2020-21 European Rugby Challenge Cup – Bath vs London Irish Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Bath vs London Irish taking place? Friday 9th April, 2020 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Bath vs London Irish taking place? The Recreation Ground, Bath
Where can I get tickets for Bath vs London Irish? Visit official club websites for ticket information
What television channel is Bath vs London Irish on? BT Sport have the rights to televise European Rugby Challenge Cup matches so it is worth checking their schedule
Where can I stream Bath vs London Irish? If televised, BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE TEAM NEWS
Bath: 15 Anthony Watson, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Ruaridh McConnochie, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Zach Mercer, 7 Josh Bayliss, 6 Taulupe Faletau, 5 Charlie Ewels (c), 4 Josh McNally, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Beno Obano
Replacements: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Mike Williams, 20 Miles Reid, 21 Will Chudley, 22 Max Clark, 23 Alex Gray
London Irish: 15 Tom Parton, 14 Ben Loader, 13 Theo Brophy Clews, 12 Terrence Hepetema, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Albert Tuisue, 7 Blair Cowan, 6 Matt Rogerson (c), 5 Rob Simmons, 4 George Nott, 3 Lovejoy Chawatama, 2 Agustin Creevy, 1 Facundo Gigena
Replacements: 16 Matt Cornish, 17 Harry Elrington, 18 Ollie Hoskins, 19 Chunya Munga, 20 Ben Donnell, 21 Sean O’Brien, 22 Ben Meehan, 23 James Stokes
THE PREDICTION
Bath had to come from behind against a spirited Zebre last Friday but they eventually overcame the Italian side in Parma to reach the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup. The victory was a welcome bounce-back to form after they lost narrowly at London Irish in the Premiership last time out in the league and the opportunity to avenge that defeat as the hosts this time around should make for an exciting game here. London Irish scored several hurried late tries to eventually overturn their own Challenge Cup deficit at home to Cardiff Blues 41-35 and both sides have been involved in plenty of high-scoring games in recent weeks, including their last meeting. With this in mind, taking Bath to edge a quarter-final match that goes over 40 points looks the most reasonable outcome here.
