Let the youth thrive Time for brave decisions
with Andy Deacon, former Gloucester prop and Longlevens director of rugby
IN my time of writing Deacs’ Week it has been a rarity that I have not backed Gloucester to win a game. Their opening game in the Champions Cup was not one of those occasions. Gloucester travelled to Lyon in hope rather than in expectation, with an injury-ravaged squad.
I have been in situations like this playing in a Gloucester shirt, but I honestly thought that we would win every game that I played in even if the odds were stacked against, because there is no other way.
The stark reality of a long afternoon ahead can often be realised when points are shipped quickly. Then decisions on the field must be reached. Do we chase the game or stick to the game plan, which would ultimately help the severity of the scoreboard?
A player’s instinct is to have a go, and so that is what the Cherry and Whites duly did.
The game was played with a high tempo which would have suited the youngsters, but they were up against a Lyon side that was packed with experience and were very much in form.
The former French centre Mathieu Bastareaud packed down at eight and was wonderful to watch. His range of skills were all on show, with brute force mixed with soft hands that made space for his teammates. Gloucester scored what some would say the try of the match through the energetic number eight Seb NagleTaylor, who must have made an impression on the coaching staff after joining on loan from Hartpury. The second half became one- way traffic, w ith Lyon scoring 29 unanswered points.
I do feel for George Skivington, who has had a rough deal since joining Gloucester, with Covid-19 putting him under intense pressure, and not totally being able to implement his strategy off the field, also with cruel luck on the injury front on the field.
Many supporters ahead of this game said it would be a 50-pointer, which it was, but what that does do is undermine and disrespect the players who have pulled on the shirt.
The likes of Seabrook, Barton, Morris, Clement, Varney, Craig; all will be the future.
Too many times Gloucester have been described as a project and in a transitional period, without making significant change to put solid foundations down to enforce a new being at the club.
This result should be a watershed moment for the club.
Let the youth thrive, give them responsibility, nurture them into the Premiership side, at the same time guys who once served the club with distinction must be moved on, to reflect the strategy.
Santiago Carreras is a great signing. The Argentinian full back is comfortable in multiple positions across the backline, he is young and he will be keen to develop in the English game.
The only drawback is I am unsure of the terms of the contract.
Time and patience are the two words Skivington may not have. The guys who employed him must now give him that to justify their decision.
Brave selections must be made to give the squad impetus.
Supporters must understand Gloucester will not win the Champions Cup this season, but let this be the first building block of a new era, which truly belongs with action.
Every coach looks for positives, even in defeat.
Make the positive be the beginning of a new era with players who will make the vision a reality.
Breaking news: As I write this, we hear the news that Danny Cipriani has left Gloucester and a new signing in Adam Hastings arrives. More on this next week.