Cardiff push Bath's all-stars to the limit

THIS was a game for the ages, European Rugby at its’ best, with neither side deserving to end up as losers.

- ROGER PANTING

On paper, a star-studded Bath were hot favourites having defeated Ulster 37-14 last week. In contrast a youthful Cardiff side were hammered 52-7 at Toulouse and were still without the likes of Taulupe Faletau and Thomas Young.

But Cardiff proved nothing in rugby is a certainty as they went toe to toe with their opponents in a blistering first half as Bath continued with their belief that the Welsh region could simply be blown away with their all-action rugby.

Cardiff struggled to cope with the bursts of Alfie Barbeary and the trickery of Finn Russell but time and time again they responded with magicians of their own as Tomos Williams, Tinus de Beer and Josh Adams fired shots back at the West Country men.

Cardiff ’s efforts saw them lead 32-25 but eventually Bath had the sense to change their game plan to a more forward-orientated one and it paid dividends with Jaco Coetzee scoring two late tries to secure victory.

An early knock-on from Ollie Lawrence gave Cardiff early possession and they capitalised with an excellent opening try.