Chance missed Chiefs were there for the taking
WATCHING Gloucester’s 28-20 loss at Exeter Chiefs, I went through a lot of emotions - encouragement despair, elation, but ultimately disappointment. Gloucester knew they had to start well with the Chiefs not training together for nearly two weeks due to COVID-19 positive tests. This they did, with energy, variation in their play and good kick options from hand but the underlying feeling as the first half wore on is that the scoreboard had not been troubled enough, as you know the home side would have a purple patch in the game. I feel the crucial moment of the game was Jonny May’s inaccurate pass to Charlie Chapman.
He should have taken the pass, which was catchable, but there was no need for May to make it that difficult. If Chapman had scored it would have meant crucially that Gloucester would have gone in at half time in front. George Skivington’s team talk at half time must have included the need for accuracy, and to maintain the levels of intensity.
Like true champions, Exeter came storming back and totally dominated the third quarter scoring two tries. Champions do not panic. They just right their wrongs on the field of play, with good leadership, and a game plan that they know if executed accurately will give them a chance of winning the game. Gloucester did not give up and showed great fight. There were numerous stand out players for the Cherry and Whites, the main man being Ed Slater who showed his experience, and knowhow at crucial times, his work rate as ever was exceptional. There was a lot made of Lewis Ludlow, the Gloucester captain who made 32 tackles, which is remarkable, but his desire is not a one off - he plays like this every time he puts the shirt on. Crucially, his error and penalty count was down, which a makes a massive difference to a player who plays on the edge.
His back-row partner Jordy Reid is game by game becoming a crucial player in the Gloucester squad.
His tackling is furious and this game saw him win crucial turnovers, which he must have in his armoury to be right up there with the very best in the league.
As in previous game Skivington is not afraid to empty his bench to bring renewed energy to the team.
Step forward scrum half Toby Venner who was not perfect, but upped the pace of the ball from the breakdown, which Lloyd Evans relished. He bagged two tries that kept Gloucester in the game.
Gloucester now seem to have a stable of nines which looks youthful. The key to these young nines and the other young players now in the squad is consistency.
Youth brings unpredictability, but performance at the highest level must be consistent and exposure to the Premiership on a regular basis will hasten their development.
When Willi Heinz is fit, it will be interesting to see how Skivington handles the selection conundrum.
The one massive advantage the Kiwi, sorry Englishman, has is experience. He knows his way around a rugby field and marshals his forward troops well.
The big lads, believe it or not, like to be told what to do on a rugby field, meaning they are in the right place at the right time. I was once told less thinking means quicker feet.
As Evans’ late penalty sailed wide meaning Gloucester would leave Sandy Park empty handed, my lasting thought was this was a game Gloucester should have won; it was there for the taking.
When you have nothing to show from a hard afternoon graft these words can mean nothing.
The only consolation will be when the Cherry and Whites take advantage of their dominance with points, meaning lessons have been learnt, and more importantly squad progression is gathering pace.