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Bath 24-22 Leicester Tigers: Du Toit's Brace Seals Semi-Final Win

BBC Sport •
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Bath secured a home semi-final with a gritty 24-22 victory over Leicester Tigers at The Rec, overcoming a spirited challenge from the visitors. The match began with a touching tribute to former Bath legend Roger Spurrell, who passed away at 71, before Leicester's Bailey scored the opening try. Du Toit's brace quickly shifted momentum, powering Bath ahead with two quick tries inside the first 10 minutes.

Australia's O'Connor kept Leicester in contention with penalties and conversions, while Bath's Cokanasiga and Van Poortvliet added further scores. The first half ended level at 22-22, with O'Connor converting Van Poortvliet's try just before halftime. Bath dominated the second half, with Du Toit completing his hat-trick under the posts, but defensive lapses allowed Leicester to stay alive.

With 10 minutes remaining, Cokanasiga's sin-bin gave Leicester renewed hope, and Pearson scored the visitors' second try. Bailey had a chance to level the scores with two minutes left, but his conversion attempt sailed wide, sealing Bath's narrow victory. The win positions Bath for a home semi-final, while Leicester's season hangs by a thread.

Bath's lineup featured strong performances from De Glanville, Cokanasiga, and captain Spencer, while Leicester relied on O'Connor's kicking and Bailey's try-saving efforts. The result underscores the tightness of Premiership rugby, where small margins decide fate.