In a pulsating opening match of the Investec Champions Cup Pool 2, Bath Rugby pulled off a remarkable comeback to secure a bonus-point win against Ulster. The final scoreline of 37-14 might suggest a one-sided affair, but the match was a rollercoaster of excitement from start to finish.
First Half Drama
The game began with both teams showing their intent to attack, and it didn’t take long for the fireworks to start. Bath’s Scottish fly-half, Finn Russell, making his European debut for the club, orchestrated a beautifully executed try as he fed a sublime pass to the powerful Joe Cokanasiga, who finished in the corner. Bath led 5-0 after the early try.
However, Ulster quickly responded, with Billy Burns capitalizing on a clearance kick mishap by Ollie Lawrence to score their first try. Nathan Doak added the conversion, and Ulster took a 7-5 lead. The drama continued as Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey, James Hume, and Robert Baloucoune combined brilliantly to send Doak over for his second try in European competition, extending Ulster’s lead to 14-5.
Bath managed to narrow the gap before halftime, with a penalty from their scrum-half, Ben Spencer, making it 14-8 in favor of Ulster.
Bath’s Second-Half Surge
The second half saw Bath Rugby rise like a phoenix from the ashes of the first half. They quickly regained the lead with a try from hooker Tom Dunn, who dived over after a powerful driving maul from a line-out. Spencer’s boot added more points with a penalty, giving Bath an 18-14 advantage.
Ulster’s hopes suffered a severe blow when South African prop Thomas du Toit came off the bench to score Bath’s third try, while Ulster’s Matty Rea was in the sin-bin for not rolling away. Bath now led 25-14.
Bath’s dominance continued as Joe Cokanasiga broke through the Ulster defense to secure the bonus point. Matt Gallagher then capitalized on slack Ulster defending to put the finishing touches on a thrilling afternoon for Bath Rugby.
Post-Match Thoughts
Bath’s head coach, Johann van Graan, described the match as a “mental battle” and praised his team’s positivity and excitement. It was indeed a significant moment for the club, marking their debut in this season’s Champions Cup.
Finn Russell, who had an influential role in Bath’s second-half resurgence, expressed his satisfaction with the bonus-point win, though he acknowledged there were missed opportunities in the first half.
This victory puts Bath in a promising position in Pool 2 of the Investec Champions Cup, and they will be looking to build on this momentum as they prepare to face Cardiff in their next fixture. Meanwhile, Ulster faces an uphill battle after suffering their third consecutive defeat in all competitions.
The stage is set for more thrilling encounters in the Investec Champions Cup, and Bath Rugby has certainly made a statement with their comeback win over Ulster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Champions Cup Comeback
Q: Who scored the first try for Bath in the Champions Cup opener against Ulster?
A: Joe Cokanasiga scored the first try for Bath in the Champions Cup opener against Ulster, showcasing his power and finishing ability in the corner.
Q: How did Ulster take the lead in the first half?
A: Ulster took the lead in the first half through tries by Billy Burns and Nathan Doak, with Doak converting both to give them a 14-8 lead at halftime.
Q: What was the turning point in the second half for Bath?
A: Bath’s turning point in the second half was when Thomas du Toit scored their third try while Ulster’s Matty Rea was in the sin-bin, giving Bath a crucial lead that they never relinquished.
Q: How did Finn Russell perform in his European debut for Bath?
A: Finn Russell played a pivotal role for Bath in the second half, contributing to their comeback with his playmaking abilities and helping them secure a bonus-point win.
Q: What did Bath’s head coach, Johann van Graan, highlight after the match?
A: Bath’s head coach, Johann van Graan, emphasized the mental battle his team faced and praised their positivity and excitement, considering it a significant moment for the club in the Champions Cup.
Q: What does this win mean for Bath in the Champions Cup?
A: This win puts Bath in a promising position in Pool 2 of the Champions Cup, setting the stage for more exciting encounters in the competition.
2 comments
cool that Finn Russell played, hes gr8. nice article.
wow! bath’s comeback was epic. i love how they fought back. go bath!