Dean Ryan’s Gloucester opened the Heineken Cup last week with a thrilling first half performance to blow away Ulster at Ravenhill and confirm their status as Pool front runners.
But if they are to keep their momentum going they will have to first get past the Magners League champions the Ospreys. The star-studded regional side got off to a winning start at the Liberty Stadium but failed to gain the valuable bonus-point win over Bourgoin. They will have to raise their game if they are to emerge victorious at the intimidating Kingsholm.
Head Coach Lyn Jones commented, “Whilst we were pleased to start the competition with a solid win last weekend against a highly motivated Bourgoin side we recognise that our accuracy and overall performance levels will have to improve this weekend.
“The players are looking forward to the challenge posed by Gloucester Rugby and there will be no complacency on Friday night. Like us, Gloucester have ability throughout their side and there will be a lot of good rugby players on show this weekend.
“They have a dangerous back line and our defence will have to be right on top of its game if we are to succeed. This is one fixture where it is particularly true to say that the team who makes the least number of mistakes will come out on top.
“The crowd at Kingsholm create a passionate, partisan environment and whilst we travel in a very confident frame of mind, buoyed by our past form on the road in England, we recognize the size of the task that awaits us.
“Ospreys supporters will be well represented at the ground and I am sure they will be as vocal as ever, which should make for a great occasion.”
Gloucester Rugby: I Balshaw; J Simpson-Daniel, M Tindall, A Allen, L Vainikolo; R Lamb, R Lawson; N Wood, O Azam, C Nieto, P Buxton (Capt), M Bortolami, A Strokosch, A Qera, L Narraway
Replacements: A Titterrell, C Califano, W James, G Delve, M Prendergast, C Paterson, O Morgan
Ospreys: L Byrne; N Walker, S Parker, G Henson, J Vaughton; J Hook, M Phillips; D Jones, H Bennett, A Jones, I Gough, I Evans, J Thomas, M Holah, F Tiatia (Capt)
Replacements: R Hibbard, P James, A Jones, H T-Pole, J Marshall, S Connor, M Taylor
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
