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The message to players as troubled Gloucester face exotic European fixture

Jack Clement of Gloucester Rugby looks dejected at full-time following their teams defeat in the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby at Sandy Park on November 19, 2023 in Exeter, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

George Skivington, the under-pressure Gloucester director of rugby, has demanded his players rediscover their famous “dog” to ensure the European Challenge Cup clash with Black Lion in Georgia does not become another major set back for a team that was hammered 51-26 by Bristol last weekend.

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Gloucester have lost six Premiership games in a row prompting CEO Alex Brown to issue a statement to appease worried fans and Skivington believes a change in emphasis from defence to attack is at the root of their problems. Gloucester, who used to have a reputation as one of the toughest outfits in the league, saw a remarkable 49 defenders beaten by the Bristol attackers and that brought problems to a head.

Skivington said: “The most important thing from a coaching point of view is that we see that Gloucester dog that we pride ourselves on. It is important from the players point of view we represent that in Georgia. We have been a top four defensive side in the Premiership for the last two years but there has been a shift in mind set and we are going to do something about it. We have not changed the defensive system, just worked on ball in hand and we are a real threat. The weekend was a big kick for us. “

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    Jacques Nienaber on pressure and Munster fan reactions

    With just five days between their return from Georgia on Sunday and the Friday night home Cup game with Clermont, Skivington has opted to leave Argentinian internationals Santi Carreras and Matias Alemanno, Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit and England international Ollie Thorley at home. “To go fully loaded in Georgia and fully loaded for Clermont would be a big challenge,” he explained. “We planned this a few weeks out and we have to balance the squad with a five-day trip to Georgia.”

    Getting video of the Georgian side has been a challenge and while Gloucester have “four or five” games to study they were only filmed from one angle although the evidence has made it clear the West Country forwards are in for a tough time against members of the Georgian Rugby World Cup squad in the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi. Skivington said: “We have enough games to know that they are a big, physical side with a sizeable pack. It is going to be a hard work contest.“

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    R
    RedWarrior 2 hours ago
    The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

    So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

    Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

    Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

    1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

    2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

    3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

    4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


    One last thing missing from English analysis

    How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


    Food for thought old boy!!!!

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