunbar, Glasgow's best backs by some margin.

by Dorothy_Mantooth Fri 17 Oct 2014, 8:11 am

Ryan Wilson is playing again for Stirling this weekend. Jon Welsh and Ryan Grant are both involved with their Club teams this weekend, so hopefully all three aren't too far away from returning. Probably the Treviso game in a couple of weeks if all things go well.

by EWT Spoons Fri 17 Oct 2014, 8:14 am

I know this is early, but does anyone know of a link where I could watch this game? I don't have BT, so relying on dodgy internet streams is the way forward.

Cheers for any help

by **RDW** Fri 17 Oct 2014, 9:12 am

I'll PM you some suggestions, ask again later if they aren't working

by EWT Spoons Fri 17 Oct 2014, 9:14 am

Cheers, much obliged

by Weegie Wizard Fri 17 Oct 2014, 9:20 am

Zander Fagerson has been named in the Hawks team to play 'Muir so that's one that has been removed from Lancelot or Guinevere or whoever is being used this weekend.

by **George Carlin** Fri 17 Oct 2014, 9:34 am

I think that the ERCC website has to be the most inept I've ever seen for a major rugby tournament. No previews, historic articles from last year with teams that aren't in the current pools. It's all messier than Radge's Scottish/Welsh cultural heritage.

I really hope that Glasgow stuffs Bath this weekend, for no other reason that I am tired of these condescending, half arsed 'previews' from English journalists who have no idea about Glasgow whatsoever and aren't inclined to put down their beer/porn/plonkers for long enough to find out.

by **RDW** Fri 17 Oct 2014, 9:41 am

On that note, just read gustcott's 'preview' of the new tournament.

He goes on in great depth about the English and French teams, and creams himself over the likes of George North, but the only pro 12 side he mentions by name is Leinster, and the only time he mentions Glasgow is by saying:

but the brutal truth is that it is hard to see a Welsh or Scottish team seriously threatening to go all the way

Now you could argue that Glasgows no-show in Europe over the years means they lack credibility, but they are the high flyers in the league just now and will certainly have a say in their pool.

by Weegie Wizard Fri 17 Oct 2014, 10:08 am

I know that this sort of stuff is irritating but if you were in Guscott's position, what would you think??

Scotland have underpreformed at national level for over a decade and while we (Glasgow) have been good in the league for the last 3 or 4 years we have done sweet FA in the Heino in that time, including last year where we lost (twice!!) against Cardiff.

This will never change until Glasgow start winning games that Guscott et al don't expect us to win. They all said it last year and we all moaned but then we played the groups and finished last. It is up to us.

by **RDW** Fri 17 Oct 2014, 10:11 am

No one is expecting Glasgow to win it, but he could show a bit more respect to the Pro 12 than only mentioning one team's name in what is meant to be a preview of the tournament!

by Weegie Wizard Fri 17 Oct 2014, 10:24 am

Fair enough RDW I would concede that but the main focus of the article is the French clubs as Guscott seems to think that it will be between Toulon and Toulon (hard to argue with that).

I get annoyed when he predicts Bath winning the group and Toulouse finishing 2nd but, given our HC form, I would not be in the slightest bit surprised if he is bang on.

by funnyExiledScot Fri 17 Oct 2014, 11:35 am

Guscott is a fraud. He is as bad a pundit as he was good a player.

by Dorothy_Mantooth Fri 17 Oct 2014, 11:55 am

Weegie Wizard wrote:Zander Fagerson has been named in the Hawks team to play 'Muir so that's one that has been removed from Lancelot or Guinevere or whoever is being used this weekend.

He is isn't in the Euro Squad that was named a few weeks back. We can make 2 changes during the group stages, but seeing as Welsh isn't registered either, I would guess they are holding off at this stage to see if Welsh returns as planned before adding Fagerson.

by Dorothy_Mantooth Fri 17 Oct 2014, 12:00 pm

Team

Hogg
Maitland
Bennett
Horne
Seymour

Weir
Pygros

Reid
MacArthur
Murray
Naka
Gray
Fusaro
Harley
Ashe

Replacements

Hall
Jerry
de Klerk
Swinson
Holmes
Niko
Russell
DTH

No Strauss is a massive blow as is Dunbar not making it back in time. Decent starting props but, a massive drop off to their replacements.

