Ahead of this Saturday's West Country derby at Kingsholm, we take a closer look at our opponents Gloucester Rugby.
FORM GUIDE
Harlequins (A) 17-29 (W)
Wasps (H) 27-14 (W)
Northampton Saints (A) 31-40 (W)
LAST THREE MEETINGS
4th February 2019 – Bath Rugby 52-0 Gloucester Rugby
It was a resounding victory for the Blue, Black and White in the Premiership Rugby Cup with Semesa Rokoduguni going over the whitewash four times to help his side cruise to a 52-0 victory over their West Country rivals. Jack Walker, Ruaridh McConnochie and Tom Homer all went over for scores of their own, as Bath put seven unanswered tries past Gloucester.
8th September 2018 – Bath Rugby 31-31 Gloucester Rugby
Round two of the Gallagher Premiership saw Bath Rugby face Gloucester Rugby at the Rec. The hosts fought back from a 0-21 deficit to claw their way back into the game. Tries from Semesa Rokoduguni, Tom Dunn (2) and Elliott Stooke gave Bath the advantage on the scoreboard, before former Bath man Matt Banahan crossed late on to earn his side a draw.
28th April 2018 – Gloucester Rugby 20-43 Bath Rugby
Bath impressed away from home in the penultimate round of the 2017/18 season. Tries from Tom Dunn, Rhys Priestland Aled Brew and a superb solo effort from Tom Homer was enough to secure a bonus-point in the first half. Cooper Vuna and James Wilson crossed for the visitors later in the game to cement a comfortable victory at Kingsholm.
THE COACH – JOHAN ACKERMANN
Johan Ackermann joined Gloucester Rugby ahead of the 2017/18 season as Head Coach. Before arriving in the West Country, he had a successful spell with Super Rugby outfit Lions.
Ackermann also had a distinguished playing career, capped 13 times by South Africa with in a career that saw him play for the Blue Bulls, The Lions, The Griquas and the Sharks.
THREE TO WATCH
Danny Cipriani
Danny Cipriani has been pulling the strings for Gloucester this season, creating chances left, right and centre. The fly-half joined Gloucester from Wasps at the beginning of the season and has been one of the reasons for their rise up the Gallagher Premiership. Capped 16 times by England, Cipriani has recently put pen to paper on a new contract with the Cherry and Whites.
Ruan Ackermann
Son of Head Coach Johan, Ruan Ackermann has taken the Premiership by storm since joining the Club in 2017. The back-rower joined Gloucester Rugby from Super Rugby side Lions and has become a figurehead of the Gloucester pack. His shear physicality and ball carrying make him one to watch out for this weekend.
Matt Banahan
Banahan will face former club on Saturday after making over 250 appearances during a 12-year spell with the Blue, Black and White. A physical presence in the back line, the versatile 32 year-old is comfortable playing at centre, full-back or on the wing. Banahan will be keen to make his mark on the other side of the derby in the Cherry and White.
