Challenge Cup Final Awaits As Bath Outmuscle Edinburgh In Free-Flowing Semi
Bath’s dream of completing a domestic and European double remains alive and well after a powerful and, at times, nervy 36-26 victory over Edinburgh booked them a place in the European Challenge Cup final in Cardiff.
It was a semi-final that swung wildly at points, mixing moments of high skill with bursts of raw physicality. Edinburgh battled gamely and even led early in the second half, but Bath’s strength in the set-piece and their ruthless efficiency from close range proved decisive in the end.
This was far from a straightforward night for Johann van Graan’s side, but when it really mattered, the Premiership leaders showed the composure and cutting edge that’s seen them rise to the top of English rugby this season. They now have a date with either Racing 92 or Lyon on 24 May — and judging by this performance, they’ll be heading to Cardiff with confidence.
Fast Start and Missed Chances
The match began in breathless fashion, with Edinburgh coming close to an early breakthrough. Scrum-half Ali Price looked to have spotted an opening when he hacked a loose ball forward into Bath’s in-goal area. But in a moment of hesitation, believing he’d overhit the kick, Price slowed — only for the ball to check back cruelly and allow Finn Russell to swoop in and touch down for a goalline dropout.
That moment proved to be a microcosm of the first half for the hosts: plenty of endeavour, but just lacking the killer edge.
Ross Thompson’s misfortune from the tee added to Edinburgh’s early frustrations. The fly-half struck a seemingly straightforward penalty against the upright, and within moments, Bath were down the other end celebrating the first try of the night. Sam Underhill, who was outstanding throughout, powered over from close range to give the visitors an early lead.
Bath looked to be taking control, but Edinburgh struck back in style. A clever quick line-out caught Bath unprepared, and after good hands down the short side, Mosese Tuipulotu crashed over. Thompson converted to level things up at 7-7.
Bath Muscle Ahead, But Edinburgh Hang In
The majority of the territory and possession belonged to Bath in the first half, and their dominance at the scrum began to tell. Edinburgh were frequently backpedalling, and it wasn’t long before the pressure told again. From a rolling line-out maul, Tom Dunn dotted down for the first of his two tries to restore Bath’s advantage.
Yet Edinburgh weren’t going anywhere. Thompson slotted a penalty just before the break to narrow the deficit to 12-10 at half-time, and the second half began with the Scottish side growing in belief.
The key moment came shortly after the restart. Edinburgh created an overlap out wide, and Wes Goosen looked certain to set up Darcy Graham in the corner. But just as the winger prepared to gather the final pass, Tom de Glanville cynically slapped the ball down. The TMO confirmed what everyone already knew — a deliberate knock-on, a yellow card, and a penalty try. Suddenly, Edinburgh were 17-12 in front, with a man advantage.
Turning the Tide Again
Bath’s response was immediate, but not without more frustration. Beno Obano thought he’d crashed over minutes later, but the TMO ruled he’d been held up just short.
Still, the pressure was relentless. Edinburgh’s defence was admirable, but cracks were beginning to show. Once again, it was their undoing at the line-out that proved costly — and once again, it was Dunn who did the damage. The hooker peeled off the back of a maul and drove over for his second of the night.
Bath now had the bit between their teeth. They were turning the screw at the breakdown, their big ball carriers were denting the gain line, and the introduction of Alfie Barbeary added even more dynamism to their pack. It was the replacement No.8 who extended Bath’s lead with a powerful finish from close range, giving them some breathing room on the scoreboard.
A penalty from Russell — composed and classy throughout against his fellow Scots — nudged Bath 10 points clear.
Edinburgh Rally, But Bath Finish Strong
To their credit, Edinburgh weren’t done. Thompson, who’d had a mixed night, found a spark of magic when he danced through midfield and put Ali Price away with a pinpoint inside pass. The scrum-half had plenty to do, but finished superbly under pressure to bring the deficit back to just three points.
With the home crowd roaring them on, there was a sense something special might be brewing. But the comeback ran out of steam, and Bath slammed the door shut in the final ten minutes.
Replacement hooker Niall Annett was first to strike, once again from a dominant maul, before back-row Guy Pepper capped off the night with a late surge to the line, ensuring Bath’s ticket to the Cardiff final was punched in style.
Final Bound With Eyes on the Double
For Bath, this was another impressive chapter in what is shaping up to be a memorable campaign. They weren’t perfect — far from it at times — but their power game, depth off the bench, and ability to respond under pressure once again set them apart.
Their opponents in the final will be determined on Sunday, when Lyon take on Racing 92 in the other semi-final. Whoever awaits them in Cardiff, Bath will take some stopping — particularly if their set-piece continues to operate with such precision.
As for Edinburgh, it’s the end of the road in Europe, but not without pride. They asked serious questions of one of the most in-form teams on the continent and had moments where the upset looked possible. But when it came to the big moments, Bath simply had more to give.
If this semi-final was anything to go by, the final promises fireworks.
