Gloucester go third with bonus-point victory over Bath in West Country derby
Gloucester climbed to third in the Gallagher Premiership after claiming a bonus-point 29-15 victory over west country rivals Bath at Kingsholm.
Bath's recent Premiership resurgence came to a grinding halt as they were outscored 4-0 on tries.
Full-back Jason Woodward, flanker Freddie Clarke, number eight Johan Ackermann and replacement lock Gerbrandt Grobler all crossed the whitewash, with Billy Twelvetrees kicking two conversions and Danny Cipriani one, while Twelvetrees added a late penalty.
Bath relied on five Rhys Priestland penalties for all their points, but they lost a three-point advantage when Gloucester hit them with two converted touchdowns in rapid succession midway through the second-half.
It saw Gloucester overtake Sale Sharks and move into the top three, and Bath could have few complaints after offering little attacking spark apart from an occasional burst by England centre Jonathan Joseph.
Woodward made a first appearance since mid-November for Gloucester, but number eight Ben Morgan was sidelined due to injury and wing Louis Rees-Zammit failed a late fitness test, which meant former Bath player Matt Banahan replacing him on the bench.
Bath fielded an all-international back-row of Francois Louw, Sam Underhill and Taulupe Faletau together for the first time - injuries had mainly prevented it previously happening - and scrum-half Chris Cook replaced Will Chudley.
Bath enjoyed early territory and possession, but they were rocked when Gloucester scored from their first attack after five minutes.
Gloucester skipper Willi Heinz's pass found lock Franco Mostert space, and when he was held up, Woodward touched down from close range and Cipriani landed the touchline conversion.
Priestland opened Bath's account with a penalty four minutes later, and he then cut the gap to a point with a second strike after Cipriani missed a straightforward penalty chance.
Bath, though, should have been further ahead, but England wing Anthony Watson passed to Faletau, when an outside ball to an unmarked Louw would have given the South African an unopposed run-in.
Priestland completed a penalty hat-trick in the 22nd minute, but neither side could make sustained headway after that as errors abounded during a scruffy and scrappy second quarter, with Bath taking a 9-7 interval lead.
It took Gloucester just five minutes of the second period to go back in front, and it was their forwards that did the damage.
They battered away at Bath's line, and Clarke emerged from underneath a pile of bodies to claim the try, although Cipriani sent an easy conversion attempt wide.
And he was punished for that blunder when Priestland kicked a fourth successful penalty, making it 12-12 with just over 30 minutes left.
Gloucester's poor discipline continued to give Priestland chances, and his fifth penalty from six attempts put Bath back in front.
Gloucester were not helped at times by some indecisive work from Cipriani, particularly with ball in hand, yet their pack continued to make headway.
And their third try arrived in the 58th minute when substitute lock Grobler worked his way over, and Twelvetrees - who replaced Cipriani as kicker - added the conversion for a four-point advantage.
But it was only the start of Bath's troubles, as Gloucester hit them with another try four minutes later, with Ackermann crossing and Twelvetrees kicking the touchline conversion attempt.
Bath were knocked out of their stride by Gloucester's scoring blitz, and it remained one-way traffic during the closing stages as the home side warmed up impressively for a return to Heineken Champions Cup action next weekend when they host Montpellier.
PA
Match details
Gloucester: Woodward, Marshall, Harris, Twelvetrees, Thorley, Cipriani, Heinz, Hohneck, Marais, Balmain, Craig, Mostert, Clarke, Polledri, Ackermann.
Replacements: Gleave, Seville, Knight, Grobler, Ludlow, Simpson, Williams, Banahan.
Bath: Homer, Rokoduguni, Joseph, Roberts, Watson, Priestland, Cook, Obano, Dunn, Stuart, McNally, Stooke, Louw, Underhill, Faletau.
Replacements: Walker, Boyce, Judge, Williams, Ellis, Fox, Burns, Brew.
Referee: Tom Foley (England)
Jake Polledri was incredible today
The Italian international took the second-half by the scruff of the neck and at points seemed unstoppable. England's management must increasingly be thinking that Polledri could have contributed for the national side even in a position stacked with talent.
What a break by Jake Polledri ��
Only an incredible try-saving tackle denied him, but @gloucesterrugby make it count through Gerbrandt Grobler �� pic.twitter.com/shhTmruupN— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 4, 2020
Gloucester are back up to third in the table with that win!
