Next Match

Vs Northampton @ Kingsholm

Saturday 23rd September Kick off 3.00pm

Predicted WeatherLight showers 23C SE Wind

How they line up:

1. Nick Wood

1. Tom Smith

2. Olly Azam

2. Steve Thompson

3. Christian Califano

3. Pat Barnard

4. Marco Bortolami (capt.)

4. Matt Lord

5. Adam Eustace

5. Christian Short

6. Peter Buxton

6. Paul Tupai

7. Andy Hazell

7. Darren Fox

8. James Forrester

8. Daniel Browne

9. Rory Lawson

9. Mark Robinson

10. Ludovic Mercier

10. Carlos Spencer

11. Mark Foster

11. Ben Cohen

12. Anthony Allen

12. David Quinlan

13. Rudi Keil

13. Bruce Rehihana (Capt.)

14. James Bailey

14. Sean Lamont

15. Olly Morgan

15. Robbie Kydd

16. Mefin Davies

16. Dan Richmond

17. Jack Forster

17. Chris Budgen

18. Will James

18. Damien Browne

19. Jake Boer

19. Mark Easter

20. Pete Richards

20. Sam Harding

21. Brad Davies

21. Ian Vass

22. Jack Adams

22. Luke Myring

Northampton's Form: Northampton come into the game, with a narrow opening day victory away at Newcastle, a defeat away at Sale and a convincing bonus point victory at home against Bath.

The way I see it: Gloucester look to maintain their convincing unbeaten start to the season tomorrow, with a exciting Northampton team coming to town. It will be interesting to see the mindset of Northampton, following the controversy surrounding their previous fixture against Bath. I'm pretty sure that it won't be a factor, but it can't have been the easiest of pre-match build up, Our club to knows all about false claims of racism being alleged against their players.

Looking at the packs Gloucester certainly have the edge in the front 5, although with both Azam and Thompson on the pitch the lineout could be something of a lottery. Smith v Califano could be an interesting battle of two vetern props, and Northampton have a capable second one pairing. Gloucester too have the edge in the back row I feel, although Tupai et al are no mugs, but if Hazell keeps up his one man show, and Jango continues his growing contribution to the hard graft, we should edge that particular battle.

Looking out my window to see it pouring with rain and a similar outlook for tomorrow it could be a battle for the forwards, which suits us if it curtails Northamptons exciting backline, and Ludo (in for the impressive but unfortunately injured Walker) finds the form with the boot he lacked last season. Territory will be vital, as will a need for a solid defence as Northampton can attack from anywhere, and Hazell will need to get to Spence anytime he can.

Scrum half will be interesting, with Lawson getting his first competitive start of the season, with the inform Richards dropping to the bench. He'll certainly want to take this early opportunity to stake a claim for a starting jersey, While Robinson, will want to put the focus back on his game after recent events and his a very fine player. At fly half you have two contrasting styles in Ludo and Spencer and is a tough battle to call. Its a shame young Lamb is still injured as it would have been interesting to see him line up against Spencer. That certainly is a battle for the future.

Although missing key players in the back line still, Gloucester have plenty of skill and Pace in the backline and have the ability to play through the backs if need be. They will need to be sharpe defencively and its a shame Tindall is injured as he would have been a useful component of that defence. Allen is looking more and more at home in the Premiership and needs a controlling influence tomorrow, While Rudi Keil looks a different player to the one who played last year and now looks worth a place in the squad. Two competent and improving deputies for Sinbad and Balsh, Bailey and Foster take the wing positions, While Morgan continues at Full Back.

Again though Northampton have some class in their backs, Kydd cannot be aloud to counter, and Rehihana will exploit any gaps. Its a shame that Jon Clarke suffered a such a sickening injury, he looks a class act and would have liked to have seen him out there. Sean Lamont and Ben Cohen are both threats and will not be easy to stop, are smaller wingers could be tested defencively tomorrow.

Gloucester look to have the stronger bench and its good to see Boer returning to first time action after his time out. Jack Adams his a good option on the bench and is a different style of player to Keil so can be used to alter the game plan if necessary. Ryan has made some good changes so far this season, and he has the players here to do the same again if required.

Prediction: So long as Gloucester can deprive Northampton of ball and frustrate the backline I expect us to run out on top, but it could be a close one.

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