Johann van Graan has instilled belief and steel at Bath, with the club now closing in on a return to European glory, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane argues that Van Graan has emerged as one of the leading club coaches in the world, turning Bath from what he once called a “broken” outfit into a title-winning force now on the brink of an Investec Champions Cup final.
Last season, Van Graan guided Bath to an English Premiership, Premiership Rugby Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup treble, and now has them 160 minutes away from a second Champions Cup crown after a dramatic 43-41 quarter-final win against the Northampton Saints on Friday night.
MORE: Van Graan beams as Bath produce the extraordinary
Keohane highlights how “Van Graan’s selection formula mirrors that of [Springbok coach Rassie] Erasmus” with impact players such as Bok prop Thomas du Toit proving decisive.
Bath’s comeback from 35-14 down in a nine-try first half at The Rec showcased both resilience and tactical clarity, hallmarks of a side that now believes it belongs among Europe’s elite.
WATCH: Van Graan on brilliant Bath win
The revival is all the more significant given the club’s long wait for relevance in the Champions Cup, having not reached a semi-final in two decades.
With Bath now within touching distance of a second star, Keohane’s message is clear: Van Graan is no longer rebuilding – he has built, and his team is delivering on the biggest stage.
Photo: Ben Brady/INPHO
The post Van Graan’s built a European force appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Johann van Graan has instilled belief and steel at Bath, with the club now closing in on a return to European glory, writes @mark_keohane
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