Can't see us getting a win in this one, although I hope I am wrong. Good set of backs, but will they get enough ball?

by **RDW** Fri 17 Oct 2014, 12:07 pm

Fair play to Bennett coming back straight away - will he be mentally in the right place though?

Huge blow losing Strauss

by reallybored Fri 17 Oct 2014, 12:12 pm

Not too disappointed with that selection, real shame not to have Strauss or Dunbar available. Any word on when they'd be expected back?

Good starting back-line and impact off the bench.

Strong-front five but a little concerned about the back-row. Good opportunity for Ashe to put his hand up for the Autumn.

by HammerofThunor Fri 17 Oct 2014, 12:15 pm

George Carlin wrote:I really hope that Glasgow stuffs Bath this weekend, for no other reason that I am tired of these condescending, half arsed 'previews' from English journalists who have no idea about Glasgow whatsoever and aren't inclined to put down their beer/porn/plonkers for long enough to find out.

I've seen this sort of thing plenty of times before but it makes me Sad

That anyone would be down on one group because a 3rd party talked them up (or you down). They'd love nothing more than Bath getting destroyed because they can pull out they're "the world is ending" articles rather than the "we are awesome" ones. They really aren't worth getting wound up by and if anything you're giving them exactly what they want with the bad feeling. Just watch the game and enjoy it. Cheer on your team, be proud in the their effects and congrate the opposition fans for a good game. I read as little of it as possible myself because I find the vast majority is just drivel and very little enhances anything.

by funnyExiledScot Fri 17 Oct 2014, 12:18 pm

It is a blow to lose Strauss, but I'm delighted by the opportunities being given to Adam Ashe.

by Bathman_in_London Fri 17 Oct 2014, 12:39 pm

Bath Rugby side to face Glasgow Warriors

15. Gavin Henson
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Kyle Eastmond
11. Anthony Watson
10. George Ford
9. Micky Young
1. Nick Auterac
2. Ross Batty
3. Henry Thomas
4. Stuart Hooper ( c )
5. Dave Attwood
6. Dominic Day
7. Guy Mercer
8. David Sisi

Replacements

16. Rob Webber
17. Paul James
18. David Wilson
19. Charlie Ewels
20. Tom Ellis
21. Peter Stringer
22. Ollie Devoto
23. Horacio Agulla

Second choice front row (albeit one that looked good against Wasps) and an odds and ends back row. Doesn't bode particularly well to me! Hopefully if the pack gets parity the backs can continue their good form. Looking forward to it.

by IanBru Fri 17 Oct 2014, 12:51 pm

HammerofThunor wrote:
George Carlin wrote:I really hope that Glasgow stuffs Bath this weekend, for no other reason that I am tired of these condescending, half arsed 'previews' from English journalists who have no idea about Glasgow whatsoever and aren't inclined to put down their beer/porn/plonkers for long enough to find out.

I've seen this sort of thing plenty of times before but it makes me That anyone would be down on one group because a 3rd party talked them up (or you down). They'd love nothing more than Bath getting destroyed because they can pull out they're "the world is ending" articles rather than the "we are awesome" ones. They really aren't worth getting wound up by and if anything you're giving them exactly what they want with the bad feeling. Just watch the game and enjoy it. Cheer on your team, be proud in the their effects and congrate the opposition fans for a good game. I read as little of it as possible myself because I find the vast majority is just drivel and very little enhances anything.

Well said!

I'm really looking forward to this one - Bath are very much 'my team' in the AP, and I've spent some lovely afternoons at the Rec during my youth. You're all right about lazy journalists - I've seen it for years, particularly during the 'one to watch' questions on these previews. Guscott et al just recall the player they remember from the Lions tour and plonk for them. Scarlets? Jonathan Davies; Castres? Richie Gray.; Glasgow? Stuart Hogg, obviously.

Not only is this poor journalism, it utterly misses the point of the previews and ignores what's so great about European Rugby competitions. I refuse to believe that Castres won't have some little French wünderkind in their squad about to blow our collective socks off. So, let's hear about him. I know, it would require the pundits and journalists to actually do some research, to make a judgement about player quality that isn't based on the 'Oh, he's got fifty international caps. He must be good' sort.

