Western Daily Press (Saturday)
West rivals all set for derby clash
GLOUCESTER Rugby welcome West rivals Bristol Bears to Kingsholm today in Round 14 of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership.
Both sides come into the game off the back of wins following the eightweek break in the Premiership during the Six Nations and the Bears will be looking to pick up points to keep their play-offs hopes alive.
Pat Lam’s Bristol side stunned league leaders Northampton Saints 52-21 at Ashton Gate last weekend with an impressive all-round display.
The Cherry and Whites left it late but a last-minute try from Stephen Varney gave them a rare 25-27 win away at Leicester Tigers in Round 13.
On facing Bristol, Gloucester Rugby director of rugby George Skivington said: “We always have tough games with Bristol, and they had a very good game last weekend.
“We know the threats that Bristol present, we’ve experienced that firsthand this year already so they’re definitely not to be underestimated.”
“They’re strong across the board. They move the ball very well; they’ve got a very strong attack.
“They play a different game to Leicester, not as much kicking, but like Leicester, their set-piece is very good so they’re not just an out-andout attack, but obviously they are very good when they play wide.”
However, he said Gloucester would look to impose their own game on their West Country rivals.
“The biggest focus will be on us and our own game and as I said last week, we feel if we can impose our game then it will put us in a good position against anybody.”
For the Bears, Ellis Genge and Max Malins return to the starting line-up. The England international duo, who made a huge impact from the bench in the victory over Saints, are named at loosehead and full back respectively, with Yann Thomas and Siva Naulago switching to the replacements.
Noah Heward moves to the wing against the Cherry and Whites, as the Bears make just two changes from last week’s emphatic home win.
The Cherry & Whites’ starting XV has four changes to the side that defeated Leicester last weekend ahead of the Rifles Cup.
In the front row, Jamal Ford-Robinson is set for his 99th Gloucester Rugby appearance at loose-head, with Kirill Gotovtsev packing down on the tight-head once more.
Adam McBurney, on loan from Edinburgh, makes his first appearance for the club, following a minor training injury for Seb Blake.
Freddie Clarke and Cam Jordan continue their partnership in the pack, with captain Ruan Ackermann, Zach Mercer and Jack Clement, who penned a fresh deal at Kingsholm this week, completing the pack.
Stephen Varney and Santi Carreras, continue in the half-backs, with Chris Harris joining Max Llewellyn in the midfield.
Ollie Thorley returns to the staring XV, replacing Jonny May with Josh Hathaway and Lloyd Evans completing the back-three.
Due to Seb Blake’s injury, Hartpury RFC captain, Will Crane, has linked up with the Cherry & Whites for the game. He’s added to the bench. Val Rapava Ruskin, Fraser Balmain, Albert Tuisue and Lewis Ludlow join Crane as forwards cover, with Caolan Englefield, Seb Atkinson and Jonny May the backs replacements.
Bristol Bears:
15. Max Malins (29 apps), 14. Noah Heward (18 apps), 13. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (20 apps), 12. James Williams (37 apps), 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (36 apps), 10. AJ MacGinty (33 apps), 9. Harry Randall (121 apps); 1. Ellis Genge (39 apps), 2. Gabriel Oghre (12 apps), 3. Kyle Sinckler (56 apps), 4. James Dun (29 apps),
5. Joe Batley (59 apps), 6. Steven Luatua (125 apps), 7. Fitz Harding (c) (67 apps), 8. Magnus Bradbury (40 apps).
16. Fred Davies (13 apps), 17. Yann Thomas (113 apps), 18. Max Lahiff (82 apps), 19. Joe Owen (12 apps), 20. Jake Heenan (106 apps), 21. Kieran Marmion (19 apps), 22. Kalaveti Ravouvou (8 apps), 23. Siva Naulago (30 apps).
Replacements: Gloucester Rugby:
5. Lloyd Evans 14. Josh Hathaway*
13. Chris Harris 12. Max Llewellyn 11. Ollie Thorley* 10. Santi Carreras 9. Stephen Varney* 1. Jamal Ford-Robinson 2. Adam McBurney** 3. Kirill Gotovtsev 4. Freddie Clarke* 5. Cam Jordan* 6. Ruan Ackermann (C ) 7. Jack Clement* 8. Zach Mercer
16. Will Crane** 17. Val Rapava-Ruskin
18. Fraser Balmain 19. Albert Tuisue 20. Lewis Ludlow*
21. Caolan Englefield 22. Seb Atkinson* 23. Jonny May*