Lions Tour Candidates From Bath v Montpellier Semi Final
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A wonderful display of rugby was on show at the Recreation Ground. Underhill continued his dominant performance at the breakdown. He made a massive turnover on defence that helped his team relieve the pressure from Montpellier. Underhill was immense on defence making 11 tackles and putting in 5 massive carries. He was replaced in the 50th minute with Miles Reid.
Faletau had a quiet game on attack but a dominant performance in defence. He played the full 80 minutes with 14 tackles and 8 carries with 21m. Mercer continued his fine form putting in a blistering 21 carries totaling 58 metres. He made the most carries (18) in the Quarter-Final and replicated this fine form once more. He remained firm on defence putting in 13 tackles with none being missed. He was replaced in the 65th minute.
Watson made the most metres of the day totalling 70. He made the second highest carries (15) and broke the defensive line on numerous occasions. He continued his fine form on attack and definitely looked worthy for a place in Warren Gatland's squad.
Goosen had a below par performance with only 7 tackles to his name. He struggled to find his feet in the attack and remained absent on defence. Reinach came off the bench in the 56th minute, won a turnover at the breakdown and sped up the play. He is currently the third choice scrum half for the Boks and he will be hoping to seal the first team spot with a brilliant performance in the final.
Pollard had a good 22 minutes under his belt after returning from a lengthy injury layoff. He scored the final kick of the game that sealed Montpellier the place in the final. However, it is too soon to tell if he will be match ready for the Lions tour in South Africa.