Bath to erase external criticism after Harlequins’ defeat

[ad_1]

9:49 am, October 24, 2021

Stuart Hooper has admitted Bath will wipe out external criticism after Saturday’s 31-17 loss to the Harlequins doomed the club to their worst Premiership start to the season.

It was Bath’s fifth consecutive defeat this season and they have lost 10 of their last 11 league games, but following the 71-point surrender at home last Sunday to the Saracens they pushed the champions to the Stoop before succumb in the last minutes. .

“We understand what we need to do next weekend against the Wasps,” said Bath rugby manager Hooper, whose side were leading 17-12 at halftime after scoring two tries, while English mainstay Joe Marler was in deep trouble for a no. -the weapons tackle.

Chris Robshaw on Marcus Smith

Chris Robshaw on Marcus Smith

“We have our backs to the wall and have to move forward.

“One of the good things about sport is that people have opinions, but we know where we are going and what action we need to take.

“We are back to a level we were physically expecting today, but we allowed too many penalties in the second half and we couldn’t get out of our own half.”

Quins ran through Andre Esterhuizen (2), Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant (2), Smith making three conversions, while Sam Underhill and Will Stuart responded with tryouts for the visitors as Orlando Bailey added the extras.

MATCH REPORT: Eventful afternoon at The Stoop for some England squad accessories as Obano injures himself and Joe Marler receives a yellow card #England #Quins #Bath #GallagherPrem #HARvBAT https: // t .co / dLIjtqGszr

– RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 23, 2021

Bath captain Charlie Ewels said it was up to the senior players to lead the way for the younger ones on Saturday when they face opponents who have won in five of their last six visits to Recreation Ground.

“The players put their bodies at risk like you saw against the Harlequins when Tom De Glanville, Joe Simpson and Beno Obano all played despite injuries that forced them to retire,” he said. “Confidence is the thing.

“We’re not happy to be stuck in a losing rut, but I hope people see the desire and the struggle alongside.

“Confidence made the difference today: one party had it, the other didn’t.

“Experienced guys have been in this position before and we know you’re getting back on track by overtaking and suppressing outside noise.

“The young bring energy and we, the older ones, have to lead the ship.”

The Harlequins have moved up to second in the standings with their ninth straight home victory, but they will lose key players Smith, Alex Dombrandt and Marchant while serving in England, along with Marler.

“I don’t know the opportunities they will have, but I wish them well,” Quins head coach Tabai Matson said.

“Good players like Marcus keep their powder dry until something happens and few forwards can do what Alex does, although international play is on another level.”

Matson is hoping Marler won’t be cited for an unarmed tackle on Tom De Glanville.

The prop was sent to the sin-bin and Bath’s full-back injured his knee after trying to play.

“Anytime someone lands on their shoulder you have to look at them, but there were mitigating factors,” Matson said.

Recommended More news RugbyPass + subscription

Join RugbyPass + now and join the conversation with all new comments!

JOIN NOW

[ad_2]