1
Ackerman hoping 11 changes will end Gloucester losing streak
By Online Editors
Head coach Johan Ackermann insists Gloucester are on the path to recovery despite being in the midst of a four-match losing run.
The Cherry and Whites head to Harlequins for Sunday’s Gallagher Premiership clash at the Stoop looking to reignite a season that started with wins against Sale and Wasps but has since stalled.
“We didn’t play well in our last Premiership games against Leicester and Saracens, we all know that,” Ackermann said.
“We have played better in the last two weeks even though the results haven’t reflected it. But I felt that the intent was back, the urgency was there.
“So now we really have to put in an 80 minute performance. We can’t have any more excuses on a Monday morning.
“We have to make other teams be better than us, because at the moment we’ve been making mistakes and other teams capitalise on it.
“It’s now time for a performance and I know that Harlequins are going to feel the same.”
Ackermann has made 11 changes, including the return of half-backs Danny Cipriani and Joe Simpson.
Harlequins have been defeated in three of their four Premiership matches and have been hit by the loss of Mike Brown to a knee injury, with England’s most capped full-back unlikely to play again this season.
England prop Kyle Sinckler returns to the bench, however, in his first outing since being knocked out in the World Cup final against South Africa.
“It is great to have someone of the quality and experience of Kyle back in the squad,” Quins head of rugby Paul Gustard said.
“He has slotted back into training well and we look forward to seeing him back in action after a superb World Cup in Japan.”
In Sunday’s second fixture, Premiership pacesetters Bristol host London irish, who have picked Paddy Jackson at full-back.
Gloucester Rugby:
15. Tom Marshall; 14. Louis Rees-Zammit, 13. Chris Harris, 12. Mark Atkinson, 11. Ollie Thorley; 10. Danny Cipriani, 9. Joe Simpson; 1. Val Rapava-Ruskin, 2. Franco Marais, 3. Jamal Ford-Robinson; 4. Alex Craig, 5. Franco Mostert; 6. Ruan Ackermann, 7. Lewis Ludlow, 8. Ben Morgan (capt)
Replacements:
16. Corné Fourie, 17. Josh Hohneck, 18. Fraser Balmain, 19. Freddie Clarke, 20. Jake Polledri, 21. Callum Braley, 22. Billy Twelvetrees, 23. Matt Banahan
Unavailable for selection:
Ruan Dreyer, James Hanson, Willi Heinz, Jaco Kriel, Ed Slater, Henry Trinder, Owen Williams, Jason Woodward
Trending on RugbyPass
2
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
3
Let's be real about these All Blacks
4
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
5
Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
Go to comments