Bath claim bonus-point win over Castres in France

Castres Olympique 20-43 Bath Rugby, Stade Pierre-Fabre

Bath Rugby delivered a commanding performance on French soil to secure a 43-20 bonus-point victory over Castres Olympique in Round 3 of Pool 2 of the Investec Champions Cup.

The hosts struck first when Teddy Durand-Pradere crashed over from close range to give Castres an early advantage. Bath responded quickly through Cameron Redpath, who crossed to level the scores after sustained early pressure.

Castres continued to test Bath’s discipline and capitalised when the visitors were reduced to 14 men following a yellow card for Beno Obano. With the numerical advantage, Nathanael Hulleu finished in the corner to restore the home side’s lead.

Bath then endured another setback as Will Muir was sent to the sin bin shortly after Obano returned.

Despite the disruption, Bath finished the first half strongly. Ted Hill powered over on 31 minutes before Tom Dunn added another from a dominant driving maul four minutes later. Castres reduced the deficit with a penalty, but Bath went into the break leading 21-17.

Bath raised the tempo after the restart and secured the try bonus point in the 46th minute when Obano forced his way over following sharp handling from Ben Spencer and Alfie Barbeary.

Both sides exchanged penalties over the next 20 minutes making it 20-29 as substitutions were made, but Bath’s control began to show.

In the final quarter, Muir returned to score Bath’s fifth try after a determined carry to the line. With fresh legs making the difference, Bath continued to dominate territory and possession. Replacement Tom Carr-Smith added the final try late on to complete an emphatic 43-20 victory.

The result leaves Bath well placed heading into their final pool-stage fixture against Edinburgh Rugby next week.

Team line up:

Castres: Chabouni; Ambadiang, Karawalevu, Goodhue, Hulleu; Popelin, Fernandez; Walcker, Durand-Pradere, Collier, Ducat, Vanverberghe, Delaporte (capt), Cope, Ardron.

Reserves: Zarantonello, Sokobale, Corato, Staniforth, Meka, Doubrere, Herve, Palis.

Bath: Carreras; Arundell, Ojomoh, Redpath, Muir; Russell, Spencer (capt); Obano, Dunn, Sela, Roux, Molony, Hill, Reid, Barbeary.

Reserves: Tuipulotu, Van Wyk, Du Toit, Bayliss, Pepper, Carr-Smith, Butt, Cokanasiga.