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Bath Rugby’s Max Ojomoh scoring a second-half try - PA/Andrew Matthews
Bath 47 Harlequins 28
Can anyone stop the Bath juggernaut from rolling to Twickenham and lifting a first Premiership trophy in 29 years? On this evidence – a seven-try, 19-point swatting of in-form Harlequins – it will require a mighty effort by one of the other nine teams in English rugby’s top flight.
Bath are runaway league leaders and surely with this handsome victory, given lowly Newcastle also must travel to the Rec, a home semi-final is assured, with this West Country heartland expecting another tilt at a first Premiership title since the dawn of professionalism. This squad has too much depth and too much fortitude to not finish the season in the top two and, with Finn Russell at the helm – again majestic against Harlequins – the hosts registered their ninth win in the last 10 Premiership matches. Will Muir, on his return from injury, was immense, too, with two tries.
Harlequins arrived at the Rec in good form of their own, unbeaten in their last four league matches having stung Saracens in the derby last weekend, but the visitors trailed by 26 points after fewer minutes, with Bath having sewn up the bonus point within 23. Just about everything that could go wrong for Harlequins did in that opening quarter before a revival of sorts restored some degree of respectability, as well as a try bonus point. With the visitors shipping points like they were going out of fashion, Joe Marler tweeted cryptically that “he needs to walk” before deleting.
It was not clear who Harlequins’ legendary former loosehead was referring to. In the midst of it all, it is worth highlighting that Oscar Beard, the visitors’ outside centre who is very much on the England radar, is a serious talent. Luke Northmore, Beard’s midfield partner, reminded everyone of his prowess, too.
At fly-half, we were somewhat robbed of the great Lions head to head, Russell against Marcus Smith, owing to Rodrigo Isgro’s early departure forcing the latter to play over an hour at full-back. Russell’s genius sleight of hand sent Joe Cokanasiga careering over for Bath’s first try, but Isgro was knocked out in the process. To add insult to injury, referee Anthony Woodthorpe correctly deemed the Argentinian’s tackle position to be illegal so he was sent to the sin bin for his troubles. He never re-emerged and Harlequins’ hero from last week, Jamie Benson, entered the fray, with Smith shifting to full-back.
Tries from Ted Hill, Ross Molony and Muir’s first – a dashing, length-of-the-field score – wrapped up the bonus point inside 23 minutes for Bath. Harlequins, with Smith also in the sin bin for killing the ball on his own line, were stunned. Marler tweeted, the scoreboard made for grim reading - but the visitors did respond.
Northmore faded beautifully off a Will Porter pass to send Stephan Lewies away, with the skipper linking back up with his centre to cap off a fine move. **** Lamositele then barrelled over from close range and no one could stop that mountain from a metre out. Amid the Quins revival, Muir crossed for his second after Tom Dunn had rampaged through the heart of the visiting defence.
Marler’s replacement at Harlequins, the Tyro Fin Baxter, wriggled his way over shortly after half-time to keep things interesting but the hosts landed the killer blow moments later. Ben Spencer’s try was ruled out for a Cokanasiga forward pass but Ojomoh intercepted Benson on the Bath 22 to kill off the contest. After Tom De Glanville and Will Butt had intertwined, Francois van Wyk crossed with Spencer giving a generous scoring offload to round off Bath’s afternoon, despite Sam Riley’s late score. Tougher tests await Johann van Graan’s side but, on this evidence, they may well pass them. The onus is now on another Premiership side to stop them.
Match details
Scoring sequence: 5-0 Cokanasiga try, 10-0 Hill try, 12-0 Russell con, 17-0 Molony try, 19-0 Russell con, 24-0 Muir try, 26-0 Russell con, 26-5 Northmore try, 26-7 Benson con, 26-12 Lamositele try, 26-14 Smith con, 31-14 Muir try, 33-14 Russell con, 33-19 Baxter try, 33-21 Smith con, 38-21 Ojomoh try, 40-21 Russell con, 45-21 Van Wyk try, 47-21 Russell con, 47-26 Riley try, 47-28 Smith con.
H-T: 33-14
Bath XV: T de Glanville (Carr-Smith 70); J Cokanasiga, M Ojomoh, C Redpath (Butt 64), W Muir; F Russell, B Spencer (capt); B Obano (Van Wyk 51), T Dunn (Annett 62), W Stuart (Du Toit 51), R Molony, C Ewels (Pepper 35), T Hill, M Reid (Underhill 51), A Barbeary (Coetzee 51).
