Gloucester coach Bryan Redpath was delighted with his side's second-half revival as they defeated Cardiff Blues 29-18.
Coach behind Simpson-Daniel's second-half revival
Gloucester coach Bryan Redpath was delighted with his side's second-half performance as they booked their place in the final of the LV= Cup with a 29-18 victory over Cardiff.
The sides were locked 10-10 at the interval but three tries from James Simpson-Daniel gave the Cherry and Whites in an unassailable lead before Ceri Sweeney bagged a late consolation for Blues.
However, it was the tactical nous of former Cardiff fly-half Nicky Robinson that proved the key to victory.
"We had the territory in the first half, but kept coughing up possession and falling off tackles," said Redpath.
"In the second half Nicky had some great kicks for the corners and this time we took advantage."
The coach also revealed that Simpson-Daniel had been given a talking-to at the half-time interval and he was pleased with the winger's response.
"I thought he had a mixed match in the first half," he said. "I had a bit of a go at him at half-time.
"But I'm delighted for him that he went out and scored three tries, particularly when he came in at an angle for the second one."
Big factor
Opposite number Dai Young agreed with Redpath's assessment that his side had lost the territorial battle.
"It was a typical Nicky performance, some good things and some he would have liked to do better," he said. "But his kicking out of hand was a big factor in Gloucester's victory.
"We had opportunities to break their momentum, but our lineout wasn't right and when we made line breaks we tried to force the pass.
"And that interception try before half-time was a kick in the teeth, just as we'd started to get on top."
The returning Robinson was delighted to have beaten his former club, and agreed that Burns' interception had been a crucial moment.
"That was a real boost to us, going in level instead of seven points down," he said. "Then we defended well when they were in our half and took our own chances."
