After both sides’ victories in round one, this match was a top of the table clash but it sadly didn’t live up to that billing. It was always going to be difficult following last season’s corresponding fixture, where James Hook’s penalty snatched victory for Gloucester with the last kick of the game following a thrilling game, also on a Friday night. Gloucester re-jigged their line-up from last week, welcoming back from the World Cup Johnny May, Ben Morgan, James Hook as well as their Tongan duo Sione Kalamafoni and David Halaifonua. Equally Saracens called upon Owen Farrell, Alex Goode and Jamie George amongst others.
Gloucester Rugby 15 Saracens 17: Gloucester Rugby lose unbeaten home record against Saracens
As I took my seat under the Kingsholm lights, I was slightly surprised about the lack of atmosphere around the ground, which continued throughout most of the game. In fairness to the supporters, it was a tight and tense affair that never really ignited. Most of the first half revolved around tactical kicking, with Willi Heinz box-kicking a regular feature. The ultimately game-defining moment came from Saracens as a break from centre Nick Tompkins and quick hands from Alex Goode gave wing Mike Ellery a simple walkover try in the corner. Hodgson missed the conversion which gave Saracens an 8-0 lead that was marginally against the run of play. After missing his first attempt Gloucester skipper Billy Twelvetrees landed two penalties either side of an Owen Farrell penalty for a half time score of 6-11.
I, like the rest of the below-par crowd at Kingsholm, was hoping for some excitement in the second half, but it was sadly never forthcoming. More kick-tennis ensued,including some wayward and aimless efforts from the Gloucester half-backs in particular. There were some brief moments of determination from Ben Morgan and Sione Kalimafoni amongst others, but it was ultimately a battle of the breakdown and set pieces that sometimes resulted in debatable refereeing decisions from Matthew Carley. The home crowd and The Shed were quick to point out his errors, with the decision not to card Farrell a particular flashpoint. As easy as it would be for the Cherry and Whites to blame this defeat on the referee, it would be more productive to look at the plays that could have seen them score match-winning tries that their possession and effort merited. The most obvious example was the failure by Billy Twelvetrees to pass an overlap to an unmarked Johnny May that would have levelled the scores. It is moments like this that will prevent Gloucester from winning these tight games and move up the table. However, five points from the first two games is a decent return and a victory in the local derby next week against Worcester Warriors will provide a strong platform for the Cherry and Whites to challenge for the top six.
This was a disappointing game that did little to dispel the idea that northern hemisphere rugby is based on pick-and-go, tactical kicking and rewarding of size over speed. Given Saracens’ significant contribution to the England World Cup squad, it is no wonder the superior nations from Down Under look down on our rugby. Creative play was at a minimum tonight, and perhaps Gloucester’s selection of Kalimafoni is the second row as well as Morgan signalled even before the game that it would be a physical affair.
It wasn’t a classic, and the game won’t live long in the memory but for Gloucester rebuilding their home record will be a priority as well as using the frustration from this game to fuel better results against the big teams later in the season. Glass half full, but only just.
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