Gloucester’s path to their fifth European Challenge Cup final drew closer after a gritty performance against Ospreys at Kingsholm. With a home semi-final secured, they await the winner of the clash between Benetton and Connacht on Sunday.
Despite Ospreys taking an early lead with Keelan Giles’ stunning try, Gloucester stayed in contention as Seb Blake powered over for their only try of the match in the first half. Argentina’s Santi Carreras proved pivotal, booting six penalties to seal the victory.
This season, Gloucester has showcased their prowess in cup competitions, adding the European Challenge Cup to their Premiership Rugby Cup triumph. Despite facing challenges in the league, where they’ve suffered ten losses out of fourteen games, their cup form has been formidable.
Facing an Ospreys side fresh from a victory over Sale Sharks, Gloucester anticipated a tough test, especially in the set-pieces. However, Ospreys struggled with their line-out and scrum, failing to capitalize on opportunities at Kingsholm.
The highlight of the match came early on when Scotland’s Adam Hastings, making his comeback after a three-month injury layoff, orchestrated a brilliant play. His chip kick found Australian full-back Jack Walsh, who exploited Gloucester’s defensive lapse, setting up Keelan Giles for a memorable try.
Despite brief exchanges of penalties between Carreras and Ospreys’ Owen Williams, Gloucester surged ahead before halftime, with Blake crashing over from a five-meter line-out. Carreras and Williams continued their penalty battle, leaving just one point separating the teams at the break.
Gloucester raised their intensity in the second half, capitalizing on Ospreys’ forward errors. With Zach Mercer and Ruan Ackermann leading the charge and the scrum dominance, Ospreys found themselves repeatedly penalized. Carreras, boasting the highest kicking success rate in the Premiership, effectively sealed Ospreys’ fate with three unanswered penalties, securing Gloucester’s place in the semi-finals.
