Magnificent Mercer takes no prisoners

GLOUCESTER supporters must wish Zach Mercer could be snubbed by England every week.

- PAUL REES

The No.8, who was left out of the A squad last week, reacted to being overlooked for the Six Nations by letting rip in a radio interview.

Did his words count against him or his playing style? He did his talking on the pitch yesterday, shouting at the top of his voice from the kick-off as he led Gloucester to a 17-point lead at the interval.

Mercer was involved in their three tries in the opening period with the third a contender for try of the season. Gloucester looked in trouble when they lost possession in their 22, but Cam Jordan got hold of the ball and when Mercer received it 75 metres out, he only had one thought.

He shrugged off the challenge of outside-half Harvey Skinner and set off. He got over the halfway line as Exeter, who had found themselves scrambling in defence for much of the half, tried to cut off his passing lines on the left.