Rugby Premiership Final 2015: Time and Live Stream for Bath Rugby vs. Saracens
Bath Rugby and Saracens will square off at Twickenham for the right to be crowned 2015 Premiership champions.
Both sides progressed after winning contrasting, but equally engrossing semi-finals. Bath were magnificent against Leicester Tigers in a 47-10 victory, cementing their spot in the showpiece for the first time in 11 years. By contrast, Saracens were made to work much harder for their victory, eventually edging out Northampton Saints 29-24.
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The home of rugby always provides a spectacular backdrop to this unique occasion and there will be a host of players keen to make a big impression with the World Cup looming. Here’s all the key details on where to catch this one and a closer look at both sides in their quest for glory.
Date: Saturday, May 30
Time: 2:30 p.m. (BST)
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK)
Bath Bidding to End Premiership Trophy Drought
Supporters of Bath will tell you this final appearance has been long overdue. The team have flattered to deceive since their previous outing in the season finale 11 years ago, but under the tutelage of the astute Mike Ford, they’re a team that seem ready to make that final step.
It’d be the the first time since 1996 this side would have sampled the ultimate domestic prize, and although they’ve been mightily impressive as of late, it’ll be intriguing to see how the effervescent young squad Ford has assembled fares when the pressure bites on Saturday.
Bath’s England international prop David Wilson admitted a lack of experience could hinder them here, per the competition’s official website:
"It's my first major final so it's going to be incredible to walk out there and take it all in. To be honest the fact that most of our squad haven't played in a major final might make a difference.
It's easy to get caught up in the moment, suddenly realise you're in a big game and choke. But I think our squad has taken a lot from the experience of playing a European final against Northampton Saints last year.
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Nonetheless, provided Bath repeat the levels they showcased against Leicester last time out, they’ll be tough to repress.
That landslide victory was emblematic of the engrossing style of rugby they have played under Ford, with the incision, intensity and ingenuity too much for a usually solid Tigers team to cope with. The midfield triumvirate of George Ford, Kyle Eastmond and Jonathan Joseph in particular were thrilling to watch.
Former England international Mike Tindall had high praise for the team’s flair players, suggesting they should all be involved in the national setup:
They are coming up against savvy opposition in Saracens here, though. Going to Northampton and winning was a measure of their fortitude, showcasing the kind of spirit required to go all the way in this competition. After losing the final last year to a heartbreaking last-minute try, this group clearly feels they have a score to settle too.
While Bath are fluid and pleasing on the eye, Saracens are a little more pragmatic in their approach. This means we should see an absorbing clash of styles. As noted by sports journalist Charlie Morgan, this is a classic case of a quality attack up against an exceptional defence:
There are a couple of key areas to keep an eye on in determining who will triumph at Twickenham. Firstly, Bath’s Anthony Watson is a dynamic full-back and stopping his bursts from deep will be so important to Saracens’ chances; the youngster makes Bath a major threat on the counter-attack.
The other is between the two centres. Bath’s pairing of Eastmond and Joseph are in brilliant form, but Brad Barritt is a defensive centre who is as well equipped as anyone to nullify the pair’s impact. Expect the Saracens man to have the edge in that scrap and his wily, battle-hardened team to sneak this one.
Prediction: Bath 15-18 Saracens
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