Gloucester boss George Skivington showers praises on hat-trick hero Christian Wade following a thrilling victory over Bristol in the Gallagher Premiership. The intense match at Ashton Gate saw Wade score three tries, bringing his total Premiership career tries to 85. Despite being yellow-carded towards the end of the game during a Bristol fightback, Wade’s exceptional performance showcased his finishing skills in all its glory.
Skivington commended Wade, acknowledging the adjustment period expected upon his return to the Premiership after an absence of six years, split between the NFL and Racing 92 in France. The coach expressed his admiration for Wade’s hard work and dedication, highlighting the importance of his try-scoring capability for the team’s success.
In a post-match interview with TNT Sports, Wade expressed his enjoyment of the game and his eagerness to contribute more to Gloucester’s performance in the Premiership. He emphasised the team’s aspirations to enhance their league standings with a fresh outlook and renewed energy.
Gloucester seemed to secure the win comfortably with a 19-point lead in the final quarter of the game; however, Bristol staged a compelling comeback with three rapid tries to level the scores. A last-minute penalty by full-back George Barton sealed the victory for Gloucester. Additional scorers for Gloucester included lock Freddie Thomas and fly-half Gareth Anscombe, with Barton converting all five tries and adding three penalties.
Despite the loss, Bristol collected two bonus points with tries from Max Malins, Siva Naulago, Harry Randall, Gabriel Ibitoye, and Rich Lane. Bristol’s AJ MacGinty also contributed with 11 points from his kicking. Both teams displayed resilience and determination throughout the match, with Skivington acknowledging Gloucester’s character and fighting spirit as key factors in securing the win.
Bristol’s rugby director, Pat Lam, described the game as a rollercoaster ride, acknowledging the competitive nature of both teams. Lam reflected on areas needing improvement in Bristol’s defensive play following the high-scoring encounter. He noted the disappointment among players regarding defensive lapses and emphasised the importance of addressing these issues moving forward to deliver stronger performances.
The captivating clash between Gloucester and Bristol showcased the competitive spirit and skill on display in the Gallagher Premiership, with Wade’s outstanding performance standing out as a defining moment in Gloucester’s thrilling victory.