All Blacks would not ignore star pair

» LAST week I was asked by BBC Radio Gloucestershire to talk about Gloucester Rugby’s season to date, and their chances of potentially beating Saracens in their own back yard.

The Gloucester defence will have to be at its very best - if sloppy tries are given away through poor defending, their will be no way back, even with the attacking options that Gloucester possesses.

It will be a huge coup if Gloucester do make it to the final. This will be the first time in eight seasons Gloucester has competed in the play offs - it is a one-off game, and anything can happen.

Can Saracens repeat the intensity shown in Newcastle? Will they be under powered due to injuries? Will Gloucester have the likes of Thorley back fit?

Before those questions can be answered Gloucester travel to Sale Sharks and Johan Ackermann’s selection will be very interesting.

It may be mixed with some key players rested, and others coming back from injury given a run out.

Come play-off day you will know 100 per cent the Saracens will be ready, they will be fresh and motivated to once again reach a final.

Danny Cipriani has been awarded Player of the Season by his fellow professionals, but can he get anywhere near the England World Cup squad?

Add to this Alex Goode has been voted European Player of the Year, and like Cipriani he too seems surplus to Eddie Jones’ squad.

The head coach calls the shots but the coaches around him must have some of the responsibility in trying to persuade the main man that his selection is clearly wrong.

No nation in the world would leave out these two great players who are in the form of their lives - and that includes the All Blacks.