Durban Review and Sharks Preview

By Cherrybomb
August 6 2002

Gloucester got of to a flyer ahead of Friday's Natal Sharks game with a convincing victory over a Durban Rovers invitational side. Also news of a possible new signing and a certain "goodbye" to Pucciarello.

Gloucester, in what was pretty much a training match ahead of Friday's showdown, gave Natal Sharks something to worry about with a convincing victory over the invitational side winning 68-7. The match was also a winner on the injury front, with James Simpson-Daniel seemingly back to fitness, as he notched up two tries.

Also on the score board for Gloucester was Ludovic Mercier. The flying Frenchman scored two tries, and seems to be getting ever better at the non-kicking part of his game. I'd put money on him being one of the greatest all round fly halfs in the game soon. Ludo and new boy Thinus Delport shared the kicking duties, converted 6 times between them.

Also scoring tries for Gloucester were Junior Paramore, Tom Beim, Robert Todd, Marcel Garvey (keep your eye on him), Chris Fortey, Daren O'Leary, and, most interestingly of all, Rodrigo Roncero. There has been no official announcement made, but it seems that the Argentinian prop, on loan, is in to replace the Italian Pucciarello, who still hasn't rejoined the Gloucester squad. A report on the prop will be made when there is an official announcement.