Off-target Gloucester get lesson in finishing

KIWI Michael Ruru scored two early tries and put in a silky display as Vannes created a famous night in their history, securing a first ever Challenge Cup win over a misfiring Gloucester.

- LUKE JARMYN

The Breton side, who sit at the basement of the Top 14 in their debut top tier season, showcased the growing gulf in class either side of the Channel with a scintillating showcase of forward power and expansive play.

Gloucester's defeat, and the manner of it, will throw into doubt how seriously last season's Challenge Cup runners-up can go one better despite their win over Edinburgh last week.

Gloucester captain Chris Harris said: "We should be proud of what we produced. No one gave us a chance to come here and win and we showed some real quality. It's a young group we've had on the pitch, that hasn't played that much rugby together, and we came and gave ourselves a real chance of getting the victory in the second-half." In near-perfect conditions at a sell-out Stade de la Rabine, the Teal-coloured home-side wasted no time in giving their fans something to cheer.