Young players will benefit from cup experience
THE Premiership Cup saw a much-changed, inexperienced Gloucester side see off Wasps who themselves fielded an even more inexperienced side.
This competition gives Johan Ackermann an opportunity to look at the academy players, and senior guys who had not had many minutes on the field.
The reality was the Gloucester squad picked itself with so many injuries in the squad, so Ackermann largely had his hands tied.
It was a good time to play Wasps as they too carry a massive injury list and picked a side also packed with academy players.
Across the competition, billed as a development competition, selections were varied.
Worcester Warriors were nearly at full strength much to the annoyance of their opponents Sale Sharks, Worcester scoring five tries to nil.
Saracens looked strong, but they always do with the depth of quality players they have in their squad and surprisingly, Newcastle again looked strong against Exeter who, like Saracens, always look competitive whatever the situation.
The game at Kingsholm, especially in the second half, did not reach any great heights, but with Gloucester being 24 points to the good at half time the contest was over.
The younger guys would have benefited from playing in a first-team environment with some players making their debuts, in front of a very healthy 12,000 crowd who created a good atmosphere on a very cold and wet Saturday.
Academy players can spend a lot of time on the training paddock helping the senior players to prepare for league and European games, so for them to be centre stage will only help their progression and confidence.
The senior players not playing will be resting, re-habbing injuries, and working on fitness levels and after two months of the season the opportunity to rest niggling injuries is
key.
With this in mind the new rugby playing structure has been announced, with no-one to play more than 30 full games, guaranteed in-season breaks, the season start will be pushed back to late September with the Premiership final in June.
There are further stipulations on international players to help with their welfare, which must be applauded.
Looking at Gloucester’s injury list, they need all the help they can get.
I fear though the injuries will continue to be part and parcel of the game of rugby, with players in the modern era being more powerful; the collisions are more intense and injuries will happen.
But the authorities that run the game must be applauded for trying to tackle the msituation, in a near impossible position with TV companies, countries, clubs, sponsors all wanting their piece of the modern professional player.