Gloucester wary of Robinson & Co
April 23, 2002

Jason Robinson is the dangerman Gloucester must pin down when they meet Sale Sharks in the PARKER PEN SHIELD semi-finals at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, on Sunday - but they will not lose sight of Sale's other potential match winners.

Robinson has turned defences inside out while playing for the Lions, England and the Sharks but Gloucester assistant coach Paul Turner stresses Sale are anything but a one-man band behind the scrum.

"We have got to keep an eye on Jason but not to the extent of leaving space for a number of their other good players in the backs - that would be foolish," said former Wales fly half Turner.

"Some might have made us slight favourites a few weeks ago but we hit a bad patch and Sale have been playing some great rugby. They are a dangerous side and have class players at half back in Bryan Redpath and Charlie Hodgson...and then there is Jason.

"Beating Bristol last Sunday has put us back on track because our confidence had been knocked for six after the Wasps and Northampton results. We should have beaten Bristol more comfortably than 41-40 but a win was what it was all about.

"The big plus for us was the return of our captain Phil Vickery from injury, his presence is just immense and he restored some much needed leadership."

Sale Sharks skipper Bryan Redpath is well aware of the challenge that Gloucester will provide.

"We are going to have to produce a huge performance, play to the top of our ability.

"It is going to be an extremely hard game and although they have not been playing that well lately we all know what Gloucester are capable of producing. They have beaten us twice this season and we appreciate their forward strengths.

"Sunday is going to be a massive occasion."

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.