Champions Cup: Gloucester’s George Skivington gutted after narrow loss to La Rochelle
Gloucester boss George Skivington admitted he was gutted after his side narrowly lost 29-26 against defending champions La Rochelle in the Champions Cup last-16.
The Premiership side were in great position to claim the win after leading most of the second period, but ultimately a late Teddy Thomas try would bury the side.
Heart-breaking loss
The coach praised his players for their efforts in the build-up and feels things may have been different if a late call went a different way.
“It’s absolutely gutting. I think the boys couldn’t have done any more than they did tonight; they’ve left it all out there and fought unbelievably hard,” Skivington told Gloucester’s official website.
“After Newcastle away last week (a 17-12 defeat in the Gallagher Premiership), we had some good chats, and it was really important we set out it out that we love this team and will play hard for this club.
“We know the season hasn’t been ideal, and this group have had a lot thrown at them behind the scenes, it’s been hard for them.
“But that fight tonight was what we’re all about, and it’s very hard to swallow right now because, frankly I think we were hard done by with the call at the end that gave them the pressure.
“I don’t moan often about things like that, but I think in a big game like this there has to be some accountability around that.
“But to hold them out the way they did at the end, I’ve not seen that in a game in La Rochelle’s season. We did rattle them, but unfortunately, it’s not to be today.”
The scores were tied at the break after tries from Chris Harris and Freddie Clarke for Gloucester, whilst Pierre Bourgarit and Thomas crossed as well.
The teams traded tries in the second period, and Gloucester held a 26-22 lead until Thomas’ late heroics.
💔 Teddy Thomas breaks Gloucester hearts.#HeinekenChampionsCup #LARvGLO pic.twitter.com/YqmIzPc4bk
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 1, 2023
Brave effort
Skivington said: “The boys were brave in the way they attacked the game, they boxed smart and made the right decisions and put pressure on them at the right times.
“This is a serious outfit here, the European champions and the budgets would blow your mind in comparison.
“I think tonight we just showed some proper grit, played smart rugby and I’m absolutely devastated for everybody, all the players, staff, Gloucester supporters. I think we deserved to get though that round.”
