Mercer on a mission
Gloucester booked their place in the Premiership Cup final with Zach Mercer, pictured, leading the way with the first try and a hand in both of the others as they saw off Exeter 17-14 at Kingsholm.
Mercer was left out of the England A squad to face Portugal next weekend and director of rugby George Skivington – who is head coach for that clash at Welford Road – hailed his performance.
“Zach has a massive skill set and it was great to see him in full flow today,” said Skivington.
“We set out our marker early doors that we wanted to do something in this competition. I’m really pleased with the boys. In the first half we controlled things well. In the second half we could have controlled it better but Exeter threw everything at it.
“Lewis (Ludlow) is outstanding. There is a reason he’s captain, he is mad keen to get to a final and get some silverware.
“We expected a momentum shift in the second half but we probably gave them the opportunity. They’re a quality team, they have won this competition and they know knockout rugby very well so I’m very proud of the boys for the way they hung in there and the way they managed the last 10 minutes of the game was brilliant.”
No.8 Mercer said: “My focus is on Gloucester. I just wanted to go out there and show the players and supporters what I was capable of.”
It has been a good week for Gloucester with back row Ruan Ackermann opting to extend his contract with the side.
The length of the 28-year-old’s new deal has not been disclosed.
Ackermann has been with Gloucester since joining from Lions in his native South Africa in 2017 when his father was the Gloucester boss.
“There was lots of competition for Ruan’s signature, so it’s a huge coup for the club,” said Skivington.
“Ruan has been fantastic for us and to have a player of his quality committing his future to the club is a massive statement of trust in the direction we are heading in.”
Ackermann said Gloucester feels like a “second home” and he is enjoying being a senior player in the side.
“Whatever role you play in the team, you need to be in a leader in that role,” he said.
“If you’re put in that position, it’s about not doing anything different, doing what you always do really well and trying to lead by example.”
