Worcester review, School rugby debate and Pretty in Pink

Gloucester 24 – 19 Worcester Warriors

Sometimes winning is all that matters. The best sides grind out victories even when they aren’t necessarily playing particularly well. It can be an ugly spectacle and often leave the average supporter a little underwhelmed, but in professional sport getting the ‘W’ is everything.

This was no better underlined than by the performance of Gloucester last Friday evening against their nearest rivals, Worcester Warriors. A game in which many expected the home side to emerge with an easy bonus point win, ended with an anxious spell camped under their own posts trying to hold on to a victory that just after half time had seemed inevitable. Gloucester did win and compared to the numerous occasions over the past few seasons, in which they have surrendered the lead late on, this was an improvement. But nagging doubts about game management and the decision making by senior players was again highlighted, as the home side conspired to let the Warriors back into the match with a number of penalties and unforced errors.

Positives can be found, always an easier task after a victory. The continued impressive displays by Ollie Thorley, given his chance following the departure of Johnny May; the renaissance of Jeremy Thrush and the growing influence of Ed Slater is adding a strength and guile to a resurgent Gloucester pack. However the loss of Charlie Sharples to a hand injury will stretch the already thin backline further. Jason Woodward was excellent in the first half contributing to Gloucester’s first try with a sublime piece of skill but struggled in the second, starved of quality ball and unable able to effect the game in a positive way – conceding an unnecessary penalty which summed up how Gloucester seemed to ‘switch off’ and make the wrong decisions for much of the last 30 minutes of the tie.

The highlight of the game, at least from a Gloucester point of view and possibly any neutral watching was the contribution by Henry Trinder for the home sides third try, scored by Billy Twelvetrees. With his first touch of the ball, Trinder stepped and burst through the Warriors backline holding his pace to wait for support, followed his pass and received a return from Willie Heinz before again offloading the ball over his shoulder to a waiting Twelvetrees to score under the posts. A link to the BTSport video of the try is attached.

Trinder and Twelvetrees try.

The try and Trinder’s general performance once again highlighted not only his talent but the strength in depth of the English game. Unfortunately for the Gloucester centre, injuries have robbed him of any chance of featuring within the England set-up over the past few years but as many commentators and rugby writers noted, if the likes of Beauden Barrett or Bernard Foley had displayed the skill and talent involved in executing that try, it would have seen talked about as one of the great scores.

Worcester Warriors for their part showed a fight and belief that belie their current position. Certainly head coach Gary Gold will be concerned with the ease in which Gloucester opened up gaps in the defence, but he will have been impressed by the turn around in the second half, particularly the patience and at intensity at the breakdown. Equally Donncha O’Callaghan once again showed why he is recognised as one of the top lineout operators of his generation, forcing Motu Matu’u to throw long, by means which could be viewed as illegal depending on the referee. However it was effective and played a large part in denying Gloucester a platform in the second half. Peter Stringer, however looks a shadow of his former self. A little ponderous at the breakdown he was unable to direct and marshal his pack in the same way that the Gloucester captain Willie Heinz was able to do. This of course may be a reflection on the strength of the opposing packs with the home side largely dominating up front.

Overall, Gloucester will happy with the win but certainly frustrated that they failed to gain the bonus point. Worcester will see the second half performance as a step in the right direction.

Pink Shirts, Tackling in schools and injuries

Gloucester announced and released their new European shirt for the 2017/18 season this week and it is certainly eye-catching. Having a bright pink shirt is now almost common place, the trend started by Stade Francais in the early part of the 2000s. Increasingly the ‘away’ and European kits are becoming more and more extravagant. This obviously doesn’t please everyone, initial comments on social media regarding the European kit ranged from ‘Fantastic’ to ‘Bloody awful!’ One would imagine, however, that these will sell relatively well.