Harlequins XV: T Green; R Isgro (Benson 14), O Beard, L Northmore, N David; M Smith, W Porter (Care 60); F Baxter (Els 73), J Walker (Riley 54), T Lamositele (Jones 54), I Herbst (Launchbury 54), S Lewies (capt) (Hammond 58), J Kenningham, T Lawday, C Cunningham-South (Schmid 67).
Yellow card: Isgro 3, Smith 18
Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe
Attendance: 14,500
05:33 PM GMT
Thanks for joining us
That brings our live coverage of Bath’s victory over Harlequins in round 13 of the Gallagher Premiership. Thanks for joining us!
05:17 PM GMT
Bath centre Max Ojomoh: ‘It comes down to chemistry’
05:08 PM GMT
Player of the match award
Two tries to his name, Will Muir is Player of the match for today’s game. A sublime performance!
He reacts to his side’s victory over Harlequins;
Home semi-final bagged?
05:01 PM GMT
Full time: Bath 47 Harlequins 28
Ben Spencer kicks it out to end a dominant win for Bath.
It was seven tries for the hosts, as they were simply just too good for Harlequins this afternoon, and they have all but sealed their place in the play-off positions.
So, 47-28 is the final score as Bath extend their lead at the top of the Gallagher Premiership.
04:57 PM GMT
TRY! Bath 47 Harlequins 28 (Riley)
Sam Riley grabs a bonus point for Harlequins! It was a well-executed line out from the visitors, which sees Riley power over the line to score Harlequins’ fourth try and secure a bonus point.
Marcus Smith adds the extras.
04:54 PM GMT
75 min: Bath 47 Harlequins 21
The hosts have dominated proceedings at the Recreation Ground – their scrum has been exceptional. Their front-row have had too much power for Harlequins and they are able to earn a scrum penalty on their own 22 to clear their lines.
Meanwhile, it was a great pickup and finish from Ben Spencer on the wing, but a forward pass from Joe Cokanasiga means it’s chalked off for Bath.
04:47 PM GMT
TRY! Bath 47 Harlequins 21 (Van Wyk)
Bath burst through the defence, as Tom de Glanville gets the ball on the halfway line and allows Will Butt to hit a fantastic line and break through.
Ben Spencer sits on the shoulder of Butt and then sends through a supporting Francois van Wyk who times his run perfectly – collecting the pass and diving over for the try!
Finn Russell adds the extras.
04:42 PM GMT
62 min: Bath 40 Harlequins 21
Try-scorer Max Ojomoh involved in the action once more for Bath! He sends through Will Muir with a two-on-one. Just one more pass is needed for Bath’s seventh of the game, but Cam Redpath fluffs his lines.
04:39 PM GMT
58 min: Bath 40 Harlequins 21
Brilliant play from Finn Russell! The Bath playmaker sends a kick back which is perfectly weighed and it is an excellent 50/22.
Honestly sublime from the fly-half! Andy Farrell, are you watching?
04:36 PM GMT
55 min: Bath 40 Harlequins 21
Harlequins are trying to find some rhythm here – with Luke Northmore racing down the left wing, surely he needs to score to kickstart a recovery for the visitors.
However, Thomas du Toit jackals superbly to penalise the visitors – Bath are winning are these crucial battles at the moment.
04:32 PM GMT
TRY! Bath 40 Harlequins 21 (Ojomoh)
What a stunning try from Mak Ojomoh for Bath’s sixth of the match! The Recreation crowd go wild as Ojomoh reads the ball superbly to intercept the ball deep in Harlequins’ territory. He has the whole pitch to himself, stretching his legs to the score hosts’ sixth try of the game!
Russell adds another conversion, and it is now 40-21.
04:29 PM GMT
49 min: Bath 33 Harlequins 21
The hosts’ sixth try is chalked off – with Ben Spencer diving over from close range after Finn Russell’s brilliant play sets Joe Cokansiga free.
However, the winger’s offload to Alife Barbeary is ruled forward by the TMO and the try is disallowed. So, the score stays at 33-21.
04:22 PM GMT
TRY! Bath 33 Harlequins 21 (Baxter)
What a start to the second half for the Harlequins! The try all comes from Jack Kenningham break, shrugging off several tackles from the 22 to the five-metre line.
However, the hosts hold strong in the defence to slow Harlequins attack but Fin Baxter proves too strong and is able to push over and score.
