"We have to prepare well" says Skivington ahead of Saracens

This Halloween weekend, Gloucester Rugby host reigning champions, Saracens at Kingsholm under the Friday night lights.

Director of Rugby, George Skivington, says preparation will be key to a result against the North London side.

“We’ve had some good battles with Saracens going right down to the wire.

“They’re the champions for a reason and we have to make sure we’re prepared for them.”

Victory over Newcastle Falcons last time out saw the Cherry & Whites move to two wins from two in the league this season, and seven from seven overall.

Skivington was pleased to come away with the win in appalling conditions.

“It’s a really tough place to go. When you combine the travel, a Friday night kick-off and the added bonus of a storm, the boys did really well to come away with the win.

“They prepared well, and I thought the way the lads managed their way through a few sticky spots was good.”

The Falcons claimed a league double over Gloucester last season, and Skivington says Kingston Park is always a tricky place to go.

“Newcastle is not to be underestimated as an away trip. It was some of the lads’ first trip up there and they stepped up and hung in there and stuck it out and that’s a great experience for them and something we can feed off.”

The Director of Rugby was particularly happy with how the scrum functioned in the North East and praised his assistant, Trevor Woodman, for the work he’s being doing with the Gloucester set-piece.

“Our scrum was very strong and dominated all game. Trevor has done a great job there and our scrum has been getting better and better week on week. It was an area we knew we could get on top, but we had to work very hard.”

Despite winning their opening two games, Skivington insists there’s still more to come from the Cherry & Whites.

“We’re growing all the time. We respect the fixtures we’ve played, and we’re constantly challenged the decisions we’ve made and the processes we’ve gone through and our intention is to keep getting better.

“We’re happy with the results, obviously, but I think there’s lots of stuff we want to do better. We’ve been very honest.”

Friday nights are Kingsholm are unlike anything else, and Skivington is looking forward to the electric atmosphere on Friday.

“The game against Quins was a brilliant atmosphere but Friday nights are very special here.

“When the dark comes, and the lights are on and the fans are screaming and shouting it’s brilliant. We love playing here.”