Charlie Hynes rates the Gloucester players after their thrilling European Champions Cup win over Ulster
» 15. Kyle Moyle - 7
MOYLE has pace to burn and threatened the Ulster defence as he lurked on his teammate’s shoulders for offloads such as in the build-up of Gloucester’s first try. He came through on a great line off Chris Harris’ shoulder to work his way through the Ulster 22 before being brought down short. The Cornishman made 75 metres from 71 first half metres as well as making three offloads and one clean break.
» 14. Charlie Sharples - 6
STARVED of ball on the wing but worked hard and put his body on the line for his side. He made a good defensive contribution which included a good one-on-one first half tackle on his own line to prevent an Ulster score. The Cherry and Whites stalwart worked hard sprinting up and down his wing like a racehorse chasing the box kicks of Charlie Chapman to put pressure on the Ulster back field.
» 13. Chris Harris - 8
THE return of Harris after international duty gave Gloucester that star quality that they have been needing at outside centre. Harris looked dangerous whenever he had the ball in hand creating numerous dangerous attacks. Overall, Harris made 52 metres with 42 of those coming in the first half.
» 12. Mark Atkinson - 8
THE inside centre was a key part of Gloucester back line as he was used as a device to truck up good ball off first phase to try and create tempo to their play. He produced a magnificent looping pass over the Ulster defence out wide to give Louis Rees-zammit an opportunity to charge for the line. There is also no doubt that Atkinson will be on the receiving end of some comments from his forward pack as he poached a well worked mauling try early in the second half. This was a good recovery after being caught out in the defensive line for Ulster’s opening score.
» 11. Louis Rees-zammit - 7
THE young Gloucester starlet showed a remarkable ability to perform after coming straight back into the Cherry and Whites side. His day started perfectly as six minutes in he finished off a great move in the corner, showing great strength as he carried two covering Ulster defenders over the line.
» 10. Lloyd Evans - 8
IF anyone watching from home had a Danny Cipriani bingo card, they would have completed it with the comments from BT Sport’s commentary team every time Evans seemed to get the ball. The fly-half showed that he is not living in the shadow of his former team-mate and is the future of this Gloucester side. He managed the game well and made nine tackles, the joint most of any Gloucester back. Evans’ kicking put Gloucester in good positions and was accomplished from the tee with four successful kicks including one which bounced off the crossbar. His key involvement came as he gave George Barton space to dive over for the winning score. Danny who?
» 9. Charlie Chapman - 8
SHOWED experience beyond his years as he brought a sense of organisation to an enthralling encounter. Chapman looked to dictate the play with his quick and accurate passing from the base of the ruck to add tempo to Gloucester’s game and utilise their strong ball carriers. His kicking from the base was also exemplary to hit touch and give his wingers good ball to chase.
» 1. Val Rapava-ruskin - 8
THE loosehead proved a danger at the breakdown as he made a good turnover to put his side in an early ascendancy. He made three turnovers throughout the game. A force with ball in hand as well including a strong carry from a well designed line out move. The scrum also held firm as they won all six off their own ball and one from Ulster’s feed.
» 2. Jack Singleton - 7
SINGLETON backed up the decision for Gloucester to sign him on a permanent basis as he gave his side a solid base at the lineout with some accurate throwing.
» 3. Ciaran Knight - 7
KNIGHT was part of the Gloucester pack that bullied the forwards of their Irish opposition on occasions with strong lineout drives which resulted in one of Gloucester’s penalty tries. The tight head prop made 10 tackles, including a great individual tackle on the line to prevent an Ulster score.
» 4. Ed Slater - 7
SLATER remains consistent and reliable with his dependable lineout work as well as ability to get around the park and make tackles. During the game, Slater made an immense 15 tackles.
» 5. Matias Alemanno - 8
AN absolute monster in defence for the Cherry and Whites as he made an incredible 18 tackles in his 62 minutes on the field, 13 of which came in the first half. He looks to be a fine acquisition.
» 6. Jordy Reid - 7
REID proved a warrior for Gloucester with nine first half tackles and a great individual defensive effort on his own line 57 minutes with Ulster piled on the pressure blood pouring down his face whilst putting his body on the line.
» 7. Lewis Ludlow - 9
‘CAPTAIN Fantastic’ is a very fitting way to describe his performance. Ludlow made 16 tackles as he led by example in sensational and complete performance.
» 8. Ruan Ackermann - 6
THE South African made 10 carries making 18 metres but was partly responsible for the opening Ulster score as he didn’t get off the line quick enough which left the gap for Billy Burns to go in unopposed.
» Replacements: 16. Henry Walker - 8; 17. Alex Seville - 6; 18. Jamal FordRobinson - 6; 19. Alex Craig - 6; 0. Seb Nagle-taylor - 7; 21. Toby Venner - 6; 22. George Barton - 7; 23. Henry Trinder - 6
GEORGE Skivington put his faith in his replacements as all the momentum appeared to be with the visitors. Last week’s star Seb Nagle-taylor made 29 metres from only three carries. 20-year-old George Barton came on to get the decisive score as he showed a good turn of pace and finishing ability from short range. Replacement hooker Henry Walker hit two late lineouts with the clock in the red to give his side a lifeline in the match and in Europe. Elsewhere, young scrum half Toby Venner came on for his debut and looked composed at the crucial moments late on.