Bath player ratings vs Lyon as Finn Russell wins Challenge Cup
Rugby NewsFriday, 23 May 2025 at 21:53
Bath player ratings vs Lyon – Premiership powerhouses shine as they clinch the Challenge Cup title in a statement win in Cardiff.
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Bath have won the 2024/25 EPCR Challenge Cup, after a commanding performance at the Principality Stadium. The four-try effort was spearheaded by Ben Spencer and Finn Russell, with the blue, black and whites putting Lyon to the sword for a 37-12 win.
After a cagey first half in Cardiff that witnessed Bath drop to 13 men, the blue, black and whites put Lyon under boundless pressure for their first Challenge Cup title since 2008.
Scroll down for our Bath player ratings vs Lyon.
Once the fireworks had been extinguished and the smoke settled upon the Principality Stadium, Lyon exploaded out of the gate early to ignite the try-scoring. Ethan Dumortier wasted no time for his trip, as the French wing crossed over after just three minutes, despite many a call that his trailing foot had grazed the Cardiff touchline.
Bath scrum half Ben Spencer tried to nullify the score with his captain's challenge, yet a TMO review of the try showed Dumortier remained in touch by the width of his bootlaces. A missed conversion from Leo Berdeu kept Bath within five points, before Finn Russell reduced the deficit with his ninth minute penalty.
Bath battered down the hatches with repeated short drives at Lyon's try-line, with the foundations finally buckling at the 20 minute mark. Hooker Tom Dunn was the man to get Bath over the line, as he dug in for the hard yards and muscled his way onto the score-sheet. Russell added the conversion, as Bath took the lead for the first time at 12-5.
The blue, black and whites struck again just five minutes later, with centre Max Ojomoh dotting down after a sublime piece of individual skill. Ojomoh caught Spencer's wide pass with his back to Lyon's defensive press, and he spin round the tackle attempt in one stunning flowing movement.
After back-to-back tries in five minutes, Bath then had two men sent to the sin bin in as many minutes. Sam Underhill was brandished with a yellow after a clattering hit on Georgian fullback Davit Niniashvilli. Will Muir followed suit after an accidental collision with an air-born Ethan Dumortier, yet Bath held firm and kept Lyon out whilst down to 13 men. A TMO review on a Ted Hill shot was the final action of the first half, yet the England back row remained on the pitch as his heavy hit was adjudged at chest height.
Bath's resident flying Scotsman started up the second half points scoring with a well struck penalty, before Lyon had a crack at the whip with a quick response. Back row Arno Botha scored following a rapid series of drives to the line, with fly half Leo Berdeu's conversion on the mark this time around, with the gap reduced to 20-12.
That would be the last thing for Lyon fans to celebrate, as Bath scored 17 unanswered points to close out the Challenge Cup Final in style. Beno Obano's name rang out around the Cardiff amphitheater, as he added the required might to force a Bath pack over the whitewash after 52 minutes. The swift kicking of Russell kept the score-board ticking, with a metronomic effort from the tee this evening.
Player of the Match Ben Spencer then got involved in the try-scoring action, yet the plaudits of the tournament's final try are to go to Tom de Glanville. The fullback was away like a whippet with a quick-footed line-break, before he found himself surrounded by red jerseys. Tom de Glanville found Spencer in support, for the perfect photo finish as the England halfback dove under the posts.