Over the past few years there have been calls by a small number of Doctors and teachers to look at how rugby is played in schools. One of the more prominent voices is Professor Allyson Pollock of Newcastle University. She has called for a ban on tackling in school rugby stating that the risk of injury and absence from school is too great and childrens welfare is at risk. Understandably reaction from within the rugby community was pretty strong and direct, however there is some merit to her argument but rather than simply banning tackling, better coaching should be promoted. The government are planning to spend millions of pounds promoting rugby in schools for all the benefits that the game promotes, fitness and a healthy lifestyle, teamwork, inclusion and respect. Hopefully a proportion of this money will be used to give teachers and school rugby coaches better training, so that they can pass on the correct techniques to their pupils.

The only part of modern rugby that does need to be reviewed, certainly at a junior level, is the use of padding and headgear that encourages a reckless style of play that can endanger not only the person wearing the items but also those around them. Another consideration that might also be useful is to start to rearrange leagues and age group rugby around the weight and size of the children, much like in New Zealand. 

Professionalism and all its perils, Leicester review, Worcester preview

Professional Rugby is now 21 years old. Everyone involved in the game has learnt some very hard lessons about sustainability, planning and good old fashioned economics. The first league season, when still amateur, played in 1987 consisted of 12 teams.

Leicester

Wasps

Harlequins

Bath

Bristol

Gloucester

Orrell

Moseley

Nottingham

Sale

Waterloo

Coventry

Bristol currently reside in the Championship, hopeful of a swift return to the AVIVA Premiership while Orrell, Moseley, Waterloo, Nottingham and Coventry have all faced significant financial problems. All now resigned to spending their time well away from the limelight of the top flight. Rugby has moved on and unless a big money backer who is prepared to swallow huge losses enters the fray, these clubs will remain in the hinterland of English Rugby. At the recent Fans Forum held at Kingsholm, owner Martin St Quinton stressed that the large losses being generated by a number of clubs is unsustainable and he and the board at Gloucester were not prepared to jeopardise the clubs future without sustainable investment.

It was in this backdrop of financial insecurity that Gloucester attempted to find additional investment through the Syrian-French billionaire and Montpellier Herault owner Mohad Altrad. However it was his existing relationship with another European rugby side that eventually prevented any deal going through. Arguments about conflicts of interest were exaggerated and played upon by those who argued against any investment and ultimately those concerns won out.

To their credit Gloucester have not stood still and they have concluded a number of commercial deals which have helped to limit the potential damage that losing out on the Altrad deal could have caused. Greene King, Westons Cider and 21Bet have all become major partners and last week Mitsubishi extended their shirt sponsorship until 2022. According to the press release this is the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in the Premiership and also means the car manufacturer will become the longest main shirt sponsor in the clubs history. The advantage of these deals is that it provides some economic certainty while also being linked to a generally well-known brand who already work with the RFU and England Rugby.

The commercial side of the club appears to have been revitalised in the last 12 months and although not necessarily as interesting to supporters as the contract negotiations for players, it is probably of greater importance for the wellbeing of the club into the future.

Leicester 24-10 Gloucester

When Johann Ackermann arrived at Gloucester he told everyone that this was a long term project and not to expect immediate results and changes overnight. Unfortunately for him the opening weekend victory against Champions Exeter Chiefs suggested he may have been a little pessimistic. The subsequent two matches and performances have given credence to his original statement. Gloucester’s opponents, Leicester, were uncharacteristically suffering from a slow start to their campaign with defeats to Bath and Northampton respectively. An apparent weakness in the pack, a traditional strength, had led some to suggest that Gloucester may not have a better chance to end their 10 year losing streak at Welford Road.

Since his arrival, Ackermann has certainly tried to imprint his philosophy and style on the Cherry and Whites. A marked change in defensive structures and a willingness to run with the ball rather than relying on a kicking game which was so heavily criticised by many Gloucester supporters. However all the planning and preparation can only go so far, particularly when players continue to make simple errors or ‘switch off’ at critical times. One would imagine a key point made in the week leading up to Saturday would be to keep an eye on the 9/10 partnership of Ben Youngs and George Ford who are well known for their propensity to play at a high pace. Youngs especially has made a habit of taking quick penalties and catching defences napping.

