Gloucester Rugby: Rob Cook - We must come out firing against Munster

Comments (1)

ROB Cook has urged Gloucester to put aside the pain of Saturday’s loss to Saracens and come out firing against Munster.

The Cherry and Whites are still seething following their hammering at the hands of league leaders Saracens.

But while the full-back admits the performance was hugely disappointing he insists Gloucester cannot let the black cloud hang over them and must focus on their European day of destiny with Munster.

Cook said: “Nothing went to plan and fair play to Saracens, they kept the ball in the right areas and every time they got into the 22 they came away with points.

“Their kick chase is one of the best we have come up against, they put a lot of pressure on the person catching the ball, had good line speed in defence and we didn’t deal with it.

“If you look at the last four games, they were massive games and while we let ourselves down in the second game against Edinburgh we picked up wins against Worcester and Irish to give ourselves a bit of breathing space.

“We had a massive opportunity against Saracens and we blew it. They were very professional and have a lot of confidence and it shows.

“But we just have to pull ourselves together and work hard this week. It’s another massive opportunity for us and we will be all guns blazing.”

Gloucester sit second in Pool Six, five points adrift of the Irish province ahead of Saturday’s clash at Kingsholm.

A victory would level affairs ahead of the final round trip to Perpignan, while a defeat would end the Cherry and Whites hopes of reaching the Heineken Cup knockout stages.

Nigel Davies’ men have been chronically short of confidence and have won just four competitive fixtures on their home patch this season.

But Cook insists there is no reason why Gloucester cannot upset the odds to keep their European hopes alive.

He added: “We have two massive opportunities and just have to go out and show what we can do.

“They’re a very good side but hopefully Kingsholm will be rocking and we can give them a good show. If we can get a win we’re right up there in Europe.

“We have Perpignan away in the final game and you just never know what French teams will be like at that stage of the season. We’re confident and I don’t see why we can’t win.

“We know Munster are a physical side but we know we can match it and will give it a really good go. We need to get momentum, confidence and to start playing rugby.”

Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/25310864

Gloucester Rugby: Rob Cook - We must come out firing against Munster