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Challenge Cup

Gloucester change 4 from semi-final for Sharks showdown

By Josh Raisey

212 days ago

Santi Carreras of Gloucester Rugby reacts after during the EPCR Challenge Cup match between Gloucester Rugby and ASM Clermont Auvergne at Kingsholm Stadium on December 15, 2023 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Gloucester have made four changes to the starting XV to face the Sharks on Friday in the Challenge Cup final from the one that triumphed over Benetton in the semi-finals.

Three of the changes come in the pack, with both props changing to take on a formidable Sharks front row at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Loosehead Jamal Ford-Robinson has come into the starting XV to replace Mayco Vivas, who has dropped to the bench. Fraser Balmain starts at tighthead, with Kirill Gotovtsev also joining the replacements.

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The final change in the pack sees Arthur Clark start in place of Freddie Thomas in the second row.

Argentina fullback Santi Carreras has recovered after having his appendix removed to take his place in the starting line-up again, taking the place of Josh Hathaway in the No15 jersey.

Fixture

Challenge Cup

Gloucester

22 - 36

Full-time

Sharks

All Stats and Data

The final will be the last appearance for some of the Cherry and Whites, with both Jonny May and Adam Hastings set to leave Kingsholm at the end of the season.

Gloucester XV
15. Santi Carreras
14. Jonny May
13. Chris Harris
12. Seb Atkinson
11. Ollie Thorley
10. Adam Hastings
9. Caolan Englefield
1. Jamal Ford-Robinson
2. Seb Blake
3. Fraser Balmain
4. Freddie Clarke
5. Arthur Clark
6. Ruan Ackermann
7. Lewis Ludlow (C)
8. Zach Mercer

Replacements
16. Santi Socino
17. Mayco Vivas
18. Kirill Gotovtsev
19. Albert Tuisue
20. Jack Clement
21. Stephen Varney
22. Max Llewellyn
23. Josh Hathaway

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Comments on RugbyPass

Barry 52 minutes ago

'Springbok Galacticos can't go it alone for trophy-hunting Sharks'

Always has elevated the profile of African rugby?

They didn't do much for the games profile from 1981 - 1992. Not in a positive sense at least.

5 Go to comments

Bull Shark 1 hour ago

'Tom has the potential to be better than a British and Irish Lion'

What does “better than a British Lion” mean?

As good as a springbok?

6 Go to comments

Hellhound 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

On this I agree with you. There were many great teams and many different eras of rugby with very different rule sets. It's actually impossible to declare one team or player as the best ever. However, this is definitely the best SA team SA has ever had. All the accolades speaks for itself.

129 Go to comments

Hellhound 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

129 Go to comments

Barry 2 hours ago

URC chief executive addresses potential Premiership merger

The RFU won't go for it especially now they've enhanced hybrid contracts and some control over their international players.

2 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Exactly. They haven't learnt. Their regions and U20s are also whipping boys which is the bigger concern. Nothing coming through.

They maxed out the credit cards to keep their golden generation of players at home. It's now destroyed the game at every level in Wales.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Nor can the same coach turn it around. That's been proven across the last year. It will be years before they are even competitive again. It's a 5 year + job. No way Gatland will be around for that.

Italy's nadir was around ten years ago and even they were better equipped with their regions, U20s and senior squad and management. Wales have further to fall.

10 Go to comments

Barry 5 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

If they're happy at losing 12 on the bounce, get a regional coach who would be as bad but cost about a sixth in salary.

10 Go to comments

dw 6 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

I'm no expert but I've never seen nz or even aus as doing much for those nations? Both have benefited from their countries players playing for us! I see most of the top nations looking after themselves and maybe it's a world rugby issue?

129 Go to comments

richard davies 6 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

At 600k a year I would think there will be quite a Que. win lose or draw you can blame the small stature of the players and the WRU