Marcus Smith add the extras to make it 33-21 at the Recreation Ground.
04:19 PM GMT
43 mins: Bath 33 Harlequins 14
Cameron Redpath drives for Bath from outside the 22 to the five-metre line, giving the hosts the perfect platform to score their sixth try.
However, Tom Lawday is sublime at the breakdown to make sure Bath hold on and are penalised by the referee.
04:12 PM GMT
41 mins: Bath 33 Harlequins 14
The second half gets underway at the Recreation Ground, with Bath’s Finn Russell kicking off proceedings going from right to left.
04:00 PM GMT
Half-time: Bath 33 Harlequins 14
The hosts dominated the opening 22 minutes, scoring four tries to make it 26-0 as Harlequins had no answer! However, the visitors brought it back in the middle of the first-half, with two tries, but then Will Muir scores his second try of the game to give Bath 33-14 lead.
03:58 PM GMT
TRY! Bath 33 Harlequins 14 (Muir)
Tom Dunn carries the ball all the way to the five-metre line, with no Harlequins player getting near him. Dunn, then swings the ball wide to Will Muir who crosses over for his second try of the game!
Finn Russell converts as we head closer to half-time at the Recreation Ground.
03:55 PM GMT
36 min: Bath 26 Harlequins 14
Huge blow for Bath! Ime Herbst carry on Charlie Ewels, forces him off the field. Guy Pepper is on to replace him.
03:53 PM GMT
TRY! Bath 26 Harlequins 14 (Lamositele)
Here we go, Harlequins are finding some rhythm at the Recreation Ground. The visitors make the metres with a pick-and-go game after Jamie Benson drove up towards the line.
It is brilliant defence from Bath, as Harlequins cannot break down such a strong defence. However, **** Lamositele has enough power to get over the line. Substitute Jamie Benson adds the conversion to make it 26-14.
03:49 PM GMT
31 min: Bath 26 Harlequins 7
Harlequins are finally getting the ball moving in attack, but mistakes are costing them in the 22. It was a excellent set piece from the visitors at the line-out as they look to send Oscar Beard down the left-wing. However, Beard’s pass to Nick David does not come meaning another chance goes begging for the visitors.
Quick update, Marcus Smith returns to the pitch!
03:44 PM GMT
TRY: Bath 26 0 Harlequins 7 (Northmore)
What a crucial try for the visitors!
It was brilliant from Harlequins in the midfield, with a sublime offload which took them from the ten-metre line to the 22.
Stephen Lewies goes down the left-hand wing, with Luke Northmore sitting on his shoulder and he is able to get the pass through and score what is a vital try for the visitors!
Jamie Benson adds the extras for Harlequins.
03:40 PM GMT
TRY: Bath 26 0 Harlequins 0 (Muir)
Will Muir is given the ball in hand from the 22-metre line. He pinballs his way through and dives over to score Bath’s fourth try after just 22 minutes played at the Recreation Ground.
That’s a wonderful Bath try, and I don’t mean to rub it in, but this has been a disastrous opening 23 minutes for Harlequins.
03:38 PM GMT
TRY: Bath 19 0 Harlequins 0 (Molony)
Bath are making light work of this at the moment! Harlequins did well to hold on during the first few phases as the hosts battle their try-line.
However, Ross Molony proves too strong, as he picks up the ball from the back of the breakdown, and he powers himself over to give the home side their third try.
It has been far too easy after just 20 minutes player at the Recreation Ground. Finn Russell adds the extras to make it 19-0.
03:35 PM GMT
17 min: Bath 12 Harlequins 0
If things could not any worse for Harlequins, Marcus Smith is off and in the sin-bin! Fly-half plays Ben Spencer illegally when a walk-in-try after Tom de Galnville broke through the defence.
Harlequins are back down to 14 men and bath have the ball on their five-metre line.
03:32 PM GMT
14 min: Bath 12 Harlequins 0
As expected, Harlequins winger Rodrigo Isgro does not return to the field after his ten minutes in the sin-bin finishes. On comes Jamie Benson to replace him for the visitors.
03:30 PM GMT
11 min: Bath 12 Harlequins 0
Harlequins are struggling to find any rhythm at the moment. Centre Luke Northmore was set through by Tyrone Green with a sublime late pass, and the pass back was on, but he chucks it away too late, with Ben Spencer intercepting.
