Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Hooper: Expand on last weekend
BATH director of rugby Stuart Hooper has called on his players to sustain their efforts from the early stages of last week’s clash with Exeter when they make the long trip to Newcastle today.
The Blue, Black & Whites go into the Gallagher Premiership clash at Kingston Park having lost 38-16 to the Chiefs after storming into a 16-3 advantage early on.
The former second row forward said: “The lads are looking forward to going up to Newcastle.
“It’s an opportunity for us to get out there, put our game on the field again and try to expand on what we did in the first 30 minutes of the Exeter game.”
Ruaridh McConnochie will make his 50th Bath appearance against the Falcons this weekend.
The 29-year-old has excelled since joining the club in 2018, scoring 18 tries in 49 outings.
He switches to the number 11 jersey, with fellow England wing Joe Cokanasiga returning in one of three changes to the starting XV.
Reliable front row operator Juan Schoeman is named at loosehead prop for his sixth start of the campaign, while Academy graduate Miles Reid earns a deserved recall, partnering Sam Underhill and Zach Mercer in the back row.
On McConnochie’s milestone, the rugby director added: “For Ruaridh to have made as many appearances as he has for the club in such a short space of time speaks volumes for his work ethic, application and hunger to develop.
“He is a talented individual with a unique skill-set and he has the desire to fulfil his full potential here.
“He is a fantastic person to have within the group and we are really pleased for him.”
CONFUSION last night surrounded the future of Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder, who is expected to leave his role at Bramall Lane.
It is understood an announcement to confirm the 53-year-old had been relieved of his duties was set for yesterday afternoon, but there was no confirmation forthcoming by the evening.
The Blades earlier cancelled their Friday press conference with a player amid reports Wilder was set to be sacked, with the boss scheduled to face journalists via Zoom in the afternoon. That 1.30pm media duty was moved to 5pm before the club announced shortly before then it had been cancelled “due to circumstances beyond our control”.
United prop up the Premier League with 14 points – 12 from safety with ten matches to play.