Gloucester's
pack continues to play second fiddle to the opposition as the Cherry and Whites
slumped to their second Premiership defeat of the season and on this form
it is not easy to see where a win is coming from.
The pack were unable to achieve parity at set-piece or in the loose with the scrum an embarrassment once again, a struggling second row, plus an anonymous back row that is largely absent and not competitive at the breakdown.
Pace and penetration were sadly lacking behind the scrum as the hosts were not strong enough to mount any sustained period of pressure until the final fifteen minutes but even then were quite unable to break down the efficient resolute Saints' defence.
The match was not helped by some inconsistent refereeing from David Rose but Gloucester were again badly let down by their lack of discipline as they gave away far too many silly penalties and were made to pay the price for their stupidity.
Northampton conceded a raft of penalties in the final quarter but no yellow card was forthcoming even for a blatant high tackle but it is doubtful if that would have made any difference the final result.
Northampton coped well with what little Gloucester had to offer and looked an altogether better balanced team playing with purpose and were the better side throughout. They got the basics right and crucially, made far fewer mistakes which was more than the home side could manage.
Gloucester's defence appears to be well on course to be the worst in the Premiership.
Two forwards coaches have produced little or nothing so far - perhaps a defence coach is needed?
There was plenty of movement in the first half with Saints getting the first through some efficient backing up and off-loading before prop Tonga 'Uiha scored. Geraghty converted.
Saints then established a ten point lead when Bruce Reihana struck a terrific penalty from the half-way line.
Gloucester did create a good try, thanks to Big Les who breached the Saints' defence and the move ended with a try for Qera. One of the few times Vainikolo actually touched the ball.
Penalties from Nicky Robinson edged the home side in front 14-13 with the interval approaching but the work was undone as two needless silly penalties were conceded and Geraghty duly obliged for Saints slotting the easy kicks. 14-19.
Thereafter Gloucester were playing catch-up — not very well at that. Reihana added another long range penalty to add to a second Saints’ try as centre Jon Clarke scored with ease when Gloucester’s leaky defence was exposed and take the score to 14-27.
Olivier Azam came off the bench late on and made the difference to fire the Gloucester forward effort but although the Saints’ line was crossed no try was forthcoming, just a penalty.
The pack were unable to achieve parity at set-piece or in the loose with the scrum an embarrassment once again, a struggling second row, plus an anonymous back row that is largely absent and not competitive at the breakdown.
Pace and penetration were sadly lacking behind the scrum as the hosts were not strong enough to mount any sustained period of pressure until the final fifteen minutes but even then were quite unable to break down the efficient resolute Saints' defence.
The match was not helped by some inconsistent refereeing from David Rose but Gloucester were again badly let down by their lack of discipline as they gave away far too many silly penalties and were made to pay the price for their stupidity.
Northampton conceded a raft of penalties in the final quarter but no yellow card was forthcoming even for a blatant high tackle but it is doubtful if that would have made any difference the final result.
Northampton coped well with what little Gloucester had to offer and looked an altogether better balanced team playing with purpose and were the better side throughout. They got the basics right and crucially, made far fewer mistakes which was more than the home side could manage.
Gloucester's defence appears to be well on course to be the worst in the Premiership.
Two forwards coaches have produced little or nothing so far - perhaps a defence coach is needed?
There was plenty of movement in the first half with Saints getting the first through some efficient backing up and off-loading before prop Tonga 'Uiha scored. Geraghty converted.
Saints then established a ten point lead when Bruce Reihana struck a terrific penalty from the half-way line.
Gloucester did create a good try, thanks to Big Les who breached the Saints' defence and the move ended with a try for Qera. One of the few times Vainikolo actually touched the ball.
Penalties from Nicky Robinson edged the home side in front 14-13 with the interval approaching but the work was undone as two needless silly penalties were conceded and Geraghty duly obliged for Saints slotting the easy kicks. 14-19.
Thereafter Gloucester were playing catch-up — not very well at that. Reihana added another long range penalty to add to a second Saints’ try as centre Jon Clarke scored with ease when Gloucester’s leaky defence was exposed and take the score to 14-27.
Olivier Azam came off the bench late on and made the difference to fire the Gloucester forward effort but although the Saints’ line was crossed no try was forthcoming, just a penalty.
