Buried

Gloucester 0 - Stade Francais 27
I had travelled to the match more in hope than expectation but nothing could really prepare me for the woeful performance that the city dished up in the first half. It was suggested that the game was over when Adam Eustace dropped the kick -off, giving Stade a solid platform in the Gloucester 22 and preventing the home players from launching a raucous raid from the off. As it was Gloucester at 3-0 down appeared to think they had to chase the match and a host of knocks-on, poor decisions and gifted opportunities presented Stade with three simple tries. At least by keeping the second half score at 0-0 provided the team with a soupcon of pride but this was simply not good enough. For now I will give the coaching staff the benefit of the doubt but we need to rebuild desperately and the woeful Garvey, disinterested Paul, one-dimensional Fanolua and lightweight Goodridge would be first on my list to seek pastures new. Simpson-Daniel looked class and Balding, when he finally emerged, showed what it should mean to play for the city. It is damning to think that an ex-Tiger should be the role model for the others wearing the crest.

I enjoyed a plaintive cry from a female supporter near us, just before half time. ‘For heaven’s sake, Gloucester, show some compassion!’ We all knew what she meant but her actual words were oddly apt.

The forthcoming matches against Bristol, Worcester, and Harlequins are now crucial. They were always going to be more important than today's weird affair but they represent three games we simply have to emerge victorious from.