Gloucester Rugby host back-to-back champions Bordeaux Begles tomorrow evening at Kingsholm Stadium in their opening fixture of this year’s Investec Champions Cup.
Head Coach George Skivington will be looking for his side to take their strong form in the Gallagher Prem into this tough test.
There are three changes to the side that travelled to the Midlands last week, with Ciaran Knight coming into the side for Afo Fasogbon in the front row.
Dan Robson replacing Caolan Englefield at scrum half and Max Llewellyn is handed a start in midfield.
Gloucester lost their last game to Leicester 38-31 in a thrilling encounter at Mattioli Woods Welford Road but still sit top of the table after wins against Exeter and the Harlequins.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux come into the fixture with four wins from six as they sit third in the Top 14.
They recorded a narrow 23-22 win against ASM Clermont Auvergne at Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin on Saturday.
The Cherry and Whites have beaten Bordeaux in four of their last five meetings with the most recent victory a 26-17 comeback in 2023.
Fly-half George Barton, who re-signed in March, converted a try and three penalty goals in that game.
Head Coach’s thoughts
George Skivington wants his players to relish the opportunity to play this fixture at home.
He stated “We’ve talked a lot about the privilege of playing here at Kingsholm and the supporters we have and what it means.
“So, anytime the boys are running out here, they know the expectation.
“We all know what we want to stand for.”
Dan Robson’s thoughts
Dan Robson, who comes into the side, after being an impact sub against Leicester.
The scrum half also spoke on how important playing at home is the team. He shared “We’ve spoken about it a lot, making this place a fortress again.
“And understand how lucky we are with the support that we get and how much the town supports us and the people that come here and spend their money to watch us.
“We understand the responsibility we’ve got to put the shirt in a better place and make sure that we go out there and perform and we’ve got to do that.
“We’ve got to make sure that we’re in that position to do that. Another opportunity on Friday night.
“We understand the threat that they’re going to bring. They’re not double European champs for nothing.
“But what an opportunity and what an opportunity to show our fans the commitment and the belief and the trust that we’ve been working on. We’re all pretty excited!”
