In the thrilling encounter between Gloucester and Bath, which ended in a narrow 30-26 loss for Gloucester during the tenth round of the Gallagher Premiership, we take a moment to reflect on the individual performances that stood out. Here, we present our player ratings for the Gloucester squad following this intense match.
Gloucester Player Ratings Against Bath
15 George Barton: Displaying a return to the impressive form he showcased last season, Barton had a commendable game. He contributed significantly to his team’s attacking efforts by effectively stepping in as the first receiver when necessary, and he also demonstrated reliability under high balls. His performance can be rated at a solid 6.
14 Josh Hathaway: Hathaway consistently positioned himself to make an impact throughout the match, executing several key interventions. Although he didn’t achieve the full breakaway that his hard work deserved, it was not due to a lack of effort on his part. He earns a rating of 6.
13 Josiah Edwards Giraud: Giraud came through with outstanding contributions on both offense and defense precisely when his team needed it most. His agility and ability to change pace at the line allowed him to gain significant ground during attacks, often finding himself in advantageous positions. His textbook cover tackle on Dan Frost was a highlight of his defensive work. For these efforts, he receives a score of 7.
12 Seb Atkinson: Continuing his excellent form, Atkinson delivered a powerful performance with ball-in-hand. He excelled in carrying the ball through challenging traffic areas, showcasing strength that will likely catch the attention of England coach Steve Borthwick, especially with the Six Nations upcoming. His stats reveal he led the team with an impressive 48 meters gained from 15 carries, meriting a rating of 8.
11 Ollie Thorley: As the match progressed, Thorley found his rhythm, engaging in an exciting duel with Will Muir. He infused Gloucester’s attack with notable power and speed, even managing to break through defenses on two occasions, leading to a game-high in line breaks. His performance justifies a score of 6.
10 Charlie Atkinson: After patiently waiting for his opportunity this season, Atkinson stepped up with a commanding performance. He presented a well-rounded threat across various aspects of the game, showcasing exceptional playmaking and kicking skills. He also capitalized on his scoring chance effectively, displaying qualities that Borthwick would undoubtedly appreciate. If half-points were available, he would have surely scored a 7.5, but he receives a 7.
9 Tomos Williams (c): This match saw Williams playing at his best, reminiscent of the electrifying performances he delivered last year. He injected much-needed pace into his team’s attack while distributing the ball with precision. His return to peak form provides Gloucester with renewed confidence as they aspire for a potential Champions Cup spot. Similar to Atkinson, he would earn a 7.5 if half-points were applicable, so he also gets a 7.
Back-row Performances:
8 Will Trenholm: Trenholm likely faces some soreness after his tireless efforts in the tight areas. He carried the ball effectively, pushing his team past the gainline against a formidable defense and actively participating in breakdowns. His contribution is rated at 7.
7 Lewis Ludlow: In a typical display of tenacity, Ludlow never shied away from challenges, diving into every tackle, carry, and breakdown with reckless abandon. His leadership was evident, positively influencing his teammates. He receives a 7 for his spirited performance.
6 James Venter: While Venter might not have been as prominent as some of his back-row mates, he played an essential role, adding bulk to the defensive unit and contributing meaningfully at the breakdown. He earns a score of 6.
Tight Five Contributions:
5 Matias Alemanno: Alemanno's defensive performance was critical for Gloucester, especially on a night when they needed it most. He made an impressive 19 tackles with a perfect completion rate and secured a vital turnover, showcasing the steel necessary for team success. A well-deserved rating of 7 reflects his impact.
4 Deian Gwynne: Though perhaps less noticed, Gwynne still delivered a strong performance, echoing the efforts of his lock partner with active involvement in the defense, making 12 tackles and contributing effectively in breakdown scenarios. He receives a score of 6.
3 Afo Fasogbon: It must have been a tough day for Fasogbon, who missed out on the Six Nations squad, but he turned that disappointment into a robust performance on the pitch. Despite some struggles in the scrum, he remained active throughout the loose play, earning a rating of 6.
2 Will Crane: Crane’s transition from the Championship to Gloucester has been noteworthy, and he again rose to the occasion against Bath. He was heavily involved in the front-line battle, achieving 14 tackles without missing any, showing vital contributions throughout the match. His efforts justify a score of 7.
1 Val Rapava Ruskin: Returning to form after battling injuries, Ruskin engaged fully in all aspects of the game. His willingness to contribute on both sides of the ball helped keep his team competitive throughout the match, earning him a rating of 7.
Replacements: The task of matching the impact of Bath’s influential bench players was always going to be challenging for Gloucester’s substitutes. Although Ciaran Knight, Kirill Gotovtsev, and Cam Jordan put forth considerable effort immediately upon entering the game, it simply wasn’t enough to alter the course of the match. They collectively receive a score of 6.
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