Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake can help Gloucester improve their Champions Cup fortunes as they prepare for their opening clash against reigning champions Bordeaux, according to former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio.
Speaking at this week's EPCR season launch in Lyon for Premier Sports, Dallaglio said the Cherry & Whites' blend of youth and experience makes them an intriguing proposition. Bordeaux bring their star-studded squad to Kingsholm on the opening night of their title defence on October 16, and Dallaglio sees it as a perfect opportunity for George Skivington's side to prove themselves.
Signs of Competitiveness
“I don’t think they’re necessarily there to light up the Champions Cup and win the competition - I think they would argue that themselves,” said the former No.8. “But there are definitely signs, with the addition of Jac Morgan, Dewi Lake and their other recruits, that they’re going to be competitive.”
“I think bringing in (technical director) Chris Boyd has been a really positive move. You’ve only got to see the benefits Northampton have reaped as a result of his work. He’s the kind of strategist and visionary who can give them the structure and foundations they need, with George (Skivington) taking a much more hands-on approach in a coaching role.”
Opening Test at Kingsholm
“So far, so good. It seems to be working really well. And what better way to announce yourself and measure yourself than the opening weekend at Kingsholm, under the lights, against the reigning champions? I’m really looking forward to that.”
Dallaglio was speaking ahead of the new season of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, which will again be shown exclusively live on Premier Sports. Cardiff are the only Welsh club in the Champions Cup and open with a trip to reigning PREM champions Northampton Saints on October 18, while Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons will compete in the Challenge Cup.
French Dominance Challenged
French clubs have won the Champions Cup in each of the past six seasons, but Dallaglio believes the chasing pack can compete this term, with the new campaign beginning on October 16.
“The French teams are the ones to beat but it is not impossible,” he said. “Of the English sides, I thought Bath were the equal of Bordeaux last season in the semi-final. There were just a couple of moments where they didn’t quite take advantage, and few would have complained if Bath had gone on to win that game. They were very much part of that contest, so I still see them as the flag-bearers.”
“I feel Saracens have got the bit between their teeth. They seem like a new and very different Saracens team, with Brendan (Venter) seeming very well established in that environment.”
“And if South Africa decided, whether with Stormers or the Bulls, that they wanted to have a real crack at this competition, they have everything in their power to win it. They’ve got the players, the structure and the know-how.”
Lawrence Dallaglio is part of the Premier Sports team bringing every game live from the Investec Champions Cup, with 400+ live rugby games every season plus every game from the Rugby League World Cup available at www.premiersports.com.
