[RuggerPleb]

Might as well get started!

Saturday 01 June Bath v Sale @ The Rec 3.30

If anyone is looking to stay... All hotels around the area are as expensive as usual (Bath, summer, Fri/Sat night), but I've just found a very cheap Premier Inn in Swindon (...yes I know, but...) and it's only 25 mins on the train from Bath Spa.

£45 per night plus £14.60 train - you aren't going to beat that.

[Oh Danny Boy]

Might as well get started!

Saturday 01 June Bath v Sale @ The Rec 3.30

If anyone is looking to stay... All hotels around the area are as expensive as usual (Bath, summer, Fri/Sat night), but I've just found a very cheap Premier Inn in Swindon (...yes I know, but...) and it's only 25 mins on the train from Bath Spa.

£45 per night plus £14.60 train - you aren't going to beat that.

Do you mind my asking, where did you find that train fare?
Ive checked trainline and there's nothing close to that showing

[RuggerPleb]

£14.60 train - you aren't going to beat that.

Do you mind my asking, where did you find that train fare?
Ive checked trainline and there's nothing close to that showing

It's the standard off-peak day return from Swindon to Bath, will be available everywhere.

[Oh Danny Boy]

Re tickets, I just got an email from Sale, the important parts are -

" If you're a season ticket holder you'll have a 48hr priority ticket buying window from midday on Wednesday 22nd May "

"The remaining tickets in our allocation will be on general sale from midday on Friday 24th May until midday on Tuesday 28th May."

[JohnM]

Hi, the Sharks website has been update and now, this morning, reads "check your emails you will now have received an exclusive link". Just checked my emails and there's no email from Sale!!. Ticket Office closed

[Yonah]

My email states from 12 noon today that you will receive your link

[Dave L]

I've received my link now. There are some £35 tickets in bits of the ground (not the best view)

Do we know if the Supporters Club will be putting a coach on for this game? Its the travel that would be difficult for me. I've emailed Angie and the club aren't providing anything.

[YorksShark]

I've not been to the Rec before. Which stand do the away fans usually congregate in?

---
YorksShark

[Shark in Exile]

Got my tickets.

Quite a few of the South Stand are purchasing tickets in the TTE Terrace, it’s the standing area and will be very noisy

[Surbiton_Shark]

4 tickets booked standing!

[Surbiton_Shark]

I've received my link now. There are some £35 tickets in bits of the ground (not the best view)

Do we know if the Supporters Club will be putting a coach on for this game? Its the travel that would be difficult for me. I've emailed Angie and the club aren't providing anything.

Coach arranged going from the Brook but full already - situation may change if people can't get tickets, drop out etc., - if you're on Facebook you can see it on the supporters page

[Oh Danny Boy]

Unfortunately part of the purchasing process is having to create an account via the Bath site, no option to make a one off purchase

Far from ideal

[YorksShark]

Booked tickets in TTE. Looking forward to it!

[Olyy]

I know they mentioned it last week in interviews, but they're teasing it on social media now so it's looking like TC could be involved in this game:

https://x.com/SaleSharksRugby/status/17 ... 4690841663

[Oh Danny Boy]

I've received my link now. There are some £35 tickets in bits of the ground (not the best view)

Do we know if the Supporters Club will be putting a coach on for this game? Its the travel that would be difficult for me. I've emailed Angie and the club aren't providing anything.

Hope this goes some way to help

https://www.bathrugby.com/getting-to-the-rec

[RuggerPleb]

Ticket booked in West Stand - for a change, always been in the East stand before. Good because.. variety, and under cover... usually get sun-burned in that big open area, and it might rain.... Bad because it's restricted view.. but I need to economise and some of those ticket prices are extortionate.

Whatever.. it's the atmosphere you want, and being there if we do it... if you want a good view, watch it on TV!

[Shark in Exile]

Unfortunately part of the purchasing process is having to create an account via the Bath site, no option to make a one off purchase

Far from ideal

It’s the way the Premiership clubs have a deal with Ticketmaster, I have accounts with all the clubs plus some Championship clubs as well to get away supporters tickets.


Not ideal but not sure if there’s a better way of doing things

[Shark in Exile]

The boss, ( the loud one with pink hair with the flag from the South Stand) can’t go as she’s at a wedding so I’ll have the flag and we all got to be as loud as possible to support the team.

[poyntonshark]

If you had any consideration at all for your fellow travelling fans, you would dye your hair pink too. Make sure the rest don't miss 'The Boss' too much.

[RinTin]

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/the-real ... on-around/

[dinogyro]

I can only go to the semi or the final, not both. I'm gambling on going to Twickenham.

I hope all who are going have a great day. I'm jealous.

[iammatt]

I can't make it now, I'm afraid.