03:25 PM GMT
8 min: Bath 12 Harlequins 0
Wow, Bath are coming out of the blocks firing in attack! It was another lovely loop in midfield from the hosts, getting past Harlequins defence too easily! Finn Russell sends Joe Cokanasiga just two metres from the try line and a lovely pick and go from Miles Reid sends Ted Hill over.
This time, Finn Russell secure the extras for Bath.
03:19 PM GMT
5 min: Bath 5 Harlequins 0
Rodrigo Isgro is in real bother here. He has been yellow carded for his role in Joe Cokanasiga’s try but there are currently five medics around him. He was knocked unconscious, we won’t be seeing him again, but it also looks quite serious. Here’s hoping all is ok as he sits up to applause from the crowd.
03:12 PM GMT
TRY! Bath 5 Harlequins 0 (Cokanasiga)
Bath are strong in the opening stages with Miles Reid getting some early joy in the breakdown. He wins his first penalty with a sublime jackal.
What an electric start for the hosts! It is an excellent move that caught Harlequins’ defence off guard, with just one phase needed to set Joe Cokanasiga free on the right-hand wing. Cokanasiga crashed over the line to score an excellent try.
However, Finn Russell’s conversion from out wide drifts off target.
There is a yellow card for Harlequins’s winger Rodrigo Isro, who was upright in his tackle on Joe Cokanasiga. There is a delay at the Recreation Ground as Isgro receives treatment, with a nasty head collision.
03:09 PM GMT
2 min: Bath 0 Harlequins 0
The atmosphere is rocking here in the West Country. This is a city drunk on rugby energy. Last night, in a lovely local eatery - Bonghy Bo, for those wondering – there was chatter that victory for Bath today might seal a home semi-final. Regardless of the maths, a win today would surely put them in prime position – even in March.
03:06 PM GMT
1 min: Bath 0 Harlequins 0
We are underway at the Recreation Ground with Harlequins getting us underway, kicking from left to right in this opening period.
Anthony Woodthorpe is the referee this afternoon.
03:02 PM GMT
Those teams in full again
Bath: De Glanville, Cokanasiga, Ojomoh, Redpath, Muir; Russell, Spencer; Obano, Dunn, Stuart, Molony, Ewells, Hill, Read, Barbeary
Replacements: Annett, Van Wyk, Du Toit, Pepper, Underhill, Carr-Smith, Butt, Coetzee
Harlequins: T Green, Isgro, Beard, Northmore, David; Smith, Porter; Baxter, Walker, Lamositele, Herbst, Lewies, Kenningham, Lawday, Cunningham-South
Replacements: Riley, Els, Jones, Launchbury, Hammond, Schmid, Care, Benson
03:00 PM GMT
Kick-off approaching
The players have come striding out of the tunnel onto the pitch at the Recreation Ground in front of a sold-out crowd and kick-off is now five minutes away.
02:55 PM GMT
As things stand
Bath are currently six points clear at the top of Gallagher Premiership table – they will be looking to increase their lead at the top with victory today.
Meanwhile, for Harlequins, the battle for third and fourth position is well and truly on – Danny Wilson’s side are currently sitting just four points behind Leicester Tigers.
A win at the Recreation Ground would strengthen Harlequins grip on a spot for the end-of-season semi-finals.
02:48 PM GMT
Preparations underway
The players’ warm-ups are well underway at the Recreation Ground, but Johann van Graan and Billy Millard have managed to find the opportunity for a quick chat.
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Marcus Smith warming up ahead of kick-off at the Recreation Ground - Getty Images/Paul Rubery
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Johann van Graan, director of Bath Rugby, speaks with Billy Millard, director of Harlequins Rugby - Getty Images/Paul Rubery
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Harlequins players warming up - PA/Andrew Matthews
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Bath’s Finn Russell - Getty Images/Paul Rubery
02:41 PM GMT
Battle of the superstar fly-halves: Marcus Smith v Finn Russell
The British & Irish Lions coaching staff will be keeping an eye on proceedings at the Recreation Ground as two contenders for spots face off in the number 10 jerseys with Finn Russell and Marcus Smith looking to inspire their respective teams to victory.
Smith impressed from the number 15 jersey for England during their Six Nations campaign but returns to his favoured position against Bath. The Harlequins playmaker has been in sublime form in the league, racking up 75 points in eight matches and kicking 96 per cent.
Meanwhile, Finn Russell hit the ground running for Bath last week scoring a round-high of 17 points against Gloucester, scoring all seven of his shots at goal.
