Adam Williams presents his prediction for the English Premiership rugby match.
In the previous round, the vice-champion secured a victory in a challenging away game, while Bristol Bears surprisingly lost at home to the team that finished ninth last season. Can the visiting side repeat their impressive away performance?
Bath Rugby
Bath Rugby won their away fixture against Leicester Tigers with a score of 20:15 but lost their winger Will Muir, the scorer of their first try, right after halftime. He will miss approximately six weeks due to a knee injury, potentially sitting out the Autumn Internationals for Bath. Johann van Graan has only three wingers available, including Regan Grace, who hasn't played since 2023 due to a torn Achilles tendon. However, England flanker Sam Underhill and Scottish centre Cameron Redpath are set to return, both having recovered from ankle and shoulder surgeries, respectively.
Bristol Bears
The Bears were favoured to win against Gloucester Rugby, having previously beaten them three consecutive times by at least nine points. The primary issue the team couldn't address was Christian Wade. Returning to the English Premiership after six years in the NFL and with Racing 92 in France, Wade didn't have a standout season in the last Top 14, but he managed to score 10 tries in 25 matches. In just his second game for Gloucester Rugby, he marked his return with a hat-trick.
Bath Rugby vs Bristol Bears Prediction
Bath Rugby have struggled against Bristol Bears in recent encounters. Wins, if any, have been marginal (20:19, 31:29), or they've suffered losses (13:15,0:29), particularly at their own ground. The most recent meeting in January also ended in Bristol Bears' favour, with a 57:44 victory. Bath, in contrast to Gloucester Rugby, are experiencing winger issues, but we’re hesitant to declare the visitors outright victors. Nonetheless, they should keep it close, so the smart decision is to bet on Bristol Bears with a handicap.
