Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath was full of praise for Mike Tindall's performance in the 21-17 defeat at Toulouse.
Cherry and Whites return home from France with a losing bonus point
Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath was full of praise for Mike Tindall after his impressive performance in the 21-17 defeat at Toulouse.
The centre was axed from the England Elite squad and slapped with a £25,000 fine following his behaviour at the World Cup.
However Tindall refused to let the controversy affect his game as he helped Gloucester come close to claiming a historic win at Stade Ernest-Wallon.
He produced a try-saving tackle on Yves Donguy in the fifth minute and created the openings for both of Gloucester's tries - scored by Charlie Sharples and Henry Trinder.
Redpath said: "It was massive game from Mike and I'm delighted for him. I never thought about leaving him out - he's desperate to play rugby and if he's performing like that why should we let external things get in the way?
"We treat him with respect, discuss things if he wants to discuss it and if not we don't keep bringing it up.
"I have a personal opinion (on the RFU ban and fine) which I will keep to myself. He's appealing the ban and I'm sure it will get dealt in the right manner.
"But we've kept it about the rugby. Mike's had enough discussions around him externally, for me he's here to play and enjoy his game.
"Performances like that are what you want and he's still as keen as mustard to do well for Gloucester."
Laidback guy
Sharples revealed little has been said about the ongoing saga within the Kingsholm camp and was impressed with the centre's performance.
He added: "If he was affected by it, I don't think he'd show it anyway. He's a pretty laidback guy, he's one of our most experienced players and he leads from the front.
"Whatever he is thinking inside, it's not affecting his rugby and that's all that matters to us."
Despite Tindall's best efforts the Cherry and Whites were forced to settle for a losing bonus point on their travels.
Clement Poitrenaud stole the win with a last-gasp try, leaving Gloucester third in Pool Four ahead of a clash against Aviva Premiership rivals Harlequins at Kingsholm in the next round.
Redpath added: "We've performed, picked up a point and will look forward to Saturday.
"Next weekend we have Harlequins at Kingsholm and we have to build on that performance. They have won 11 out of 11 matches and our record at Kingsholm has gone so we don't need to talk about that. They are the ones with a record to keep. It's great for us to play them next."
