Match Preview: Gloucester Rugby revival faces acid test
- 1047
Gloucester Rugby, who ended a seven-match losing streak with their 15-10 EPCR Challenge Cup victory at Black Lion last weekend, will have their revival put to the test on Friday, when they welcome three-time winners ASM Clermont Auvergne to Kingsholm.
The TOP 14 team began their bid for a record-breaking fourth success in the competition in fine style in Round 1 with a 31-18 home victory against Edinburgh Rugby.
Led by two-try Australian back Alex Newsome, ASM Clermont Auvergne notched an important bonus point and are joint top of Pool 3 with Castres Olympique, who head the table on a marginal points difference.
In contrast, Gloucester Rugby were one of only two teams not to score a try in Round 1 after suffering the lowest rate of gainline success (19.8%) and averaging the fewest metres in possession (3.3).
However, the young English side gave a highly mature performance in testing conditions, inspired by 23-year-old fly-half George Barton, who kicked all their points via five penalties,
The Pool 3 game starts at 20:00 and is being broadcast on Viaplay, Premier Sports and beIN SPORTS.