Leicester started like a side out to prove a point and within 20 minutes the Tigers were 21 nil up, on course for a try bonus point while Gloucester simply were trying to stop a rout. Ben Youngs had scored twice, both tries preying on a lack of concentration while winger Malouf added a well worked third try. Gloucester eventually managed to gain a foothold in the game, but each time they found themselves in a dangerous position, a penalty or error cost them the opportunity for points. Against Harlequins they turned over the ball to the opposition 22 times, against Leicester this increased to 25. The Cherry and Whites conceded 17 penalties, many when attacking the Tigers line. A rethink of the tactics at the breakdown may be needed when coming up against combative back rows such as Leicester, Saracens and Bath.

The second half showed a marked improvement, although it would be difficult to imagine the performance getting worse. Almost immediately Gloucester scored through Josh Hohneck with a further penalty from stand in fly half Billy Twelvetrees taking the score to 21-10. Leicester were suddenly rattled as Gloucester began to find gaps and opportunities, but each time they were let down by poor handling and rushed decision making. 50/50 passes and risky offloads are a great way to break down a stubborn defence, but sometimes patience can be an equally good tactic. There were occasions where Gloucester created overlaps and mismatches, but on too many occasions a combination of a hesitant Willie Heinz and a back row reluctant to engage at the breakdown meant slow ball and a loss opportunity.

In the end, preventing a try bonus point for Leicester will probably do nothing for Gloucester’s league position, but psychologically it may be seen as a small win. In previous seasons the final result could have been significantly worse and although this may be down to Leicester’s own shortcomings as well as Gloucester’s second half tenacity, Johan Ackermann will be looking for as many positives as he can. Once again the scrum operated effectively and the famous Leicester driving maul was all but negated. The lineout was much improved from last week, there were also encouraging performances from Charlie Sharples and Olly Thorley. Leicester for their part will curse their inability to obtain the try bonus point, but will be happy and relieved with their opening win of the campaign. They have a wonderful set of backs and a number of exciting young players in Genge and Thacker but there still appears to be something missing from the ‘engine room’. If they can work out what it is and correct it, the Tigers will once again be challenging for honours at the end of the season.

  

Preview: Gloucester vs Worcester at Kingsholm

Worcester Warriors have come a long way in the last 20 years. Certainly helped by their major benefactor Cecil Duckworth, they have become an established presence in the professional era, if not always in the Premiership itself. They have attracted a loyal and vocal following, although a perception, possibly unfair, still exists among the more traditional rugby clubs that many of their casual supporters are not entirely focused on the game rather how many pints can be consumed before, during and afterwards. This isn’t a peculiar problem to Worcester, but as an away supporter at Sixways the atmosphere can be a little rowdy more akin to a football game at Villa Park.

Worcester have never quite managed to find their feet in the top flight. They have had successful seasons, finishing 8^th in 2005/2006 and reaching the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup in the same season. Warriors were also beaten finalists in the Challenge Cup two years later, losing to Bath at Kingsholm. But despite these occasional highs, they often find themselves fighting for survival at the wrong end of the table. This year, Worcester have failed to win a single point and only scored one try each game. Already a challenging situation for Gary Gold has been made more difficult by a crippling injury crisis and the absence of star name and talisman Francois Hougaard. Added to this the contract rumours regarding England and Lions centre Ben T’eo, one would suspect the midlands club will once again be struggling.

Gloucester have only lost once at home to Worcester although games between the sides are normally close affairs. Geographically the Warriors are Gloucester’s nearest rivals, but from the home fans perspective they would barely treat them as such. Bath and Bristol are the traditional foes with Exeter and Worcester only recently being mentioned as a ‘Derby’. Certainly most supporters wearing Cherry and White on Friday evening will come expecting a victory (possibly with a try bonus point) and although the management and squad would never say so in public, they will be thinking the same. The danger, of course, is allowing any complacency to creep into the dressing room and affecting the performance. Worcester can be a dangerous side and always up their game at Kingsholm. However, Gloucester should have too much, particularly with the potential returns of Owen Williams, Ben Morgan and Fraser Balmain.

