Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Premiership Rugby match.
The Premiership leaders are bracing for a stern challenge as they welcome fourth-placed Harlequins — one of the most dangerous sides in the league this season. The sides met exactly a month ago, when Bath edged it late (39:28).
Bath
That match was a Premiership Rugby Cup quarter-final, and although key players were rested, it still matters. Only two late tries from Jaco Coetzee (66’) and Louie Hennessey (73’) spared Bath from the threat of a one-point margin. In last week’s league win over Gloucester (42:26), Coetzee came off the bench on 58 minutes, while the young Welshman didn’t make the squad. It was England internationals Will Stuart and Sam Underhill — both introduced in the second half — who helped turn the tide, each scoring a try. At half-time, Bath led by just two points (28:26), showing they aren’t invincible even at home.
Harlequins
Harlequins picked up a massive win last round, defeating Saracens (23:12) in the London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Yet, there’s cause for concern: they failed to register a single point in the second half. Against the Premiership leaders, that lack of second-half scoring could prove costly.
Bath vs Harlequins Prediction
Bath are deserved favourites, having won four of their last five meetings with Harlequins, including two at Twickenham Stoop. However, in none of those games did the margin exceed 11 points. Expect a tightly contested match once again — Harlequins should keep it close.
