Gloucester boss hails 'outstanding' England World Cup winner as best coach in Premiership

Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington played down the significance of a first Gallagher Premiership away victory in nearly a year after his side edged to an 18-14 win over Newcastle Falcons.

The Cherry and Whites’ last away league triumph came 364 days ago against London Irish and they nearly had to wait a little longer after a spirited second-half Falcons fightback.

Gloucester had earlier led 15-0 at half time but had to wait until overtime at the end of the game to seal victory, fending off Falcons in wet and windy conditions.

Steve Borthwick previews the World Cup semifinal showdown between England and South Africa

Steve Borthwick previews the World Cup semifinal showdown between England and South Africa

“It is always tough coming to play here, they are very gritty and with the storm coming in, it was going to make it an even tougher challenge,” said Skivington.

“Was it pretty? No. Is there loads we didn’t quite execute? Absolutely. But if you come to Newcastle in those conditions and win then you have got to be pretty happy.

“I didn’t actually know that stat (about the wait for an away win) until we did an interview before the game because I don’t believe in hanging on to what’s behind us.

“What’s gone is gone, it is nice that record has gone but it wasn’t bothering us. What is important is it is our first away game in the Premiership this season and we have gone and won it.”

Hooker George McGuigan and wing Jake Morris scored in Gloucester’s second successive win, but it was the set piece which helped them over the line at the death with a scrum penalty deep inside their own half.

“Our scrum was the best in the Prem last season and we think we are better this season than we were then,” added Skivington.

“Trevor Woodman has been outstanding in that area. He has got to be the best scrum coach in the league and he is building them really nicely.

“We know it is an area of strength and we took advantage of that tonight.”

Meanwhile, Falcons boss Alex Codling was left to rue missed opportunities after his first home game in charge ended in defeat.

A penalty try and superb solo score from Adam Radwan gave his side late hope, but he felt the damage was after a poor first half.

“In the last 20 minutes I thought we really took it to Gloucester, but the big disappointment was the first half – we lost the penalty count 10 to two and gave a yellow card away, and ultimately, we came up short,” said Codling.

“I thought at the set piece we missed a couple and ultimately, those small margins in the Premiership are the difference between the two teams.

“But I’m proud of the effort, proud of the resilience and proud of the heart.”