Ackermann fit for Dombrandt showdown
GLOUCESTER’S star number eight Ruan Ackermann looks set to return from injury this weekend to go head-to-head with his rival for the England jersey - Alex Dombrandt.
Harlequins star Dombrandt is the man in possession of the England jersey with Exeter Chiefs’ Sam Simmonds likely to miss the summer tour to Australia because of a hip injury that requires surgery, while Saracen’s Billy Vunipola is playing himself back into top form with the Rugby World Cup now just 15 months away.
South African-born Ackermann, who has publicly stated his ambitions to pull on the red rose, missed the opportunity to go headto-head with Vunipola in the Cherry and Whites’ 44-15 European Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat to Saracens last time out, sitting out the game with an injury niggle.
But Ackermann, still just 26, looks set to take centre stage at the home of English rugby on Saturday when Harlequins host Gloucester at Twickenham Stadium in ‘The Big Summer Kick-off’ with plenty on the line for both clubs.
Fifth-placed Gloucester are one point off the play-offs while third place Quins still have an outside chance of securing a home semifinal and need at least four more points from their final two regularseason games to guarantee a place in the top four.
After confirming Ackermann had recovered from the injury ‘niggle’ Gloucester head coach George Skivington said: “It is a very competitive position for England but I think we have got two very good number eights going head to head this weekend and that is the reality of it.
“I think he won’t be far away from that England squad. I think perception might be against Ruan possibly, but I think he is changing that and from my perspective, I couldn’t ask any more from him that he gives us every week.”
Skivington added: “Around that Christmas period especially, I thought he was phenomenal. I thought he could have very easily have been involved in the Six Nations for England. I think he has had a great season.
“I have got all the time in the world for Ruan. He is a phenomenal player, he is tough and the boys love him here. He leads with his actions and I think he is in a competitive position but he could be number eight for England.”
Ackermann is Gloucester’s primary ball carrier, with the second most metres gained amongst forwards in the Gallagher Premiership having smashed his way 1324m this season, just four less than 61-cap England international Billy Vunipola.