Gloucester-Hartpury women face Sale Sharks women tomorrow in the Women’s Allianz Premier 15s and Women’s Rugby Show host Sam Bytheway is expecting a competitive affair.
The former University of Gloucestershire student spoke exclusively to Parklife sport and said “Sale is a tough place to go. It’ll be windy, it’ll be rainy and the pitch will be horrible so it won’t suit Gloucester’s style of play.
“They like to get it out to the backs and use their quick wingers and centres who want to run with the ball and enjoy playing rugby.”
Although Gloucester sit three places above their opponents, the two week break to reduce positive Covid-19 tests in the league could make this a physical match. If the two sides previous meeting is anything to go by then it will be a close game.
“I expect Sale to run Gloucester very close, just like they did away. Sale were really good that day and pushed Gloucester all the way.
“They got themselves a bonus point which was their first of the season so they’ll have confidence.”
That game, back in November, ended 17-14 and with Gloucester’s current injury worries Sale could fancy themselves to take the points from the North-West. Given that the Women’s Six Nations has been postponed though, Gloucester could find themselves with a small advantage.
“Gloucester will probably have their international forwards in the team and Sale are such a new and young team that might not have the same experience. That could push Gloucester over the edge.”
In a season much effected by the Coronavirus pandemic, a win for either team could spur them on to push up the league table. Making this weekends game even bigger.
“A lot of the Premier 15’s at the moment is about getting wins and keeping going because it’s so tough at the moment. If you look at other teams in the league it’s only Harlequins that are unbeaten, every other team has lost.
“Even Saracen’s lost last week for the first time in two years, it really means that anybody can beat anybody so if Gloucester can get a win on Saturday it’ll be a big push forward.
“It’s really tight between where they are in the league and fourth place which is a semi-final position. If you get a run together while other teams are losing this could be the best time to do it.
This game will also be streamed live on YouTube at 2:30pm.
