There has been no shortage of drama in this year’s Premiership campaign and the best could still be yet to come. After a breathless Saturday afternoon in which one of the most remarkable away victories of the Season was won, the result is a series of semi-finals filled with intriguing scenarios, in particular if Sale Sharks or Saracens can now resist the established historical trend of home victories.the last four.
Only once since 2015 has an away team won a Premier League semi-final, and that was the famous “Bristanbul” match in 2021, when Harlequins needed more time to complete a superb 28-0 catch-up. Otherwise, 15 of the last 16 final eliminators have been won by the hosts, which explains the wide smile and the optimistic atmosphere in Bath as confirmation of Sale’s superb 20-10 victory arrived at the StoneX Stadium.
Psychologically, there is a considerable difference in the middle of housing the sharks – which Bath was harpooning next to the River Avon at the end of March 42-24 – and leaving for North London or Franklin’s Gardens. Bath, who have not reached the Final since 2015 and finished bottom of the table only two seasons ago, certainly now have an increased statistical chance of becoming national champions for the first time since 1996.
Their captain Ben Spencer, a multiple trophy winner with Saracens before moving west, is very aware of the challenges ahead, but could not hide his growing pride after the 43-12 success against a weakened Saints team on Saturday. “There have been a lot of dark days in previous seasons,” he said, congratulating both his teammates and head coach Johann van Graan on the marked turnaround.
“The guys have worked incredibly hard for this. To be the only team to be in the top four all year and to maintain this consistency of performance… I couldn’t be prouder to lead these guys. Johann has something special about this Club and has created a very good environment and a great culture that all the guys sympathize with.”
With his half-back partner Finn Russell back in form and pulling behind what is arguably the strongest Standard in the league, there is also now a strong collective ambition to seize the golden opportunity that presents itself. “Yes, we finished in the top four, but in reality we haven’t won anything yet,” Spencer said. “Some of the leaders spoke very well yesterday. They stressed that their careers are moving fast and are not taking anything for granted.”
Nevertheless, half of the final tickets sold over the weekend were bought by Bath Fans, who were clearly boosted by the semi-final draw. “The home advantage was significant when you look at European and Premiership competitions, and I’m really happy for the guys, the city and the Fans that we have another game here this season,” Spencer said. “But Sale have just smacken Sarries in their place. They know how to dig up a result and we have to pay special attention to it.”