A few thoughts on Gloucester...

It is clear to most that we have one of the most exciting back lines in England, and it wouldn’t be too far stretch to say in Europe, as it currently stands. However, the likes of Burns, Twelvetree’s, May and Simpson-Daniel really haven’t fired on all cylinders to date. To get the best out of this plethora of attacking talent, several changes need to be implemented.

1. Tight 5

Where the game is won and lost. For me, none of these positions are about star performers and mercurial talent. I want props who can scrummage, a hooker who can throw and support in the loose, and two locks who can secure you good line out ball. These 5 players are about consistency, solidity and a platform for going forward.

At the moment, the props we have at the club aren’t up to scratch. Harden is too tall, which is woefully clear when he comes up against more ‘stocky’ props. He also offers very little in the loose, and his ball carrying is stagnant at best.
Nick Wood offers more in the loose, and is a decent scrummager and should maintain his place in the loose, but a better tighthead would be much appreciated. Shaun Knight has the flexibility to play either side of the scrum, he’s also shorter at just under 6 foot, so when hunkered down is pretty difficult to move. For the short term he would be my choice to take the no.3 shirt, but a new prop is really a key position required, your stereotypical, wide and deep as he is tall Frenchman/Argentinian/Italian would fit the bill nicely.

As for the locks, Tom Savage as club captain has his place cemented, and rightly so. He has bags of talent, and to lead the club at such a young age makes him a special player. He’s also a big lad and a solid ball carrier which really adds to his already strong game in the loose.
To balance this out, the number 5 needs to add something different. Hudson offers a strong line-out, although it has yet to be seen due to limited opportunities. Will James brings an abrasive edge, superb in defence and not a bad ball carrier. If Hudson can run the line-out for us, then a Savage – Hudson combo would seem ideal, but we still lack an enforcer!

2. Back Row Balance

I believe Gloucester has one of the best back rows in the country. It is traditional in its set up: A big powerful 6, solid in defence (Kalamefoni) a traditional ball winning 7 (Kvesic), and a hard running 8 who has surprising speed (Morgan).
These guys need time to jel together obviously, but as the season goes on I can see them improving no end.

However, and bear with me, I believe with types of backs we have, and the open game that suits, Davies is basing the style on that of the all blacks….

To do this they need win the breakdown, force the turnover, produce quick ball. Having Richie McCaw will help your cause, yes, but the whole pack, and back line are top notch when it comes to the ruck.

For Gloucester, I’d like to see two opensides in the same team. Qera has been a stand out player every season he’s been with Gloucester. His tackling is destructive, often thwarting attacks by wrapping up man and ball. He’s a nuisance at the breakdown, with wandering hands often finding the egg! At 6ft4 and 17st8 he’s a brute with ball in hand. He would arguably improve on the defence offered by Kalamefoni, whilst potentially matching his ball carrying prowess. With Kvesic and Qera the breakdown pendulum should swing heavily in Gloucester’s favour, giving the ‘star studded’ back line copious opportunities to get at the opposition.


3. Strike moves and Rugby League

After seeing some of Lancaster’s comments this week regarding union learning from league, it confirmed something I’ve thought for a while. Union could learn a great deal from league, especially in an attacking sense.
As we all know, in league you have 6 phases to score, if you don’t you concede possession and wait your turn. Due to this, our chicken scratching counter parts have to be extremely clinical and efficient with ball in hand.
Where I believe Gloucester could benefit from this is when in the opponents 22. So far we have seen several try scoring chances butchered when it seemed harder not to score! If we looked at analysing and adopting some attacking tactics from league, and perfecting them, I could see a very deadly backline, adept at punishing teams when in striking range.

Just my thoughts on the current situation for my club. I know there’s another Gloucester fan lurking on here somewhere so would be interested in their point of view, as well as the rest of you if it takes your interest. None of this is ground breaking, just wanted to vent following a month of turbulent rugby emotions.

Cannot wait for a cracking weekend of Heineken Rugby!