Bath Rugby Faces Bristol Bears in Gallagher Premiership Semi-Final Derby

Bath Rugby and Bristol Bears are set to face off in a highly anticipated semi-final of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership at Bath's Recreation Ground. Bath, having dominated the season and secured both the Premiership Rugby Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, are chasing a historic treble and enter the match as favorites due to their deep squad and strong performances. Bristol Bears, under director of rugby Pat Lam, are cast as underdogs with a smaller budget and younger squad but enter the semi-finals with confidence after a convincing 52-26 win over Harlequins, having previously defeated Bath during the season. Lam acknowledges Bath's financial advantage but emphasizes Bristol's resilience and recent success against Bath, including winning 11 of their last 14 encounters. Team selection for Bath remains tentative with some injury concerns and suspensions, but their lineup is expected to challenge Bristol's physicality, particularly in the midfield and front row. This local derby carries historical weight and rivalry, with both sides eager to claim supremacy and advance to the Premiership final.