BATH RUGBY: 37
TRIES: 4 (Dunn 20', Ojomoh 25', Obano 52', Spencer 64')
CONVERSIONS: 4 (Russell 20', 25', 64')
PENALTIES: 3 (Russell 9', 42', 73')
DROP GOALS: 0
YELLOW CARDS: 2 (Underhill 29', Muir 34')
RED CARDS: 0
STARTING XV: 1. Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Miles Reid, 9 Ben Spencer (c), 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Will Butt, 13 Max Ojomoh, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville
REPLACEMENTS: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Ciaran Donoghue, 23 Alfie Barbeary
LYON OU: 12
TRIES: 2 (Dumortier 3', Botha 45')
CONVERSIONS: 1 (Berdeu 45')
PENALTIES: 0
DROP GOALS: 0
YELLOW CARDS: 0
RED CARDS: 0
STARTING XV: 15. Davit Niniashvili 14. Vincent Rattez 13. Josiah Maraku 12. Theo Millet 11. Ethan Dumortier 10. Leo Berdeu 9. Baptiste Couilloud (C) 1. Jermoe Rey 2. Camille Chat 3. Jermaine Ainsley 4. Theo William 5. Michael Guillard 6. Dylan Cretin 7. Beka Saginadze 8. Arno Botha
REPLACEMENTS: 16. Guillaume Marchand 17. Hamza Kaabeche 18. Irakli Aptsiauri 19. Felix Lambey 20. Liam Allen 21. Maxime Gouzou 22. Martin Page Relo 23. Martin Meliande
Bath player ratings vs Lyon:
15. Tom de Glanville 8 (Off for Donoghue)
A solid first half on the defensive foot, but it took Bath to unleash their fullback in attack for his impact to be felt. Lucky to avoid the sin bin after making a hit on a player who'd called for the mark at 38 minutes, which went unnoticed by the referee. Rose high to claim the Lyon box kicks, with no red shirt defending de Glanville's areal threat. Excellent boot downfield to quell Lyon's back-field kicks. Supplied the assist for Ben Spencer's try.
14. Joe Cokanasiga 7
Enjoyed the open space every time he got his hands on the ball. Great ball chase and take at the 30 minute mark to keep Bath on the offensive. Not given as much on the ball as maybe he would have liked, as Lyon identified the dangerous wing with two-man presses. Bounced Josiah Maraku to the deck in a thunderous collision. Swept well to cover Lyon's last ditch effort to score.
13. Max Ojomoh 7.5
Impressed all onlookers with an 'over the shoulder' high ball take mid-way through the first half. An exquisite take for his first half try, as he caught the ball and spun through a tackle to finish in style. Excelled in the interplay as Bath stretched their legs in open field.
12. Will Butt 8
Solid tackling against the heavy gain-line carriers. A stunning down-field break at 14 mins took Bath to the Lyon try-line, but he should have held onto the ball instead of forcing the offload. A stand-out first half with a tireless engine in attack and defence, Butt was constantly involved. Sent to the sin-bin after an accidental collision took a Lyon player out the air, as Bath dropped to 13 men.
11. Will Muir 6
Solid defending of the kick chase along the touchline. Tried his luck with a 50-22 at 12 minutes, but punted the ball straight into touch. Sent to the sin bin for a hit on Dumortier, who was mid-air at the time.
10. Finn Russell 7.5
Nailed a stunning 50-22 at six minutes, to pin the pressure on after Lyon's early try. Great distribution to find the wide men with ease. Slotted an early penalty to narrow the deficit, and kicked well off the tee and out of hand for the duration. Sent a no-look pass into touch, that was directed for a try-line bound Will Muir. Tried his luck with an audacious half-way line drop goal, that just fell short of the posts.
9. Ben Spencer (Off for Tom Carr-Smith) 8.5 - Player Of The Match
Clever nudge to get his side out of danger at the first minute of the match. Vocal for a captain's challenge for Ethan Dumortier's try, yet the try stood. Repeatedly tried to snipe his way over the try-line, and nailed a stunning 50-22 at 23 minutes got a roar of applause. Capped off his afternoon with a try, as he supported Tom de Glanville's line-break.
1. Beno Obano (Off for Francois van Wyk) 7
Bounced back in the early breakdowns, as the Lyon players had done their homework on Obano's hulking frame. Wrapped up a solid Bath drive by battering his way over the line to score. Cries of 'Oooh, Beno Obano' rang around the Principality.
2. Tom Dunn (Off for Niall Annett) 7.5
Quick thinking at the line-out for the quick pass to Will Stuart. Had a tough day against Camille Chat, with the French hooker taking Dunn to his scrummaging limits. Dug his heels in to get Bath over the line with a close range try at the 20 minute mark.
3. Will Stuart (off for Thomas du Toit) 5.5
Clever call for the sixth minute quick line-out. Had a hard time scrummaging against Jerome Rey, with repeated first half scrum resets. Gave away a scrum penalty just before the break, as Lyon piled on their might.
4. Quinn Roux 6.5
Cleaning up and sweeping anything left loose. Roux was the workhorse around the park and worked overtime as Bath dropped to 13 men in the first half.
5. Charlie Ewels (Off for Ross Molony) 7
Stole the line-out at 11 minutes, to rip momentum from Lyon. Dominant in the air and made all the right line-out calls. Took a head on head hit in a 48th minute carry, yet it was branded a 'rugby collision' with no action taken.
