Gloucester head coach George Skivington praised the Premiership for providing another thrilling game that saw his side beat Bristol Bears 31-28.
He insists the on-pitch product “has never been better” after an eight-try epic at Kingsholm, which was part of an absorbing day of action in England.
The Premiership has been under a cloud over the past month after Wasps and Worcester Warriors were suspended from the league amid financial problems.
Wasps are reportedly set to follow the Warriors into administration, with the country’s flagship club competition rocked so early into the campaign.
On-field product never been better
But while there are issues off the field, Skivington could not be more upbeat about the product on it as the Cherry and Whites and Bristol put on a show.
“Pat (Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam) and I spoke before the game about how, despite all the carnage in the background, the actual product on the field has never been better,” he said.
“I am sure for a neutral it was a great game. Not so much the coaches.
“We are finding ourselves on the back foot and digging ourselves out. Those games have gone the other way (in the past).
“Bristol at home two years ago, it was heading for a draw and we gave away a penalty in pretty much exactly the same spot and lost. We are in more of these games than we were previously.
“I thought our scrum was outstanding, but our lineout and maul probably didn’t fire to the level we are used to firing at. We will take that as a blip and work hard on that.
“The old adage of a win’s a win is so true. The doggedness, I am always proud of this team from that point of view.”
Despite the Bears losing out at Kingsholm, Lam took the positives from a much-improved effort after his team lost 50-14 against Exeter last time out.
Improvements from Bristol Bears
“We looked a lot better this week,” he said. “We needed to stay in our system in the second half, which we did, although it was unfortunate we butchered a couple of tries.
“You always worry if you are not creating opportunities, but we created heaps today. We had plenty of chances, but unfortunately we didn’t finish them.
“It is not an easy place to play, Kingsholm. Fair play to George (Skivington) and what they have done here.
“It was a real test and it was neck and neck right until the end. At this level you are tested about getting the little things done really well.
“The Premiership is tough. Any points you can get are massive. We took two today and we are gutted we missed out on three more.
“There is some very good rugby being played in the Premiership at the moment. The product is awesome.”
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