A thrilling Gallagher PREM showdown! Gloucester's battle against Bath left us with some memorable performances and a few surprises.
Let's dive into the player ratings and uncover the key takeaways from this intense encounter.
Gloucester's Standouts:
George Barton (Fullback): Barton showcased his improved form, reminiscent of last season's brilliance. His tidy play and effective interventions under the high ball earned him a solid 6.
Josh Hathaway (Wing): Always in the thick of the action, Hathaway's efforts were commendable. He just missed out on a full breakaway, but his 6 rating reflects a job well done.
Josiah Edwards Giraud (Centre): A true game-changer! Giraud's quick feet and pace made all the difference. His 7 rating is a testament to his impact, especially with those crucial tackles.
Seb Atkinson (Centre): Atkinson continued his impressive run, dominating with the ball in hand. His powerful carries, especially in heavy traffic, put him on Steve Borthwick's radar. A monstrous effort, earning him an 8!
Ollie Thorley (Wing): Thorley grew into the game, engaging in an exciting battle with Will Muir. His power and pace added a new dimension to Gloucester's attack, resulting in a well-deserved 6.
Charlie Atkinson (Fly-Half): After a patient season, Atkinson seized the moment with a commanding performance. His all-round threat, from playmaking to kicking, was superb. A potential England A selection is on the horizon, and he might have earned a 7.5 if we had half-point ratings!
Tomos Williams (Scrum-Half): Williams was in top form, reminiscent of his PREM-lighting performances last year. His pace and accuracy in attack, coupled with excellent kicking, gave Gloucester a boost of confidence. A 7.5 performance, no doubt!
Back-row Brilliance:
Will Trenholm (No. 8): Trenholm's industrious efforts in the tight were impressive. He carried the ball well, pushing Gloucester forward, and contributed to the breakdown. A solid 7 for his efforts.
Lewis Ludlow (Flanker): Ludlow's abrasive performance was a true display of leadership. He threw himself into every tackle and carry, showing no fear. His side benefited greatly from his presence, earning him a 7.
James Venter (Flanker): While not as visible as his colleagues, Venter's contribution was invaluable. He added strength to their defense and breakdown efforts, earning a respectable 6.
Tight Five's Steel:
Matias Alemanno (Lock): Alemanno's defensive effort was immense. He led the team with 19 tackles at 100% completion, and his crucial turnover was a game-changer. A true warrior, earning him a well-deserved 7.
Deian Gwynne (Lock): Gwynne's performance might have flown under the radar, but his strength was undeniable. He matched his partner's defensive efforts, making 12 tackles, and contributed to the breakdown. A solid 6 for his efforts.
Afo Fasogbon (Prop): Despite missing out on the Six Nations squad, Fasogbon channeled his disappointment into a strong display. He held his own in the scrum and contributed in loose play, earning a 6.
Will Crane (Hooker): Crane's impact since joining Gloucester from the Championship has been impressive. He stepped up yet again, making 14 tackles at 100% success, and his interventions were vital. A 7 for his efforts.
Val Rapava Ruskin (Prop): Ruskin's return to form after an injury battle is commendable. He was involved in every aspect of Gloucester's gritty performance, helping them stay competitive. Another 7 for his all-round contribution.
Replacements' Struggle:
Gloucester's replacements faced an uphill battle against Bath's Bomb Squad. Despite their valiant efforts, they couldn't quite match the impact. It was a close call, but Bath's squad depth prevailed. A 6 for their hard work.
And here's where it gets controversial...
Should Gloucester's performance give them the belief to aim for a Champions Cup berth? With players like Williams and Atkinson in top form, could they be a dark horse in the competition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
A thrilling encounter, leaving us with plenty to discuss!
