Following Gloucester’s victory over Saracens, backs coach Tim Taylor spoke about how pleasing the forwards physicality was, yet how disappointed the team were at missing out on the bonus point.
Tim Taylor pleased with forwards physicality
Gloucester bullied Saracens up front and with the rotation Tim Taylor was pleased with just how well they fronted up to the task saying, ”It’s a really pleasing performance from the fellas, it was a great win last week, but it was important that we backed it up this week which the boys did. Physically they were great, and it gives you a platform to play the game.
@gloucesterrugby backs coach Tim Taylor spoke to @Rreesrugby praising the forwards physicality, his half backs combinations, yet still disappointed at missing out on the bonus point. #GLOvSAR pic.twitter.com/a5b3lv5XPO
— Last Word on Rugby (@LWOSRugby) February 24, 2019
”Against a team like ‘Sarries its key to get a good start and the boys did that. We missed an opportunity at the beginning, but we stayed composed and they fought back well.
“I think the boys stuck to the game plan well and they stayed patient with it and it showed as we got some good rewards from it.”
Half back control wins the game for Gloucester
Despite the forward dominance it was the half back pairing of Willi Heinz and Danny Cipriani who controlled the game for the Cherry and Whites, with Taylor saying “I thought it was a great game from Willi and Danny, who controlled the game well. They managed the field position really well.
premrugby: One man with one eye 👁 on the top 4️⃣ is Willi Heinz 🎙
With gloucesterrugby hosting league leaders Saracens 🏟 Have a read of his assessment of things 🗣
If they grab a W tonight are they contenders? 🍒🍒#GallagherPrem
— ItsAllRugby (@ItsAllRugby_com) February 22, 2019
Taylor went on to praise his forward effort as well. “It’s great to see Jaco Kriel, great to see him get through that 60-70 minutes and also good to see Jake Polledri get a run out.
”He’s [Kriel] a world class player and brings a lot of experience to the team. Hopefully we’ll keep him going.”
Frustrating end to an otherwise perfect evening
The scoreline was rather flattering for Saracens. Two late tries ensured they not only saved some face but grabbed a losing bonus point. Looking back at the final five minutes, Tim Taylor expressed his frustration to Last Word on Rugby at shutting off. ”It’s a frustrating way to finish when we were in a comfortable position and we let them back in and they took their tries well.
“We’re disappointed not to get that fourth try. I’m happy with the way the boys played. The physicality the last two weeks has been brilliant, especially in front of a good Kingsholm crowd.
Not often you beat the league leaders two weeks in a row.
Great atmosphere at Kingsholm tonight for an epic @gloucesterrugby performance. #GlawsFamily #GLOvSAR pic.twitter.com/B3HZR3rB5H
— Lance Bradley (@Lance_Bradley_) February 22, 2019
”They [the forwards] gave us such a front foot platform to play off and we need to continue that, and we have got to keep that consistency in our game.”
Owen Williams update
Despite going down late in the second half Taylor confirmed the knock was nothing more than aesthetic. ”He’s is absolutely fine, it’s just a bad winding and knocked the air out of him.
“He’s a tough lad so he’s all good.”
Tim Taylor and head coach Johan Ackermann have gained quality victories over leading teams. Those are the positives. And while negatives can be found, disappointments can be discussed, Gloucester Rugby are doing very well during the third quarter of the 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership.
Next up are Bristol….away. That is a real test for Taylor, and his backline charges.
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Bristol Bears v Gloucester – Friday March 1, Ashton Gate.
“Main image credit”
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