I have a couple of seated tickets in the TSS if anyone wants them for face value?

[Olyy]

Daily Fail reckon Tom will start this weekend,
I can't see it, I think he'll be part of a 6:2 bench, but be interesting to see the side if he does - I reckon JLdP would go back to lock and Tom would go to 8 (or Dugdale)

[Oh Danny Boy]

Daily Fail reckon Tom will start this weekend,
I can't see it, I think he'll be part of a 6:2 bench, but be interesting to see the side if he does - I reckon JLdP would go back to lock and Tom would go to 8 (or Dugdale)

Is it today or tomorrow when Alex gives his presser?

[RinTin]

Daily Fail reckon Tom will start this weekend,
I can't see it, I think he'll be part of a 6:2 bench, but be interesting to see the side if he does - I reckon JLdP would go back to lock and Tom would go to 8 (or Dugdale)

If Tom Curry starts it is shear unbridled lunacy in my opinion. Firstly, that starting pack is very settled (with very in form players) and has dominated it's last 3 matches against some very different opponents - don't touch it.

Secondly Tom has just recovered an incredible injury and hasn't played since the World Cup. To start him would not be sensible. That being said I am so weary of what happened last season when DDP was rushed back onto the bench for the Leicester game and got crocked again.

6-2 split works for me. 19 - 21 being Josh/ Bamber, Ernst and TC. Raffi and SJ the 22 and 23. Harsh on Reed but there we go.

[Olyy]

With Manu's hamstring gone you'd imagine SJ will be starting in the centres

I'd have Reed on the bench but I could see them going with RMW (RMW covering centre and wing, James covering 10 and 15 from the pitch), but imo that'd be a bad idea considering his performances this season

[dinogyro]

I don't think we can risk RMW in such a crucial game.

[RinTin]

The almighty return of Luke James to a matchday 23?? He was travelling reserve vs Sarries so it's not out of the question for him to fill in on the bench in Sam moves to 13.

[poyntonshark]

Just watching the presser. Manu injury a high grade 1, is apparently as good news as could be hoped for. He may be available for the Semi. Tom Ellis also a possibility. Reporter, don't know who just asked if Dan du Plessis might be available!!!! Top research.

[RinTin]

Just watching the presser. Manu injury a high grade 1, is apparently as good news as could be hoped for. He may be available for the Semi. Tom Ellis also a possibility. Reporter, don't know who just asked if Dan du Plessis might be available!!!! Top research.

Grade 1 strain can take as little as a few days to heal.

Only risk here (as we've seen before) is once it's tweaked he doesn't tend to last too long in the next game. I am generalising I appreciate. It certainly raises question marks around a 6/2 bench split if Manu starts. Do we risk Manu starting if not 100% for the sake of losing bench impact in the pack?

As mentioned previously, JL can fill in the row so EVR and TC could fill 19 and 20 fine in theory.

[Olyy]

Yeah if Manu can play then a traditional bench is a necessity, way way too risky otherwise

Did EvR come on into the second row last week? Can't remember who was at 8 in the later scrums, as both Wiese and Andrews were subbed

[ShawShark]

Did EvR come on into the second row last week? Can't remember who was at 8 in the later scrums, as both Wiese and Andrews were subbed

EvR and Bamber in second row after the substitutions. Jean-Luc stayed at No8

[Garry]

I can't make it now, I'm afraid.

I have a couple of seated tickets in the TSS if anyone wants them for face value?

....@iammatt Full disclosure (Bath supporter here)! But, looking to get tickets for my daughter and her boyfriend (Sale supporter from Sedbergh) to the semi. Any help much appreciated - will pay a premium and perhaps a friendly 1/2 time pint on me!

[iammatt]

....@iammatt Full disclosure (Bath supporter here)! But, looking to get tickets for my daughter and her boyfriend (Sale supporter from Sedbergh) to the semi. Any help much appreciated - will pay a premium and perhaps a friendly 1/2 time pint on me!

@Garry I have sent you a PM

[RinTin]

Sale Sharks Starting XV:  

15. Joe Carpenter, 14. Tom Roebuck, 13. Sam James, 12. Rob du Preez, 11. Tom O’Flaherty, 10. George Ford, 9. Gus Warr, 1. Bevan Rodd, 2. Tommy Taylor, 3. James Harper, 4. Cobus Wiese, 5. Hyron Andrews, 6. Ben Curry ©, 7. Sam Dugdale, 8. JL du Preez.  

Replacements:  

16. Agustin Creevy, 17. Si McIntyre, 18. WillGriff John, 19. Ben Bamber, 20. Ernst van Rhyn, 21. Raffi Quirke, 22. Luke James, 23. Tom Curry.

