Bath kept their Champions Cup hopes alive with a crucial six-try bonus point victory over Clermont Auvergne, securing a 40-21 win that significantly bolstered their chances of progressing to the knockout stages. Although their qualification is not yet assured, the win leaves them in contention as they prepare for a challenging away match against Leinster. A losing bonus point in Dublin could be enough, provided other results, such as a defeat for Benetton against La Rochelle, fall in their favor.
The match was defined by Bath’s dominant performance, particularly in the set-piece, and their ability to capitalize on opportunities. South African prop Thomas du Toit was instrumental, scoring two tries to underline his importance to the team. Clermont’s task was made even harder by the dismissal of their prop Giorgi Akhaladze, who received a red card for a high tackle on Max Ojomoh early in the game. Playing with 14 men for most of the match, Clermont struggled to keep pace with Bath’s intensity.
Bath’s early momentum set the tone, with two converted tries in the opening six minutes. Tom de Glanville scored the first after a sharp break from Ojomoh, followed by Finn Russell’s cleverly executed second try. Clermont managed to respond through a close-range effort, but their chances were severely diminished following Akhaladze’s red card. Bath quickly capitalized, with Joe Cokanasiga scoring a third try after a perfectly weighted chip from Russell and a skillful offload from Ojomoh.
Clermont’s scrum-half Baptiste Jauneau showed promise with his darting runs, but the visitors were unable to sustain pressure against Bath’s disciplined defense. Despite crossing the line twice more through Anthony Belleau and Peceli Yato, Clermont could not recover from their numerical disadvantage. Bath’s clinical finishing in the opposition 22 ensured they maintained control of the match.
Du Toit continued his impressive try-scoring form, while Ollie Lawrence also added his name to the scoresheet, further frustrating Clermont. Lawrence’s performance, alongside Ojomoh’s creative contributions, highlighted the depth of talent within Bath’s ranks. Both players have caught the attention of England selectors, with potential implications for future international campaigns.
Bath now face a pivotal match in Dublin, where they will need a collective effort to secure the points required for progression. The officiating breaks they benefited from against Clermont may not be as forthcoming, and they will need to maintain their discipline and intensity to overcome Leinster’s formidable challenge. Clermont, meanwhile, are left to rue missed opportunities, particularly the loss of a potential late bonus point when Bath held firm on their own line.
For Bath, this victory was a vital step forward, providing a confidence boost and keeping their Champions Cup ambitions alive. Their focus now shifts to ensuring they deliver another strong performance in their final pool match, with hopes of extending their European campaign.