Just one of the last five Premiership fixtures between these two clubs have been decided by more than seven points, emphasising the tight nature of recent games and this afternoon’s match is bound to be no different with the two fly-halves set to have a major influence on the match.
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It will be a fascinating battle between Marcus Smith (right) and Finn Russell at the Recreation Ground - Getty Images/Eddie Keogh
02:27 PM GMT
This weekend’s fixtures in round 13 of Gallagher Premiership
Friday March 28
- Sale Sharks 27 Northampton Saints 24
Saturday March 29
- Exeter Chiefs v Newcastle Falcons, Sandy Park, 3pm
- Bath Rugby v Harlequins, Recreation Ground, 3.05pm
- Gloucester Rugby v Bristol Bears, Kingsholm, 5.30pm
Sunday March 30
- Leicester Tigers v Saracens, Mattioli Woods Welford Road, 3pm
02:22 PM GMT
The visitors have arrived
02:18 PM GMT
Those teams in full
Bath: De Glanville, Cokanasiga, Ojomoh, Redpath, Muir; Russell, Spencer; Obano, Dunn, Stuart, Molony, Ewells, Hill, Read, Barbeary
Replacements: Annett, Van Wyk, Du Toit, Pepper, Underhill, Carr-Smith, Butt, Coetzee
Harlequins: T Green, Isgro, Beard, Northmore, David; Smith, Porter; Baxter, Walker, Lamositele, Herbst, Lewies, Kenningham, Lawday, Cunningham-South
Replacements: Riley, Els, Jones, Launchbury, Hammond, Schmid, Care, Benson
02:13 PM GMT
Harlequin team news
Harlequins’ England trio of Marcus Smith, Chandler Cunningham-South and Fin Baxter all come into the squad after a week of rest.
Baxter packs down at loosehead for the trip to the Recreation Ground, while Irne Herbst starts alongside fellow countryman and captain Stephan Lewies.
In the back row, Wilson makes two changes as Will Evans (HIA) and Alex Dombrandt (thigh injury) miss out this afternoon. The duo are replaced by Tom Lawday at openside flanker and Chandler Cunningham-South at No 8.
Marcus Smith returns to fill the No 10 jersey, with the recently re-signed Luke Northmore named at inside centre for his first appearance since early January. Tyrone Green also returns to the starting line-up at full-back.
Finally, Danny Care is set to return to action after being named in the matchday 23 following a short spell in the sidelines with a knee issue.
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Marcus Smith will make his first appearance for Harlequins since before the Six Nations against Bath on Saturday - PA/Andrew Matthews
02:10 PM GMT
Bath team news
Starting with the hosts, they make five changes to the starting XV that secured victory in last Sunday’s match against Gloucester.
Will Stuart joins fellow prop Beno Obano and hooker Tom Dunn in the front-row. Ross Molony comes in alongside Charlie Ewels whilst there are two changes in the back-row.
Ted Hill and Miles Reid are the incoming flankers at No 6 and No 7, respectively, alongside Alfie Barbeary at No 8 to complete the pack.
Captain Ben Spencer and Finn Russell start in the half-back positions with Cameron Redpath and Max Ojomoh partnering as the two centres for Bath.
The final change in the starting line-up sees winger Joe Cokanasiga returning from a leg injury suffered in their Rugby Cup final victory at Exeter.
Will Muir will operate on the opposite flank whilst Tom de Glanville continues at full-back.
02:06 PM GMT
Preview: Harlequins recall England trio
Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of Bath v Harlequins from the Recreation Ground in round 13 of the Gallagher Premiership.
League leaders Bath have won ten of the their 12 Premiership matches this season including their 26-24 win at Harlequins in October but they should expect a tougher test when they host the Twickenham-based club this afternoon.
Harlequins came from 12 points down to beat Saracens at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend, making it three wins on the bounce for a team who had won only three of their previous nine league games.
The win lifted Harlequins to fourth in the table with six games remaining. A victory at the Recreation Ground would strengthen their grip on a spot for the end-of-season semi-finals.
Danny Wilson has his England players back from international duty, with Chandler Cunningham-South, Marcus Smith and Fin Baxter all starting.
Both teams are likely to have one eye on next weekend’s European matches – Harlequins face a demanding away trip to Dublin, as they face Leinster while Bath go to Pau in the Challenge Cup. Both sides are likely to clear their benches early and a close contest could be on the cards this afternoon.
The last six meetings between these teams have been settled by ten points or fewer – although home advantage should tell for Bath.
About an hour until kick-off now.
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