6. Ted Hill (Off of Guy Pepper) 7
Dropped a pass close to the Lyon try-line, to end a spell of early attack. Thankfully, Bath had a penalty advantage to retain possession. Some nerves around a hit on the brink of half-time, yet the TMO review cleared up how it was a chest-high tackle. Stole Lyon's line-out as the French side tried to clear the danger.
7. Sam Underhill 6.5
Very audible cries of 'go on Sam', every time the England man got the ball. In the spotlight after a head-to-head collision with Davit Niniashvilli at the 28th minute, that sent him to the sin bin. Flattened Theo Millett with a winding hit at full-pelt.
8. Miles Reid (Off for Alfie Barbeary) 6
Blistering head-down carries that got a repeated lift from the crowd. Ferocious in defence, Reid wrestled everyone to the deck that ran down his channel.
16. Niall Annett (On 62nd min) 6
Kept Bath sharp at the scrum and line-out, with the chance for complacency to creep in as they stretched further in front. Battled hard in defense with his scrum cap popping up at the bottom of most rucks.
17. Francois van Wyk (On 62nd min) 6.5
Anchored the second half scrum effort, as Bath stamped their dominance on a tiring Lyon pack.
18. Thomas du Toit (On 50th min) 7
An immediate impact, as du Toit helped shunt Bath forward ahead of Obano's try. Gave Jerome Rey a tough going at the scrum, before the loose-head's exit.
19. Ross Molony (On 72nd min) 5
A brief cameo at the end of the match.
20. Guy Pepper (On 50th min) 7
Emptied the tank in his second half stint. Some brilliant carries at the Lyon defence, helped in Bath's second half offensive.
21. Tom Carr-Smith (On 72nd min) 5
Took over Spencer's reins to end the match at a high tempo.
22. Ciaran Donoghue (On 75th min) 5
The least minutes, but a high tempo run-out albeit brief.
23. Alfie Barbeary (On 50th min) 7
Received a tremendous ovation as he took to the Principality. Great carrying option, as Bath utilised him off the back of line-outs. Secured a strong 68th minute turnover at the ruck.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Northampton stars Furbank and Sleightholme return from injury for Champions Cup Final
- England flanker Sam Underhill lucky avoid red for horror tackle
- Statement: Another Exeter Chiefs star has departed the club
- Billy Joel cancels Murrayfield gig following recent diagnosis
- Ireland legend Peter O’Mahony will make one more international appearance
BEST RUGBY FREE AGENTS:
With the transfer market heating up, we've scoured the rugby world to build a free-agent dream team. These are the best unattached players currently on the market – stacked with international pedigree, World Cup experience, and raw power waiting for the right deal.
? Back Three
Leigh Halfpenny (Harlequins)
Wales and Lions legend. A metronomic boot, safe under the high ball, and still one of the best defensive fullbacks in the game.
Wales and Lions legend. A metronomic boot, safe under the high ball, and still one of the best defensive fullbacks in the game.
Liam Williams (Saracens)
The 'Bomb Defuser' is fearless in the air and electric in open play. A British & Irish Lion with big-game pedigree.
The 'Bomb Defuser' is fearless in the air and electric in open play. A British & Irish Lion with big-game pedigree.
Santiago Cordero (Connacht)
Argentina's elusive wizard. Lightning feet, low centre of gravity – a nightmare for defenders on the wing or at fullback.
Argentina's elusive wizard. Lightning feet, low centre of gravity – a nightmare for defenders on the wing or at fullback.
? Centres
Lennox Anyanwu (Harlequins)
A breakout talent with serious attacking flair and physical presence. One for the future – if he lands in the right setup.
A breakout talent with serious attacking flair and physical presence. One for the future – if he lands in the right setup.
Chris Harris (Gloucester)
One of the most reliable defensive centres in Europe. A rock for Scotland and a Lions tourist in 2021.
One of the most reliable defensive centres in Europe. A rock for Scotland and a Lions tourist in 2021.
Will Addison (Sale Sharks)
Versatile, classy, and smart. Can slot in across the backline. Injuries have slowed him, but still bags of talent to offer.
Versatile, classy, and smart. Can slot in across the backline. Injuries have slowed him, but still bags of talent to offer.
