Gloucester Rugby’s director of rugby, George Skivington, described his side’s performance as ‘gutted and embarrassed’ after a comprehensive 38-19 defeat to Harlequins in Round 16 of the Gallagher Premiership at the Allianz Stadium. The loss dealt a severe blow to Gloucester’s ambitions of securing a play-off spot, leaving them three points behind the top four with just two matches remaining.
Harlequins, despite being out of the top-four race themselves, delivered one of their most ruthless performances of the season. They scored six tries, including a hat-trick from Cadan Murley, while Rodrigo Isgro crossed twice and Will Evans added another try. Marcus Smith, recently named in the British and Irish Lions squad, contributed four successful conversions.
Gloucester’s defensive frailties were glaringly exposed, allowing Murley, Isgro, and Tyrone Green to run freely on a sunny afternoon at Twickenham. Skivington expressed confusion over his team’s lack of intensity in what was seen as a must-win encounter: “We need to win those games for pride. I’m gutted and embarrassed. We have blown a massive opportunity. We didn’t show up and got beaten in every aspect of the game.”
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By halftime, Harlequins had already secured the bonus point with four tries, two of which were scored by Murley. Although Gloucester responded with three tries from Christian Wade, Santiago Carreras, and substitute Jack Cotgreave, they never managed to find the momentum to challenge the home side effectively.
Harlequins dominated key moments, including a powerful line-out maul finished by Will Evans and swift counter-attacks resulting in tries by Isgro and Murley. Gloucester’s defensive woes worsened following the injury to Chris Harris and the sin-binning of Dombrandt and Ruan Ackermann.
Despite a late rally by Gloucester, the damage was done. Harlequins coasted to victory, leaving Gloucester with a tough road ahead against Newcastle Falcons and Northampton Saints in their quest to claw their way back into play-off contention.
Final scores:
Harlequins 38 — Gloucester Rugby 19
Harlequins try scorers: Murley (3), Isgro (2), Evans (1)
Gloucester try scorers: Wade, Carreras, Cotgreave