Following their 31-23 win over Sale Sharks in the Premiership semi-final and set to face Northampton Saints in the final, Bath’s player ratings are as follows:
15 Matt Gallagher: In this incredible semi-final, both No. 15s played solidly and the defence looked reassuring, with Gallagher beating four defenders in his afternoon’s play. 7
14 Joe Cocanasiga: He was devastating with the ball in his hands, but we’d like to see more from the hulking winger, who finished second in the individual competition to Tom O’Flaherty. Five
13 Ollie Lawrence: He showed some impressive lines early on but his most memorable moment of the game was his incredible tackle on O’Flaherty in the first half to deny a try. 6
12 Cameron Redpath: A strong defensive display with 10 tackles and zero mistakes, Redpath also showed fluidity on the ball and was clearly enjoying playing outside Finn Russell. 6
11 Will Muir: He was solid in the air and formidable in contact, and his performance at 50 minutes and 22 seconds led to a first-half highlight – a try by Beno Obano. He was awarded the man of the match award, but felt other players played better. 7
Star Halfback
10 Finn Russell: “He’s a really great signing. Russell plays flat, has a good kick and controls the rugby field well. The Scotland star made an early impact with Ted Hill’s try and his partnership with scrum-half Ben Spencer is looking increasingly strong. 8
9. Ben Spencer (c): His beautiful chip kick for Hill’s try was beautiful but his command from the base was also superb – he should have played more for England. 8
8 Alfie Barbery: He was formidable in the early stages with his carries but then struggled to impose his game against a tough Sale pack and didn’t make much of an impact, being substituted after 52 minutes. Five
Sale Sharks player ratings: ‘Dangerous’ backs can look forward to Steve Borthwick’s guidance, Tom Curry shines on return despite defeat
7. Sam Underhill: A hard-working effort as always, with Underhill’s invisible work standing out. The England flanker made 10 tackles. 6
Is an England recall beckoning?
6 Ted Hill: A sprinting presence on the loose line, he deserved an early try and scored it superbly – Bath’s best forward, covering 32 metres from eight carries, no doubt impressing Steve Borthwick who was watching from the sidelines. 8
5 Charlie Ewels: He showed some fine touches early on and was productive defensively, coming back well to beat Sam James at a key moment in the first half. 6
4 Quinn Lu: Sale’s pack showed signs of strength at times, but Roux stood up well with some quiet but workmanlike shifts. 6
3 Thomas du Toit: He was tested by Bevan Rodd at scrum time but didn’t quite live up to the usual show-stopping standards he has set this season, but he still managed four carries and eight tackles in a busy spell. 6
2 Tom Dunn: He showed his usual fighting spirit in the tense offensive and defensive situations, and showed solid play with his arrows during lineouts. 6
1. Beno Obano: Obano scored a powerful first-half try from close range and then beat James Harper at the scrum, and he will be pleased that overall he gave Borthwick some food for thought. 8
replacement: From the bench, Neil Annett’s vital try was the standout moment, while Myles Reid carried the ball well and Josh Bayliss recovered well after being slammed by Tom Curry. 7
read more: Bath v Sale Sharks: Five lessons from Premiership semi-final as ‘unsung heroes’ impress before England manager Steve Borthwick
