GLOUCESTER RUGBY field new back three at Saints

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Created on Sunday, 07 April 2019 09:06

Last Updated on Sunday, 07 April 2019 12:13

Published on Sunday, 07 April 2019 09:06

Written by DUNCAN WOOD at Gloucester Rugby

Gloucester Rugby make three changes to their winning line-up for today's Premiership clash at Northampton Saints (1500ko).

All of the changes are in the back line, where injuries to Jason Woodward, Tom Marshall and Ollie Thorley mean that the Cherry and Whites field a new back three comprising of Tom Hudson, Charlie Sharples and Matt Banahan.

With those exceptions, it's the same starting line-up that stung Wasps 27-14 at Kingsholm last weekend.

Hooker Mike Sherry is named in a Gloucester Rugby matchday squad for the first time and Tom Savage returns.

Things are heating up in the chase for a top four finish, with the Saints looking to close the gap on Gloucester Rugby which currently stands at nine points.

Previewing the game at the club’s midweek media session, Head Coach Johan Ackermann acknowledged that there’s little margin for error for all clubs from this point on.

“There are now just five matches left and no room for error for any time. It’s pressure rugby in all games. Northampton are playing great rugby, an exceptional brand and you can see the influence of Chris Boyd.

“They’ve got quality players all over and are in form. So, it’s going to be a massive challenge. But we can control our own destiny, we know where we want to go, what we have to do.

“We just have to go out there and give it our best and hopefully it will be good enough. But it’s going to be a tough fight.”

Gloucester Rugby starting 15. Tom Hudson; 14. Matt Banahan, 13. Billy Twelvetrees, 12. Mark Atkinson, 11. Charlie Sharples; 10. Danny Cipriani, 9. Willi Heinz (capt); 1. Josh Hohneck, 2. Franco Marais, 3. Fraser Balmain; 4. Ed Slater, 5. Franco Mostert; 6. Ruan Ackermann, 7. Jaco Kriel, 8. Ben Morgan

Replacements 16. Mike Sherry, 17. Val Rapava Ruskin, 18. Ruan Dreyer, 19. Tom Savage, 20. Freddie Clarke, 21. Jake Polledri, 22. Callum Braley, 23. Tom Seabrook

Unavailable for selection: Lloyd Evans, Gerbrandt Grobler, James Hanson, Ciaran Knight, Tom Marshall, Henry Purdy, Ollie Thorley, Henry Trinder, Owen Williams, Jason Woodward

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