Redpath: Still too many errors
Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath says there are still too many errors coming from his team.
Gloucester managed to scrape a 22-21 win over Leeds but Redpath says the performance was very disappointing for a number of reasons. Gloucester built a big lead but individual errors almost allowed Leeds to take the game later on.
Redpath says he saw the same mistakes appearing within the side that caused Gloucester to lose the first game of the season against Exeter. The pressure is now on the side to improve as they are a team expected to finish in the top four.
There are many areas that must get better if Gloucester is to turn things around and build some momentum. However, the season is long and there is a lot of time for Gloucester to improve.
Must get better
Gloucester has to work on basic handling of the ball. There were far too many examples of players dropping simple catches, which allowed Leeds to win back possession and build some momentum during the match.
Gloucester's set pieces have to be better. There were numerous examples at line outs where the ball was poorly directed or thrown into an area where it was impossible for a member of the side to be lifted up to catch the ball.
Passing has to improve. This is the only way that Gloucester is going to beat better teams. Both the simple and creative passes in the match against Leeds were poor. This allowed Leeds players to step in and catch the ball when it was meant for someone in a Gloucester jersey.
Redpath said: "There were too many handling errors again. Some of the players need to grow up and we are not growing up quickly enough. We were fortunate today and, for periods of the game, we were the better side. But Leeds will be aggrieved that they didn't win that game."
A long season
It's important to remember that the season has only just started and there is a long way to go before the end. This gives Gloucester plenty of time to work on eradicating problems in training.
Bath's start last season showed that a side can play poorly at the start of the season and still make the top four by the end of the season. However, Gloucester has to quickly improve with a difficult away match against London Irish next up.
Redpath added: "Straight after half-time, Charlie (Sharples) dropped the ball. Then we had a penalty straight in front of the posts, and four or five other chances. Whether it is arrogance, I don't know but I have asked the question. We need to respect Gloucester Rugby Club more. We will never be a good side unless we stick to the basics of the game."
Betting advice
Gloucester is still a very good rugby team so try not to read too much into the first two performances of the season. Redpath said before the season started that the club would aim to finish in the top four and this ambition is still on course.
The side is not in full flow yet and this means that a high winning margin is not likely. Narrow wins seem to be the only victories that Gloucester is going to secure in the next two or three matches.
If you prefer to back key players in a team then Luke Narraway seems to be in very good touch. The try against Leeds will give him confidence and he's one of the few Gloucester players that can cause a headache every time he gets the ball.
Tags: