We fought for full 80 says coach Ackermann
EXETER supremo Rob Baxter had called on his Premiership champions to throw the first punches of the new campaign.
However, on a night of high drama at raucous Kingsholm, it was Gloucester who came off the canvas to deliver the knockout blow when full-back Jason Woodward’s last-gasp try sent the Shed into a state of heaving delirium.
Three minutes earlier, Chiefs centre Henry Slade had missed a tricky penalty chance to break a 21-21 deadlock and, in all probability, deliver the victory the visitors deserved based on their dominance over the final 15 minutes.
Making the most of their reprieve, though, Gloucester summoned the spirit to mount one final attack, with Henry Purdy, Matt Scott and Ed Slater leading the charge, before Billy Twelve trees spied a gap and cleverly sent in Woodward.
After losing so many tight games last season, this was a joyous role reversal for Gloucester, and Woodward, who enjoyed an impressive debut after joining from relegated Bristol was ecstatic to have played his part.
The England-qualified Kiwi said: “A lot of talk in the camp has been about us being more resilient.
This story is from the September 03, 2017 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 03, 2017 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Stade are heading in right direction
IS there an early winter equivalent to the idiom about solitary swallows and the impending arrival of summer? Because – whatever it might be, something involving snowflakes, perhaps, or frosts – that’s the situation at Stade Francais right now.
Borthwick needs to sort out defence
WELL surprise, surprise England at last managed to win at home in front of a nearly full Allianz stadium even if it was against a team that they had thrashed just a few months earlier.
Rowland is gearing up for world cup challenge
HELENA Rowland believes England Women have been given advance warning that next year’s Rugby World Cup is to be no formality.
All my energy is going into Beziers
IT’S a dream to be a part-share owner of AS Beziers Hérault, the 11-time French champions, along with Andrew Mehrtens and Bobby Skinstad.
Fylde left to count cost of the cards
LEEDS TYKES were thankful for their resolute defence as they clung on to claim a narrow win against Fylde.
O'Grady glad to learn his trade in tough surroundings
EXETER University flyhalf Lewis O’Grady is enjoying the physicality of National 2 West and insists it is the best preparation for his transition to senior rugby after graduation.
It's Bristol or nothing for me - Cunningham
PROUD Bristolian Hollie Cunningham hopes to inspire the next generation of Bears players and can’t see herself ever playing for anyone else.
Bristol hit heights to take down champions
BRISTOL Bears head coach Dave Ward could not hide his delight following an impressive victory over reigning PWR champions Gloucester Hartpury at Kingsholm.
Good to see the Eagles soaring again
THAT’S a wrap for the autumn Tests and it would be remiss not to scroll through the undercard and round up the best of the action outside of the A list matches. A quick crib sheet for those not paying attention at the back.
Thomas ready for Edinburgh clash
FRESH from his dream Wales debut, Freddie Thomas has set his sights on helping Gloucester conquer Europe.