I guess we're hoping for too much for people like Guscott to actually do some work instead of just turning up at [insert generic national stadium] pitchside, wearing a [insert generic yuppy menswear provider] scarf and talk about 'composure' and 'creating space for those around you'.

I'm off to listen to some whale song.

by Weegie Wizard Fri 17 Oct 2014, 1:07 pm

Huge opportunity for Ashe especially as Bath have their own issues in the back row.
Gutted that Strauss is not there though.

Don't fancy it but Fingers Crossed

by Dorothy_Mantooth Fri 17 Oct 2014, 1:15 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:It is a blow to lose Strauss, but I'm delighted by the opportunities being given to Adam Ashe.

Yes, great chance to see Ashe.

14 of the starting 15 are Scottish qualified. If the backs have a really good game, its not beyond the realms of possibility that all seven (Horne longest shot) could start the first AI.

by **RDW** Fri 17 Oct 2014, 1:20 pm

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:It is a blow to lose Strauss, but I'm delighted by the opportunities being given to Adam Ashe.

Yes, great chance to see Ashe.

14 of the starting 15 are Scottish qualified. If the backs have a really good game, its not beyond the realms of possibility that all seven (Horne longest shot) could start the first AI.

Now Glasgow are never going to get anywhere with 14 Scottish players - at Edinburgh, we've regularly got 7 or 8 journeyman foreigners and we made it to the HK semis 3 years ago! Run

by Weegie Wizard Fri 17 Oct 2014, 1:26 pm

Bathman_in_London wrote:Bath Rugby side to face Glasgow Warriors

15. Gavin Henson
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Kyle Eastmond
11. Anthony Watson
10. George Ford
9. Micky Young
1. Nick Auterac
2. Ross Batty
3. Henry Thomas
4. Stuart Hooper ( c )
5. Dave Attwood
6. Dominic Day
7. Guy Mercer
8. David Sisi

Replacements

16. Rob Webber
17. Paul James
18. David Wilson
19. Charlie Ewels
20. Tom Ellis
21. Peter Stringer
22. Ollie Devoto
23. Horacio Agulla

Second choice front row (albeit one that looked good against Wasps) and an odds and ends back row. Doesn't bode particularly well to me! Hopefully if the pack gets parity the backs can continue their good form. Looking forward to it.

Is that a new front row as well? Are they any good?

by reallybored Fri 17 Oct 2014, 1:33 pm

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:It is a blow to lose Strauss, but I'm delighted by the opportunities being given to Adam Ashe.

Yes, great chance to see Ashe.

14 of the starting 15 are Scottish qualified. If the backs have a really good game, its not beyond the realms of possibility that all seven (Horne longest shot) could start the first AI.

Average age of starting team is 25, Murray at 34 drags it up a bit too.

by HammerofThunor Fri 17 Oct 2014, 1:38 pm

Here's the preview on the official website. Not exactly loaded with information but still...

PREVIEW: Warriors and Bath eyeing knock-out stages
There is a fresh optimism at both these clubs that this season could bring with it long-awaited success in Europe.

Glasgow Warriors have made a blistering start to the Guinness Pro12, winning their first five games and are currently second in the table. However a constant source of frustration is that the club has not reached the knock-out stages of Europe since 1998. By coincidence that was the year Bath lifted the trophy, though it has been a barren period since and have progressed from the Champions Cup pool stages once in the past eight years. Yet both teams harbour hopes of reaching the knock-out stages this year. Gregor Townsend has built a team that is regularly reaching the Pro12 play-offs and capable of carrying that success onto the continent.

Scotland wing Sean Maitland is back from injury and ready to line-up alongside fellow British & Irish Lion Stuart Hogg. Richie Vernon and Ryan Wilson could also be back in contention following the Warriors first defeat of the season, to Ulster last week.

Townsend said: "Our focus has been on recovery after a lot of effort went into [that] game but we're really looking forward to the new European competition and it's fantastic that we're getting to play at home first against one of the form teams in Europe."

Bath were also second in their respective league before defeat to Wasps last week, however they proved resilient enough to once again claim a losing bonus point, just as they did at Northampton Saints two weeks earlier.

