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Gloucester demonstrate squad strength in depth

Andy Hazell
By Cherry Picker March 9 2008
There may have been a few worries recently over how some of Gloucester’s international stars performed in club games during the Six Nations, but the 34-14 Kingsholm win over London Irish suggests that the squad’s strength in depth really is as good as many people believed it was when the season started.
With ten players missing, Glaws produced a tremendous performance to beat a side that had won its previous five GP matches, beating Irish at their own game, especially the line-out, to record a bonus point victory that keep them at the top of the table.
Nick Wood 2 (front)Dan Tuohy had a dream debut at lock, but he wasn’t the only player who shone in the heavy rain. Andy Titterrell, Will James, Nick Wood (left) and Andy Hazell all played leading roles in a performance that had the exiles wondering what had hit them.
At times it was difficult to believe that this was the team that had lost three out of it last four GP games to give rivals at the top of the table hope.
Now they face difficult GP trips to Sale Sharks on Friday night and revived Worcester Warriors the following weekend before the Heineken Cup showdown against Munster on April 5.
Willie Walker, GloucesterWillie Walker (right) came back with four conversions and two penalties and the Glaws tries came from Wood, Jack Adams, Mark Foster and Titterrell. There were a few touches and lucky bounces, but Glaws deserved the breaks for the way they played.
Gloucester coach Dean Ryan told the BBC: "We set a strong script during the week about the way we'd take London Irish and I'm pleased that they bought into it and were able to deliver it.
"Sometimes you have to revert to a forwards platform so that we can keep possession.
"There isn't just one way to play the game and we are getting better at all the aspects all the time."
Tellingly, London Irish forwards coach Toby Booth added: "I thought that in certain areas of the pitch Gloucester were absolutely fantastic.”
Say no more.

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9 Mar, 2008 11:07 Report
cheerycherry (IP Logged)
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Re: Gloucester demonstrate squad strength in depth
Absolutely superb performance and I hope DR stands by the lads when all the internationals return. Best Glaws lineout I have seen all season, still room for improvement but a massive step forward and the pack finally stood up for themselves and were not bullied off the pitch. Absolutely chuffed to bits today, well done lads and more of the same please.

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9 Mar, 2008 11:13 Report
Two Sheds (IP Logged)
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Re: Gloucester demonstrate squad strength in depth
Can he afford to stand by the lads from Sat? Can he leave all those internationals out of a club team? As they say on Match of the Day, it's a good problem to have.

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9 Mar, 2008 11:48 Report
cheerycherry (IP Logged)
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Re: Gloucester demonstrate squad strength in depth
Will Marco be able to justify selection over James and Tuohy who were both superb? Big Les will probably come straight back in but Foster did little wrong yesterday. Even Qera at 8 had a tidy game in conditions that dont suit his game especially considering he had to take a break due to Ollie being Ollie.

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9 Mar, 2008 12:24 Report
Sheep Dipper (IP Logged)
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Re: Gloucester demonstrate squad strength in depth
Jack Forster warrants another start but DR has to be careful not to over play him at the moment. I would leave hooker and 2nd row as they are for another go. Strockosh and Delve back into the back row.

Also, could it be time for Prendergast to be given some more playing time at 9? He does not do much wrong.

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9 Mar, 2008 17:16 Report
cheerycherry (IP Logged)
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Re: Gloucester demonstrate squad strength in depth
I like Prendergast, very little showboating just does the basics well. Think Woody and Forster could do with a break, Wood especially with some crucial games coming up.

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9 Mar, 2008 19:16 Report
Two Sheds (IP Logged)
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Re: Gloucester demonstrate squad strength in depth
None bigger than the Munster game - DR's team choice for that will be interesting.

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9 Mar, 2008 22:20 Report
cheerycherry (IP Logged)
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Re: Gloucester demonstrate squad strength in depth
Everyone knows what Munster will be about. O'Gara to touch, Lineout to rolling maul then if the defensive line falls apart O'Gara may actually pass along the line. Boring yet effective and will mean Glaws need a solid pack to stop/disrupt the drive and a functioning lineout to win Glaws' own ball and disrupt Munsters enough to get pressure on Stringer and O'Gara who I suspect dont like it up 'em.

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