David Humphreys demands ‘anger and frustration’ after defeat to Sarries

Gloucester coach wants positive reaction in today’s home game with Newcastle

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Gloucester’s director of rugby, David Humphreys, wants “frustration and anger” generated by last weekend’s defeat against Saracens to be reflected when Newcastle arrive at Kingsholm today.

The West Country club missed a glorious chance to topple this season’s Premiership title favourites, losing 25-12 despite Saracens having hooker Schalk Brits sent off after 30 minutes.

Gloucester’s Allianz Park setback followed successive league wins against Bath and Harlequins, and Humphreys said: “We admit that last week was very disappointing, that we didn’t perform against the champions.

“So, the message has been very clear. There wasn’t a huge amount wrong, but what was wrong has to be fixed. And that frustration and anger from last week has to be reflected in the performance this weekend.”

Dean Richards’ Newcastle underlined their strong form by toppling Northampton last time out, and Humphreys added: “Anybody who has watched them will be pretty impressed with their style of rugby – the way they are trying to play, the ambition they are showing.

“So, it’s going to be a test for us, but our focus every week has been about us and making sure we are well prepared. Newcastle will pose something different to Saracens last weekend, but we are ready for it.”

Worcester, just two points behind Newcastle but five clear of bottom club London Irish, will look to build on last Saturday’s victory over Sale Sharks when they tackle Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens this afternoon.

The Warriors beat Northampton last October, so a season’s double will be their prize if they can finish on top in the East midlands.

“That first game against Saints [this season] will be a big motivator for them, as well as us,” Worcester rugby director Dean Ryan said. “We understand the pressure we are under, and nailing results is very important to us.

“After last weekend’s defeat at Newcastle, they will be wanting to come out and play again, and that will be a huge challenge for us. Hopefully, last week’s win will be a catalyst for us to keep playing with the same intent.”

Saracens, four points clear at the Premiership summit, visit Sale, who will be eager to preserve the Premiership’s solitary unbeaten home record this season.

“We didn’t perform in the first half at Worcester,” Sale rugby director Steve Diamond said. “In the second half, we did. Saracens are missing some players, but they are still a very deep squad and a very good outfit. We’ve got to be at our very best to get something from the game.”

Sale, meanwhile, have announced a one-year contract extension for their Ireland international scrum-half Peter Stringer, who joined the Sharks from their Premiership rivals Bath.

Hailing the 38-year-old Stringer, Diamond added: “Peter is a model professional who is incredibly fit and shows no signs of getting old.

“He has brought our back-line to life this season. He is a very well respected member of our squad, and the younger lads have all benefited from Peter being here.”

Saturday's Premiership action sees second-placed Exeter host Bath, who have claimed just two wins from their last eight league starts, while London Irish visit Leicester and Wasps entertain title play-off rivals Harlequins.

In the Pro 12, Edinburgh’s head coach, Alan Solomons, admits that his side will be up against it as they take on Scarlets at Murrayfield tomorrow without their Scotland internationals.

The Gunners have waved goodbye to front-rowers Al Dickinson, Ross Ford, WP Nel, Rory Sutherland and Stuart McInally as well as flanker John Hardie and scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne after they were all named in Vern Cotter’s Scotland squad to face Italy.

And with seven others out injured, Solomons confessed his side will have to be at their best to beat the Welshmen.

The South African has made two changes to the team who lost to Ospreys last weekend, recalling wing Damien Hoyland and teenage full-back Blair Kinghorn.

Solomons said: “With international call-ups and injury this will yet again be a test of the strength in depth of our squad. Our players are looking forward to meeting the challenge this presents.”

Meanwhile, a Midlands League player has been given a four-year ban after admitting the attempted use of anabolic steroids.

Dan Lancaster, who is registered with Cleethorpes, was charged by the Rugby Football Union after 300 ampoules – equivalent to a year’s supply of Testopro testosterone propionate, which is a commercial name for anabolic steroids, were seized at the UK border last April.