Aviva Premiership
Sir Ian McGeechan: Bath naive in final defeat by Saracens
ESPN Staff
May 31, 2015
George Ford looks on dejectedly
George Ford looks on dejectedly© (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Sir Ian McGeechan has criticised Bath for their naivety in defeat at the hands of a well-disciplined Saracens side in Saturday's Aviva Premiership final.

The former Bath director of rugby admitted to feeling disappointed by the way Mike Ford's side did not seem to have a plan B and played too much rugby too soon.

Bath, who finished second in the Premiership table ahead of fourth-placed Saracens, were blown away in the first half and trailed 25-3 at the break.

And McGeechan said Bath may have been living off their incredible semi-final win over Leicester Tigers, not realising the different test Saracens would pose.

"Saracens won the game in the first 40 minutes in which they maintained their intensity from their semi-final victory against Northampton," said McGeechan in his Sunday Telegraph column.

"Bath, however, played straight into their hands. Maybe they got carried away with their seven-try victory against Leicester in the semi-final.

"I think Bath read too much into being able to score tries from their own 22 and having minimal possession that they forgot you have to earn the right to play against top sides.

"It came from the principle of trying to play rugby too early. Even if they were getting tackled behind the gain-line or getting slow ball, they kept trying to run it and ended up making mistakes that Saracens capitalised on."

Where Bath were making mistakes, Saracens were strong and ran out worthy winners at Twickenham.

And the former British & Irish Lions supremo hailed Saracens for their use of space when opportunities presented themselves, citing the George Ford-Owen Farrell battle as pivotal.

"Saracens were far more patient. Through their build‑up play, they created the space and when it came they attacked well," he added.

"They have a very good team awareness of being able to use the space once it is created. Ultimately, Saracens made the far better decision on when to spread play, when to keep it tight and most importantly when to kick.

"Bath will have learnt a lot of lessons from this. It showed that Ford is still learning the game.

"He will have benefited from that. You have to say that Farrell, who has been there far more often, demonstrated that big-game experience, as Saracens did as a team."

© ESPN Staff

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.