Relegation Issue Delayed
By New Cherry
February 5 2021
George Skivington takes his new charges to his former club London Irish this weekend not knowing just how important a win may be. Rock bottom Gloucester are the side in the relegation place but there is strong support to suggest that there should be no relegation this season because of the pandemic. That should have been voted on today (Friday) by the RFU Council.
The delay comes because the Premiership clubs have requested more time "to conclude consultation with stakeholders". That is believed to be because BT Sport believe the "product" is more exciting if there are relegation issues to be resolved as the season unwinds. Can't blame them.
The counter argument is strong for this season with five matches already cancelled following covid outbreaks. Affected clubs haver had points allocated instead and "relegating a side in these circumstances would be unfair."
Skivington will be hoping the pressure is relieved sooner rather than later as he tries to build a side which can take Gloucester forward once the pandemic ends. There have been prudent cuts in playing numbers with youngsters being given their chance. The futrure is promising - providing we avoid the drop by any means.
Regardless, five points at Irish would be most welcome buit it won't be easy. It's the start of the Six Nations which means we weill be missing Jonny May, Chris Harris (Scotland), Steven Varney (Italy) and Louis Rees-Zammit who starts for Wales.
Skivington hands a debut to Georgian international centre Giorgi Kveseladze (left) who will be on the bench with Henry Trinder returning.
Lloyd Evans is injured so Twelvetrees will be at fly half alongsideWilli Heinz who makes only his second start since returning from injury.
In the pasck Jamal Ford-Robinson, Henry Walker and Ciaran Knight start in the front row with the back row unchanged.
Gloucs: 15. Jason Woodward 14. Santiago Carreras 13. Henry Trinder 12. Mark Atkinson 11. Ollie Thorley 10. Billy Twelvetrees 9. Willi Heinz
1. Jamal Ford-Robinson 2. Henry Walker 3. Ciaran Knight 4. Alex Craig 5. Matias Alemanno 6. Jordy Reid 7. Lewis Ludlow (capt) 8. Ruan Ackermann
Reps: Todd Gleave, Alex Seville , Fraser Balmain, Oliver Atkins, Freddie Clarke, Charlie Chapman, Giorgi Kveseladze, Kyle Moyle