The home side deserved the win
Bath were good in patches but just could not convert their chances, unlike Gloucester who were clinical.
FULL TIME! Gloucester 29 Bath 15
Gloucester steal another lineout and they, at the second time of asking, manage to kick the ball off the pitch to secure the win. Fitting it was man of the match Jake Polledri who ended the game in the end.
79 min: Gloucester 29 Bath 15
It is going to be Gloucester's night! Watson almost breaks through but he hauled down on the half-way line. Bath are being pushed back with less than two minutes to go. Walker's attempted offload goes to a Gloucester hand and the home side attack again.
Gloucester give away a penalty for a neck roll and Burns kicks the ball into Gloucester territory.
PENALTY! TWELVETREES Gloucester 29 Bath 15
Twelvetress take his time before adding three points.
76 min: Gloucester 26 Bath 15
Polledri carries down the five metre channel after a nicely worked lineout routine. Gloucester than draw a penalty - game over!
Gloucester elect for goal.
75 min: Gloucester 26 Bath 15
Owen Williams makes his return to rugby after 10 months out, replacing Cirpriani who has been very good and very bad today at different points today.
Bath clear and Gloucester form a maul from the resulting lineout. Woodward then makes a bust down the wing handing-off defender after defender. Gloucester then switch the attack but spill the ball allowing Bath to clear.
73 min: Gloucester 26 Bath 15
Brew loses the ball in the midfield and once again Gloucester are on the charge. Twelvetrees and Polledri have been everywhere!
Gloucester are now camped outside Bath's 22 working the ball from side to side. They eventually attack the right wing but Marshall is ushered into touch.
71 min: Gloucester 26 Bath 15
Bath will have the scrum 10 metres out from their own line. Can they create some magic?
They win a scrum penalty, that is a start as they make their way into Gloucester's half with a Burns kick.
70 min: Gloucester 26 Bath 15
Marais is going off after that thunderous hit. The game will restart with a lineout to Gloucester on the half-way line.
Cirpriani almost puts Twelvetress through a gap but he is hauled down. Gloucester are making metres, again Polledri driving forward for more yards then he should get. Ackermann is then sent through but Homer makes a vital tackle. Gloucester then knock it on. Beautiful hands from Cipriani to release the South African.
68 min: Gloucester 26 Bath 15
Bath attack, forcing their way into the 22. Gloucester's defence has found some energy as they desperately try and preserve their lead.
Marias hammers Dunn, forcing a knock-on and Gloucester clear long. Another life for Gloucester as Bath fail to pick up points.
Jake Polledri is causing havoc
What a break by Jake Polledri ��
Only an incredible try-saving tackle denied him, but @gloucesterrugby make it count through Gerbrandt Grobler �� pic.twitter.com/shhTmruupN— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 4, 2020
66 min: Gloucester 26 Bath 15
Mostert steals the lineout and Heinz somehow runs the ball back past the try-line, avoiding two Bath defenders. Cipriani clears. Bath needed to score there!
64 min: Gloucester 26 Bath 15
Rokoduguni claims the kick-off back for Bath and they immediately have a chance to respond. They win a penalty for Gloucester not rolling away - what will Bath do here? They are putting it in the corner!
TRY! ACKERMANN Gloucester 26 Bath 15
Ackermann then drives over in the corner. Try number four! Twelvetrees adds a very tricky two points - he should have been kicking all day!
60 min: Gloucester 19 Bath 15
Bath kick long and Gloucester clear their lines.
The away side carry back through the forwards but they are driven back by some stoic defence.Twelvetrees rips the ball and Gloucester attack. Polledri runs another 20 metres - they just cannot tackle the man! Gloucester go left, edging into Bath's 22. Space opens up right and Thorley bursts towards the line - he is tackled just short!
TRY! GROBLER Gloucester 19 Bath 15
Polledri bursts through a tackle making a break from nowhere before rounding the fullback. He falls just short but Grobler, just on the field, scores from close range. Twelvetrees is now kicking and adds the two points.
56 min: Gloucester 12 Bath 15
Boyce is on for Obano in the first change of the match. Bath work through the phases before Cook kicks to compete.
Underhill thumps the receiver but the ball is held. Joseph pounces on a loose pass and goes under the sticks but it is called back for an off the ball tackle from Dunn. Gloucester survive.
