'Radwan scores on Debut' - Gloucester 38-31 Leicester Tigers: Talking Points from Kingsholm clash

Gloucester responded with tries from Tomos Williams, Santiago Carreras, Jack Clement, Chris Harris, and Seb Blake, securing a bonus point. Leicester remained competitive, adding tries from Mike Brown, Adam Radwan, and Harry Wells. A late penalty from Handré Pollard earned Leicester two bonus points, but Gloucester's dynamic attack ultimately secured the win.

This victory propelled Gloucester into the playoff positions, leaving both teams level on points in the league standings. While Gloucester's entertaining play was evident, the match also highlighted vulnerabilities in both teams' defenses. Here are five post match talking points from Kingsholm.

Only four days ago it was announced that Adam Radwan would be leaving the Newcastle Falcons to join Leicester tigers with immediate effect, and today he showed how lucky they were. His first touch of the ball came in the 38th minute, and it led to a try being scored in spectacular fashion. He gave great support to Mike Brown who had to tip it off to his left and it was smooth sailing for the English winger.

His defence was also spectacular for the Tigers, taking down the likes of Christian Wade, who normally dominates on the wing. This will be something Steve Borthwick will be noticing when it comes to selection for upcoming international fixtures, no doubt.

Gloucester Rugby have defended their winning streak at Kingsholm, from four to five with their win against Leicester Tigers. They now sit third on the Gallagher Premiership table. Losing to Leicester last time at Welford Road, the Ed Slater Cup is back home with the Cherry and Whites; the fans also raised £20,000 for the 4ED foundation, set up by Ed Slater, who played for both Leicester and Gloucester throughout his career.

George Skivington promised that the team would come out fighting, and they did. Ending the game 38-31, it was a spectacle for the ages. “I think winning this game was crucial for us.” Says George Skivington. “I’ve enjoyed the bravery of the lads.”

Michael Cheika has expressed his views on international Referee Ben O’keefe officiating the Gloucester vs Leicester Tigers match. He said “I’m not quite sure they’re bringing in the international referees this weekend.” He added, “Obviously there’s a difference in interpretation of how the game is played on the ground. Having an international referee come, that didn’t click for us but clicked for them [Gloucester], just to prepare him for the six nations. I didn’t like it from the start.”

“I thought we deserved more than we got out of that game to be honest.” The let down for the tigers was “the penalty flow”. Criticising O’keefe, saying “I’m not quite sure how we were penalised for that one, wheeling around. Maybe someone said something the referee [O’keefe] didn’t like I’m not sure, but then it went from there.”

He spoke about Josh Hathaway striking Mike Brown when he made an attempt to kick the ball, “I’m surprised nothing happened there. The guy [Hathaway] struck at his head, not on purpose, so he [Brown] had to come off unfortunately.”