That was thanks to a remarkable second-half fight-back through tries from Jamie Joseph, David Pisi and Micky Young. It came at a price, however, with back-row Leroy Houston suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle and will miss the trip to Scotstoun.

Head coach Mike Fords said: "This is our first season in the European Rugby Champions Cup for a while, so it's a tough assignment but one we're looking forward to.

"I don't mind playing away from home because I love the challenge. On a wet and windy Saturday afternoon in Glasgow it will be great to see where we're at against that sort of opposition."

Match Facts
•Bath have won five of their six Heineken Cup games against Glasgow, losing one.
•Five of the six encounters between these sides in the Heineken Cup have been settled by fewer than seven points.
•Glasgow Warriors averaged more carries (131) and metres (489) than any other Heineken Cup side last season.
•Bath Rugby were involved in the lowest scoring Heineken Cup game ever, a 3-3 draw with Toulouse in 2008/09.

by bluestonevedder Fri 17 Oct 2014, 1:46 pm

VinceWLB wrote:
Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:If Glasgow don't get their scrum sorted, then they have no chance. If we can get at least parity then we should be in with a good chance.

For these big games the back row still remains an area of concern for me. For all the good work in recruiting Toonie has done, his one glaring error for me is not offering Barclay a new deal.

Or making an offer to Rennie..

Still think Glasgow are weak on the loosehead side in terms of scrummaging, Murray and de Kerk should be ok on the other side.
Bad news is Bryce is still injured and i like very much what i have seen from him, he adds some much needed ball carrying. As it is i would start with Hall, scrum improved massively when he came on for Brown last week.

Why is Rennie playing at Bristol now? I thought he'd signed on for playing experience but has gone full contract since. Is this his way of admitting he might not pay for Scotland again?

by EWT Spoons Fri 17 Oct 2014, 2:00 pm

He was going through some personal stuff and I think the move to Bristol has helped him. He's probably decided to stay because A) wants to repay them, and B) I think he's happy there, and thats pretty important as I don't think he neccessarily has been for a while

by funnyExiledScot Fri 17 Oct 2014, 2:05 pm

IanBru wrote:
HammerofThunor wrote:
George Carlin wrote:I really hope that Glasgow stuffs Bath this weekend, for no other reason that I am tired of these condescending, half arsed 'previews' from English journalists who have no idea about Glasgow whatsoever and aren't inclined to put down their beer/porn/plonkers for long enough to find out.

I've seen this sort of thing plenty of times before but it makes me That anyone would be down on one group because a 3rd party talked them up (or you down). They'd love nothing more than Bath getting destroyed because they can pull out they're "the world is ending" articles rather than the "we are awesome" ones. They really aren't worth getting wound up by and if anything you're giving them exactly what they want with the bad feeling. Just watch the game and enjoy it. Cheer on your team, be proud in the their effects and congrate the opposition fans for a good game. I read as little of it as possible myself because I find the vast majority is just drivel and very little enhances anything.

Well said!

I'm really looking forward to this one - Bath are very much 'my team' in the AP, and I've spent some lovely afternoons at the Rec during my youth. You're all right about lazy journalists - I've seen it for years, particularly during the 'one to watch' questions on these previews. Guscott et al just recall the player they remember from the Lions tour and plonk for them. Scarlets? Jonathan Davies; Castres? Richie Gray.; Glasgow? Stuart Hogg, obviously.

Not only is this poor journalism, it utterly misses the point of the previews and ignores what's so great about European Rugby competitions. I refuse to believe that Castres won't have some little French wünderkind in their squad about to blow our collective socks off. So, let's hear about him. I know, it would require the pundits and journalists to actually do some research, to make a judgement about player quality that isn't based on the 'Oh, he's got fifty international caps. He must be good' sort.

I guess we're hoping for too much for people like Guscott to actually do some work instead of just turning up at [insert generic national stadium] pitchside, wearing a [insert generic yuppy menswear provider] scarf and talk about 'composure' and 'creating space for those around you'.

I'm off to listen to some whale song.