? Fly-Halves
Jimmy Gopperth (Provence)
Veteran Kiwi playmaker. 41 years old and still pulling strings with his game management and goalkicking nous.
Veteran Kiwi playmaker. 41 years old and still pulling strings with his game management and goalkicking nous.
Billy Burns (Munster)
An Ireland international with Super Rugby heritage. Classy distributor and calm under pressure.
An Ireland international with Super Rugby heritage. Classy distributor and calm under pressure.
Freddie Burns
Clutch drop-goal hero in Leicester’s 2022 Premiership title win. A wildcard 10 with a golden boot and a point to prove.
Clutch drop-goal hero in Leicester’s 2022 Premiership title win. A wildcard 10 with a golden boot and a point to prove.
⚡ Scrum-Halves
Ali Price (Edinburgh)
A British & Irish Lion with pace, sharp service, and attacking instincts. Still plenty to offer at the top level.
A British & Irish Lion with pace, sharp service, and attacking instincts. Still plenty to offer at the top level.
Conor Murray (Munster)
Ireland’s legendary No.9. Over 100 caps and a tactical maestro. Slower these days, but leadership is priceless.
Ireland’s legendary No.9. Over 100 caps and a tactical maestro. Slower these days, but leadership is priceless.
Ratko Jelic (Zebre)
Italian-qualified and showing promise. Not a household name yet, but clubs looking long-term should take note.
Italian-qualified and showing promise. Not a household name yet, but clubs looking long-term should take note.
?️ Props
Mayco Vivas (Gloucester)
Powerhouse Argentine loosehead. Still young and coming into his prime. Brings scrum stability and South American steel.
Powerhouse Argentine loosehead. Still young and coming into his prime. Brings scrum stability and South American steel.
Paula Latu (Dragons)
Tongan bulldozer. Aggressive in the carry and an underrated scrummager. Low-cost, high-impact option.
Tongan bulldozer. Aggressive in the carry and an underrated scrummager. Low-cost, high-impact option.
Javan Sebastian (Edinburgh)
Welsh tighthead with international experience and a reputation for scrum dominance. Solid and dependable.
Welsh tighthead with international experience and a reputation for scrum dominance. Solid and dependable.
? Hookers
Julian Montoya (Leicester Tigers)
Pumas skipper. World-class set-piece operator and ferocious at the breakdown. Arguably the top hooker available.
Pumas skipper. World-class set-piece operator and ferocious at the breakdown. Arguably the top hooker available.
Agustin Creevy (Benetton)
42 and still going strong. A leader, an enforcer, and an asset in the locker room.
42 and still going strong. A leader, an enforcer, and an asset in the locker room.
Luca Bigi (Zebre)
Former Italy captain. Great throw, good work rate, and no-nonsense attitude. Ready-made depth for any club.
Former Italy captain. Great throw, good work rate, and no-nonsense attitude. Ready-made depth for any club.
? Second Row
Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks)
England international with top-tier Premiership and Lions experience. Brings muscle and an edge.
England international with top-tier Premiership and Lions experience. Brings muscle and an edge.
Adam Beard (Ospreys)
6’8” Welshman with a high work rate and line-out savvy. Offers grunt and leadership in equal measure.
6’8” Welshman with a high work rate and line-out savvy. Offers grunt and leadership in equal measure.
Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks)
Versatile lock/back-row hybrid. Explosive ball-carrier and dominant in collisions.
Versatile lock/back-row hybrid. Explosive ball-carrier and dominant in collisions.
? Back Row
Zach Mercer (Gloucester)
Former England No.8. Huge in the Top 14, and now a dynamic, offloading force. Deserves another Test shot.
Former England No.8. Huge in the Top 14, and now a dynamic, offloading force. Deserves another Test shot.
Nathan Hughes (Black Rams Tokyo)
A wrecking ball at his best. Former England international with elite power and strong Super Rugby credentials.
A wrecking ball at his best. Former England international with elite power and strong Super Rugby credentials.
Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester)
Underrated dynamo. Ball-carrying machine and relentless tackler. South African steel meets Premiership polish.
Underrated dynamo. Ball-carrying machine and relentless tackler. South African steel meets Premiership polish.
Quiz! Can you name every club that has played in the Premiership?
London Welsh were the last new team to play in the Gallagher Premiership back in 2011 – can you name the others?
You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.
Good luck, and let us know how you do
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