Ayerza has been in impressive form for Tigers since returning from World Cup duty but he knows he and his team-mates face a tough challenge against the league leaders this weekend.
“It’s going to be a great game,” says Ayerza. We are two big teams and two big clubs playing against each other for the top position and, hopefully, it will be a great day for Leicester.
“Gloucester have proved to be a very strong side in the last couple of years and have shown themselves to be a very dangerous team. I remember the league games against them last year when we didn’t beat them home or away so we know it’s going to be a big challenge for us having so many players out with the Six Nations and injury. It will be a very tough game but we are prepared for that and that we have worked hard in the week so that we can produce our best rugby on Saturday.”
Ayerza believes Tigers, who have won their last three Guinness Premiership fixtures, need to focus on their own game if they are to come away from Kingsholm with an important victory.
“We need to be aware of Gloucester’s strengths but not worried about them because, if we do our own things well, then I believe we can beat anyone in the Premiership on the day. It depends on us, on our concentration, on our game, our ability to stick to our strengths and to prevent Gloucester from developing their game. Our key point for this weekend is to be patient, to control the game and focus on our own strengths.
“We are in a good mood and we are really focused on facing this game in the best way we can. It’s going to be a massive game but we are going to enjoy it. We want to have a big performance at Gloucester and gain some sort of revenge for the loss against them at Welford Road. Hopefully, we can play our best rugby at Gloucester and continue our push towards the Premiership semi-finals.”
