Aviva Rugby Premiership 2012 Preview - Part 1

Gloucester Gloucester struggled in last years competition, managing only to scrape a 9th place finish. This was a long shout from the 3rd place in the previous season, and they€™ll surely be looking to replicate their successes of that year. Whilst, on the surface, this would look like a total collapse, in Gloucester€™s case there seems to be more factors at work influencing their performance. Historically they are an incredibly strong team. Having played in the Premiership every season since it began, they have 3 victories to their name (the most recent in 2008) and rarely finish outside the top half of the table. So what went wrong this year? Quite simply their defense has been shoddy at best. Looking at the points scored vs points conceded for the past season, Gloucester were 6th in terms of total points scored (456) but were 4th in terms of points conceded (507). When compared to the top 4 teams (who each conceded less than 400 points over the season apart for Leicester who had a tricky start), it quickly becomes clear the reasons behind their 14 losses and 7 victories (with 1 draw). The departure of their manager and parts of their coaching staff to Sale Sharks has pushed Gloucester into a period of transition, perfect timing for a Club that needs rejuvenating. The new management will need to draw a tighter focus on discipline (to avoid giving so many penalties) as well as the general fitness of the squad (too often they were noticeably gassed out by the 70th minute), and should put Gloucester back in the running for a decent table position. Player To Watch: Billy Twelvetrees has joined Gloucester from Leicester for the new season. A very fast centre, with the ability to adapt to varying positions (as shown last year with Leicester which saw him step in as fly half) make him an ideal choice to inject some urgency back into the squad and hopefully help tighten the team up. Gloucester definitely need some vision on the pitch, and Billy has the potential to add this. 2012-2013 Outlook: 5th or 6th . Gloucester have a lot to prove to their fans and critics after last year. With some strong new additions to the squad, and a new management team it will be important for them to show some steady progress this year. Don€™t expect a campaign to threaten the top of the table, but they will surely be back near the top in the next few years.