Ackerman hoping 11 changes will end Gloucester losing streak

Head coach Johan Ackermann insists Gloucester are on the path to recovery despite being in the midst of a four-match losing run.

The Cherry and Whites head to Harlequins for Sunday’s Gallagher Premiership clash at the Stoop looking to reignite a season that started with wins against Sale and Wasps but has since stalled.

“We didn’t play well in our last Premiership games against Leicester and Saracens, we all know that,” Ackermann said.

“We have played better in the last two weeks even though the results haven’t reflected it. But I felt that the intent was back, the urgency was there.

“So now we really have to put in an 80 minute performance. We can’t have any more excuses on a Monday morning.

“We have to make other teams be better than us, because at the moment we’ve been making mistakes and other teams capitalise on it.

“It’s now time for a performance and I know that Harlequins are going to feel the same.”

Ackermann has made 11 changes, including the return of half-backs Danny Cipriani and Joe Simpson.

“It’s a real shame that he doesn’t feel comfortable to come to the away matches.https://t.co/UT1xQqoauN

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 30, 2019

Harlequins have been defeated in three of their four Premiership matches and have been hit by the loss of Mike Brown to a knee injury, with England’s most capped full-back unlikely to play again this season.

England prop Kyle Sinckler returns to the bench, however, in his first outing since being knocked out in the World Cup final against South Africa.

“It is great to have someone of the quality and experience of Kyle back in the squad,” Quins head of rugby Paul Gustard said.

“He has slotted back into training well and we look forward to seeing him back in action after a superb World Cup in Japan.”

In Sunday’s second fixture, Premiership pacesetters Bristol host London irish, who have picked Paddy Jackson at full-back.

Gloucester Rugby:

15. Tom Marshall; 14. Louis Rees-Zammit, 13. Chris Harris, 12. Mark Atkinson, 11. Ollie Thorley; 10. Danny Cipriani, 9. Joe Simpson; 1. Val Rapava-Ruskin, 2. Franco Marais, 3. Jamal Ford-Robinson; 4. Alex Craig, 5. Franco Mostert; 6. Ruan Ackermann, 7. Lewis Ludlow, 8. Ben Morgan (capt)

Replacements:

16. Corné Fourie, 17. Josh Hohneck, 18. Fraser Balmain, 19. Freddie Clarke, 20. Jake Polledri, 21. Callum Braley, 22. Billy Twelvetrees, 23. Matt Banahan

Unavailable for selection:

Ruan Dreyer, James Hanson, Willi Heinz, Jaco Kriel, Ed Slater, Henry Trinder, Owen Williams, Jason Woodward