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Bath’s head of rugby Johann van Graan had a simple message to his squad this week after six Gallagher Premiership defeats: “Show each other how much you care.”
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The South African had his answer at the Recreation Ground in a 27-14 home win over Northampton – his first victory in charge after arriving from Munster.
Van Graan said: “I was very satisfied with the performance and very glad for the staff and the players and everybody in Bath.
“We showed real determination in defending our goal-line. We spoke in the week that we needed to start well. Scoring the first try gave us a lot of momentum and we were 14-0 up at half-time.
“What was impressive was how we kept control of the game and Cam Redpath’s try was a big turning point because it was the first time this season that we had a pressure release.
“All of a sudden we had a lead with 10 minutes to go and we could manage the game. I’m so glad for all involved that we got that right.”
Van Graan added: “Last week we came up one play short of beating Saracens away and it was important for the group to back up last week’s performance with this one.
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“I thought it was another class performance from Ollie Lawrence. He and Cam (Redpath) combined well. Also George Worboys on his first Premiership start.
“Ted Hill coming off the bench gave us momentum. D’Arcy Rae fought his way through and Tom Dunn too. Our three loose forwards were great – Josh Bayliss was outstanding.
“Miles Reid has been very impressive the last few weeks too. I told him his performance at Saracens was the best I’ve seen from him. Matt Gallagher, ‘Mr Consistency’ over these first seven weeks, was excellent too. The performance reflected the effort we’ve put in.”
With next weekend’s scheduled fixture now cancelled following Worcester’s move into administration, Van Graan’s squad do not play again until November 11 at Leicester.
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He said: “We’ll enjoy the win, make sure we review it properly and start again on Thursday.”
Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson said: “It’s frustrating. It has been for the last couple of weeks because we’ve been creating opportunities and not converting.
“There were a number of times where we were five yards out and didn’t come away with points, and that’s costing us.
“Likewise, we give sides opportunities to get into our 22 with ill-discipline and they do convert.
“At the moment that balance is wrong and we know it’s an issue. It’s something we’re talking about a lot as a coaching group and the boys are working hard at it but it’s not quite evident yet.
“We’ve got to be better at maul defence and at the breakdown and also on our decision-making as to where we attack.”
Skipper Lewis Ludlam took a painful blow on the hip but Dowson was fairly confident it was nothing serious.
George Furbank was impressive under the high ball throughout, and Dowson added: “We knew Bath were going to exit-kick with box kicks and I thought he was very good in that space. He also got the ball away a few times, which gave us line-breaks.”
On Courtney Lawes, who withdrew from the England squad this week with continuing concussion issues, Dowson said: “He did a full day’s training on Tuesday and he had some symptoms.
“I saw him on the bike yesterday and he said he was fine. He’ll continue to do weights, cycle and other bits and we’ll slowly integrate him back into contact when he’s available and ready.
“It’s a day-by-day thing. He’ll probably see a specialist before then anyway.”
At last, off the bottom of the league.