PENALTY! PRIESTLAND Gloucester 12 Bath 15
Priestland puts Bath in front!
53 min: Gloucester 12 Bath 12
Bath kick the penalty to just outside Gloucester's 22 but the home side pinch the lineout. Huge steal!
Heinz sends the ball long but Rokoduguni claims well. Bath then lose possession allowing Gloucester to attack on the half-way line. Gloucester then spill the ball and Bath attack from deep. Joseph makes a high-quality break before being caught. Gloucester give away a penalty for offside just outside their 22.
50 min: Gloucester 12 Bath 12
Gloucester are attacking with ambition, making yards through Polledri before using the backs. They work their way up the field before Louw wins a turnover just outside the 22. Bath take it quickly despite being 80 metres from the try-line... fortunately for them they then win another penalty.
PENALTY! PRIESTLAND Gloucester 12 Bath 12
Priestland does not the same mistake as Cipriani - scores are level!
47 min: Gloucester 12 Bath 9
Bath regain the ball from the kick-off and attack just 10 metres out from the try-line. Obano and Dunn carry tight but Gloucester hold firm. Bath then win a penalty for coming in at the side.
TRY! CLARKE Gloucester 12 Bath 9
Gloucester then work left through the forwards and Clarke powers over the try line, to the left of the posts. Somehow Cirpriani misses the conversion.
46 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 9
Gloucester form a maul and win an advantage, Cipriani releases Woodward who offloads to Marshall who is tackled just short. Bath are just about holding out.
44 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 9
Bath kick the ball down field but spill the ball from the lineout. Gloucester counter, making metres and putting a kick in behind.
Gloucester eventually win a penalty five metres out and they stick it in the corner.
42 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 9
Gloucester kick long and Bath clear their lines with a high box-kick. Watson reclaims the kick and Bath build through the phases, but still remain in their own half. Bath win a penalty as Craig hit Priestland late, there wasn't too much in that.
Second half is underway!
Can Gloucester get back in front?
Penalties let Bath back into the game
Gloucester conceded seven penalties allowing Bath to nudge in front. They need to get on the right side of the referee in the second-half.
HALF TIME! Gloucester 7 Bath 9
The game started well, with plenty of tempo. However, there has been a lack of quality and discipline in the match. Simple errors have been made by both sides. Either could take it in the second-half!
Bath's dominant scrum could become a major factor in the second period.
40 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 9
Another scrum for the site of the kick. Gloucester hold this time. Gloucester then knock the ball on and that is half-time.
39 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 9
Scrum to Bath from the spot of the kick. Another scrum penalty to Bath as Stuart drives through Hohneck - very impressive from Stuart!
Priestland then misses touch... what is happening?
37 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 9
Bath attack through Homer before playing out the back. Joseph sends a massive miss pass to Watson but he is wrapped up. Cook decides to kick and the ball finds to Heinz.
Marshall then grubbers through and Cook smacks it into touch with his hand. That should be a penalty to Gloucester but it is a lineout instead. They then win a just penalty after Stuart sacks their maul. Cipriani then misses touch again! Going for maximum distance which he just, just misses.
34 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 9
Bath attack but the ball ends up in touch. However, they turn over Gloucester before kicking the ball long. Woodward sends the ball into the Shed. Lineout to Bath just outside Bath's 22.
Ollie Thorley has been physical in attack and defence so far today
"Can someone remind Thorley he's a back, not a tighthead prop!"
"He just loves the bosh!" ��@IamAustinHealey admiring the @gloucesterrugby star's work �� pic.twitter.com/tHlG9Mhm2p— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 4, 2020
32 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 9
Watson is found on an inside ball but the gap is closed fast. Bath work left just outside Gloucester's 22 before spilling the ball.
Gloucester counter, making easy metres down the left through Twelvetrees. He pops it inside to Heinz who is chopped down. Bath then win a penalty for holding on in the next phase, great work by Louw to force the turnover. Underhill assisted with the low chop tackle. Backrow working well together there.
29 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 9
Sam Underhill gives away a penalty for being ahead of the kicker. This time Cipriani does find touch.
Bath pinch the lineout and Watson then runs it back. Mostert is a little high making the tackle, penalty only. Priestland thumps it down field.
MISSED PENALTY! PRIESTLAND Gloucester 7 Bath 9
Bath opt for goal and Priestland's effort is just wide.
