Bath Rugby Head of Academy, Andy Robinson, has given credit to the team and the “way that they performed” after a comeback win in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
The Blue, Black and Whites overcame a 21-point deficit to defeat Harlequins 39-28 at the Recreation Ground and book their spot in the semi-final of the competition.
They were 21-0 down after 15 minutes and trailed by 14 points at the break.
Robinson was delighted with how they fought back after the interval: “It was a really pleasing half for us. We knew with the players that were coming on that if we could play our way, we could dominate possession and dominate territory and that’s what we did in that second half.
“To be where we were, having conceded 21 points, I’m delighted to have got where we (have) got to and found a way to win that game.”
A try from Bath’s Tom Carr-Smith two minutes before the first half concluded was a pivotal moment in the contest to cut the Harlequins lead to 14, before they scored 25 more unanswered points.
Semi-final secured! 🔵⚫️⚪️
— Bath Rugby (@BathRugby) February 28, 2025
🤝 @theTRUESPEED pic.twitter.com/3BZLzILdbG
“It was really good phase play, great line break and great support from Tom,” said Robinson.
He continued by talking about the style of play that proved effective for Bath, saying: “You saw the way that two different sides played today. Quins played fast and took their opportunities once they made a line break and were outstanding.
“Then you saw from us in that second half that we played a little bit more of a power game, we found a field position through penalties and then were able to really put that power on inside their 22.”
The Somerset outfit made five of their seven changes at half-time, something Robinson said was part of the plan heading into the match.
“The plan was to go early. It was one of those that, as I’ve discussed with Johann (Van Graan), they wanted to give these guys game time.
“They haven’t played for four weeks and what I love about the group was that they were desperate to get on, and credit to them for the way that they performed.”
The switches certainly made the impact that was hoped, and Robinson continued to praise both the players and the group as a collective.
“What’s great about the group is that everybody wants to play in this team. I’m delighted with the attitude that some of the senior players showed today playing with the younger players, and for all the guys involved, it’s a great learning experience.”
The team will now travel north to take on the Newcastle Falcons in the last four, with hopes of reaching their first cup final in 2005.