The key changes required for Gloucester will be patience with the ball, increased aggression at the breakdown and a concerted effort to reduce the amount of penalties particularly when in possession. So far this season Gloucester have found themselves in good positions but failed to capitalise, so it is vital that the team start to remedy this if they are going to push further up the league. 

Harlequins 28 – 17 Gloucester

Friday 29^th April, 2016. The last time Gloucester recorded back to back wins in the AVIVA Premiership. This statistic, probably more than any other, indicates the problems that have faced the Cherry and Whites over the last 18 months. From the sublime performance against Exeter to a horror show against Harlequins, Johann Ackermann has not yet managed to rid his new charges of their inconsistencies.

When comparing the number of lost lineouts and the number of turnovers to the win against the champions, Gloucester reversed all their good work from the week before, allowing Harlequins to cruise to victory. A victory where many of their own fans weren’t happy with the team’s performance. Ackermann had warned that Gloucester’s win against Exeter, although pleasing wasn’t necessarily a true reflection of where he saw his team in their development. Sure enough the same old issues re-emerged, failing to capitalise on opposition mistakes and opportunities created, while gifting possession and territory needlessly.

There were a few plus points from the performance, namely the continued improvement in the scrum which bodes well for the rest of the season. Previous campaigns have seen Gloucester penalised relentlessly at the scrum, the supporters will be heartened to see that this appears to be at an end.

Harlequins to their credit took their chances well, even a serious injury to Dimitri Catrakilis - who remains in hospital after fracturing a bone in his throat – could not derail a much improved performance. Quins still have a number of ‘x-factor’ players who can create a chance from nothing. Gloucester’s tactic of double tackling, which worked so well against Exeter was nullified by the offloading and individual brilliance of Jamie Roberts, Mike Brown et al. It may be necessary to have a different game plan when playing against sides less well drilled as the Champions.

Preview:  Leicester v Gloucester at Welford Road          

Leicester have had a disappointing start to the season with two defeats in their opening two games. There has been an immediate impact from former Gloucester star, Johnny May, already scoring three tries, but the biggest concern for the Tigers will be the performances of their pack. High profile departures and injuries has de-powered the traditional strength of the 10 times champions.

It is ironic that May appears to have joined a Leicester side that may be suffering from a similar problem that has afflicted his former team – namely a top back line starved of quality ball from a retreating pack. Leicester have never finished below 6^th since the formation of the top flight in 1987 and over the past 30 years they have always managed to find a way to win, sometimes not entirely within the laws of the game. The familiar chant at Kingsholm of “Same old Leicester, always cheating” is normally met with the entirely correct response of “Same old Leicester, always winning!”

Gloucester have won at Welford Road on a number of occasions, with the most notable victory coming in early 2004 as Martin Johnson prepared to show off the recently won World Cup. The last win was in 2007, while many will remember the 41-41 draw in 2011. As a rugby venue, it is one of the best. The biggest capacity of any Rugby Union only club ground and a vociferous crowd that expects a performance and victory. They are certainly very quick to express their displeasure towards a referee should they take a different opinion on a particular decision.

If Gloucester are to win they will need to eradicate the errors at the lineout and make sure the Leicester backline continues to be starved of ball. Twice in the last two games a kick ahead from Billy Burns has led to an opposition try, not necessarily because of the kick itself, rather the defensive line being slow to meet the oncoming player meaning gaps and ‘dog-legs’ giving space for a counter-attack. The scrum will be crucial too. Fraser Balmain, who has been very impressive thus far, is unavailable as is Ben Morgan. In the backs, former Tiger Owen Williams is still suffering from a back injury sustained in pre-season while Mark Atkinson will also miss out. Henry Trinder impressed in a Gloucester United side that comfortable defeated their Bath counterparts on Sunday afternoon and may be in line for a recall to the 1^st XV.

