George Skivington, the director of rugby for Gloucester, has expressed the team’s determination to field their strongest lineup as they prepare to take on Montpellier in the knockout round of the EPCR Challenge Cup.
Skivington, who previously deployed second-string squads in the pool matches, emphasized the significance of maintaining momentum and intensity, especially following a prolonged break during the Six Nations. While the squad is eager and well-rested, the absence of scrum-half Tomos Williams, due to mandatory rest, marks a strategic adjustment, with other players like Caolan Englefield and Charlie Chapman stepping in to fill the void.
However, the injury woes continue for Gloucester as Welsh international Josh Hathaway faces a six-week layoff due to ankle ligament damage, impacting the team’s wing options. Meanwhile, the outlook at fly-half is improving, with Welsh international Gareth Anscombe nearing recovery from a hamstring injury, potentially paving the way for Charlie Atkinson to retain the number 10 role.
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The pack also grapples with setbacks, as updates reveal that number eight Albert Tuisue continues his recovery from a broken arm sustained in February, and lock Arthur Clark edges closer to fitness after a foot injury during England training.
The injury setbacks present challenges for Gloucester as they gear up for the crucial encounter against Montpellier.