European Challenge Cup: Final

[Snodser]

Bath Rugby v Worcester Warriors

Sunday 25th May 2008, 12:00

Kingsholm, Gloucester

[Snodser]

These teams have never met in the Challenge cup.

Bath has been a runner up on 2 occasions while Worcester got as far as the semi-final once.

Bath finished 3rd in the league while Worcs propped up the bottom in 10th spot.

Bath lost out to Wasps in the semi final of the premiership, have nothing to show for the season so should be the more motivated team.

We'll know more closer to the weekend but at 1st glance Bath must be favorites.

[Doc]

Yeah, Bath definitely favourites, but have a few injuries after last week and also will be reacting to Sundays defeat to Wasps - that could push them in either direction, I'll be waiting for some team news and interviews
Wuss have had more time to prepare and finals tend to be levellers.

Depends obviously on the bookies views, but might be value on Wuss on the handicap.

[redroar]

Worcester really started to hit form in the last two months of the season and if they'd played as consistently throughout the season they would have finished in the top eight of the league. They have a fine coach, a strong pack and some outstanding individuals in the backline.

Having said that Bath have been impressive throughout the season and where unlucky not to get a home semi. A lot will depend on their injuries. I dont think they will have any problem motivating themselves for this one.

Based on league positions and H2H's during the year Bath should be 8pt favourites(depending on starting teams) but I doubt the bookies will be that generous.

[Doc]

You called it fairly right redroar - Bath by 7 is the common handicap. I'll have some of that!

Bath are having a great season but will be disappointed to go down so meekly to Wasps last week in the league semi-finals. Their high-tempo off-loading game was figured out by Wasps who simply double-teamed the ball-carrier and used a 'shooter' in the outside defensive channel to force Bath back inside. One hopes they'll have learnt from that, and that the same mistakes won't be repeated. Worcester had a poor time before Christmas but have since adjusted very well and could well finish in the top half of the league next season in my opinion. The forecast isn't great for Kingsholm tomorrow and that will suit the more set-piece oriented pack. Despite their high-tempo style the Bath front five are significantly better IMO, despite the lineout excellence of Gillies. In fact pretty much everywhere you look the West Country side have a significant edge in quality with the possible exceptions of the back 3 and the back row. The latter might be significant in the normal run of things, but Lipman is so good for Bath right now that it probably won't. The Bath half-backs have a big edge and I think they'll steer them to a comfortable win.

[Snodser]

Have not been following this that closely so I'll just hop on the Bandwagon .

-7 it is .

[Snodser]

Bath did just enough .