Leicester have already lost Manu Tuilagi again to injury, this time out until the New Year, while there are also concerns about Brendon O’Connor and Graham Kitchener. However the Tigers are still able to call on the likes of Matt Toomua and Johnny May who will look to exploit any gaps in the Gloucester backline. A losing bonus point would be seen as a good result for the ‘Cherry and Whites’ although much like their previous game against Quins, if they are to buck the recent trend of finishing in the lower half of the table a win would certainly make a statement. 

Gloucester Rugby 28 - 21 Exeter Chiefs

It is amazing how quickly one can forget the misery and suffering of a generally dreadful rugby season. A mixture of excitement and nerves builds as the seconds tick by, ever closer to 7.45pm and kick off. The opportunity to play the Champions in front of a near sell-out crowd and the BTSport cameras should be enough motivation for a Gloucester side who, by their own admission, under-performed last term.

An encouraging performance against Scarlets in the final pre-season friendly had given many hope that this year, it could be different. There were starting debuts for Jason Woodward at fullback and Fraser Balmain at tighthead. Ruan Ackermann and Ed Slater would begin a new chapter in their careers from the bench. The Cherry and Whites were unable to select Owen Williams and Jake Polledri due to injury, while Val Rapava-Ruskin was suspended. Probably the most eye-catching element of the team selection was the centre pairing of Andy Symonds and Mark Atkinson who were preferred to the international duo of Billy Twelvetrees and Matt Scott.

Exeter Chiefs, on paper, have very few players that jump off the page. However they all know their roles and play a simple effective game plan which doesn’t rely on the brilliance of an individual. The contrast to Gloucester, particularly last season, in that regard is quite marked. The Champions were without Thomas Waldrom and Dave Ewers, while Jack Nowell and former Kingsholm favourite Matt Kvesic initially named on the bench eventually started.

Friday night games have their positives and negatives for the average supporter. It is normally a better atmosphere and there is the added advantage of a swift half after the match without necessarily getting a permission slip. However expecting thousands of people to get to Kingsholm in good time after a hard day at work is unrealistic, especially when increasingly the game can be viewed on TV.

The match itself was an incredibly tense affair, two teams giving everything with Exeter starting the brighter. Gloucester barely had any ball or territory for the first 25 minutes of the game, although their defensive structures and game plan appeared to be coping well with the Champions initial onslaught. Inevitably though an unkind bounce of the ball from a Billy Burns chip ahead created a gap and an overload on the right wing and a try for Sam Simmonds.

Finally Gloucester began to get some impetus and after a couple of line breaks in the centres and uncharacteristically patient play on the Chiefs 5 metre line, Jeremy Thrush powered over to level the match. Exeter rebounded quickly and a missed Tom Savage tackle led to Simmonds breaking through and dotting down under the posts. On the stroke of halftime, Jeremy Thrush reached out and placed the ball on the line from the middle of a ruck. The TMO and referee consulted and eventually decided that it was legal and the sides were level.

The most noticeable immediate difference compared to last season was the defensive plan. Two tacklers every time (one high, one low), no one competing at the breakdown. Exeter tried to bust holes; use dummy runners; Steenson dropped back behind his centres to give himself more time, but each time a Cherry and White wall awaited him. The other change to last season was the clear improvement in the scrum. Fraser Balmain, Richard Hibbard and John Afoa were rock solid. Balmain was hugely impressive with a number of big carries and high work rate all round. The whole pack seemed to be a different beast with incredible performances from Lewis Ludlow and Jeremy Thrush, the latter not quite having the speed in the second half to run in from 30 metres out.

