Van Graan rues 'small margins' after loss

REACTION: Bath boss Johann van Graan was left to reflect on “small margins” after his team lost their opening Champions Cup game 20-24 against La Rochelle on Friday.

The Premiership leaders launched a powerful second-half fightback, scoring two converted tries from 15 points adrift, but La Rochelle had just enough in the tank for a priceless away win.

“It is an 80-minute game. We got ourselves back into at 20-21, and we could not convert a couple of opportunities in the last few moments,” Van Graan said.

“It was a real battle, and we are disappointed. The margins are so small.

“We execute one more opportunity, we win by a point and we are all happy I thought we competed, the scrum was a real battle, the maul, the kicking game – both sides got some aerial dominance.

“I am content with the fact we played our game, we mixed it with one of the heavier teams in world rugby.”

La Rochelle raced clear through tries from flanker Oscar Jegou, prop Reda Wardi, and scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow, while flyhalf Ihaia West kicked three conversions and a later penalty.

Bath was in deep trouble at half-time, managing only two Finn Russell penalties, yet they stirred after the break as hooker Tom Dunn and lock Quinn Roux claimed touchdowns, with Russell adding the extras.

Despite swirling rain and gusting wind, a compelling contest unfolded, although it ramps up pressure on Bath, despite a losing bonus point, to potentially win at least two of their last three pool games as they chase a last-16 place.

They tackle Benetton in Italy next, with Clermont Auvergne and Leinster looming as testing opponents in January.