+100%. Guscott is an incredibly lazy pundit, and a total waste of the licence fee. He has absolutely no insight whatsoever and puts in no work to research players and understand the sides he's talking about.

by Dorothy_Mantooth Fri 17 Oct 2014, 2:10 pm

EWT Spoons wrote:He was going through some personal stuff and I think the move to Bristol has helped him. He's probably decided to stay because A) wants to repay them, and B) I think he's happy there, and thats pretty important as I don't think he neccessarily has been for a while

Did he not sign his contract with them, before the end of last season? If that is the case he probably signed thinking they would be promoted.

by bluestonevedder Fri 17 Oct 2014, 2:42 pm

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:
EWT Spoons wrote:He was going through some personal stuff and I think the move to Bristol has helped him. He's probably decided to stay because A) wants to repay them, and B) I think he's happy there, and thats pretty important as I don't think he neccessarily has been for a while

Did he not sign his contract with them, before the end of last season? If that is the case he probably signed thinking they would be promoted.

I didn't realise he was having personal problems, I thought it was all due to the injuries and wanting game time.

I'm really hoping we see him in a Scotland jersey again- such a great player.

Anyway, apologies for derailing the thread!

by Nematode Fri 17 Oct 2014, 2:45 pm

I'd have liked to have seen Murchie in that XV but Hogg's equally good. Exciting to see how Ashe goes, massive opportunity for him. Should be a tasty game.

by Bathman_in_London Fri 17 Oct 2014, 2:57 pm

Weegie Wizard wrote:
Bathman_in_London wrote:Bath Rugby side to face Glasgow Warriors

15. Gavin Henson
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Kyle Eastmond
11. Anthony Watson
10. George Ford
9. Micky Young
1. Nick Auterac
2. Ross Batty
3. Henry Thomas
4. Stuart Hooper ( c )
5. Dave Attwood
6. Dominic Day
7. Guy Mercer
8. David Sisi

Replacements

16. Rob Webber
17. Paul James
18. David Wilson
19. Charlie Ewels
20. Tom Ellis
21. Peter Stringer
22. Ollie Devoto
23. Horacio Agulla

Second choice front row (albeit one that looked good against Wasps) and an odds and ends back row. Doesn't bode particularly well to me! Hopefully if the pack gets parity the backs can continue their good form. Looking forward to it.

Is that a new front row as well? Are they any good?

That front row has been benching the last few games but they have played well when they have come on. Auterac has been really good from the bench, Thomas has a few caps so he's not bad and Batty can't throw but apart from that he's great!

by TightHEAD Fri 17 Oct 2014, 3:22 pm

Every time I've seen Batty he really can't throw a ball in. That could cost Bath big time vs Glasgow.

by VinceWLB Fri 17 Oct 2014, 4:40 pm

That Glasgow packs particularly the backrow is lightweight, Strauss out is a massive blow and could be the difference between a win and a loss. Great player but he has often been injured when Glasgow needed him the most.

Not surprised Allan isn't selected is scrummaging isn't the strongest and even though Yanuyanutawa's scrummaging is mostly illegal it is a better option to have him on the bench.

No Dunbar and DTH only on the bench which is madness, backline looks very lightweight as well.

Glasgow are seriously undercooked for this one and i will be pretty surprised if they win.

by jimbopip Fri 17 Oct 2014, 5:00 pm

I beg to differ, Vince; Shrek, Rev, Naka, Gray jr, Harley? You wouldn't call any of them anorexic would you?
If you've seen Arthur Ashe in the flesh, so to speak, he's a big laddie too. And with Swinson and Sherlock on the bench I don't see it as lightweight.
As for DTH not starting: we have the first choice Scotland back three FFS. (Visser comes into the reckoning when the 6N becomes touch). Granted Hornee- angel

is not the most physically imposing centre pairing but going forward they should cause Bath some problems.
No, I think the crucial position will be 10. If we make Bath play in the right areas of the field we can win. Let's just hope Meatball has his sensible head on.

by funnyExiledScot Fri 17 Oct 2014, 5:10 pm

The Bath centre pairing isn't physical either so may have informed Toonie's decision not to plonk Downey or Lamont in there.

by VinceWLB Fri 17 Oct 2014, 5:12 pm

Agreed with the props Jimbo, they have a fair amount of beef in them, but MacArthur is on the light side imo and so is Fusaro. Also Nakarawa could do with adding a stone or two to his frame for a 2nd row.