Mostert's break for the Gloucester try was glorious
�� MATCH ACTION@FrancoMostert breaks to set up the first try of the afternoon! ��#GLOvBATpic.twitter.com/UNn4FoUTzY
— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) January 4, 2020
26 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 9
Bath form a driving maul but then spill the ball as Roberts hits a short line. Thorley picks it up and runs over Homer before an accidental offside occurs. Scrum to Bath. The tempo of this match has been rapid! Some scrums will slow that right down...
Bath win a penalty as Hohneck went straight down.
24 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 9
Gloucester win a penalty as Roberts comes in the side. Cipriani misses touch going for distance. Bath end up winning the territory battle.
PENALTY! PRIESTLAND Gloucester 7 Bath 9
He slots it, Bath in the lead.
22 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 6
Some kick tennis follows the lineout until Heinz shanks one and Rokoduguni runs it back with interest.
Bath work their way forward and earn a penalty as an attempted Gloucester jackler did not release. This should be another easy three points...
20 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 6
Priestland clears long from the kick-off and a frantic game finally takes a little breather as Clarke receives some treatment.
PENALTY! PRIESTLAND Gloucester 7 Bath 6
Another three points for Bath and they are back in the game.
17 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 3
Bath kick long and Cipriani sends a high-ball up which is claimed by Priestland. Cook clears but Marshall rises highest to beat Watson to it. Gloucester then return the favour on their 10-metre line.
Bath then attack through Joseph who finds space before being dragged down. Bath quickly spread the play to the other side finding acres of space. They cruise towards the try line but butcher an opportunity. Bath went back inside to Faletua who was dragged down just short of the line. Watson should have passed right and they would have scored in the corner.
Gloucester give away a penalty for offside and Priestland's attempted cross-field kick will bring them back for the penalty.
MISSED PENALTY! CIPRIANI Gloucester 7 Bath 3
Cipriani slides a kick to the left of the posts, he should have slotted that.
13 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 3
Bath attack wide in their own 22, but they quickly run out of space. Thorley and Harris drive Rokoduguni into touch.
Gloucester win the lineout this time, and there was an infringement in the air - penalty to the home side! Bath are really struggling to exit so far.
11 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 3
Bath eventually clear through Priestland but he was under pressure - the kick did not go very far. Gloucester will have a lineout in Bath's 22. Great chance here.
Mostert cannot claim the lineout and Louw clears up. Cook's attempted box-kick is then charged down by Mostert but Gloucester knock it on as they try to pick it up.
PENALTY! PRIESTLAND Gloucester 7 Bath 3
Simple three points for the Welsh international.
9 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 0
Bath attack again from a lineout and they win a penalty. Ackermann is trapped in the ruck and gives away the penalty for not rolling away. Bath elect to go for goal.
7 min: Gloucester 7 Bath 0
Gloucester clear long from the kick-off, but Bath break through after Rokoduguni picks through the middle of a ruck. He makes 20-odd metres before being caught by Thorley. Faletua then spills the ball as they attack right.
Heinz clears from the base once again. Chance missed for Bath.
TRY! WOODWARD Gloucester 7 Bath 0
Mostert hits a Dombrandt-esque line on the 22-metre-line and is just chopped down short of the try line. Gloucester quickly go right and Woodward powers over the line in the corner. Cipriani adds a tricky conversion.
One attack, one try!
4 min: Gloucester 0 Bath 0
Bath immediately put width on the ball but Homer is cut down by Harris. Another kick is put through and Bath give away a penalty for pushing a defender off the ball. Gloucester kick the ball into Bath's half from the penalty.
They win the lineout and attack right making metres with ease.
2 min: Gloucester 0 Bath 0
Gloucester clear through Heinz and Homer returns it, beating on defender. Bath then attack right through Rokoduguni who finds a few metres. Bath have worked their way up towards the Gloucester 22. Good tempo from the away side to start.
Bath attack down the left but Joseph's grubber through is claimed by Harris. Heinz once again clears, finding touch. Good nudge.
Kick-off!
Bath get us underway! Here we go!
Just five minutes until kick-off!
Will it be a tempestuous affair today or well-mannered? I suspect the former.
How loud will the Shed get during derby day?
