By Westferry Times Sport Desk
29 March 2026
Bath Rugby produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Sale Sharks 31-26 in a gripping Gallagher Premiership clash, moving to within a point of the league summit.
Bath Fight Back from 12 Points Down
Bath trailed by 12 points at half-time but showed resilience and composure to turn the game around in the second half.
After a slow start, the match burst into life late in the first half with three quick-fire tries. Sale capitalised on Bath being temporarily reduced to 14 men, with Tom O’Flaherty, Robert du Preez, and Luke Cowan-Dickie all crossing.
Second-Half Momentum Shift
Bath regrouped after the break and came out with renewed intensity:
- Louie Hennessey and Ethan Staddon scored to bring Bath level
- Tom Roebuck restored Sale’s lead with a well-taken corner try
- Bernard van der Linde finished a brilliant team move to level again
The turning point came through a moment of inspiration from Kepu Tuipulotu, whose break and clever kick set up the equalising score.
Barbeary Delivers the Decisive Blow
With the match hanging in the balance, Bath mounted relentless pressure near the Sale try line.
After 21+ phases, Alfie Barbeary powered over to score the निर्णिंग try, sealing a crucial bonus-point victory for the visitors.
What It Means
- Bath Rugby move within one point of table leaders Northampton
- Sale Sharks remain seventh, with playoff hopes fading
- The Premiership title race tightens with just six rounds remaining
Key Moments
- Bath overturn 12-point half-time deficit
- Roebuck try briefly swings momentum back to Sale
- Barbeary’s late try caps dominant phase play
- Sale’s late errors, including a dropped ball near the line, prove costly
Post-Match Reaction
Bath coach Johann van Graan downplayed title talk, insisting focus remains on upcoming fixtures, while try-scorer Ethan Staddon praised the squad’s mentality and depth.
