Another round of Gallagher Premiership is in the books, as we witnessed another West Country derby, and a spirited visit to the league leaders.
Bristol Bears made the trip up to Kingsholm on Saturday, where they were defeated 31-28 by Gloucester in an engrossing, clean game in which the fine margins made the difference.
Bath, meanwhile, travelled to the capital, performing spiritedly against the domineering Saracens at the StoneX as they were defeated 36-31 in an inspiring showing that ultimately still leaves them winless in the Johann van Graan era.
Rugby reporter Nathan Russell gives his verdict on an entertaining weekend of action as he selects his West Country team of the week.
15. Matt Gallagher (Bath)
A month ago the Bath 15 shirt sat firmly on the back of Tom de Glanville. That is no longer the case.
Gallagher has squeezed out every last drop of his tenure in the starting team, to the point that it will be very tricky to depose him.
Showed great opportunism in hacking a ball forward after a Joe Cokanasiga hit jarred it loose, hared after it like a dog after a ball, and juggled it to score a slightly fluky, albeit deserved try.
His touch finders were a revelation for Bath, with Gallagher kicking his side into the opposition’s 22 regardless of Bath’s positioning on the field.
Also made use of his boot in regular play, hitting a magnificent 50:22 from his own 22 metre line at a crucial moment as Bath mounted their comeback.
Menacing with the ball in hand as he made 66 metres going forward, it was another simply heroic performance.
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester)
Who said he couldn’t defend?
The Welsh international punching the ball out of the unsuspecting Dan Thomas’ hand as he approached the try line got as big a cheer from the Kingsholm faithful as anything on Saturday afternoon. An absolutely heroic play.
His opportunities were limited with the ball in hand, but when they arrived he made them count utilising his outrageous speed and by showcasing his power going into contact.
13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath)
One of the very best individual performances I’ve ever had the privilege of witnessing. With his filthy footwork and fends, the former Worcester man is the most in-form player in the Premiership.
He put tries on a plate for Joe Cokanasiga and Max Ojomoh, rampaging his way up the field, making the Saracens defence (which it’s fair to say is not in bad shape) look like a bunch of children.
At the most recent calculation Lawrence has been attributed a mammoth 194 metres – an utterly ridiculous accumulation for an outside centre. His 11 beaten defenders is the most by a Bath centre since Opta began recording this data in 2008, with only one centre on record ever beating more.
Made the game look very easy, which ironically is a very difficult task.
Eddie Jones opting to leave him out of the England squad for the Autumn Nations Series is beyond my realm of thinking.
12. Sam Bedlow (Bristol)
Did a great job staying on his feet and reaching for the try line as he scored his side’s first of the came as he showed his carrying power in beating four fantastic tacklers in Adam Hastings, Freddie Clarke, Val Rapava-Ruskin and Jack Singleton to the line.
Defensively switched on, with 11 tackles to his name in the midfield, it was an energetic game from the 12.
11. Jonny May (Gloucester)
Classy return, and not just for reminding us of his ability to rack up the metres in his Premiership return, but also for steals, sharply pouncing on loose balls numerously, exhausting Bristol’s building momentum in the process with the nous he’s built up throughout his decorated career.
Forced the rampant Andy Uren into touch at a crucial moment as Bristol laid on some heat, and led his team in attacking metres, making 55 in his minutes.
10. Adam Hastings (Gloucester)
The match-winner himself.
Once again flexed his defensive muscles, with an impressive tackle count of 13 and the game simply would not have been won without his imperious 100% record from the tee.
He may not have the maverick playing style of Finn Russell, but on current form Adam Hastings simply must feature in Gregor Townsend’s Autumn Nations Series squad.
9. Andy Uren (Bristol)
Talk about an impact player. After a weak display from starter Tom Whiteley, the club stalwart entered the fray prior to the interval and changed the complexion of Bristol’s game.
Unfortunately had a sensational individual effort with a foot in touch, but made up for it by sharply spotting a gap at the fringes to score.
Caught the defence napping multiple times, exploiting the lack of coverage on the blind for metres and, were it not for his involvement, this wouldn’t have been much of a match at all.
1. Val Rapava-Ruskin (Gloucester)
Perhaps put in the exact performance Eddie Jones was looking for, with the Georgian-born prop named in the England squad for the Autumn Nations Series on Monday.
I’d imagine scrummaging against this Bristol front row is probably about as much fun as finding yourself barefoot in a room full of Lego, but Rapava-Ruskin more than held his own.
Smartly leapt over the root of a ruck to touch down for his first score, before once again displaying some initiative in identifying a lack of protection on the openside of a breakdown and shooting over for a second.
2. Santiago Socino (Gloucester)
Brought a degree of energy and electricity to the match that added another dimension to Gloucester’s attacking threat.
His breaking of the tackles of Joe Joyce and Callum Sheedy and the subsequent offload to Lewis Ludlow enabled Rapava-Ruskin’s second of the day.
A couple of breaks and undeniable presence at the breakdown, he was a welcome addition to the game after replacing Jack Singleton.
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol)
Good to see the tighthead steadily return to form as he reminds us all of what he’s capable of, least of all Jones, who selected him for England’s Autumn Nations Series campaign on Monday.
Wonderfully tipped the ball on to propping partner Ellis Genge for a try to once again put the sides level, and carried superbly, particularly after the interval.
4. Freddie Clarke (Gloucester)
Picked the perfect line as he crashed over for a score following Ruan Ackermann’s marvellous carry.
A reliable target at the line out, and commanding in the tackle as he hit double digits.
An absolute stalwart in this Gloucester team, who does not get anywhere near enough credit.
5. Dave Attwood (Bath)
Made some absolutely vital plays, providing an omnipresence for Bath that is important to even challenge a team with the might of Saracens.
Showcased lightning-quick line speed, placing significant pressure on the domineering Owen Farrell throughout.
His tackle on Ivan van Zyl in the first half ensured Bath did not go into the changing rooms with a significant deficit when Luke Pearce blew his whistle.
Forceful in the air, challenging even the great Maro Itoje at the lineout, and controlling with his defensive mauling in preventing the intimidating Saracens pack from really rolling.
6. Jordy Reid (Gloucester)
He qualifies for England, right?
The fact he was ill in the week makes his ironman performance almost impossible to comprehend, an unbelievable shift from the back rower.
Got out the blocks quick in his first start of the season, perfectly timing his peel off the driving maul, dragging Joe Joyce (who isn’t so easily dragged) to the try-line before finishing with a nice reach to get Gloucester’s first points on the ball.
Astonishing defensive showing with 12 tackles to his name, and added to an eye-catching performance with some shifty turnovers as he snatched up loose balls and jackalled fantastically.
7. Lewis Ludlow (Gloucester)
A cool 13 tackles for the Gloucester captain, but it was his attacking work that got spectators attention.
Had the Bears defence on the edge of their seats with a pair of clean breaks, one of which came a hair’s width from the line as he ran an excellent support line off Santiago Socino.
A well-rounded performance, causing trouble at the lineout, stealing as he made Will Capon’s task of hitting his targets taxing.
8. Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester)
This man completes the Gloucester back row clean sweep with another hardworking performance.
Made Freddie Clarke’s score possible with a barnstorming carry metres from the line, which was one of many as he tallied up 40 metres as he led the pack going forward.
The type of player you’d want to play alongside, with his endless defending and imposing carries demanding respect and security for team-mates.
A versatile player who deserves an international look-in, regardless of what side of the equator.