No better sight than a packed out Shed.��#GLOvBATpic.twitter.com/G7ztUgxOMs
— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) January 4, 2020
Bath can finally play their world-class backrow
A genuinely world-class backrow of Francois Louw, Sam Underhill and Taulupe Faletau is playing for the first time together in two years today. It has a beautiful balance, a mixture of experience and youth and quite simply an aura about it.
Eat your hearts out Toulon, the Galácticos are at Kingsholm today.
Gloucester have reshuffled their backline
They are without Louis Rees-Zammit and Mark Atkinson today, but welcome back Jason Woodward and Owen Williams, who is on the bench.
Danny Cirpriani has no shortage of weapons outside him but will Gloucester cope without two of their star players in recent weeks?
Bath have a very impressive back-line today
Despite missing Will Chudley, Joe Cokanasiga and Ruaridh McConnochie, Bath's back division oozes with quality. The wing combination of Anthony Watson and Semesa Rokoduguni provides an ability to make something out of nothing and elite level finishing prowess.
They are complimented by the extremely experienced centre partnership of Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Joseph, both of whom have been in good form in recent weeks.
However, the star man today could well be Tom Homer. The fullback was superb against London Irish two weeks ago and has regained his best form. Homer is a complete player, when playing well, and Gloucester certainly cannot afford to kick loosely to him today.
Can Danny Cipriani produce something as special this year?
When Gloucester hosted Bath last year...
Danny Cipriani gave us one of the assists of 2019 ��
The two rivals meet again on Saturday ��pic.twitter.com/7YOqftsJq5— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 2, 2020
Game day pancakes for the Gloucester boys...
�� @Chef_Gui cooking up the pre-match pancakes!#GLOvBATpic.twitter.com/Cbue60K8eF
— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) January 4, 2020
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Here are the teams in full
Teenage sensation Louis Rees-Zammit drops from the bench after failing a late fitness test - former Bath stalwart Matt Banahan will wear the no. 23 jersey instead.
Gloucester: Woodward, Marshall, Harris, Twelvetrees, Thorley, Cipriani, Heinz, Hohneck, Marais, Balmain, Craig, Mostert, Clarke, Polledri, Ackermann.
Replacements: Gleave, Seville, Knight, Grobler, Ludlow, Simpson, Williams, Banahan.
Bath: Homer, Rokoduguni, Joseph, Roberts, Watson, Priestland, Cook, Obano, Dunn, Stuart, McNally, Stooke, Louw, Underhill, Faletau.
Replacements: Walker, Boyce, Judge, Williams, Ellis, Fox, Burns, Brew.
Our referee today is Tom Foley.
Match preview
Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann says he expects "a challenge on all fronts" from Bath in today's Premiership derby at Kingsholm.
A win for Gloucester should see them remain in the Premiership's top four, but they will face a Bath side seeking a third successive league win.
The visitors are boosted by being able to name a genuinely world-class back-row of Francois Louw, Sam Underhill and Taulupe Faletau for the first time in two years.
Injuries have limited all of their involvement but their return to united fitness is timely for Bath who need to build on the momentum they have began to pick up. Elsewhere, scrum-half Chris Cook replaces Will Chudley while Zach Mercer, Joe Cokanasiga, Ruaridh McConnochie and Charlie Ewels remain unavailable.
"Every team poses a new challenge, every team has got a lot to play for," Ackermann said.
"The current league table and past results don't mean anything, really. It all starts here.
"Both teams will look at each other and plan where they are going to attack, where will they gain the ascendancy and exploit each other. I think it's going to be a massive challenge because everything is so close.
"Bath is a big local derby. We acknowledge that and we appreciate the history.
"Bath have quality all over. They have World Cup winners and top internationals. We expect a challenge on all fronts."
Gloucester full-back Jason Woodward makes a first appearance since mid-November, while wing Ollie Thorley and centre Billy Twelvetrees also return. Number eight Ben Morgan is sidelined due to injury, with Ruan Ackermann being joined in the back-row by Freddie Clarke and Jake Polledri. Teenage superstar Louis Rees-Zammit is no longer on the bench due to a failed fitness test, former Bath man Matt Banahan comes in. In-form Mark Atkinson also misses out.
Last season yielded a close Gloucester victory and a draw between these sides in the Gallagher Premiership. However, Bath have a better recent record in the league, winning four from their last six compared to Gloucester's two wins.
A tasty West Country encounter certainly awaits.
