It points to a tightness and a togetherness that suggest they will now stick out the tough times

sensational ball-carrier, while behind the pack, Matt Scott had to start on the bench, which shows their strength. The Scottish centre scored a hatful of tries last year and cuts a clean line through defences. Billy Twelvetrees is another all-action hero off the bench. And there are players still to be used: Ross Moriarty is an awesome physical specimen, while Owen Williams, a casualty of the Freddie Burns-george Ford swap at Leicester and Bath, has moved closer to home and Wales.

With the win in the bag, there were celebrations in the changing room afterwards marking Savage’s 150th game for the club. They were not celebrations of “job done”. They were celebrations supporting a lad who would do anything for the club. All clubs need these men and it points to a tightness and a togetherness that suggest Gloucester will stick out tough times.

They have a heck of a trip today to prove they are different this year. Harlequins were poor against London Irish and will be hurting. They have too many England players and future England players not to come out full of pace, aggression and the intent to bury Gloucester.

So, almost immediately, we get the opportunity to test my “new Gloucester” theory. I am not advocating putting all your money on them to win the league. Or even to win at Harlequins. I am suggesting that you will see a steel, a nerve, a desire to fight for each other that will grow this season.

It will make them a side you have to beat for 80 minutes and put away right up to the death. And that, after all, is what has always made Gloucester sides great to watch, and a real pain to play against.