Gloucester Eyeing Challenge Cup Glory Against Powerful Sharks
Gloucester lock Freddie Clarke believes Friday’s EPCR Challenge Cup final against the Sharks is “pretty close” to being a season-defining game for the English club. After an underwhelming Gallagher Premiership campaign that saw them win just 5 of 18 matches, Gloucester now have the chance to secure a third Challenge Cup triumph – equalling the tournament record.
Victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would not only deliver another European title, but also secure Champions Cup qualification for next season, taking the eighth and final English spot at the expense of Leicester.
“There have been some really tough periods this season, there is no hiding from that,” acknowledged Clarke. “But this cup competition has been a great way to get momentum, and we’ve had our best performances in it.”
Gloucester’s Pretoria-born flanker Ruan Ackermann is relishing the prospect of facing his compatriots. “They have got some big names, players who have won World Cups. They will be confident,” he said of the Sharks, who knocked out French giants Clermont in the semi-finals.
Importance of the Final
Director of rugby George Skivington emphasized the importance of the final, stating: “The objective is to bring more silverware to Gloucester. You get to a final and then you have just got to throw everything at it.” He expects a fierce physical battle, with the set-piece a key area of the contest between two teams boasting powerful forward packs.
Despite their league struggles, Gloucester have already claimed the Premiership Rugby Cup this season. Victory over the Sharks would cap a successful cup campaign and provide a timely boost ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
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