In a thrilling encounter, Gloucester faced off against Bath, ultimately falling short with a score of 30-26 in the tenth round of the Gallagher Premiership. Let's delve into the performance ratings of George Skivington's squad and highlight some standout players.
Gloucester Player Ratings Against Bath
15 George Barton: After a somewhat inconsistent start to the season, Barton demonstrated a return to last year's impressive form, showcasing a commendable all-around effort. He made several key contributions to the team's attacking strategy, stepping up effectively as a first receiver and demonstrating reliability under high kicks. His performance was solid, earning him a score of 6.
14 Josh Hathaway: Hathaway was actively involved throughout the match, contributing to several crucial plays. Although he didn’t manage to achieve the breakaway run his efforts seemed to promise, this was due to circumstances beyond his control. His engagement on the field warranted a rating of 6.
13 Josiah Edwards Giraud: Giraud delivered significant impacts on both offense and defense when his team needed it the most. His agility and ability to change pace allowed him to gain vital ground during attacks, often finding open spaces. Notably, his cover tackle on Dan Frost was textbook perfect. For his efforts, he received a commendable score of 7.
12 Seb Atkinson: Continuing his impressive streak, Atkinson showcased a tremendous performance while carrying the ball. He excelled in challenging areas, demonstrating strength and determination that will undoubtedly catch the eye of national coach Steve Borthwick as he prepares for the Six Nations. His stats reflected this dominance, with the highest team total of 48 meters gained from 15 carries, earning him a well-deserved 8.
11 Ollie Thorley: As the match progressed, Thorley found his rhythm, engaging in a compelling duel with Will Muir. He consistently added power and speed to Gloucester’s attacks, achieving two line breaks—the highest in the game—making him pivotal in their offensive strategies, which justifies a rating of 6.
10 Charlie Atkinson: After a patient start to the season, Atkinson finally took charge in this match with a commanding display. He posed a genuine threat throughout, showcasing his playmaking skills and accurate kicking. His well-executed try exemplified the type of performance that Borthwick would expect from him, making him a strong contender for future England selections. His performance rates at 7, or perhaps a 7.5 if half-points were allowed.
9 Tomos Williams (c): Williams returned to form impressively, reminiscent of his dynamic performances from the previous season. He injected rapid pace into the attack, coupled with precise distribution, and showcased his kicking abilities too. This resurgence will undoubtedly instill confidence in Gloucester as they aim for a possible Champions Cup spot. Like his partner, he deserves a score of 7, potentially a 7.5.
Back-row
8 Will Trenholm: Trenholm put forth a robust performance, likely leaving him sore the next day due to his tireless work. He was effective in gaining ground against a tough defense, contributing significantly to the breakdowns and earning a solid 7.
7 Lewis Ludlow: In a typically fearless display, Ludlow threw himself into every tackle and ruck without hesitation, exemplifying leadership. His aggressive style of play greatly benefited the team, meriting a score of 7.
6 James Venter: While perhaps not as prominent as his back-row teammates, Venter’s contributions shouldn’t be overlooked. He provided essential bulk to the defensive unit and engaged effectively in breakdown situations, resulting in a rating of 6.
Tight Five
5 Matias Alemanno: Alemanno produced a remarkable defensive showcase on a night when Gloucester desperately needed it. He recorded an outstanding 19 tackles, all successfully completed, along with a vital turnover, proving his worth with a rating of 7.
4 Deian Gwynne: Although his contributions may have gone unnoticed, Gwynne was solid throughout the match. He played a crucial role in defense, making 12 tackles and supporting the breakdown efforts, which earned him a rating of 6.
3 Afo Fasogbon: Despite missing out on the Six Nations squad, Fasogbon turned his disappointment into motivation, delivering a commendable performance. He held his own in the scrum and was active in open play, meriting a score of 6.
2 Will Crane: Crane’s transition from the Championship has been noteworthy, and he once again stepped up for Gloucester. He battled hard in the front line, achieving 14 tackles with a perfect success rate, contributing significantly to the team, which earns him a score of 7.
1 Val Rapava Ruskin: Ruskin appeared to be regaining the form that earned him a place in the wider England training squad after overcoming injuries. His involvement in various aspects of the game helped keep the team competitive, resulting in a rating of 7.
Replacements: Matching Bath’s formidable bench is a tall order, and while Gloucester’s substitutes tried their best, they struggled to make a significant impact by the end of the match. Ciaran Knight, Kirill Gotovtsev, and Cam Jordan worked hard upon their arrival, but the challenge proved too great, resulting in a score of 6.