Ashe has impressed indeed but Strauss is a tank, i reckon if he played in South Africa he would make their 23 matchday squad.

After seeing the injury list the confidence i quietly had for this game has gone.

Lets hope Weir has a big game indeed but every backline needs a gainline player in the modern game.

by **George Carlin** Fri 17 Oct 2014, 5:15 pm

In all honesty, I didn't realise Strauss would be out and I think I let out a fairly girlie scream when I saw the team sheet. I really didn't think we'd be heading into a must win European game without our first choice 1, 2, 3, 8 or 12.

In my head, that's us without our best back (Dunbar) and our best forward (Strauss). I would also much rather Ryan Wilson's reduced bulk and speed around the park. How amazing for Ashe - I hope he acquits himself well.

I am also fairly worried about James and Wilson being on bench - that's a monster front row to drop into the last 20 minutes when everyone else is tiring.

I realise Bath has problems with their pack too but I'm no longer convinced that they are substantially worse than ours.

Feck it, let's see. Both sets of backs are absolutely sparkling and if I was a neutral would be settling down to enjoy a real spectacle.

by UlstermaninGlasgow Fri 17 Oct 2014, 11:07 pm

To be fair, looking at the Bath team, their best front row is on the bench and their back row is depleted considerably. They have a very dangerous set of back but the old adage holds firm, forwards win matches, backs decide by how much.

Glasgow by 5...

by SecretFly Sat 18 Oct 2014, 9:38 am

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:To be fair, looking at the Bath team, their best front row is on the bench and their back row is depleted considerably. They have a very dangerous set of back but the old adage holds firm, forwards win matches, backs decide by how much.Glasgow by 5...

Hmmm............ it's an old adage that can sometimes get a kick in the ass though...IF...your forwards prefer playing as backs Wink

Example some years back was a game against Australia and France in Paris. The forecast was that Australia were going to be oliterated by forward French power at home. The Aussies didn't protest the truth of it and in the early stages of the actual game it looked like the forecasts were spot on. So the Aussies, all of them - backs and forwards - just simply stopped playing any forward play at all - and ran the poor French ragged.
As an exercise in killing the beauty of an ancient adage, it was high art.
Nope it don't happen too often but if you got the ammo (and you DO need good stuff all over the park!) there are ways to kill the concept of 'forwards win matches'.... at least whilst playing a typically forward style game!

by jimbopip Sat 18 Oct 2014, 9:52 am

UIG nice to see you posting again. I think you are spot on: if we can starve their backs of ball we can win. With Gray, Naka na dHarley we should be securing a fair amount of lineout ball, our starting front row must all be harbouring hopes of playing in the WC so this weakened Bath front row shouldn't be beyond them, Fozzie and Arthur in the back will certainly be mobile enough to be at the breakdowns let's hope they win the collisions.
Also, if Bath begin to tire, or have to chase the game, I am particularly excited at the thought of DTH, Niko and Russell coming on to exploit any spaces that appear.

by **RDW** Sat 18 Oct 2014, 9:59 am

Turns out toonie brought Jim Telfer in this week to speak to the players - hopefully it will have a similar effect as Sir Alex speaking to the European Ryder cup team!

by **George Carlin** Sat 18 Oct 2014, 10:07 am

Truth be told, I have never seen Jim Telfer and my increasingly senile and consistently racist Uncle Dougie in the same room.

by IanBru Sat 18 Oct 2014, 10:26 am

George Carlin wrote:Truth be told, I have never seen Jim Telfer and my increasingly senile and consistently racist Uncle Dougie in the same room.

Interestingly, I have never seen Maggie Smith and my shockingly racist Zimbabwean great-auntie Elsie in the same room.

by jimbopip Sat 18 Oct 2014, 10:43 am

You know I've never seen myself and George Clooney in the same room.
However, Schiz has often seen himself and himself in the same room.

by yappysnap Sat 18 Oct 2014, 12:21 pm

How re Glasgow fans feeling so close to kick off? Optimistic or pessimistic?

As a neutral I'll be backing Bath for the win but I think it'll be close and ugly

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