Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Ackermann emphasises importance of cup clash
GLOUCESTER Rugby round off their Heineken Champions Cup campaign at Castres Olympique today, with Lewis Ludlow captaining a young side.
The Cherry and Whites make wholesale changes from the team that started against Munster last weekend, with only Henry Walker, Gerbrandt Grobler, Ludlow, Ollie Thorley and Tom Hudson retained in the starting line-up.
Despite the changes, head coach Johan Ackermann told the media that the fixture is still significant for a number of reasons and a great opportunity for a number of players.
He said: “We talked about selection quite a lot this week. It’s still a match that is representing the jersey and is an honour.
“But we also need to take a look at guys who have trained well and put a lot of work in since the season started, but haven’t had all the game time they’ve deserved.
“We’ll be looking at some different combinations, seeing what other players can bring and also taking the opportunity to freshen up some players, even if they are named on the bench.
“We are limited in terms of availability and who is registered, but we still feel we have selected a side that can compete.
“Hopefully the players who get an opportunity this weekend will put up their hand because no-one’s position is guaranteed.
“We don’t know what to expect from the Castres selection, but they will be fired up in front of their home crowd.
“But we’ve trained well this week and everyone is looking forward to getting out on the pitch there and playing to get some momentum back.”
Gloucester Rugby: T Hudson; M Banahan, H Trinder, O Williams, O Thorley; L Evans, B Vellacott; A Seville, H Walker, C Knight; T Savage, G Grobler; G Evans, L Ludlow (capt), F Clarke. Replacements: T Gleave, P McAllister, J Hohneck, E Slater, A Craig, C Chapman, T Seabrook, C Sharples.
Bath Rugby have named their side to face Toulouse at the Stade ErnestWallon tomorrow in the final round of the Heineken Champions Cup.
Jacques van Rooyen and Anthony Perenise line up either side of Jack Walker in the front row.
Luke Charteris will captain the side from second row alongside Dave Attwood. Francois Louw and Josh Bayliss line-up at blindside and openside flanker respectively, with Zach Mercer completing the pack from number eight.
Chris Cook comes into the side at scrum-half and will feature alongside Rhys Priestland in the half-back pairing for the visitors.
Max Clark switches from outside to inside centre and will be joined by Jonathan Joseph in the midfield, as the England international marks his return to action.
Darren Atkins and Semesa Rokoduguni occupy the wing positions, with Tom Homer completing the back line at full-back.
Bath Rugby: T Homer; S Rokoduguni, J Joseph, M Clark, D Atkins; R Priestland, C Cook; J van Rooyen, J Walker, A Perenise, D Attwood, L Charteris (capt), F Louw, J Bayliss, Z Mercer. Replacements: T Dunn, M Lahiff, H Thomas, E Stooke, M van Vuuren, K Fotuali’i, A Davies, M Wright.
Warren Gatland has revealed he has held “informal conversations” over coaching the British & Irish Lions again in 2021.
The New Zealander oversaw a 2-1 series win over Australia in 2013 and a 1-1 draw in New Zealand in 2017.