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Bath player ratings: Somehow Bath scored 48 points at Franklin’s Gardens and still went away Northampton comprehensively defeated, such was the outstanding offensive display from both teams in the 71-48 contest.
They were the Saints’ match for much of the breathless opening half, with Arthur Green and Kepu Tuipulotu tearing through the Northampton defense and Tom Carr-Smith helping Bath to play at considerable pace. But their defense fell apart as the match wore on, with Northampton eventually scoring 71 points and repeatedly exposing Bath in the wider channels.
15 Santiago Carreras – 5
Produced a lot on offense, made two line breaks, beat four defenders and scored on Russell’s floating pass. His neat footballing touch and break earlier also showed his ability. But the defensive end was costly: five missed tackles, a drop for Dingwall’s dummy and a horribly unchallenged fumble that gave Pater a try from 50 metres.
14 Joe Cocanasiga – 4
Barely featured in possession, carrying only once in eight meters before being substituted after an hour. His defensive contribution was also problematic, missing four matches as Northampton increasingly found space on the edges of Bath.
13 Max Ojomoh – 7
One of Bet’s more dangerous full-backs despite not featuring prominently on the scoresheet. He played extremely flat against Northampton’s defensive line and constantly offered different options, carrying nine times for 38 metres. He also made nine tries, although three misses reflected the increasingly chaotic nature of the competition.
12 Cameron Redpath – 5
He struggled to make much of an impact with the ball in hand, managing just two carries for 16 yards. His defense was also exposed for Sleightholme’s hat-trick, with the Saints winger running through the middle of the pitch far too easily.
11 Charlie Griffin – 7
Scored his first PREM try with a strong finish after a superb flat pass from Carr-Smith and later set up Bayliss’ score. Ten tackles and two offloads illustrated his involvement, although three missed tackles were part of Batt’s wider defensive woes.
10 Finn Russell – 7.5
Created some great moments. His double shot and pass in contact freed Green for Bath’s first try, while a beautiful floated pass later turned over Carreras. He hit well enough off the tee, but his defense was mercilessly targeted, with a match-high six misses.
9 Tom Carr-Smith – 6
Dangerous when played fast. He supported Green’s break for Bath’s first score, fired a superb flat pass past four defenders for Griffin and moved the ball quickly after Tuipulotu’s carry before Griffin scored. The problem was his kicking: he crashed twice in the opening 35 minutes after being too slow in the base, while four games were missed.
1 Scott Kirk – 5
Bath initially came under pressure in the scrum only to improve later in the half. Kirk carried six times for 11 meters and made six tackles but did not make a particularly significant individual impact before being replaced by Obano after 53 minutes.
2 Kebu Tuipulotu – 8
Remarkable despite the result. His big break in the first half saw him win through Kundiona and Iyogun before fending off Coles and releasing Green for the try. Another strong carry created the momentum for Green’s second. Finished with 36 yards from seven carries, two defenders beaten and a match-high two turnovers. Great performance by an England I hope so.
3 Archie Griffin – 7
He slotted over from close range after giving Tuipulot the opening swing and Carr-Smith moved the ball quickly. Carried seven times but had less success as Northampton settled down, before being replaced by Stuart shortly after half-time.
4 Will Jeanes – 5
A quiet afternoon before being replaced after 53 minutes. He carried five times for just five yards and made seven tackles, but was unable to significantly slow Northampton’s increasingly potent attack.
5 Ross Molony – 4
It got off to a rocky start when Coles broke his move during one of Saints Lock’s early moves. He managed just three meters from five carries and five tackles before being replaced by Ewels, with Northampton finding success repeatedly through the middle and wide channels.
6 Josh Bayliss – 6
His first-half yellow card for a pressure foul proved costly as Freeman helped the Saints capitalize on the resulting position. He responded well after the break with a finish worthy of the winger, using his pace to score in the corner. Seven clearances, seven interceptions and a line break made for a mixed afternoon overall.
7 Miles Reid – 5
He made 10 tackles during his short outing but left after just 22 minutes, replaced by Ted Hill. He had little opportunity to impact the contest with the ball in hand before his early exit.
8 Arthur Green – 8
Excellent. He broke through from a pass from Russell before showing excellent hands to free Carr-Smith for Bath’s first try, then benefiting from Tuipulotu’s destruction to score from 30 metres. Added another close range score just after half time. Led Bath with 17 carries, 74 meters, two line breaks and two defenders defeated.
Substitutions – 5
Jaco Coetzee produced the strongest strike with a line break, 23 meters and three defenders beaten, but Bath’s substitutes failed to stop Northampton’s second-half onslaught.