It was a good season for Bath. In spite of some off-field disruptions, they came within a whisker of a playoff place and made the Challenge Cup final. Mike Ford has now settled into his role and has much the same team to work with, adding a little depth to the front row and a certain x-factor from the stranger code. This season will be more about getting the combinations right and improving their strike rate in the try department.
The additions of Matt Garvey and Leroy Houston last year gave the pack a much needed boost in physicality, and the depth of the squad shone through some injury troubles. While it appears Garvey will start the season on the sidelines with a pre-season ankle injury, he has ready-made replacements in Carl Fearns and young Dave Sisi. The rest of the forwards have a good mix of established veterans and talented up-and-comers, with one or two hopefully pushing on to challenge for starting positions later on in the year.
Talent oozes out of the higher numbers, particularly in the wider spaces, but one of the team’s issues was getting them the ball. Neither Micky Young nor Martin Roberts, who has since moved back to Wales, were able to make their mark so 36 year old Peter Stringer soldiers on at halfback. While he’s serviceable, there’s a good reason why Will Genia is at the top of Bruce Craig’s post-World Cup shopping list. George Ford has done well enough with the service he’s been given, though he does have a tendency to try too much on his own.
Undoubtedly part of that problem is the midfield selection. Kyle Eastmond isn’t the type of centre who runs hard lines, he needs the ball early and some space to work his magic, but that might not be the best fit for Ford, who prefers to use his footwork and pass late. The much larger Ollie Devoto might well be the best option, and an even bigger one in Sam Burgess seems to be on the way. Whoever fits the bill, dynamic runners like Semesa Rokoduguni and Anthony Watson need to see the ball more often.
One potential issue that may cause problems is a lack of a clear-cut backup for Ford. The departure of Tom Heathcote to Edinburgh might not be a dagger blow, but it does leave the options rather thin. Devoto has been used there in the past, though he looks every bit a centre now, while Gavin Henson didn’t start a single match at no10 last season. Still, the Welshman does have some experience there, and has stated his wish to try and give it a go once again, so it’s likely his role for the time being.
There’s more than enough class in the side to be competitive, and if they can work out the kinks in their attack structures, there’s every chance for them to take another step or two up the table. Add in the unknowns that some of the youngsters might bring, and a couple imports, and this looks like a good year to be a Bath fan. Expect them to crack the playoffs for the first time since Aviva preceded Premiership, though the grand finale is still one step out of reach.
HEAD COACH – Mike Ford
The former England defense coach caused some ripples down the Avon last season when he surreptitiously usurped the popular Gary Gold midway through the season. From all accounts Ford had already been running the show, on the field at least, so the club seemed to recover from the controversy quickly, but it reinforced his reputation as an uncompromising character. There will be no such distractions this time, and with a stronger squad to work with he’ll be expected to make waves of a different kind come the spring.
CAPTAIN – Stuart Hooper
This will be the 7th season in Bath colours and 4th as captain for one of the most popular players at the Rec. He’s never quite been of international quality but enjoyed a fine season last year, forming a very powerful engine room with England squad member Dave Attwood. His brains and leadership qualities are highly respected around the Premiership and the only slight on his resume is a lack of silverware.
KEY PLAYER – George Ford
With no other specialist flyhalf in the senior squad (despite the claims of Gavin Henson) there’s no question who the most indispensible man on the team is. The leading points scorer in the Premiership played more minutes than anyone else in the club. Whether it’s playing position with the boot or dancing through half gaps, Bath’s fate is inexorably tied to his own.
ONE TO WATCH – Ollie Devoto
Originally floated between flyhalf and fullback, he seems to have found his calling in the midfield. With a physique and skills reminiscent of Will Greenwood it’s not hard to see why. He’s rated highly by Stuart Lancaster and could well oust two England centres for both club and country this season.
BIG SIGNING – Sam Burgess
Probably the highest profile signing in the whole Premiership during the off-season even though he has never played a senior match in the XV man code. He is a beast of a man, and an impresive athlete for his size. The question is what position he is best suited for, with centre his likely starting point but no8 a probable destination.
SIGNIFICANT TRANSFERS
IN – Grant Shiells (Newcastle), Henry Thomas (Sale), Sam Burgess (South Sydney RL), Luke Arscott (Exeter)
OUT – Eusebio Guiñazú (Munster), Anthony Perenise (Bristol), Ryan Caldwell (Exeter), Martin Roberts (Ospreys), Tom Heathcote (Edinburgh), Tom Biggs (Worcester), Nick Abendanon (Clermont)
