Bath’s triumph over Northampton has secured their place in the Premiership play-offs, along with the added benefit of hosting a home semi-final. The Recreation Ground bore witness to Bath’s domination as they secured a 43-12 victory over a significantly altered Northampton side.
The pace was established early on, with Josh Bayliss and Will Muir scoring early tries to give Bath a commanding 17-0 lead. Although James Ramm managed to pull one back for Northampton just before the break, Bath maintained control. Tom Dunn and captain Ben Spencer further cemented Bath’s lead, with Alfie Barbeary and Spencer contributing to the final tally of six tries.
This win guarantees Bath’s place in the play-offs, where they will face Sale, who finished third, on Saturday 1 June. Meanwhile, Northampton will take on Saracens for a spot in the final at Twickenham on 8 June.
Head of rugby Johann van Graan praised Bath’s performance, expressing pride in the team and the journey they have undergone over the past 22 months. He also stressed the importance of savoring the moment and concentrating on the upcoming semi-final.
On the other hand, Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson admitted that Northampton did not meet expectations and emphasized the need to regroup and focus on the upcoming fixtures.
Bath made only one change for the match, while Northampton made several changes, including a calculated decision to rest key players. Despite their different approaches to the game, Bath’s early lead, strategic play, and defensive strength were evident throughout the match.
The victory sets the stage for an exciting semi-final match for Bath, and the team is fully preparing for their next challenge.