Gloucester secured a spot in the semi-finals of the EPCR Challenge Cup with a 23-13 victory over Ospreys at Kingsholm. The match, which saw just two tries, saw Ospreys take the lead early on, but Gloucester responded with a try from Seb Blake. In the second half, Santiago Carreras kicked three penalties to extend the lead and secure the win. Gloucester will now face either Benetton or Connacht in the semi-final, with the hopes of reaching the final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The season for Gloucester has seen a significant turnaround from a club-record nine consecutive Premiership defeats to now being just two wins away from a potential double triumph. Despite their struggles in the domestic league campaign, Gloucester’s recent success in cup competitions has lifted spirits at the club. While improvements are needed, Gloucester will be favored in their semi-final match, regardless of the opponent, and will aim to secure a spot in the final at the end of May.
Player ratings for the match highlighted standout performances from players on both teams. Gloucester’s Ruan Ackermann was named Player of the Match for his impactful performance, recording a game-leading 13 tackles. Zach Mercer also stood out for Gloucester, despite playing through illness. The match saw moments of missed opportunities for both teams, with Gloucester’s forwards dominating the closing stages to secure the win.
Key statistics from the match included Gloucester’s impressive record of winning six straight matches in European competition this season. The victory against Ospreys adds to Gloucester’s recent success in cup competitions, as they aim to continue their winning streak and vie for a spot in the Challenge Cup final. The team will need to build on their performance and address areas for improvement as they prepare for the semi-final showdown.
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