London Irish v Gloucester Rugby 19.09.10

This match report is courtesy of ESPN, whilst I watched from the comfort of my home.

I have always enjoyed the LI v Gloucester games, the good folk of Gloucester always bring a buzz and atmosphere to the Madejski and they really do add something to the occasion.

One thing is for sure, you'll have to go some way to find a more passionate and vocal set of supporters than those from Gloucester.

London Irish v Gloucester Rugby. KO 1500hrs Sunday 19th September 2010.

Teams announced on Friday (on their respective websites) are as follows: -

London Irish: 15. Delon Armitage*; 14. Topsy Ojo*; 13. Seilala Mapusua *; 12. Daniel Bowden; 11. Jonathon Joseph; 10. Ryan Lamb; 9. Paul Hodgson*; 1. Clarke Dermody* (captain); 2. James Buckland; 3. Faan Rautenbach*; 4. Nick Kennedy*; 5. Bob Casey*; 6. Kieran Roche; 7. Declan Danaher ; 8. George Stowers*.
Replacements: 16. David Paice; 17. Max Lahiff; 18. Alex Corbisiero; 19. Matt Garvey; 20. Jonathon Fisher; 21. Sailosi Tagicakibau*; 22. Chris Malone; 23. Darren Allinson.

Gloucester Rugby: 15. Charlie Sharples; 14. James Simpson-Daniel, 13. Mike Tindall (capt), 12. Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 11. Lesley Vainikolo; 10. Nicky Robinson, 9. Rory Lawson; 1. Alasdair Dickinson, 2. Scott Lawson, 3. Pierre Capdevielle; 4. Jim Hamilton, 5. Alex Brown; 6. Alasdair Strokosch, 7. Andy Hazell, 8. Brett Deacon
Replacements: 16. Olivier Azam, 17. Nick Wood, 18. Rupert Harden, 19. Dave Attwood, 20. Luke Narraway, 21. Dave Lewis, 22. Tim Taylor, 23. Tim Molenaar

Referee - Dean Richards

After 2 rounds of the Aviva Premiership; LI currently stand 3rd in the table and Gloucester stand 9th, the reality is both sides have won 1 game each but LI have collected 2 bonus points. Interestingly, the form guide shows that the last 7 meetings between the two clubs have been won by the home side and I don't see that today will break that run.

From an LI perspective, great to see Nick Kennedy and Seilala Mapusua start and I note that Jonathon Fisher has been recalled from London Welsh. Further great news is that Sailosi Tagicakibau also makes the bench. Two games into the season and the injury list at LI is quite staggering, that said this side still looks very useful.

Looking at Gloucester's line up there are some real dangerman, on his day Nicky Robinson is a quality fly-half, I think I am right in saying that Jim Hamilton makes his Gloucester debut and from the bench Nick Wood and Luke Narraway are two fine players to bring on. I don't think James Simpson-Daniel needs any introduction for me (but he will need the ball to do any damage).

Notwithstanding any of the above, I think the contest between Declan Danaher and Andy Hazell may well be the area of the game that determines the outcome of this match.

My report will be reasonably concise; I found the game to be slightly disappointing, no lack of effort by either side, it simply fell short of my expectations.

LI kick off and was immediately struck by what seems to a relatively small crowd. It will be interesting to see the 'real' figures (I don't mean the combined figures of season tickets and single tickets purchased but rather the number of people who actually took their seats and watched the game).

An early exchange of penalties make the score 3 - 3; followed by a fine period of pressure and off-loading, results in a good inside pass from Declan Danaher for James Buckland to score (Ryan Lamb converts) 10 - 3.

From the restart Charlie Sharples reads it very well and puts his second hard, fast, chase and tackle (I've not seen much of Charlie Sharples but he has got some serious pace).

Another penalty from Nicky Robinson makes the score 10 - 6.

After efforts from Lesley Vainikolo to keep the ball 'live', it results in the ball going dead, LI are awarded a 5m scrum.

Shortly after that, are probably the moments that defined the game. Penalty to LI who elect for a scrum, 2nd penalty to LI who elect for touch, LI win the lineout and drive forward, the decision is that the ball was held up, so therefore a 5m scrum to LI.

Didn't see what happened but the ball comes out on the Gloucester side and Nicky Robinson puts in a super clearing kick. What happens next was a shambles; Topsy Ojo loses his defensive focus and doesn't do the basics, Ryan Lamb tries a spectacular/ridiculous/risky/stupid (delete as you see fit) pass and that is knocked on.

From there Gloucester move the ball right and Mike Tindall puts in a weighted kick behind the backs which has LI in real trouble and fantastic credit to Jonathon Joseph who dealt with it superbly. I wrote in my notes Jonathon Joseph looks a terrific young player.

Half time LI 10 - Gloucester 6.

My notes at half time read as follows, 'So much possession and yet Gloucester are only 4 points behind? Toby Booth and Mike Catt will be livid'.

Half time does cheer me up when I see Eek The Weeble on the Aviva advert riding his bike.

Second half is under way and no changes are made by either side.

Nicky Robinson takes another three points from a penalty, 10 - 9. London Irish are jittery and Gloucester are not giving up without a fight.

A good period of pressure from Gloucester is followed by a good period of pressure by London Irish, which results in LI being held up over the line. Ryan Lamb kicks a penalty from an earlier infringement, 13 - 9 and fairly shortly followed by another successful kick at goal, 16 - 9.

Dynamic break from Seilala Mapusua leads to quick recycled ball, LI move the ball left and Daniel Bowden produces an equisite raking pass and George Stowers is in. Ryan Lamb makes the conversation, 23 - 9.

My notes read, 'LI should press on from here'.

The usual amount of substitutions for both sides are taking place around this period of time.

ESPN are showing the second half possession stats of 84% to LI.

Gloucester are under desperate pressure but they are certainly not here to make up the numbers.

The on screen clock shows time is up, Dean Richards says that there 8 secs to go. You would think Gloucester would be pleased to get the ball off the pitch and head for the changing rooms.

Not a bit of it; they took the game to LI, they played, they recycled it and through sheer dogged determination they created space for Lesley Vainikolo to score. Last kick of the match to convert the try and secure a losing bonus point, Tim Taylor didn't disappoint the Gloucester faithful.

Final score 23 - 16.


Of course LI will take a win and four points but I bet Gloucester are absolutely delighted with a losing bonus point.

Hats off to Gloucester, in many ways they were well beaten but they stood their ground and they never gave up.

At the end of Round 3 of the Aviva Premiership, LI move up one place to 2nd on 10 points, with Gloucester moving down one to 10th on 5 points.

ESPN showed that the Aviva Man of the Match was given to George Stowers, I wouldn't disagree with that but Jonathon Joseph deserves a well earned mention.

Next weekend, at 17:15 hrs on Saturday 25th September, LI are away to Newcastle and for those unable to make the game, Sky are broadcasting live from Kingston Park.