Despite falling to a 46-41 defeat at the hands of Sale on Saturday both Johan Ackermann and Matt Banahan were quick to praise their young squad’s efforts.
Commitment of a much-changed squad
Speaking in a rather jovial manner despite the defeat Head Coach Johan Ackermann praised his team’s efforts saying, “We asked beforehand to just go out there and show us heart and commitment.
“When you use that opportunity that you get then every player just put out there and regardless of the result I’m tremendously proud of every player.
Fresh faces impressed ahead of Saracens semi-final
“I thought our back row was good. Our locks worked hard and did good things and Matt Banahan was also good.
“A lot of guys put their hand up but we’ll have to see on Monday who is 100% fit and then get 23 guys ready to fire.”
Matt Banahan pleased with quality coming through
Starting in the 12 jersey for the first time in a Cherry and Whites strip, Banahan explained, “We didn’t get it done as a team but I still enjoyed being out there with the boys considering how we played against a quality Sale side.
“It’s good to see the quality we’ve got coming through with Lloyd Evans and Henry Purdy. These boys that are putting their hands up and pushing the first team boys.
“Boys want to play well. We don’t want to come up to Sale and be rolled over. We pushed a quality Sale side till the end.
“If we can do that with the squad we had out today with all the changes we had that shows the strength of the squad we have going into the semi-final and next season.”
Look ahead to the Gallagher Premiership Semi finals
Gloucester will now travel to Allianz Park for their semi-final against Saracens on May 25th for a 1.30pm kick off.
The winner will face either Exeter Chiefs or Northampton Saints (May 25th, 4pm KO) at Twickenham.
“Main photo credit”
