GLOUCESTER
DISCUSSION POINTS
The devastating MND diagnosis for Ed Slater has overshadowed Gloucester’s preparations. How marvellous if they could channel that pain into at least a play-off place – last term they dipped out after narrow losses at Bristol and Harlequins in the closing rounds.
Without the ball, Gloucester have made giant strides under defence coach Dom Waldouck, with Chris Harris his on-field general. Their set-piece can be got at but they scored the most tries off first phase last season and are particularly sharp at playing out the back, from Billy Twelvetrees to Val Rapava-Ruskin.
Attack coach Alex King has moved on, with Tim Taylor assuming more responsibility in that area. Getting the ball in the hands of Louis Rees-Zammit (24 tries in 40 Prem games) is a top priority. England wing Jonny May is back having been restricted to just eight league outings in 2021-22 due to a knee injury.
It’s a settled squad, so the Gloucester faithful will expect the team to hit their straps quickly.
K E Y P L AY E R
Ruan Ackermann shouldered the ball-carrying burden last term, making the most metres (1,489) of any forward in the league bar Billy Vunipola. His consistency had coach George Skivington calling for his England inclusion. New signing Albert Tuisue and Jake Polledri will help share the workload this time – just what Gloucester need.
O N E T O WAT C H
Before his horrific knee injury in 2020 against Scotland, Italy back-row Polledri was setting the bar as a carrier. The 26-year-old has dug very deep to get back. Don’t expect too much too soon.
W H AT ’ S R E A L I S T I C ?
Dare we say it but fifth place looks about right for Gloucester.
FA N ’ S V I E W
TomHancock: “Breaking into the top four is the priority after nearly sneaking in last year. I’m really excited about having Santi Carreras at 15 for a full season! Skivington is bringing pride and passion back to The Holm!”