Gloucester repel late Newcastle comeback to make it two wins out of two
Gloucester made it two wins from two in the Gallagher Premiership with a nervy 18-14 victory over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.
Tries from George McGuigan – against his former side – and Jake Morris did the damage in a one-sided first half, which also saw Callum Chick sin-binned for the hosts.
George Barton added eight points from the tee, before the Falcons mounted a late comeback through a penalty try which also saw McGuigan yellow carded.
Adam Radwan’s brilliant solo effort was not enough to stop the visitors closing out the win and handing his side a second successive defeat.
The visitors nudged in front early on – Barton taking advantage of a ninth-minute penalty 22 metres out.
And McGuigan came back to haunt his former club when he drove over after a line-out situation on 17 minutes – Barton converting from a tight angle to increase the lead to 10 points.
The home side almost hit back immediately when Ben Stevenson was let in by a slip, but a good tackle from Stephen Varney prevented a simple try in the corner.
On 21 minutes, the Cherry and Whites dotted down again as a high kick caused panic behind the posts – Morris keeping his composure to take the catch and score.
The conversion was missed by Barton, as the howling winds and never-ending rain continued to cause problems on both sides.
Falcons’ captain Chick was sent to the sin bin a minute before half time, and Gloucester nearly made them pay with the final play of the half – Arthur Clark spotted Alex Hearle on the right wing with the freedom of Kingston Park, but the referee deemed his pass had gone forward.
Wing Radwan took matters into his own hands shortly after the interval when he carried the ball 40 metres – evading three challenges on the way – before Varney again intervened.
Barton added another three points from the tee 10 minutes into the half, as the away side continued to look the more threatening.
But the north-east side began to gain a foothold on the hour mark, and were rewarded with a penalty try after McGuigan dragged a maul down which looked to be heading over the tryline.
Radwan then produced a stunning run from left to right before slicing through the Gloucester defence to dot down and reduce the deficit to four and earn his side a losing bonus point.
But it was not enough to deny the Cherry and Whites the victory, and vengeance for the Falcons completing the double over them last season.
Comments on RugbyPass
Shows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
4 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
4 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
4 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to comments