Lineout woes are top of my list to fix, says George Skivington
GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: George Skivington, Head Coach of Gloucester looks on prior to the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester and Bristol at Kingsholm Stadium on February 12, 2021 in Gloucester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
George Skivington admitted his side needed to become smarter after blowing the lead in another try drenched West Country derby that was won by the away side.
“I felt good at half-time, but credit to Bath,” said DoR Skivington. “We could have had a bigger lead but what we learned was that there are times when it is a risk to overplay.
“We scored four tries but our attack gave four up. We will not deviate from being prepared to have a go from everywhere, but there are times when it may not be the best thing to run from your tryline.”
Three Gloucester players had head injury assessments in the first half. “The boys were wearing the new mouthguard and they were ringing all over the place. Freddie Thomas reckoned he dropped his on the floor.”
Gloucester lost second row Arthur Clarke and lock Thomas only lasted nine minutes but Skiving-ton refused to blame the woes for a poor lineout return. “It is top of my list and we will fix it,” he said.
Bath head coach Johan van Graan gave his players a few words of advice at the interval – and within six minutes of the restart they were back in the lead.
“There was clear messaging the players reacted well,” he said. “To score 50 points against Gloucester for the first time is special. Forget the score, they played really well – it was some game.”
READ MORE: Ben Spencer’s class puts Bath on right path