Manu didn't make it.
No LCD
6-2 bench split with TC back as suspected.
Luke James covering the backline.
Shame re Manu, but we are where we are. That pack is where we will win or lose. Come on boys!

[SSR]

Weird back selection considering the stakes.
I am not confident on TOF with their backs and having Luke covering first game seems a
gamble. I expect Finn R to be working the touchlines with his cross kicks.
Our bench looks good, hoping for the best obviously.

[Olyy]

Really happy with that - little harsh on Reed but if Luke is pulling up trees in practise he's the smart choice covering more positions

Great to see TC back as well, obviously

Happy with Taylor starting, he's our in form hooker and we need him for the lineout - though a shame to see LCD miss out, injured or illness or just not picked?

[RinTin]

Bath: 15 Matt Gallagher, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Will Muir, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben Spencer (c), 8 Alfie Barbeary, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Ted Hill, 5 Charlie Ewels, 4 Quinn Roux, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Tom Dunn, 1 Beno Obano

Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Elliott Stooke, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Miles Reid

No surprises there. Dugdale testing himself against Underhill is huge. If he comes out of it on top he deserves at least an England training call up. While Bevan is up against the best tighthead in the league (IMO). Bevan is surely now the first choice loosie for England this summer, needs to justify it.

Weather looking good in Bath so I'm expecting some running. Our back row and locks around the park will be critical as Bath have more pace and elusive running in their backline.

[dinogyro]

It is harsh on Reed, but maybe we need a little more muscle for this game, along with the versatility Luke can bring. It's a risk with two players that have hardly played, but it could pay off. I'm trusting the management team on this one and I think we are going to win.

[RinTin]

Reed is the victim of his lack of versatility. He can play wing...

Luke can at least cover 12, 13 and 15. I'd imagine Carps and Raffi have been run on the wings in training at various points this week if there is an emergency.

[SSR]

If you have Luke on the bench and Sam in the centres, why is TOF ahead of Reed?

[RinTin]

If you have Luke on the bench and Sam in the centres, why is TOF ahead of Reed?

Because Flats has been starting the last few games and is first choice at the moment. Flats can play 15 if needed as well.

[Olyy]

https://x.com/OptaJonny/status/17965344 ... 19X2g&s=19

[RinTin]

https://x.com/OptaJonny/status/17965344 ... 19X2g&s=19

I love him. He honestly looks to me like Jono Ross incarnate.

Less minutes on the pitch than both Guy and Will as well.

[dinogyro]

https://x.com/OptaJonny/status/17965344 ... 19X2g&s=19

I love him. He honestly looks to me like Jono Ross incarnate.

Without the penalty count.

[dinogyro]

TOF doesn't have Reed's outright speed, but I think he's a better chaser.

[Olyy]

Flats has been in really good form recently tbf - was it the chiefs game he came off the bench and was electric? Earned a start in the next game and has continued to look very good

It's a shame as Reed has been in good form this season too, but as above: when you're an out and out winger you're going to have your work cut out for you on a 6:2 bench


It's a good thing to have these kind of selection headaches, competition drives improvement

[Oh Danny Boy]

Flats has been in really good form recently tbf - was it the chiefs game he came off the bench and was electric? Earned a start in the next game and has continued to look very good

It's a shame as Reed has been in good form this season too, but as above: when you're an out and out winger you're going to have your work cut out for you on a 6:2 bench


It's a good thing to have these kind of selection headaches, competition drives improvement

Do you know when does ToF's contarct expire with us ?

[Olyy]

Flats has been in really good form recently tbf - was it the chiefs game he came off the bench and was electric? Earned a start in the next game and has continued to look very good

It's a shame as Reed has been in good form this season too, but as above: when you're an out and out winger you're going to have your work cut out for you on a 6:2 bench


It's a good thing to have these kind of selection headaches, competition drives improvement

Do you know when does ToF's contarct expire with us ?

Signed on a three year deal, which would be this season!
Can't remember an extension being mentioned, but equally there's been no rumblings of him leaving - maybe he had an optional fourth year that he's activated?
https://premiershiprugby.com/content/sa ... -oflaherty

[Major Bloodnok]

Flats has been in really good form recently tbf - was it the chiefs game he came off the bench and was electric? Earned a start in the next game and has continued to look very good

It's a shame as Reed has been in good form this season too, but as above: when you're an out and out winger you're going to have your work cut out for you on a 6:2 bench


It's a good thing to have these kind of selection headaches, competition drives improvement

Do you know when does ToF's contarct expire with us ?

Signed on a three year deal, which would be this season!
Can't remember an extension being mentioned, but equally there's been no rumblings of him leaving - maybe he had an optional fourth year that he's activated?
https://premiershiprugby.com/content/sa ... -oflaherty

No, this season completes two years: he signed ahead of 22/23, so 23/24 is year two.