Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Sharks present a massive challenge to us – Skivington
GEORGE Skivington admits his Gloucester Rugby side face a ‘massive challenge’ when they play host to Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership this afternoon.
Skivington believes the Sharks are equipped to reach the end-ofseason play-offs, and describes their current line-up as ‘a welloiled machine’.
And the Kingsholm boss insists there is no other option than hard work to get the better of the side from the North West.
Skivington explained: “Sale are a top-four team. They are massively physical; they’ve got a great work rate, an aggressive defence and a big pack. We know they have been a well-oiled machine for a little while now.
“It’s a massive challenge for us and it’s one we’re working hard to try to get on top of.”
Skivington has made just two changes to the side that defeated Worcester Warriors last weekend, with the two British & Irish Lions, wing Louis Rees-Zammit and centre Chris Harris, returning to the starting XV.
The rest of the backline is unchanged, with Jason Woodward starting at full-back alongside Jonny May and Rees-Zammit on the wings.
Harris links up with Mark Atkinson in the midfield, with Ben Meehan and Adam Hastings starting at half-back.
The starting pack is completely unchanged, with Harry Elrington, Jack Singleton and Kirill Gotovtsev named in the front row.
Freddie Clarke and Andrew Davidson start at lock, with Ruan Ackermann, Ben Morgan and the captain, Lewis Ludlow, making up the back row.
There are some changes on the bench with new signing Matt Moulds set to make his Gloucester debut if he is deployed, and Matias Alemanno and Charlie Chapman set to make their first appearances of the season.
The Sharks make ten changes from their last game.
Gloucester Rugby: J Woodward, L Rees-Zammit, C Harris, M Atkinson, J May; A Hastings, B Meehan; H Elrington, J Singleton, K Gotovtsev, F Clarke, A Davidson, R Ackermann, L Ludlow (capt), B Morgan. Replacements: M Moulds, V Rapava-Ruskin, J FordRobinson, M Alemanno, J Clement, C Chapman, B Twelvetrees, K Moyle.
■ Cinderford have the chance to consolidate their position at the head of National League One with a home game against bottom-ofthe-table Plymouth this afternoon.
The Foresters are only being held off top spot by Rosslyn Park on points difference after five games, while Albion have lost all four of their encounters so far.
Elsewhere, Taunton Titans make the long journey north to play Sale FC, with the sides respectively fifth and sixth in the third tier table having each won three matches and lost two thus far.
Meanwhile, in National League Two South, second-placed Clifton are away to Redruth, who occupy third spot, while Dings Crusaders, currently sixth in the standings, have a home clash against tabletopping Worthing.