James Forrester stepped in to the centre position for Gloucester's 23-16 win over Newcastle and bagged two tries to see the Kingsholm club go to Twickenham on Saturday for the final of the Zurich Wild Card against Saracens (Sat 14 May, kick off 1pm).
"That was a big, big win today and we all know how important it was to get to the Wild Card final," said Forrester.
"I'd been working all week at the centre role, and we're happy with that today, as our patched up back-line came up against a full strength Newcastle side. There's a big game now to prepare for against Saracens, for both us and the fans."
Asked about Forrester's performance, Dean Ryan said: "He went alright, didn't he! Newcastle had five internationals in their back-line out there. He's a very good player, and we had other options, but we'd rather have him on the pitch than on the bench. He's certainly got his name in the frame for next Saturday.
"That win is a good springboard for next week. We've had to adapt our game in the last few weeks, and that's the best we've been with that adapted game. There's a big prize on offer now, and it's certainly going to be tough."
Director of rugby Nigel Melville was pleased with the win and said: "We've had some rough times in the past month or so, and that's a decent win. It can get to you, and the likes of Adam Balding, Jake Boer and Duncan McRae have really fronted up this week and we had a spring in our step out there."
Asked about the recent signing of Ludovic Mercier,coupled with Brad Davies, and the involvement of Duncan McRae next season, Melville said: "Yes, Duncan will be involved next season as a player. It'll be good to have more guys available for the number 10 shirt."
 |
 |
