Discipline needs to be addressed after another red
In the modern game discipline is a must, and the Alemanno red was a sending off offence that could have been avoided
SEEING a crowd of three thousand people watching the Bristol Bears v Gloucester game was quite emotional, and the players initially looked positively stunned at having spectators back in the ground.
They did not have to wait long for the first incident of the game – but unfortunately the very influential Gloucester lock forward Matias Alemanno was shown a red card for a tip tackle.
Gloucester does have a history of red and yellow cards being shown this season, which undermined certain performances and ultimately the results.
This game was no different, with six tries conceded.
The Bears had world-class players all over the pitch, and sitting top of the table the writing was on the wall.
But George Skivington has put a backbone into this current Gloucester squad.
Gloucester were in the contest for much of the match, mainly due to the fact the home side squandered eight scoring opportunities.
The result does also mean that Gloucester will not be playing in the Champions Cup next season.
There was anticipation surrounding this game, with Gloucester’s recent form being on an upward curve. Playing the best side in the league, it could have been a gauge on how far Skivington has improved the playing performance, but with the sending off the contest was put out of kilter for any judgement.
An area of concern for Skivington can be the team discipline resulting in multiple cards being shown. Do not get me wrong – cards are now produced by referees like confetti. The days are gone when players used to throw a few punches, with the referee saying, “calm down guys, play on”!
In the modern game discipline is a must, and the Alemanno red was a sending off offence that could have been avoided. Yes, in the heat of the battle the mindset is different, which can lead to offences that will jeopardise players staying
on the field of play.
But when the season ends and judgement is made on the progress of this squad, discipline will be a talking point.
There will be positives, as Gloucester’s work rate is second to none, which is of course is required, but if you play the game with 14, or even 13, you will always be up against it.
The top sides play on the edge of the law, without falling off the tightrope of discipline.
I think Gloucester were in for a genuine shout of a victory, as elements of their game function – the scrum lineout operated at a level that provided enough ball for success.
The defence is improving; the spirit, fight and togetherness is there for all to see.
Gloucester possesses some world class players but discipline can be questioned, and I do not mean just keeping the full complement of players on the pitch. It is a discipline to keep to the playing structure and script when in the heat of battle.
Overall, I was bitterly disappointed that Gloucester lost this latest West Country derby.
Gloucester have three fixtures left this season: London Irish, Bath (both at Kingsholm) and Worcester (away).
These are now very winnable games for them.
Games at the back end of the season can turn into a try fest, but Gloucester will give these games the utmost respect, which demands discipline, but a mental one.
Three wins on the bounce leading to the summer break will put the club in a far better place than the one George Skivington inherited last year.