Ollie Thorley set for 100th appearance in Challenge Cup quarter-final against Saracens

May 05, 2022
1757
Ultimate Rugby

George Skivington has named his side for Gloucester Rugby’s European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Saracens with Ollie Thorley set to make his 100th appearance in Cherry and White.

There are just three changes to the starting line-up that beat Bath 64-0 last time out with Val Rapava-Ruskin and Fraser Balmain both returning to the front row and Jordy Reid coming into the starting side at flanker.

The back line is unchanged with Santiago Carreras starting at fullback with Louis Rees-Zammit and Ollie Thorley on the wings. Mark Atkinson and Chris Harris partner in the midfield with Adam Hastings and Charlie Chapman at halfback.

In the pack, Val Rapava-Ruskin, Jack Singleton and Fraser Balmain start in the front row with Freddie Clarke and Matias Alemanno continuing their partnership in the second row. Ben Morgan, Jordy Reid and captain Lewis Ludlow complete the forward pack.

There is a strong list of replacements with Santiago Socino, Harry Elrington, Jamal Ford-Robinson, Andrew Davidson and Jack Clement covering the forwards and Ben Meehan, Billy Twelvetrees and Tom Seabrook covering the backs.

George Skivington is looking forward to the game.

“We’re really looking forward to it. The atmosphere last weekend was unbelievable. The voices and the shouting and the pre and post match stuff, it was unbelievable. It was a big occasion for all of the supporters and I think they were grateful for what the boys delivered and the boys are always grateful for the noise that is made and everybody who comes.

“We’re looking forward to more of the same again here on Friday night. Hopefully we get as many bodies in as we can and the cheers will be loud and we can give everyone something to enjoy.

“It’s really exciting and it’s nice to have some back to back games at Kingsholm.”