Willie Heinz, the newly installed captain, for the most part marshalled his team well but a crazy 3 minutes in which he skewed a clearing box kick leading to an Exeter try, followed by a pass to nowhere and conceding a penalty at the resulting breakdown led to his withdrawal from the game. However by this time he appeared, understandably, out on his feet. Gloucester had led for a large part of the second half following another TMO decision, but once the champions had levelled it seemed the old Gloucester was about to re-emerge. A penalty at scrum time with just over 2 minutes to go gave Henry Slade the opportunity to put the Chiefs into the lead. His kick slid to the right of the posts, the home side reprieved and now with an opportunity to win it.

The joy that swirled around Kingsholm as Jason Woodward slid in to the corner can’t really be described. The attached video, courtesy of BTSport gives an impression but if felt like 3 years of pent-up frustration and misery being released. Gloucester do have much to work on but in the moments after victory the few failings can be forgotten. The coaches and players know that this is only a beginning and the supporters have had many false dawns before, but it did feel a little different this time. An extra crackle of excitement and knowledge that last season Gloucester would have lost that game.

Exeter for their part were excellent. A draw was probably a fair result, but sport is cruel as the Gloucester supporters found on so many occasions last year. The champions will be in the mix again at the end of the season and for the moment it appears Gloucester have more to offer than some predictions in the rugby press may have suggested.

Preview for Harlequins v Gloucester Rugby

Gloucester’s next opponents Harlequins were shocked in the opening fixture by newly promoted London Irish. The Exiles winning with a try bonus point and will now have confidence that they will be able to buck the recent trend of promoted sides being immediately relegated the following season. Quins for their part will be disappointed with their performance, too many penalties and mistakes meant they were always chasing the game.

Gloucester’s last visit to The Stoop was a memorable one. Victory in the European Challenge Cup Final against Edinburgh marked the high point of Lawrie Fisher’s tenure at Kingsholm. The team showed that night all of the traditional grit and determination that the supporters crave, holding on to beat their Scottish opponents despite being reduced to 13 men mid-way through the second half. The team have rarely come close since.

The Stoop is an odd stadium to visit as an away supporter. Quins have undoubtedly improved the facilities since professionalism and do an excellent job in attracting good crowds. The view from the stands is excellent and the options for those who want to ‘quench’ their thirst are probably the best in the league. However the atmosphere can be, at times, lacking. Gone are the days where the loudest noise was the gentle hum of the burger van generator, but it is impressive how 14,000 people can remain so quiet despite the excitement on the pitch.

This is even stranger when you consider the talent on show. Harlequins have an array of extremely talented players at their disposal. Mike Brown, Danny Care, Chris Robshaw, Kyle Sinckler and Joe Marler are all England regulars and although the great Nick Evans has retired, the potential of 18 year old Marcus Smith is something that should get the Quins supporters excited. Tipped and identified by Eddie Jones as a real talent, he has challenged Smith to target an England squad place sooner rather than later.

Gloucester’s record away at Harlequins over the past 10 years is pretty poor. Only one draw, a crazy 39-39 at Twickenham in 2015 which is best remembered for an outstanding Rob Cook try and Johnny May getting injured and missing the next 9 months. Games between the two sides tend to be high scoring affairs, which is no doubt good for the neutral but not so much for the respective coaching staff. Last year a combination of missed chances and ill-discipline cost the Cherry and Whites, echoing much of their season, but they will need to be wary of Quins attacking from deep. Tim Visser, Marlon Yarde and Mike Brown are devastating runners who can bust holes in the best defences. Retaining possession and slowing the opposition ball will be crucial for Gloucester. It will be interesting to see how Harlequins perform without the dynamism of Nick Evans, although the snappy and generally excellent Care will remain a threat.

If Gloucester have any ambitions to make the top 4 this season, this is the sort of game that they will need to win. Harlequins are a very good side on their day and will be there or thereabouts in the final reckoning. Their biggest issue for the coming season will be to juggle the demands of a very tough Champions Cup group with the rigours of the Premiership while Gloucester will be able to rotate their squad a little more against the likes of Agen and Zebre.