Quins to provide ‘unique challenge’ for Gloucester
GEORGE Skivington is excited about the challenge of pitting his in-form Gloucester side against champions Harlequins at Kingsholm on Sunday.
Quins come into the game fresh from their 41-27 win over Northampton on Monday, coming from 21-7 down with the help of Alex Dombrandt’s hat-trick.
They sit third in the table, a point ahead of Gloucester, who, according to head coach Skivington, face a “massive and unique challenge”.
He said: “These are the big ones – the champions coming to Kingsholm in good form.
“They scored some great tries against Saints and have a few key players we will have to be aware of.
“(England fly-half) Marcus Smith didn’t play against Saints, and while we have to be focused on what we are doing, we are aware of what is coming.”
Skivington watched the Quins-saints game and says the Premiership champions play great rugby – but added: “There are no obvious patterns to what they do.
“Saints scored three tries in the first few minutes and you think that is a tough spot for Quins to come back from – but obviously not.
“They are a good attacking unit and found a great connection among themselves.
“It will be a unique challenge for us – they have the most line breaks in the league, so you know what is coming from them.
“They are going to break lines and it is all about how you adjust to that and how you ride the storm.
“I am excited about it as I want us to be tested, and they have a good group.
“I enjoyed watching the Saints-quins game and it will be a real test for our squad.”
Gloucester go into the game on a high after Boxing Day’s 40-20 derby victory at Bath and were also in action last night (Wednesday) at Worcester in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
Skivington named a young side for that game, with 20 of the matchday 23 coming through – or still being part of – the club’s academy.
“This week has been a real test of the squad with Boxing Day, then into Wednesday and on to Sunday,” he said.
“We are the only side doing that as Worcester have a bye week in the League, but we will embrace the challenge.
“Training has been different and we have had to focus on two games, and we will see where we are after these three games in a week.”
Experienced lock Ed Slater was named on the bench at Worcester and could come into consideration for the Quins game if he comes through unscathed, while England wing Jonny May was a late withdrawal from the Bath game.
“He had a tight calf, so we made a decision, but he has been running around, so we will see where he is with it before Sunday,” said Skivington.